In fact, the fan speed controller is concerned with changing the voltage that is supplied to the device. If we talk about engines, then the above device is responsible for switching the winding. In this case, the frequency of the current may fluctuate significantly.
It is thanks to fan controllers that electrical appliances can serve the owner for many years. This happens by reducing the wear of important components of the unit. Additionally, it is possible to reduce electricity consumption. In turn, the fan runs much quieter at higher speeds.
Thyristor fan controllers
Thyristor fan speed controller (diagram shown below) can only be installed on single-phase equipment. Of the features, a reliable security system can be distinguished. Thanks to it, the fan speed control prevents overheating of important components. As a result, the speed can be controlled by changing the current strength.
The device is powered by a 220 V network. At the same time, the average frequency fluctuates around 55 Hz. The maximum voltage deviation is allowed at 15%. Many models of thyristor regulators are equipped with special sensors. The most common are devices marked "RTS". They can be used at temperatures from -50 to +50 degrees. The fan speed controller is pretty easy to install. At the same time, it has a rotation speed indicator.
Features of frequency controllers
Normally, a variable speed fan speed controller can handle very high voltage. In this case, the rotation speed changes due to a change in the current strength. Most often, this type can be found on various air conditioning systems. In addition, frequency controllers are ideal for devices used for air ventilation. In general, the above devices look quite simple.
Characteristics of frequency controllers
They are powered by a 220 V mains supply. The output power of the fan should be no more than 500 watts. The maximum resistance of the regulator is on average 300 kOhm, and the system control signal can be perceived up to 10 V. The regulator unit itself consumes 3 V.
The standard set of the device consists of a cable, as well as a screw-type terminal. Fuses in the device are available with a current strength of at least 3 A. The degree of protection in many models is set to classIP21. A frequency-controlled fan speed controller can be used at temperatures from -10 to +30 degrees.
Transformer fan controllers
Transformer fan speed controller 12V is used exclusively for powerful single-phase or three-phase motors. Direct control of the speed is carried out in a stepwise manner. In this case, it is possible to establish automatic coordination. Temperature sensors are installed in many models.
Additionally, it is possible to choose transformer fan controllers with humidity indicators. At the same time, their power can be changed using a timer. These devices are attached with screws. The device can be equipped with special clamps for the rigidity of the connection. Terminals are available as input contact. Power cables are included as standard.
The resistance of the transformer regulator can withstand 400 kOhm. In this case, the control signal is perceived up to 4 V. In addition, the high load of the relay output should be noted. The power consumption of the device on average fluctuates around 12 V. In general, these devices are rather bulky compared to frequency fan controllers and more expensive.
Triac types of regulators
The triac fan speed controller is the most complex device of all the types listed above. It is used to control several devices at once. At the same time, the motors on them can be installed direct, as well as alternating current. The speed change itself is quite smooth.
It is also important to note that the voltage range is very wide. Three-phase models of regulators stand out with particular accuracy. To reduce the volume of sound from the operation of the device, a special smoothing capacitor is provided in the mechanism. The installation of the triac regulator may be different. Flush mounting is considered the most common, however, many manufacturers are able to offer mounts for external fixation of the device.
The principle of operation of the triac regulator
The processing of absolutely all data is handled by the microprocessor unit. In turn, there is a sensor to transmit a signal to the triac fan speed controller. It connects through the inlet on the side panel. Additionally, the sensor monitors the temperature of the device during operation. In this case, the resistance of the block is constantly adjusted.
To eliminate the interference that appears during operation, there is a digital filter. It can also dampen impulse surges in the system. The fan speed controller resistor is responsible for the current conversion. As a result, with a sharp increase in temperature, the sensor gives a signal to reduce the voltage. Further, much depends on the specified settings of the triac controller. Thus, with the helpprogramming, you can change the basic values.
Installation of the triac regulator
To install the 220V fan speed controller, the mains must be completely de-energized. Next, it is important to remove the main panel, which is located in front of the device. Only then can the unit cover be removed. The next step is to install the temperature sensor in the inlet. To connect the power system, you should familiarize yourself with the device diagram.
Direct connection with the fan motor is carried out using insulated wires of stranded type. Then the air condenser is turned on, which is located next to the temperature sensor. In this case, it is very important to check the main socket of the device. For a good connection, there should not be any pollution. Otherwise, the signal will not reach the microprocessor unit. To clean the connector properly, experts use copper oxide removers.
After fixing the top cover, the unprotected area is lubricated with a paste for good thermal conductivity. As a rule, the product is used exclusively on a non-drying basis. The side plates of the simister regulator are attached to the clamps. They are also glued on top for thermal insulation. The width of the strip should not be less than 10 mm. After that, the 220V fan speed controller can be fixed on the shield. It is important to pay attention to the wiring and do not pinch it while fixing the device. The final installation step is to connect the power supply. After checking the connector forstrength need to do a trial run.
Models for fans with asynchronous motors
A distinctive feature of many models is smooth speed control. In this case, the fans should be with a rated current of not more than 6 A, and the average frequency should be around 45 Hz. The power source of the regulators is a network with a voltage of 230 V. The degree of protection they have is of the IP 54 class. A special controller is installed to program the system.
Thanks to the above regulators, starting the engine is quite smooth. In this case, the shaft rotates at a constant frequency. Motor current protection is installed in many models. You can set the minimum speed with the controller.
This function is specific to regulators with VM and VX class potentiometers. The speed reset is regulated by the regulator board, and you can see its operation by LED sensors. To stabilize the voltage on the motor winding there is a microcontroller. By eliminating phase skips, high energy savings can be achieved.
Heater controls
The heater fan speed control can significantly reduce the noise from the operation of the electric motor. At the same time, it has convenient external control. As a result, electricity consumption can be significantly reduced.
Additionally, the wear of parts is reduced quite a lot by adjustinglimit frequency. The pulse-width modulator is responsible for this in the system. The operating current of the regulator fluctuates around 0.7 A. The maximum output power is approximately 550 watts. The input impedance of this class of regulators is maintained at around 200 kOhm. In this case, the control signal is perceived at a level of 8 V. The cable, as a rule, is supplied with a shielded type.
The load on the linear outputs is allowed on average 3 A. In turn, the power consumption of the device is in the range from 4 to 8 V. The fuses in the regulators for air conditioning systems are set to the FUSE class, and they can pass the maximum current at level 5 A. The degree of protection they have class "IP21". Almost all models are attached to the air conditioning system exclusively by an external method - with the help of screws. In general, they are quite compact and weigh very little.