Low Buck AC For My Garage
Because I was whining about the awful heat this past week, Weldandgrind posted a Youtube video on how to make a really cheap AC unit. Well, I made one and after a hiccup or two, it works. Of course, I had to make it my own and did things just a bit differently.
Behold, the Wheezy Green Cheesy Breeze Machine.:hmm: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psowsh03ji.jpg The bugger consists of an old Coleman 48 qt cooler, two 2" 45* PVC elbows, two 2" PVC couplers, two Delco style plugs, a 12v 1.5a fan, a project box, a switch, a 12v 3a power supply, and a whack of zip ties. I didn't take pics of the build because "I was making it up as I go". As such, I wasn't even sure it would work. But here is why I used the 45* elbows and couplers. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...pszb5o4x25.jpg The couplers fit tightly into the drink holders located in the lid. I added some RTV to keep them in place. The elbows slip in the couplers and I can move them where I want. I didn't have a lot of ice available for a major test but I did have enough to see that it will work. Temp in the garage. This was actually comfortable compared to the past few weeks. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...pssl1zzg2o.jpg After a few minutes run time. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psdmgntkin.jpg After I got smart and opened the bag, then let the fan blow directly on the ice. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...pskdmfzcuv.jpg With hindsight being 20/20, I would have not used the Delco plugs and, instead, would have installed an 'M' style 5mm female jack in the switch box. I could have just plugged the power supply into the box. Too soon old, too late smart. I'll pick up a 5lb bag of ice tomorrow, close up the garage, let it run for a few hours and see if it cools things down a smidge. |
Glad you have something figured out ,the swamp cooler is a neat item to play with ,they work great in a tent too .
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Very cool! LOL I said a funny.
Just curious why the 12v fan, switch and other doodads as opposed to a regular 110 fan with a switch on the back of it? Planning on using it out on the road? / |
By the way see if you can find someone that sells block ice or even better dry ice. Our local grocery store Publix sells all types of ice.
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What I would worry about is humidity build up and rust on tools. I insulated my garage minimumly and stuffed a elcheepo Walmart 5000btu unit thru the wall at the 6ft level. Don't use it much but it does a nice job for its size.
The humidity right now in ar. Is horrible. I have a 20" oscillating fan upside down off the ceiling running 24/7 to protect a mini lathe, micro mill, and all the tools that go with them. If the humidity settles it going to ruin stuff even with oil coating. Last year it took a long time to remove light surface rust and too lazy to do it this year. |
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Second reason is to be able to use it in our camper. If 110V is available, I just plug the power supply into the lone outlet in the camper. If 110 isn't available, I can plug into the 12V supply. jct-The thought had crossed my mind, but I've had 21 years of Great Lakes summer humidity here and nary a problem with rust on the tools. But I will keep an eye on things just in case this thing tips the balance. |
When I was in Japan 47 years ago many buildings used ice for cooling. Their method was to put a block of ice on a pedestal about 4' high and place those around the room. No fans needed.
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I like the adjustable elbows! Every time I see one of these on the 'net, I learn something new.
X2 on Adjuster's suggestion of block ice. |
If humidity becomes a problem, you can capture it with calcium chloride; it's a trick I use in my trailer in the winter.
Just pick up a colander / strainer at the local dollar store, and find a pail that it can sit on (I found a small mop bucket at the dollar store that worked perfectly). Pour some generic calcium chloride into the colander, and moisture will be trapped and directed into the pail. Dri-Z-Air is the commercial stuff, but I get the generic version for cheap at the local RV place. |
First real test last night.
It did not cool down the garage after three hours. It did, however, keep the area I was working in comfortable. That's what counts. Had I used a 22lb bag of ice, or blocks, instead of a 7lb bag, I'm sure the results would have been different. I'm happy. |
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you guys like it cold! at least your summer is short! i think 25-30 degrees celsius are okay...
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