DIY DIY Peltier Res Cooler

[pop22]

"Munch..munch..munch we can wait...............

 

[TxOld Dude]

Man, you know it's bad when the stuff you order from China gets here before the stuff from Amazon even shipped! Of course, I had to drop dime on them and give them my opinion about that! Miraculously, it all showed up 2 days later. Amazing!

Actually, I still have one more batch due today. The peltier cooler is assembled though and I'm off to the hardware store for some tubing and fittings to finish the job. Should have it all done by Sunday.

Unfortunately, the Dragon eggs I dropped on the paper towel were stillborn, so I had a nice little funeral for them in the back yard.

Oh shit, I hope they don't change their minds and decide to pop up anyway!!!!

Awkward!!

:Growing:

 

[farmergreen007]

TXold dude I think it's a great idea but I'd like to know if you are planning on putting some kind of filter on the intake to your cooler I don't see one in you diagram and I also don't know if it is something you would need. But it seems to me that it would be a good idea looking at how those pelters work it doesn't seem to have much space in there for contaminates even small ones. Either way I can't wait to see how it works.

 

[TxOld Dude]

Your talking about these then.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ERSPB4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A33C639CLQOTMR

And a little window screen over each bucket drain to keep sediment and root fragments contained. The water cooling manifold is 3/8" and should pass most particulates easily.

P.S. These are used in small pump sprayers to keep from fouling the spray tips.

 

[jackmc]

Take a look at this. http://www.novatecproducts.com/iceprobe.htm I am using it installed through the wall of a 25qt cooler to keep about 4 gal of liquid at 65F. It's pricey but I started to build a unit with the same parts you've ordered TxOld Dude and I just envisioned water leaking out of every connection. Also if you look on AliExpress there are units already constructed for sale. I subbed.

 

[TxOld Dude]

The ice probe is prohibitively expensive compared to the others and as I said earlier, it's a means to an end on other projects. I ordered a complete unit from China and then the parts to make more.

 

[farmergreen007]

You guys are fancy, I was thinking more mcgyver style ml with a stainless steel pipe screen but that one on amazon will probably be easier and more professional looking.

 

[TxOld Dude]

Actually, bought 2 at tractor supply that have 3/8 hose barbs already on them for 5 bucks each!

Finally, all the parts are here. I'll try to get it done and pics up before Sunday night, but no guarantees.

 

[TxOld Dude]

Ok, here is the res cooler assembled. The cooler assembly came with a Peltier device sandwiched between two heat sinks and fans. I've removed the smaller cold-side heat sink and fan and replaced it with the blue water manifold. This whole gizmo, with all the fittings, etc., was still under a $100. The major parts were $71. You can save costs by scrounging heat sinks and fans from old PC chassis and by making your own attachment straps.

The lid with the hot side heat sink and fan.


The in-bucket assembly. I'll add a hose barb or a reduced hose barb (3/8 to 1/4) to the outflow line to add flow resistance. This so the water stays in the manifold longer, but not enough to freeze up.


The water manifold and retainer. Under the block is the Peltier TEC. I used Arctic Silver for heat sink compound.


The pump and suction strainer.

 

[farmergreen007]

Looking good.