Anyone using a DC-to-DC boost converter

Bootlegger · 09/01/2015, 09:06 PM

Hi,

I'm building out some LED lighting for my 80 gallon and decided to go with Meanwell LDDs (of course! Though I do like Steve's double). Anyway, I have a high quality 15VDC 10 amp (150 watts) power supply that I wanted to put to use so I bought a DC Boost Converter that takes in 12-48VDC and steps up to as high as 60VDC. It's rated at 150 watts, which is more than I need. The idea here is that I could feed the 48V+ that I need for my LED project without having to buy a new power supply. Thus far it's working. I'm feeding in 15VDC and used the pot to adjust up to 48VDC.

The only downside is I know that there is going to be some ripple and I'll have to fan cool it for driving over 100 watts. And yes, I understand that this is not as efficient as using a actual 48 VDC power supply.

It's essentially this:
http://www.amazon.com/DROK-Voltage-R...OK+DC-DC+boost

I know that auto guys do this all the time to install high power LEDS in their cars and trucks. I figure if it works for them, why not a reef lighting project.

I'll let you guys know if anything goes up in smoke.

09/01/2015, 09:06 PM	#1
Bootlegger Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ventura County Posts: 71	Anyone using a DC-to-DC boost converter Hi, I'm building out some LED lighting for my 80 gallon and decided to go with Meanwell LDDs (of course! Though I do like Steve's double). Anyway, I have a high quality 15VDC 10 amp (150 watts) power supply that I wanted to put to use so I bought a DC Boost Converter that takes in 12-48VDC and steps up to as high as 60VDC. It's rated at 150 watts, which is more than I need. The idea here is that I could feed the 48V+ that I need for my LED project without having to buy a new power supply. Thus far it's working. I'm feeding in 15VDC and used the pot to adjust up to 48VDC. The only downside is I know that there is going to be some ripple and I'll have to fan cool it for driving over 100 watts. And yes, I understand that this is not as efficient as using a actual 48 VDC power supply. It's essentially this: http://www.amazon.com/DROK-Voltage-R...OK+DC-DC+boost I know that auto guys do this all the time to install high power LEDS in their cars and trucks. I figure if it works for them, why not a reef lighting project. I'll let you guys know if anything goes up in smoke.