Introduction: Solar Powered Personal Fan

By

Solar powered personal fan made from the following parts:

Two solar garden lamps with rechargeable AA batteries

A 12 Volt computer fan

XL6009, Adj. 5-35V DC/DC Boost Converter, Part # 31397 PS, available through Marlin Jones online at: http://www.mpja.com/

22 gauge wire

lead solder

SPDT (single pole, double throw) switch

Tools required:

Digital multi-meter

Wire cutters

Wire strippers

Small Phillips head screw driver

Small slot head screw driver

Box cutter

Soldering Iron

Step 1: Disassemble Solar Lamps

Remove the solar lids from the solar lamps.

Step 2: Remove Screws

Remove all of the screws from the solar lamps using a small Philips head screw driver.

Step 3: Solder Wire (A) to Positive (+) Side of Battery on Solar Lamp #1

Cut the wire to a length of 8 inches.

Strip 1/4 " off both of the ends of the wire and thread it thru a hole in the solar lid.

Using the soldering iron, solder this wire to the positive (+) lead of the battery on the first solar lamp.

Step 4: Solder Wire (A) to Negative (-) Side of Solar Lamp #2

Thread the other end of the wire thru the solar lid of the second solar lamp.

Using the soldering iron, solder this wire to the negative (-) lead of the battery on the second solar lamp.

Step 5: Solder Wire (B) to Negative (-) Side of Solar Lamp #1

Cut another length of wire to a length of 12 inches.

Strip 1/4 " off both of the ends of the wire and thread it thru a hole in the first solar lid.

Using the soldering iron, solder this wire to the negative (-) lead of the battery on the first solar lamp.

Step 6: Solder Wire (C) to Positive (+) Side of Solar Lamp #2

Cut another length of wire to a length of 12 inches.

Strip 1/4 " off both of the ends of the wire and thread it thru a hole in the second solar lid.

Using the soldering iron, solder this wire to the positive (+) lead of the battery on the second solar lamp.

Step 7: Solder Wire (C) to Center Post of SPDT Switch

Using the soldering iron, solder the other end of this wire to the center post on the SPDT switch.

Step 8: Solder Wire (D) to Outside Post of SPDT Switch

Cut another length of wire to a length of 12 inches.

Strip 1/4 " off both of the ends of the wire.

Using the soldering iron, solder this wire to the outside post of the SPDT switch.

Step 9: Solder Wires to DC Booster

Using the soldering iron, solder the other end of wire (D) to the positive (+) IN of the XL6009 DC booster.

Solder the other end of wire (B) to the negative (-) IN of the XL6009 DC booster.

Cut two more 12 inch lengths of wire and strip 1/4" from both ends using the wire strippers.

Solder wire (E) to the positive (+) OUT of the XL6009 DC booster.

Solder wire (F) to the negative (-) OUT of the XL6009 DC booster.

Step 10: Adjust Trim Pot to Correct Output Voltage of 12 Volts

Attach the digital multi-meter leads with the positive (+) lead to wire (E) and the negative (-) lead to wire (F).

Set the digital multi-meter to measure DC Volts.

Adjust the trim pot using a small slot head screw driver until the multi meter measures 12 volts.

PLEASE NOTE: If no voltage is measured on the output, ensure that the SPDT switch is flipped to the ON position.

If there is still no measurement check that the input voltage is 2.4 volts. If not, ensure the batteries are fully charged.

Step 11: Attach Fan to Output Wires

Attach the computer fan with wire (E) to the positive (+) side and wire (F) to the negative (-) side.

If the switch is ON the fan should spin.

If not, reverse the leads as they may not be labeled.

Step 12: Notch the Solar Lamp

Using the box cutters, cut a small notch in the solar lamp to permit the wires to thread out of the lamp.

Step 13: Replace Screws on Solar Lids

Replace the screws to the solar lids.

Place the lids back on the solar lamps.

Solar lamps can be placed outside to charge in full sun.