Hi, just wondering if there is a small 5V fan which can be used to cool down the arduino board since my board will be placed in a hot environment.
What do you all recommend or/and use?
Thank you
Posting the same question twice in the same forum serves no purpose. But will irritate people who might help.
Now, if the fan is flowing hot air onto an already hot circuit board, how will that help. How hot is a hot environment? Numbers really do matter.
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your input. In case you did not notice, this is not the same question, as the first question asked about a specific fan from a specific make and company, not a general fan question.
The question was not asked to know what fan to use for my application, my application was only mentioned as a reference. I just want to know what people use to cool down their arduino.
I do not have an exact number as the prototype is not built as of yet but I would safely assume a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius (122F).
If you are that concerned why would you not place the board in a different location to the problem and let a sensor do the work it is supposed to.
Unless cable length is an issue in which case you may need to re-think its specification and usage.
Alternately I am a fan of push / pull flow which can be done through pipe capable of easily withstanding that and much higher temps. pull from the hot and push the cold in.
Also although it my sound counter intuitive a METAL enclosure with the Arduino on good standoffs if you really must mount it so close to a heat source but again with properly thought out ventilation.
BTW I do hope you are considering the fact that the Arduinos can only push out so much current and that a fan is a DC MOTOR which can easily pull more than the board can supply on its own.
Just some points to take into consideration.
Note that "the Arduino" could get hotter if it has to power a 200mA fan.
50 degrees C is not a big issue for an Arduino without electrolytic caps.
So which Arduino, what will the be doing, and how is it powered.
Give us all the information.
Leo..
Thank you all for your submissions. The arduino will be placed at the furthest possible location from the heat source but still needs to be relatively close due to cable limitations and the way the barbecue is designed.
ballscrewbob:
Alternately I am a fan of push / pull flow which can be done through pipe capable of easily withstanding that and much higher temps. pull from the hot and push the cold in.Just curious how this would work, I am not fully understanding how to put this system in place. Would you have an image/video demonstrating the setup?
I will assure to put proper insulation between metal surfaces of the barbecue and the arduino.
Thank you for your help it is greatly appreciated!
Imagine your Arduino between two fans
Also seen in a lot of industrial situations too using this approach.
ballscrewbob:
Imagine your Arduino between two fans
Also seen in a lot of industrial situations too using this approach.
Wow that is a superb and simple idea. Looks great! Thank you for the very helpful image. I am guessing it is better off to use fans that run off of usb/wall outlet instead of draining the arduino.
Thanks again!