Method for determining operating states of a fan

A disclosed method of determining operating states of a fan uses a digital image of the fan and at least one operating parameter-specific algorithm. In a first stage, the method includes generating the digital image of the fan as a representation of the fan's properties, the representation based on one or more mathematical calculation models and optionally known data. The method further includes generating the at least one operating parameter-specific algorithm based on at least one of known relationships and characteristic curves, and calculating component states of the fan via the digital image, wherein the calculation of component states is based on virtual sensors. The method further includes generating a system behavior algorithm that calculates operating parameters of the fan based on the component states and optionally generates predictions relating to the operation of the fan.