Cloud Geek Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 An enterprising college student built an air conditioner for under $30 with a fan, a garbage can of ice water and some tubing. How the contraption works: cold ice water flows through coiled tubing attached to the back of a fan which cools the blowing air. The condensation could get messy and you won't get the same results as a store-bought A/C, but this is a cool (har) DIY project for the broke and sweaty. *keep in a room away from the computer* http://lifehacker.com/software/life-hacks/...oner-107753.php The Stay Cool Roundup http://lifehacker.com/software/it-all-come...ndup-272531.php It Uses less power and thats important if you live in ontario Ontario breaks power consumption record, heat wave likely to last for weeks http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2005/07/13/heat050713.html Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/569999-how-to-build-a-30-ac/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Patriot Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 And what happens when the water warms up and the ice melts? I really doubt that going out and buying ice to replenish this every day (or every few hours, depending on how hot it is) is going to be much more energy or cost efficient than simply buying a cheap window unit. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/569999-how-to-build-a-30-ac/#findComment-588657531 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexcyn Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 It Uses less power and thats important if you live in ontarioOntario breaks power consumption record, heat wave likely to last for weeks http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2005/07/13/heat050713.html Just so you know that news story is from 2005. :blink: Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/569999-how-to-build-a-30-ac/#findComment-588657552 Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Horizons Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 what a genius :rolleyes: Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/569999-how-to-build-a-30-ac/#findComment-588657558 Share on other sites More sharing options...
seriosbrad Posted June 28, 2007 Share Posted June 28, 2007 And what happens when the water warms up and the ice melts? I really doubt that going out and buying ice to replenish this every day (or every few hours, depending on how hot it is) is going to be much more energy or cost efficient than simply buying a cheap window unit. Most people have a freezer in their fridge. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/569999-how-to-build-a-30-ac/#findComment-588661200 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tao muon Posted June 28, 2007 Share Posted June 28, 2007 Possible improvements to the thermal efficiency of the device: Insulate the tubing- run the tubing through PVC pipe and inject expanding foam into the tubing (obviously do this is sections so the foam will expand throughout the system). Use a large picnic cooler instead of a trash can- less ice melt caused by heat absorption through the can. Use a smaller bucket placed in the refrigerator- colder temp in the fridge will reduce ice melt. Use a radiator and fan at the bucket end and place that in the freezer and fill the system with alcohol (so it won't freeze if not used). Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/569999-how-to-build-a-30-ac/#findComment-588661220 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bdsams Veteran Posted June 28, 2007 Veteran Share Posted June 28, 2007 ive seen this before, be very carefull with the condensation...it can get outa control and lead to mold Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/569999-how-to-build-a-30-ac/#findComment-588661232 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovedude Posted June 28, 2007 Share Posted June 28, 2007 hehe awesome :D... !!! Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/569999-how-to-build-a-30-ac/#findComment-588661234 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shof Posted June 29, 2007 Share Posted June 29, 2007 look at the color of the water Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/569999-how-to-build-a-30-ac/#findComment-588661587 Share on other sites More sharing options...
nexess Posted June 29, 2007 Share Posted June 29, 2007 You can actually use a more efficient source, if you can tap into it efficiently. Ground water: If you live in an area where the average ground water temperature is pretty low (anything below ambient temperature and it will cool the room). For example, in my place, its 80F right now, but the water is really really cold. http://www.noritz.com/generaldocs/US_ground_temperature.pdf Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/569999-how-to-build-a-30-ac/#findComment-588661590 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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