Fan

A hydroelectric machine comprising:

• an electric motor-generator;
• a radial fan disposed to cool the electric motor-generator, the radial fan further comprising:
• a plurality of blades rotatable about an axis of rotation and extending radially from the axis of rotation;
• each of the blades comprising a transverse profile that is symmetrical about a radial line of symmetry extending through the blade, and wherein at least a portion of the transverse profile is curved;
• a lower sealing component;
• an upper sealing component;
• the blades disposed between the upper and lower sealing components;
• and
• the upper sealing component comprising an upper flange that curves towards the axis of rotation and extends radially inward towards the axis of rotation beyond a leading axial end portion of the blades, the upper flange defining an air inlet to the leading axial end portions of the blades such that incoming air changes direction at the air inlet from axial flow to radial flow through the blades at a location radially inward the leading axial end portions of the blades.