SOLAR PANEL TO POWER COMPUTER FAN FOR VENTING (initial testing complete)

[DaveInDenver]

Not sure if over-voltage would hurt it, but I would assume it was more likely to than under-voltage. You can limit the voltage with an LM7812 voltage regulator (limiter):

You don't need a regulator, I'd just put a 14V zener (or whatever the max voltage the fan can tolerate) across the leads and call it good. You'd want the fan to run proportionally all the way up to its max voltage and no reason to throw away energy up to that point in heat.

[JIMBO]

I use a laptop notebook cool pad that goes under you laptop and has three fans-

It plugs into a USB port, so the current draw is minimal-

Sold by Global Pheonix computer Technologies-pt# JLK-738-Three Fan

I got mine from Amazon--less than 5 bucks-

Works perfect for my Laptop/in jeep


You can useit at will, or leaveit on !

JIMBO

[timber]

I put a pair of 4" or 6" (cant remember) muffin fans in a 20 storage container wired directly to a 15 watt solar panel over 15 years ago and they still are running just fine. They self start in the mourning and shut down in the evening as well as change rpm as the sun comes and goes from cloud cover. I never thought they would run so long. I think you dont have anything to worry about.

[bansil]

That is good to hear,thank you for long term report

[mgeiger]

For grins- I've vented a tent using a 15w panel and computer fan.

Just wired direct. Longevity- I do t know. I would follow above advice and do it right.

[teotwaki]

You don't need a regulator, I'd just put a 14V zener (or whatever the max voltage the fan can tolerate) across the leads and call it good. You'd want the fan to run proportionally all the way up to its max voltage and no reason to throw away energy up to that point in heat.

With only a zener across the panel's leads it will short out the power leads and the fan would stop spinning. You'd want a series resistor too and at that point the simple 3 terminal regulator makes more sense.

[dwh]

Dude! A solar powered welding table! This so totally gonna keep your welding table cooled off! And blow the fumes out of your helmet too! Sweet! And I bet the light from the welder will spin that fan up to 22,000 rpm!


But seriously...pretty cool. (Was that a pun?)

[teotwaki]

More PUNishing than PUNny?

Solar powered welding helmet
Gold-Boar-Solar-Powered-Darkening-Welding-Helmet-Main.jpg