Electronics > Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff
Power Factor Control with DC input
Seekonk:
I just ordered one of those cheap HP server power supplies and pretty sure it has PFC. I've heard PFC don't like a DC input and that is what I will be using. Have never worked with PFC other than repairing some power supplies. Any quick insights on how to fool it or comments in general. I'll probably just bypass it and at worst provide alternate drive. Just something to fool around with and have fun.
coppice:
I wouldn't trust any modern supply to function correctly from DC unless it is specifically sold as being designed for operation from DC, with the input voltage range properly specified.
NiHaoMike:
If it's specified for 100-240V AC, it almost certainly will work on 140-380V or so DC.
james_s:
I would study the datasheet for the PFC controller chip used and see if you can work out how it will behave on DC.
On the other hand, server PSUs can be had for practically nothing, it might just be easier to run one on DC and see what happens.
Seekonk:
This is actually a solar application. My first testing will be done with a MSW inverter which is like DC. Someone on the web stated these had only one large electrolytic meaning no voltage doubling. I actually run lots of 120V switching power supplies on only 60V DC from the array with a little modification to the startup circuit and at reduced power. Not actually sure this is PFC, but it is hard to conceive a whole building of power supplies only pulling power at the peak.
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