High Current Power Supply


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Since my page was first posted, I have received a number of emails asking about a high current power supply. I looked around, but couldn't find one that was suitable. So, I designed this. It is a linear supply, which might have a few of you rolling your eyes, but it takes very few parts, is simple to build and can supply huge currents.

Schematic

This is the schematic of the High Current Power Supply

Parts

Part
Total Qty.
Description
Substitutions
R11680 Ohm 1/4 Watt Resistor
C1120,000 - 50,000uF 20-40 Volt Capacitor
C2, C32100uF 50 Volt Capacitor
C410.1uF 50 Volt Capacitor
C510.01uF 50 Volt Capacitor
D11Zener Diode (See Notes)
Q112N3055 Or Other (See Notes)
T11Transformer (See Notes)
BR11Bridge Rectifier (See Notes)
S11SPST 250 VAC 10 A Switch
MISC1Case, Line Cord, Heatsink For Q1, Binding Posts For Output

Notes

  1. D1 should be rated at about one volt higher than then desired output of the supply. A half watt diode will do.
  2. Q1 can be a transistor similar to the 2N3055. I chose the 2N3055 for it's availability and power handling (150 watts).
  3. T1 should be about 5 volts higher than the desired output of the supply, and rated for about one amp more of current. The voltage overhead is required by the regulator section. The extra current is to keep the transformer from over heating.
  4. The choice of BR1 will depend on the voltage and current of your transformer. The rectifier should be rated for 50 volts more than the transformer, and 5 amps more than the transformer.

  5. The value of R1 will be smaller when supplying high currents. Expiriment until you get what you need.
  6. You are going to need to heatsink Q1 and BR1. Use a small PC case style fan unless you are going to run large heatsinks.

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Comments

berj
High Current Power Supply
Sunday, July 06, 2008 4:25:33 AM
it is better to use darlington transistor ,u can add d313 transistor to 2n3055 and make it darlington.i am sure,i use it until 6 amps, but with 2 of 2n3055.
HL-SDK
High Current Power Supply
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 1:55:31 PM
Like previous have said, the bottlenecks are your transformer, the transistor, and the diode bridge. There are better ways of getting high-amperage output.
jassim
High Current Power Supply
Saturday, March 22, 2008 5:49:04 PM
Hello. I am trying to build a high current 8V, 6A for my project. I have transformer 220V IN, 12V, 5A out is it OK for above rated voltage required. I need circuit diagram for it. Tray to be easy to build with ordinary component. thanks
anonymous
High Current Power Supply
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 5:51:01 PM
I am trying to design and build a 24VDC regulated power supply hat can deliver at least 50A and also has a 15V regulated output that only needs to deliver 100mA. Can you help me?
anonymous
High Current Power Supply
Tuesday, March 04, 2008 6:31:31 PM
I need a schematic to build a power supply for a surround sound system that would handel a 400watt amp. please email me Thanks!
anonymous
High Current Power Supply
Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:47:41 AM
Hello, I am trying to build a12v baterry charger with current of atleast 10amps. Is this possible with help of ICs (LMXXX or any other) Please mail its sollution on my email id ie -
anonymous
High Current Power Supply
Saturday, January 12, 2008 6:01:36 AM
You have to use a device called dahono current doubler. I assure you it will gi ve twice current ratings than usual
mariconjen
24VDC regulated power supply
Wednesday, January 09, 2008 11:45:34 PM
Hi, we are going to make a 24 VDC regulated power supply as our project.We would like to ask help from you to provide us schematic diagram for this circuit.Thank you and God Bless.
anonymous
High Current Power Supply
Tuesday, January 08, 2008 4:39:02 PM
Hello There. I am trying to build a high current psu 12v-30A. I am building n surround sound system using two 4-channel car amps. I want to know know if you could please e-mail me back. I need a circuit diagram please, 220vac to 12v/30A without using a transformer. thanks
anonymous
High Current Power Supply
Thursday, November 29, 2007 3:41:50 PM
actually Ose, the 2N3055 is rated for I believe 15 Amps which is the only component given limiting the power output as long as the correct choice is made for the Bridge and the Transformer. Although buying the capacitors for a reasonable ripple along with the bridge and the transformer rated for those amps may be cost prohibative.
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