11/06/2014

Electric Fan
Sensitivity Lab

Andrew Powers, Hubert Walkowski, Cole Leether

WENTWORTH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Abstract:
The sensitivity of a DC motor is defined as the constant of proportionality
between the DC motor speed and the applied voltage, in Hz/Volt. DC motor
theory predicts that this should be constant over the motors operating range.
Computer controlled measurements are used to verify this linear relationship for
a variety of computer cooling fans.

Introduction/Synopsis:
A LabView application is developed to sweep a computer controlled voltage
source over a range of values. The controlled voltage is applied to a set of DC
motors (fans) to determine the dependence of fan speed on applied voltage. An
infrared LED and infrared phototransistor are positioned so that the fan blades
interrupt the infrared beam. The phototransistor collector voltage thus produces
a square wave of frequency proportional to fan speed. The applied fan voltage is
swept over the fans nominal voltage ranges, and the collector square wave
frequency is monitored by DMM under computer control. The acquired voltage
and frequency readings are tabulated and plotted as frequency as function of
voltage F(v). The LabView application computes and plots the derivative of this
function dF/dv, the fan sensitivity.

Images of Lab Equipment and Apparatus:

Electric Fan P/N: 273-243B (Alpha)

Electric Fan P/N: SY124020L (Gamma)

Electric Fan P/N: TT-8025 (Beta)

Schematic of Set up:

Graphical Results:

Phototransistor Frequency Waves

P/N: 273-243B (Alpha)

Measurement of fan sensitivity in Hertz over 5 to 12 Volt range

Measurement of fan sensitivity in Hertz/Volts over 5 to 12 Volt range

P/N: SY124020L (Gamma)

Measurement of fan sensitivity in Hertz over 5 to 12 Volt range

Measurement of fan sensitivity in Hertz/Volts over 5 to 12 Volt range

P/N: TT-8025 (Beta)

Measurement of fan sensitivity in Hertz over 5 to 12 Volt range

Measurement of fan sensitivity in Hertz/Volts over 5 to 12 Volt range

Discussion of Results/Conclusion:
From the results of the graphs for each fan, results plotted were as
anticipated. Each fan shows an increasing trend of frequency (fan velocity) with
respect to voltage as more voltage is introduced into the system. Also it is found
that for each fan, dF/dv is nearly constant over the nominal range. This is as
expected because it is in agreement with DC motor theory.
Another important point to make about the results is that there is more
variability going from the alpha to the beta fan. This is shown in each of the dF/dv
plots with a rougher line with the alpha fan, then a smoother line with the
gamma, and the smoothest line with the beta fan. What this show is that over the
5 to 12 volt range, the beta fan responds best to changing parameters and is least
sensitive to the induction of increased voltage. This is also proven because the
beta fan has the least dF/dv across the 5 to 12 volt range (just under 20
Hertz/volt).

Reference Material:

1.

https://www.sites.google.com/site/dsbirkett2014/fan_feedback_control