Compressor for a chiller.

[st0nedpenguin]

OK, I'm a complete n00b to phase change cooling, except for what I have read here and at Over-Clock UK, and I'm setting up my first watercooled rig in about a month or so.

I would like to get into the phase change scene, but I think that the safest way would probably be for me to start off with a chiller, then at least I can keep my efforts outside my case.

I have just moved house, and in a few weeks will be given the fridge that's currently in use, and I'm trying to decide whether to use it to keep beer cold in my room, or to gut it and build myself a water chiller, or perhaps, if it's possible, set it up to do both, by running some pipes through the side of the fridge and from a large res in the bottom out to my PC, but that's another idea altogether.

So, to get to the point, at last, I have checked out the fridge I'm getting, and got as many specs as I could find from it, and would basically like to know if this compressor is worth using, so here I go...

TL3A Danfoss 102U
220v~50Hz
280cm3 OIL 55g R12

It also has 2004 printed on it, I don't know if this means it's gonna die then or what, but hopefully not.

[Gary Lloyd]

This is similar to what you are planning:

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...threadid=16647

The trick is to dismantle the unit and submerge the evaporator without breaking any refrigerant lines or the evaporator. It is much safer to find a cooler/reservoir that fits the evaporator than to try to bend the evaporator to fit a cooler. And the results are not going to be spectacular, as the compressor is very small.

A much more powerful, low cost chiller can be built using a 5000 BTU window A/C or a high capacity dehumidifier.

[st0nedpenguin]

Cheers Gary.

Do you have any idea if the idea of putting a big reservoir in the bottom of the fridge and running some piping out to my computer is likely to work? It would be nice to keep some cold beverages in the vicinity.

[Keeper]

st0ne,

I did the fridge thing for a while; it will get you cooler temps but not very effective. Your fridge reservoir will be warming the fridge and temps will keep it running 24/7. Keeping water chilled in that type of setup will be more costly than using a tec or building a higher quality chiller with a submerged evaporator. Plus the size is outrageous.

[Gary Lloyd]

Exactly so. It just doesn't have the capacity.

[st0nedpenguin]

Thanks for all the help guys, looks like it'll be better if I just buy a compressor off ebay then, I better start keeping an eye out.

And Keeper, I remember seeing your chiller on here a while back, nice job!

[st0nedpenguin]

Keeper, do you have a link for the thread showing your chiller?

I fancy seeing how it went on, I'm not sure it was all sorted last time I was on here.

[]JR[]

Compressors dont seem to appear on uk ebay unfortunately, youd do better to look for a beer flash cooler (not a beer fridge btw) or a dehumidifier... Shipping a compressor from the US isnt an option either its too expensive.

]JR[

[Marci]

U can buy new Panasonic Compressors as found in current Line Chillers designed for R134a for £78.00 I think...

[Marci]

sorry... Electrolux compressor...

[Gary Lloyd]

The advantage in using a complete system is that it is complete, including refrigerant charge. Starting with such a system and then modifying it step by step is the best way to learn.

[Marci]

Talk to these guys... http://www.crest-refrigeration.co.uk/pages/intro.html

I had another link for an online store selling them but can't find at the mo...

[Gary Lloyd]

The advantage in using a complete system is that it is complete, including refrigerant charge, and is usually cheaper than buying it piece by piece. Starting with such a system and then modifying it step by step is the best way to learn.

What types of complete refrigeration or A/C systems are available in your area? Preferably using 1/4 hp compressor or larger.