If I have 2 (or3,4,5) 120vac input/12vdc 20A output power supplies, could I connect the outputs in parallel and get 12vdc 40A? Am I out to lunch?
Replies (3)
swez on 03/21/2005 06:12:53
If we are talking passive electricals like a battery bank, I'd say yes to that idea. However, in this matter, I would say there would be a need to protect each power supply from reverse current feeds by using a power diode to prevent damage to each supply. Diodes allow power to flow in only 1 direction and will block back feeding (bucking currents)issues.
Have never tried this before either. The closest analogy I can come up with is when we jump start a car. The power from the good BAT/ALT is needed to bring the dead BAT up to some level that can re-start the car. However, once the engine does start and ALT begins to charge, what do we do? (Pull the jumper cables to protect both ALT's right?) Think the same idea applies here too.
Comments from others?
Swez
ttocs on 03/21/2005 11:40:12
what are you up to????
gearhead on 03/21/2005 12:15:16
"what are you up to???? "
Using car components in the house. Sort of a shadetree home theater system. I figure I'll need at least 100a for what i have in mind. A 100amp power supply is: #1- relatively hard to locate, #2- Prohibitively expensive. 20a-40a power supplies on the other hand, are a lot cheaper and easier to locate.
Replies (3)
swez on 03/21/2005 06:12:53
If we are talking passive electricals like a battery bank, I'd say yes to that idea. However, in this matter, I would say there would be a need to protect each power supply from reverse current feeds by using a power diode to prevent damage to each supply. Diodes allow power to flow in only 1 direction and will block back feeding (bucking currents)issues.
Have never tried this before either. The closest analogy I can come up with is when we jump start a car. The power from the good BAT/ALT is needed to bring the dead BAT up to some level that can re-start the car. However, once the engine does start and ALT begins to charge, what do we do? (Pull the jumper cables to protect both ALT's right?) Think the same idea applies here too.
Comments from others?
Swez
ttocs on 03/21/2005 11:40:12
what are you up to????
gearhead on 03/21/2005 12:15:16
"what are you up to???? "
Using car components in the house. Sort of a shadetree home theater system. I figure I'll need at least 100a for what i have in mind. A 100amp power supply is: #1- relatively hard to locate, #2- Prohibitively expensive. 20a-40a power supplies on the other hand, are a lot cheaper and easier to locate.
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