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Voltage regulation

jesse nobles

Jun 10, 2017
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Look for advice on the best way to handle this setup.

(1)12vdc 62amp source. (From a Dell server 2950)

(15 ) Fans. Variable speed between 6vdc to 12vdc(2amp) (out of dell servers also)

They will be used to cool individual animal cages in a straight run.

I'd like to control the voltage/speed of fans with one knob/switch but not sure what to use? 15 fans at 12vdc would pull 30amp?

or 2nd option just have them all run at 8vdc. Im guessing a resistor at each fan?
 

CDRIVE

Hauling 10' pipe on a Trek Shift3
May 8, 2012
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You didn't mention if any of this is to be automated. In other words what determines fan RPM? The PWM Controller that Harald linked to can be controlled by means other than the on board POT; ie Thermistor control.

Chris
 

CDRIVE

Hauling 10' pipe on a Trek Shift3
May 8, 2012
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Maybe series each pair of fans?
Too much?
This approach tweaked me so I started drawing a switch over scheme from series to parallel. Damn it gets messy! :)

Chris
 

jesse nobles

Jun 10, 2017
5
Joined
Jun 10, 2017
Messages
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You didn't mention if any of this is to be automated. In other words what determines fan RPM? The PWM Controller that Harald linked to can be controlled by means other than the on board POT; ie Thermistor control.

Chris

The RPMs are controlled by voltage from what I know. Between 6 (lowspeed)to 12(highspeed) volts. Some type of automation would be nice, but manual control is fine for now.

If I wanted to salvage a PWM can you think of anything that would have them. I can run multiple lines with less fans to reduce max current and use smaller PWMs.

Also on a PWM. If my source is 12vdc. Do PWMs upstep voltage if they are rated 6-36vdc? Or limited by your source voltage?
 

CDRIVE

Hauling 10' pipe on a Trek Shift3
May 8, 2012
4,960
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
4,960
The RPMs are controlled by voltage from what I know. Between 6 (lowspeed)to 12(highspeed) volts. Some type of automation would be nice, but manual control is fine for now.

If I wanted to salvage a PWM can you think of anything that would have them. I can run multiple lines with less fans to reduce max current and use smaller PWMs.

Also on a PWM. If my source is 12vdc. Do PWMs upstep voltage if they are rated 6-36vdc? Or limited by your source voltage?
Yes, you can use multiple controllers Like This.

The 12V - 40V rating is the input voltage range of the controller. It doesn't mean 12V in 40V out.

PWM does not boost or reduce voltage to the load. They function by rapidly switching the load ON - OFF. It's called Pulse Width Modulation because the width of the ON time vs the OFF time controls the motor speed with very little loss in torque. This is far superior to a variable voltage speed control.

Chris
 
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