ESP32 PWM Fan Control – Build a Computer Fan Controller

Today, we’ll build a temperature-controlled PWM fan controller with an OLED display and an ESP32. Along the way, we’ll learn all about 4-pin PWM fans and how to use them.

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On the outside, a computer fan seems to be a simple device; after all, how complex can a fan be? Turns out they are more complicated than you might think! A computer fan uses a brushless DC motor and has an integrated Electronic Speed Control (ESC). And, once you know how to use them, you can control their speed and measure their rotation.

Today, we will examine how these fans work. We’ll see why some have more than two connections, and we’ll learn how to drive and monitor a fan with a 4-pin connector.

After that, we’ll build a fan controller that can run in both automatic (temperature-controlled) and manual modes. It also has a stall detector, in case the fan blades stop turning. It features an OLED display that indicates the fan’s performance and the surrounding temperature.

Here is the table of contents for today’s video:

00:00 – Introduction
01:43 – PWM Fan Control
05:00 – PWM Fan Demo
07:27 – Simple Fan Control
14:15 – Using the Tachometer
19:40 – Temperature Controlled Fan
29:09 – Conclusion

These fans are inexpensive and great for cooling off computers, power supplies, or even people! Now that you know how to use them, you can control the world!

Hope you enjoy the video.

Bill

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