Question about a compressor from an AC unit [Archive]

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mtb856

05-10-2005, 07:33 AM

I've been looking into building my own single stage cooler sometime this summer, so I had a few questions about parts to get. This is basically an experimental project just so I can get the experience in building a phase change unit, so it doesn't need to be the most powerful unit in the world. I'll probably just use it to cool my video card or something like that.

I was looking an AC window units at Home Depot, and they're having a sale on a 5000BTU unit for 55 bucks right now, and I was wondering if that would be powerful enough to make a phase change setup.

Here's the link for it: Maytag 5000BTU (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/prodmeta/pg_prodmeta.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&cartCntKey=Heating+%26+Cooling%2FAir+Conditioners+ %26+Access.%2FAir+Conditioners&CNTKEY=Products_2%2FHeating+%26+Cooling%2FAir+Cond itioners+%26+Access.%2FAir+Conditioners&ProductOID=530627&BV_SessionID=@@@@0382462032.1115738717@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccefaddeikehmidcgelceffdfgidgnj.0)

Here's a few alternatives that I found in the same price range that I'm looking at:

Haier 5000 BTU unit (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=84590-48713-HWF05XC5&lpage=none)
Haier 6000 BTU unit (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=87247-48713-HWF06XC5&lpage=none)

Thanks :)

runmc

05-10-2005, 07:37 AM

That would be an awesome start. Smart move.

If and when you get it, leave it mostly assembled. Basically all you'll need to do is remove the existing evaporator and captube and replace them. :woot: :woot:

mtb856

05-10-2005, 07:51 AM

Thanks, that's good to know that it will work.......... I think I may make a stop at Home Depot or Lowes tonight after work :D

{PMS}fishy

05-10-2005, 07:52 AM

Wow, $55 not bad, I might even go and pick one of those up today.

Any thoughts on how it would work as a chiller?

gclg2000

05-10-2005, 07:58 AM

Would work alright as a chiller too. I've use a similar unit on a chiller.

Only draw back is they use mineral oil. So you gotta stick to R22 or change it out for 404 or similar. However, if ya can get some 502 that will work w/ mineral oil.

mtb856

05-10-2005, 07:58 AM

Fishy, you bounce around between forums as much as I do :D

Just posted a thread over at the ocforums and now you're over here :woot:

Would work alright as a chiller too. I've use a similar unit on a chiller.

Only draw back is they use mineral oil. So you gotta stick to R22 or change it out for 404 or similar. However, if ya can get some 502 that will work w/ mineral oil

I think my dad has some 502 out in his shop, but I'll have to check... will it work fine as a project unit with the R22?

{PMS}fishy

05-10-2005, 08:21 AM

Well, Im going to go and pick one up.

Worst case Ill use it as an AC. ;)

$55 is not bad, and I need another window unit anyways.

gclg2000

05-10-2005, 08:33 AM

Fishy, you bounce around between forums as much as I do :D

Just posted a thread over at the ocforums and now you're over here :woot:

I think my dad has some 502 out in his shop, but I'll have to check... will it work fine as a project unit with the R22?

Well the companies mass produce those window units. They use mineral oil cuz its cheap and R22 cuz its cheap and effective. R502 is colder than R22, but not being used as much anymore, cuz 404a is driving it out. R22 is fine for a first project and easy to get, but 502 will work with mineral oil (that comes in the unit from manfu.) and will be colder. Your gonna have to get experience at charging anyways, and its all the same pretty much no matter how you charge it.

**Warning, i'm not a tech, just a guy that has fooled with it alot for computer cooling purposes.

mtb856

05-10-2005, 07:26 PM

gclg2000

05-10-2005, 07:39 PM

It's ok man, us southern boys don't get down
:toast:

mtb856

05-10-2005, 07:42 PM

{PMS}fishy

05-10-2005, 08:04 PM

Bah, Home depot tricked me :(

It's not the same AC in the store by my house, and the price is 80 bucks not 55. I just found out that the CV joint is going out on my integra, so I have to have that repaired........

Everything seems to be working against me getting this system up.......... argh.

The $80 one has the remote, the $55 one does not.

My HomeDepot only had the $80 one too.

I did get a little sidetracked and I went and picked up a r404a Mach I and a 172w TEC instead. All ready got the Mach 1 strapped to the GPU, just need to figure out a work around for the cold bug.

wdrzal

05-10-2005, 08:09 PM

Dang straight :D

I think I'll be on the lookout for broken down AC units by the side of the road, maybe I can look at them and see if they just need to be recharged or have a quick brazing job done........ I'll get it done eventually :)

95% of window units leak out their charge and are tossed and the compressors are good,traders guides are good places for cheap units too.

mtb856

05-11-2005, 03:34 AM

I did get a little sidetracked and I went and picked up a r404a Mach I and a 172w TEC instead. All ready got the Mach 1 strapped to the GPU, just need to figure out a work around for the cold bug.

That's what you call a little sidetracked? Sigh, I need to finish my EE degree so I can be that sidetracked...... you're my hero :D

95% of window units leak out their charge and are tossed and the compressors are good,traders guides are good places for cheap units too.

I'll definitely be looking at the side of the road and in the bulletin board for our area, thanks for the advice.