Hello. I am aware that with DC motors, controlling the direction and speed with something like an H-Bridge controller and an Arduino board is fairly simple. However, I am trying to do it with a 3000 RPM 110v AC powered fan motor instead. I plan to install some fairly large blades for use within a large 3D printer enclosure.
I know A/C speed controllers exist, but a lot of them are controlled via a potentiometer. I am looking for something I can control using a PWM signal from an Arduino instead.
Do such modules exist? If so, what are the called and are they expensive?
An AC fan project was recently done, or is about to be finushed here. Search for it!
Cool. Had no problems finding it. IDK why google wouldn't lead me to that before when searching around for such information.
It seems that Robodyn creates such modules for $3.50 a pop. On Amazon they are $11 a pop. I picked up a few of them from Robodyn and will test them out when they arrive a week or 2 out from now.
https://robotdyn.com/ac-light-dimmer-module-1-channel-3-3v-5v-logic-ac-50-60hz-220v-110v.html
The only thing I am unsure of now, is what the Z-C pin (next to the PWM) does. It seems they both connect to PWM signals pins on a micro-controller. I'm sure I could just use a library, as some others suggested, but I am curious as to what that pin controls under the hood.
Do both PWM signals have to be scaled down together, or is one a constant while the other is changed? Would like to know more.... thanks!
Don't know where the code is for whatever Arduino you intend to use (maybe it comes with the unit)
As far as the ZC, if you look further down on your own link, you will see a 3 x light setup and ZC goes to pin 2 (interrupt) for all three.
Then you have to supply 5v and ground from the Arduino, common to each board.
Finally the three digital signals from pins 11,12 and 13.
Note that motors tend not to like phase controlled method too much and tend to be noisy.
Also the controller may not govern the speed over the whole range.