12V fan operation at 8V

[Doctor Schinkelfunk]

Hi Martin,

As it happens I am besides a musician also an artist who designes kinetic 
art. One of my designs uses small fans (60mm) which run on 12V DC. As I 
wanted some fans to blow stronger than others I ran some on 9V and others 
on 12V. This seemed to work ok, till after a week or so. The fans running 
at less than 10V had stopped working. They did move, but not enough to 
start spinning.

I know there are fans which operate at 5V -15V, but if it is not such a 
type I wouldn't recommend running it al ower than 10V voltages.

Another thinh is that running fans at lower voltages minimizes the air 
flow, which doesn't help the cooling proces.

I don't think you harm your fans by running them at lower voltages. I think 
it probably increases the lifespan, because of less wear and tear. (the 
fans rpm is lower).

Adios,

Corneel.


 

> Now the question:
> 
> Will it be harmfull for these guys to run at a lower
> voltage, given that the rotor is still spinning?
> Will large ripples <12V be harmless?
> 
> Will it limit lifetime?
> 
> I'd like to save a wire or two, and have nominal 8V...
> 
> m.c.
> 


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