Hey,
I'm currently working with an Arduino based project where I'm using:
Arduino mega 2560
Sim900
2x16 LCD display
12v 72W peltier module
12v 8W DC pump
Some 3W 5v-12v DC led lights
Fingerprint scanner
Esp8266 nodemcu
Neo 6m gps module
Some sensors like ultrasonic, dht11, water proof temperature sensor, mq-9, mpu 6050, pir motion sensor, flame sensor, soil moisture sensor and some others.
Now the problem is the power usage is pretty high for this cause about 12-15A in 12V and 2-3A in 5v.
so to power this project my first idea was to buy a DC 12v power brick charger which can deliver upto 20Amps of current if I need it for the future but in my region those specific chargers are so expensive about nearly 100 dollars each and they aren't even from trust source. Also I might just use multiple different power brick changers for different devices like the mega, sim900, pump but that would be a nightmare in terms of powering a single project for science fair.
So here comes the 3rd idea which I'm have some doubts and questions.
So I have stumble up on an online shop recently where they sell SMPS.
I found a 12V 30A 360W power supply for very cheap about 12$ each and from looking it seems fairly well build and promising also many have purchased it for their led lights or pumps on motors but don't think anyone taught to use if to power a pretty power hungry Arduino project other than me.
The seller is say that it deliveries Stable 12V 30A current but I don't think it's true but it should give 15-20A.
I'm thinking to use the 12V to power the 12V devices including The Arduino mega which I think can handle 12v if not I will use a DC to DC buck converter such as the XL6009 DC to DC buck converter and power the rest 5v devices using the converter.
Now my question is, is it safe to use SMPS for my Arduino project?
Does it poses any kinds of risk?
Will it affect any of the electronics in the project? if so how can I solve it?
Is there any better or safer option that will look good in budget?
the SMPS, pump, peltier module and sim900's pic that I'm using is attached.
[note: I'm new to electronics and still learning as a hobby so if there's any thing wrong I said or missed pls lemme know]
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The going rate of a 12V 360W/12A SMPS is around €20-€30 for Chinese-made units.
Yes.
You're working with high currents, so there's an inherent fire risk.
Not necessarily.
No, a suitable SMPS is what you're looking for.
However, I'd consider trading voltage for current; e.g. use a Peltier with a higher voltage rating (maybe 24V or 36V) and lower current rating. 24V power supplies are common, too. This will drastically cut back your currents and overall make things more efficient.
However, your project will evidently work on 12V just the same provided you spend attention to proper cabling.
I'm pretty sure it comes with a box and a type of manual book that might be the data sheet also might be able to find the datasheet online by searching the model id
Forget about a 'manual' with generic Chinese SMPS units. They don't come with one. You don't need it, either; you just need to have a decent portion of luck that the unit of your choice lives up to the specifications listed. Many of them do, in my experience, and turn out to be quite reliable.
Thanks for the info!
I also thought of the low price but it seems like in my region SMPS is relatively cheap
I tried to find high voltage rated peltier module but couldn't find one that will be delivered soon under 1 week so I need to work with that 12v peltier module.
also I'm not planning for use it for long maybe 1 or 2 days it's just for a school science exhibition
And when It comes to cable management I will put all the electrical components in a prototyping board to avoid cable management related hazard
Not sure if you mean veroboard or a solderless breadboard here. The latter is probably the worst idea you could possibly have when it comes to handling e.g. the 6A current for your Peltier element. Please don't do this. Veroboard that you solder your own connections onto would be OK provided you use sufficiently heavy conductors for the high-current connections. If you're looking for something convenient/easy that doesn't involve soldering, try Wago connectors. They're made for high currents. For the small-signal logic connections and low power devices, a breadboard is OK.
I have used several of those power supplies in various sizes, they all have worked without problems. The one you show I have running with about 25A load (LED lighting). There is no need for a manual. It gives you three screws for the power input and earth ground. There are several terminals for the 12V both power and ground. When wiring use #10 or parallel @12 wires as voltage drop will kill the peltier output. I also use it to power the buck converter that controls the lights.
