Variable speed relay for electric fans?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Variable speed relay for electric fans?
Does anyone know of a relay/controller device that varies the speed of electric fans as coolant temp changes rather than just turn them ON/OFF?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Re: Variable speed relay for electric fans? (427V8)
Actually, no. The dual spals pull about 30 amps which will tax my alternator, wiring and battery.
I figure a variable speed relay will reduce elect system load 95% of the time while maintaining a constant temp rather than running up and down as the fans turn on and off.
I figure a variable speed relay will reduce elect system load 95% of the time while maintaining a constant temp rather than running up and down as the fans turn on and off.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 7,607
Likes: 1
From: ECS Sales & Service Advisor
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: Variable speed relay for electric fans? (FroDaddy)
Looking for new ways to waste our money are we????
LOL, and I clicked here thinking "that would be cool to have". :D
LOL, and I clicked here thinking "that would be cool to have". :D
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Variable speed relay for electric fans? (flynhi)
Your biggest problem would be the extra energy wasted in dropping the voltage across the controll device, the heat sink required for that would be very large and need mounted elsewhere than engine compartment maybe in front of radiator....
it's just not worth it, maybe turn on one fan, then at higher temp, turn on the other is only way to go on that one...too much wasted energy otherwise...
GENE
it's just not worth it, maybe turn on one fan, then at higher temp, turn on the other is only way to go on that one...too much wasted energy otherwise...
GENE
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Re: Variable speed relay for electric fans? (mrvette)
If you feel like doing some creative wiring you can hook it up like GM does on some new cars:
At somewhat hot temps the fans run in series, then if the temp keeps going up they switch to parallel. Running them in series cuts power consumption by 75%, and amperage by 50%.
It's implemented by 3 relays.
At somewhat hot temps the fans run in series, then if the temp keeps going up they switch to parallel. Running them in series cuts power consumption by 75%, and amperage by 50%.
It's implemented by 3 relays.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Re: Variable speed relay for electric fans? (zwede)
Markus, I might give this a try. Can you help with a wiring diagram?
Also, can you describe the brackets you made to install the Spals?
Thanks,Will
Also, can you describe the brackets you made to install the Spals?
Thanks,Will
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Re: Variable speed relay for electric fans? (flynhi)
Will: I'll see if I can draw a diagram this weekend.
I didn't make the brackets, but bought them from be-cool. Very overpriced, IMO. Charged me $120 for them. I think someone posted a scan of the installation instructions a few days ago. The brackets in that diagram is what I have.
I didn't make the brackets, but bought them from be-cool. Very overpriced, IMO. Charged me $120 for them. I think someone posted a scan of the installation instructions a few days ago. The brackets in that diagram is what I have.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Re: Variable speed relay for electric fans? (zwede)
I wired up my fans to run off the computer for my LS-1. At a predetermined temp, they run in slow (series). Then if the temp still rises, they shift to fast (parallel). If you want, I can send you a wiring diagram. It was pretty easy to do. All you need is three relays some wire and in your case two adjustable temperature switches. I also wired up a switch so i can run them manually from inside the car.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Re: Variable speed relay for electric fans? (zwede)
Zwede and LS-1,
Thanks for the offer on the wiring diagram. I'd like to take you both up on it. Maybe we can develop something cool that others can use........
Regards,
Will
Thanks for the offer on the wiring diagram. I'd like to take you both up on it. Maybe we can develop something cool that others can use........
Regards,
Will
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Illinois
Re: Variable speed relay for electric fans? (zwede)
I paid $80 for my Be Cool "billet" brackets (there is a reason I put quotes around billet). I'm welding up my own support with brackets included so I'll be selling mine shortly at a nice discount, tell me if you are interested. New in the box.
Rob
Rob
