Adustable voltage/current regulator

I see several people on here wanting power supplies to push major wattage diodes with 20 and 30 amp power supplies. I have a PSU that is 3-15v 40a, a 24v 50a, 48v 25a and 2 5v 150a. I would like to make 2 regulators, 1 that would be adjustable from 0-60v 0-50a and one that would be 0-18v 0-320a. I want to make an enclosure for the 2 large current power supplies and parallel them for 300A so I could run several of my diode bars at once from it with the voltage down to 2.2-2.8 for them. The second one would be for use with all of my other PSU and would be boxed by its self. I saw one post where the member used power amps to get the amps up, would that be better or would it be better to use high current regulators in parallel to get the current high? I know I dont need to make current, so regulators would be best for my setup probably. I have digital displays picked out and would like one for V and one for A, also want voltage and current to be adjustable preferrably down to 0 for both. I dont know enough about electronics to design my own setup, but I have been browsing the net and I feel confident that I can build this with a little guidance. I will be making the box and all heat sink my self, I have a mill and plenty of aluminum and steel. I will also be making a liquid cooled unit to mount the bars to. I will appreciate any help or positive information any one has to offer.

How are you going to get 18V 320A from that line-up? Regulators cannot create energy from nothing.

Are the power supplies linear or switchmode? Some switchmode PSU's don't like being put in parallel.

This is an interesting thread. Subbing

I do not plan to get 18v from this setup, was thinking in the future as far as maximums. The big power supplies are adjustable from 4.5v to 5.5v but it is a fine tune only. I am not sure on linear or not, Actually I just went and looked and the name of one is the super switcher so I figure it is switchmode. So even if I cannot parallel these I could just make 2 regulators the same and have 2 seperate 150a boxes.

150A from a linear supply? Not likely. They're all going to be switching, except that 3-15V one which is probably linear.

Work with a constant current design first. If that works out for you, you can increase capabilities from there.

Cyparagon, Do you have anything to offer other than critisizm? As stated at the beginning I am not an electrician and what you have said so far sounds very negative and confusing to me.

You asked for advice and I gave it to you. The fact that you don't have a lot of experience is the main reason you shouldn't start the biggest project you can imagine. Start small. It's not an insult, it's practical advice.

Cyparagon is saying a high current adjustable linear PSU is no easy task, and that it isn't really suited to a beginner at all. You'll need to be familiar with the design and operation of a passbank for a start.

Some reading: http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserdps.htm#dpsdhpl

Actually I sked for help with a circuit and got nothing. No one has offered help and what you have said has helped at all, I even asked for clarification and still have nothing. If my OP would have been read, I wanted a circuit diagram for a REGULATOR to add to power supplies I already have. I will build it, then use it and when others ask for help this newbie to electronics will help them.

Okay, NOW it's time for me to get cynical.

wby300 said:

I wanted a circuit diagram for a REGULATOR

Click to expand...

And you found one with a Google search. What's the problem here? Engineers get paid lots of money to design circuits. If Google hits aren't good enough, you're out of luck, pal.

If you have a specific question, we'll be happy to help.

If your approach is something more akin to "Find me a circuit for my vague and undecided application. I will chastise the forum for not interpreting and anticipating my needs," then you will be met with resistance.