Odd power supply question- application outside the pc.

[wirednuts]

I am designing a grow light from high powered LED's.

basically, i need about 45 amps max of 12v power.

42a for the led modules themselves, and 3a of overhead for the added inverter circuitry (bumps voltage up to 36v and limits current)

i was wondering how newer power supplies handle 80% loads. i was figuring a good brand 750w supply should work fine... but will it last years at 12 hours a day?

normally i would like to run power supplies in this situation at 50% load... but that would mean i need two 600w supplies. which i could do, but i would rather do it with just one. i guess a 1000w supply is an option too...

 

[Blain]

How about a Schumacher SC-10030A?

 

[Zap]

I don't think a quality unit would have a problem staying at 80% loads, with a few caveats. Here are some thoughts.

1) Maybe test for real power draw of the lights (assuming you are looking at ratings?).

2) Keep PSU cool and dust free for long life.

3) Use an independently regulated PSU.

 

[wirednuts]

How about a Schumacher SC-10030A?

thanks for the suggestion, but honestly- yuck. too big, would be a bit of a pain to make it automated, doesnt look that great.

i figure a high end computer power supply would not only look nice and have a clean output for the sensitive led's, it will come with a 3 or 5 year warranty too.

i definitely want a supply with independant 12v rails. i plan on making the light able to switch half on, then the other half if needed... so two separate rails will fit better electronically speaking.

the real world load will be 500w. that is the goal, even if i have to add led's to make it happen i will do it. it needs to be at least 500w of real output because i plan on selling them and thats what people want.

yes, they will be bright as a 1000w mh bulb 😀