What is a Power Supply and How Will
it Help us Save on Energy?
Power supply gadgets are also known as external power adapters. It is designed to convert high voltage Alternating Current (AC) coming from our wall outlets into low voltage Direct Current (DC) to power our electronic tools or appliances.
Direct Current (DC) being better than Alternating Current (AC) in as much as DC current flows in a single direction while maintaining a regular average value. Alternating Current on the other hand often reverses in the flow of electric current direction.
Power supplies or external power adapters are often used for electronic gadgets such as digital cameras, cordless or mobile phones, laptops and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). PDA is the term used for any hand-held device used for computing or used as a mobile information storage, which a person uses for personal or business purposes. Game machines are likewise included under the PDA category.
The most common type of power supply being used today is the unregulated DC output power supplies or adapters. By unregulated, it means it does not make use of any voltage regulators but instead the DC output voltage will rely on a built-in voltage reduction transformer. The same will correspond to the amount of electrical current being used as electrical load.
Hence, the use of a DC voltage output power supply or adapter is to generate current at a particular voltage maintained at a particular maximum load output. It is important that the power supply used should match as much as possible the appliance’s voltage and current load requirements.
Neither should the rated output current of the power supply exceed the maximum current requirement of the appliance to be loaded.
Keep in mind that not all power supplies are the same. They differ as to current outputs, voltage outputs, power ratings as well as input-output connector sizes and types. The more expensive kind of DC voltage output power supplies are those designed with built in voltage regulators.
How to Choose a Power Supply or External Power Adapter
- Know the required adapter DC output plug size and its polarity; you must keep in mind that there can be different sizes although the DC output connector can be modified or removed.
- Establish the power requirement regarding voltage and current needs of your circuit or device. Select the power that closely matches the load requirements of your appliance or device. Keep in mind that the maximum load requirement should not be more than the maximum current rating of the power supply.
- If in case, you bought a power supply that can provide more current than the maximum load requirement and the current difference ranges between 30% to 50 %, a “ripple voltage” may occur at a higher rate. A “ripple voltage” refers to occasional and periodic fluctuation of the direct current output of a power supply. To remedy this condition, a filtering capacitor to act as storage will help to smooth out the output voltage of the DC power supply.
- One of the most utilized equipment today both in homes and offices are the computers. In fact, computer performance and longevity can be greatly affected by the quality of electrical power supply loaded into them.
- Green power supply or adapters are the most ideal in as much as they were made from fewer toxic materials and have independent certifications for as much as 80% energy efficiency.
Where can you get your green power supply and computer equipment?
Checkout the following power supply products available at Verdant Computing, for more power supply products and other computer equipment and supplies to Build a Greener Machine
Below are samples of power supply products available at Verdant Computing:
WattSmart 750W EPS12V Ver 2.91 80 PLUS Power Supply EPSPOW750PRO
 | WattSmart 750W EPS12V Ver 2.91 80 PLUS Power Supply - $ 109.99 As part of our high efficiency WattSmart line, this Dual Fan EPS12V 2.91/ ATX12V 2.2 80 PLUS certified Power Supply is the perfect example of "waste not, want not"! Ideal for advanced servers and desktops requiring the added capability to handle mo... |
 | Signature SG-650 ATX12V & EPS12V Power Supply - $ 184.99 Designed to appeal to system builders looking for a truly premium power supply, the Signature 650 boasts many cutting-edge features. Not only does the Signature 650 deliver the absolute pinnacle of stability, reliability, and quiet cooling, it also ... |
 | Toughpower W0117 ATX12V & EPS12V Power Supply - $ 179.99 Toughpower 750W ATX 12V 2.2/14cm Fan. Active PFC/EPS Power Supply. Complies with ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V version. SLI, Cross-Fire, and Dual Core CPU ready. |
 | ToughPower W0172RU ATX12V & EPS12V Power Supply - $ 213.99 Thermaltake ToughPower 850W ATX 12V 2.2/14cm/ APFC EPS Nvidia Certified Power Supply. Stable 850W continuous output. Four independent & dedicated +12V rails provides superior performance for PC system (combined loading of 62A). Built in two 6pin an... |
