I am developing a prototype light source for scientific experimentation. I want to use 'an assortment' of 6 to 20 quartz halogen bulbs, 10W (possibly 20W) each. The light illumination level needs to be very stable - and consequently I've been advised that a current regulated DC PS is preferred. I would prefer to use a 'programmable' PS so that I can vary the voltage or current, and therefore the light intensity.
A few questions:
1) If I assume the maximum load to be 20 bulbs @ 10W = 200W, at typically 12V DC, then what should be the maximum load specification of the PS ? By my way of thinking, 200W / 12V means 16.6 Amps, correct? What 'extra' power buffer should I add?
2) Assuming for sake of argument I have a 200W supply, what happens if I decide to use only 8 lamps, or 15 lamps? If I use a programmable supply, can't I limit the output so I don't 'fry' the lamps? What if it's not programmable?
3) Should the series of lamps be wired in series or parallel? Why?
4) Any suggestions for vendors for such a PS ??
Thanks in advance
A few questions:
1) If I assume the maximum load to be 20 bulbs @ 10W = 200W, at typically 12V DC, then what should be the maximum load specification of the PS ? By my way of thinking, 200W / 12V means 16.6 Amps, correct? What 'extra' power buffer should I add?
2) Assuming for sake of argument I have a 200W supply, what happens if I decide to use only 8 lamps, or 15 lamps? If I use a programmable supply, can't I limit the output so I don't 'fry' the lamps? What if it's not programmable?
3) Should the series of lamps be wired in series or parallel? Why?
4) Any suggestions for vendors for such a PS ??
Thanks in advance