I have an ATX power supply which has got multiple 5v outputs (at a maximum 40 amp current). I am willing to use it to power up a moving mechanical system 5-10 meters away. The problem is that since the current can be so high I need a thick wire which obviously lacks flexibility. I am looking for a way to "carry" the low voltage high current through a() flexible, long but relatively lossless cable(s).
The ATX splits up the outputs to avoid thick wires into multiple 5v header pins.
Should I do something similar? ; split the supply into multiple cables?
I was also thinking of carrying high voltage low current but I find voltage regulators with huge current outputs to be very rare and rather expensive.
What would be the best way to do it?
Best Answer
Power companies get around it by increasing the voltage and decreasing the current. There's nothing you can do to reduce the total gauge of wire needed to transfer a given current, but if you can reduce that current then you can reduce the total gauge needed.
Instead of feeding the 5V direct from the ATX supply you could consider feeding 12V from the ATX supply instead - you could then halve the current requirement for transmission. On your remote device you can then use smaller light weight switching regulators (obviously rated for the right currents) to convert it to a higher current 5V supply.
Even better if you could ditch the ATX supply and use a slightly higher voltage, say 24V or 48V, which you then regulate down with switching regulators in your remote device.