DIY Wall Fan with Variable Controller

jhsu8888

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Aug 31, 2012
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I know this is kind of random, but trying to see if I can get a quick answer.

I'm looking for a way to create a very low air exchange setup in a closed system, and this is what I'm thinking

Combining a 120mm computer fan like this Arctic:
https://www.amazon.com/ARCTIC-F12-PWM-Rev-2-Controlled/dp/B00H3T1KBE

With a AC/DC 12V/1A adapter:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/GD-001-12V-Power-Adapter/111954350

And a low-voltage PWM controller:
https://www.amazon.com/RioRand-Voltage-Motor-Speed-Controller/dp/B00N30UK2M

I want low air movement, but not sure how much I will need, so I want to add some kind of motor controller and not sure if this type of PWM controller will work with a computer fan inline with a wall outlet. Will this work??

I also saw simple videos splicing USB cable (5V) to a computer fan (12V), but I wonder if getting the correct voltage AC/DC adapter is better.

Thanks!
 
Solution
The fan speed is adjustable with Arctic Breeze. There's a control knob on the fan base. And you can power it off from wall socket if you'd use USB wall charger, e.g like this one,
amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019ES6OJE/ref=psdc_12557637011_t3_B00GJI3L7Q

Though, feel free to go with your jerry-rigging way. The PWM control circuit board you linked does work with 4-pin PWM fans. Also, the Arctic F12 PWM fan is a solid fan with good CFM and low noise. I have used several F12 PWM fans with my PCs.

For low air moving, i'd go with 230mm 3-pin fan and DC control circuit board since 120mm fan has quite narrow airflow path compared to the more wide spread airflow path of 230mm fan.
Rather than jerry-rigging all that together with some good measure it not working right, why not to buy a small USB powered tabletop fan that also has RPM control included? E.g Arctic Breeze series (except Breeze Mobile),
specs: https://www.arctic.ac/eu_en/products/accessories/usb-fan.html

Arctic Breeze fan is a bit bigger than the Noctua NF-A8 PWM you linked (92mm vs 80mm) but it has good RPM range (800 - 1800 RPM) that you can adjust on the fly. Also, the fan has adjustable neck and it comes in different colors.
 


Doesn't quit meet my needs because there isn't a good way to attach to a box and speed is not adjustable. Thanks for the suggestion though!
 
The fan speed is adjustable with Arctic Breeze. There's a control knob on the fan base. And you can power it off from wall socket if you'd use USB wall charger, e.g like this one,
amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019ES6OJE/ref=psdc_12557637011_t3_B00GJI3L7Q

Though, feel free to go with your jerry-rigging way. The PWM control circuit board you linked does work with 4-pin PWM fans. Also, the Arctic F12 PWM fan is a solid fan with good CFM and low noise. I have used several F12 PWM fans with my PCs.

For low air moving, i'd go with 230mm 3-pin fan and DC control circuit board since 120mm fan has quite narrow airflow path compared to the more wide spread airflow path of 230mm fan.
 
Solution


Ok, Thanks for the input!

 

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