How to set up solar panels powering a computer fan?

[aly_moosa]

Hi,

I am working on a science project that requires me to use a mini-computer fan. I want to use solar panels in order to power a computer fan.

Panels: 6v and 70mA https://www.amazon.com/Small-Solar-P...WNXTZ84J6X00QP

Fan: 12v and 60 mA https://www.amazon.com/SoundOriginal...KHSDFKM7RCK8D6

My question is how to connect the solar panels to the computer. Do I just use a circuit series structure? or do i need extra materials? Thanks in advance!!

[jflorey2]

My question is how to connect the solar panels to the computer. Do I just use a circuit series structure? or do i need extra materials? Thanks in advance!!

Put the panels in series. Get a 5 watt 15 volt zener and put it across the fan to protect it.

[aly_moosa]

Hi,

Could you elaborate on what you mean by putting the Zener across the fan? like, attach to the solar panels? sorry, I don't have a lot of knowledge in this field.

[jflorey2]

Could you elaborate on what you mean by putting the Zener across the fan? like, attach to the solar panels? sorry, I don't have a lot of knowledge in this field.

Connect the panels in series. In the sun you should see ~18 volts when they are put in series. This will burn out your fan. To keep your fan from burning out, put a 15V zener (voltage limiting device) across the terminals of the fan. So connect + and - of the solar array to + and - of the fan. Then connect the cathode of the zener to the + terminal of the fan and the anode to the - terminal of the fan. That will limit the voltage to about 15 volts which should be OK.

[aly_moosa]

HI,

Oh I understand. Thank you so much!!