Method and apparatus for controlling a fan

Details Method and apparatus for controlling a fan Method and apparatus for controlling a fan

2006-07-11

2006-07-11

Duda, Rina (Department: 2837)

Electricity: motive power systems

Automatic and/or with time-delay means

Responsive to thermal conditions

C318S471000, C318S472000, C318S132000, C318S254100, C318S434000, C388S800000, C388S804000, C388S811000, C388S911000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07075261

ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus for controlling a fan is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for controlling a fan includes applying power to the fan at startup. The fan may be supplied a predetermined amount of current, which may break the inertia of the fan propeller and begin its rotation. As the propeller begins rotating, the speed at which it rotates may be monitored. The fan startup routine may continue until the fan reaches or exceeds a minimum fan speed threshold. Once the fan has at least reached the minimum speed, the amount of current supplied to the fan may be reduced such that the fan rotates at minimum speed, and an automatic fan control algorithm may begin executing. By reducing the current such that the fan operates at a minimum speed, the amount of audible noise generated by the fan during startup may be kept to a minimum level.

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