used UPS and PC power supplies

 Perhaps you guy can help me...  I recycle computer hardware.  I have
some PC power supplies and APC UPS units.  I have no use for them and it
apppears no one else does either.  I have tried High School and
Community College Electronic shops.  Some do not work but could be
adapted to 12V uses.  Years ago ('70s) I tore down such for parts and
used them to build or adapt itemc for projects in my electric shops.
Now days, they buy new parts for that work.  Everyone has advised me to
"throw it all out" but I really do not want to add to the filling of the
landfill.  Must I really be a senseless comsumer and toss it out?

Trying to di the right thing,
TL

 

Here is something I like doing with computer power supplies.

If I can find 3 of the exact same type.
I take and wire the 5V outputs in series.
I isolate the dc ground on two of the boards so
they will float above the power supply frame.
I bolt the three supplies together in a solid block.
then you can remove two of the input plugs.
and wire the other to board the single input plug.
all wiring is inside the block via holes drilled through
the dividing walls.
Have the 15V come to two binding post on the front of the unit.
leave the cooling fans as is.
You can turn down the 5V trim pot of the three supplies a bit
to get 13.8 or 14V at the output.
if each unit is rated at 5V at 40 amp and 12V at 12 amp.
You can run the complete unit at 50 amp at 14V all day
long and it won't even know it's got a load on it.

You could hook up 6 in a mega block and get
a 28V at 50a supply or a 14V at 100 amp supply.

All computer power supplies are isolated between the AC line
and output so you can stack them in any way you want.
All you have to remember is to make sure the boards on
the up stream side is isolated from the case so you can bolt
the cases together in one unit.