Airflow Sensor in Product
Airflow Sensor in Product
(OP)
We're looking for an airflow sensor that we can install in our product (power supply). Instead of measuring the rotation of the fan with a Hall-Effect sensor, one of our customers has asked that we consider a sensor that can directly measure the airflow either immediately in front and behind.
Although I'm familiar with using airflow sensors for design and testing, like hot-wire anemometers, I would like to know if there are product-based sensors, ideally something off-the-shelf, that we can install in our product. We're not looking for accurate flow-rate measurements, but instead we would like to ascertain in the fan is on or off.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Although I'm familiar with using airflow sensors for design and testing, like hot-wire anemometers, I would like to know if there are product-based sensors, ideally something off-the-shelf, that we can install in our product. We're not looking for accurate flow-rate measurements, but instead we would like to ascertain in the fan is on or off.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.






RE: Airflow Sensor in Product
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RE: Airflow Sensor in Product
RE: Airflow Sensor in Product
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Airflow Sensor in Product
RE: Airflow Sensor in Product
You could use the mass air flow sensor from the intake of a car.
Like itsmoked implied you shouldn't need a hall effect sensor if you have a 3 wire fan that outputs it's RPM.
RE: Airflow Sensor in Product
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Airflow Sensor in Product
Keith, what exactly are we going to do with any output signal you ask. Probably feed it to some control board. That's where our EE's take over, so it's something I'm not tasked with.
BTW, it looks like we're going to use a Rotron Propimax 2 fan with an FPS (failed performance sensor). We currently use the same fan, sans the FPS, in our product.
Any and all advice and comments greatly appreciated?
RE: Airflow Sensor in Product
If the design is rational, then if the fan is turning, you will have airflow. Every PC motherboard has this feature on multiple fans. All you need to do is monitor the pulse train. If the frequency coming out is higher than some minimum then you have cooling. You will find no less expensive a solution. If you products that need this already have fans, you will still be better off replacing them with identical pulse output models, than with designing some add on scheme.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Airflow Sensor in Product
Thanks,
Dave
RE: Airflow Sensor in Product