Mini Air Conditioner

[KOne]

what type of powersupply do i need to run TEC, or how do you get power to it.

 

[phreejak]

Well, for any TEC below 300 watts use a Meanwell 320 SE12 for 12v TEC modules.

If you use two TEC modules in one computer use a Meanwell 600 SE12

Some TEC modules are 24v so if that was the case just get the 24 volt version of hte above PSUs

 

[KOne]

is there any problems with condensation.

 

[phreejak]

I've been using TEC for two years now and I've never had any problems with condensation. A properly prepared motherboard will prevent that - i.e dielectric grease, conformal coating and neoprene pads will ensure this (the same goes with graphic cards).

 

[KOne]

from the look and sound of it. this looks like a really good alternative to phase. mainly the price compared to phase, also the TEC you are using is the same one you have had to 2 years. what is the life expectancy of a TEC.

 

[phreejak]

You know, of all the things I've researched and studied about TEC modules, that's something I never thought about. Well, we know at least two years!! lol

It works just as well now as it did when I first got it...

 

[KOne]

lol...two years sound like a long time in computer days, thats long enough for me. exactly how does TEC work, and what are its principals of cooling.

 

[phreejak]

Basically, think of a TEC module as a form of heat pump. There are two principle sides to a module, a hotside and a coldside. It;s orientation is such that the coldside rests on the CPU and the hotside, on the waterblock. Now, contrary to what some people think, a module doesn't create cold on one side and heat on the other per se. What happens is that heat is drawn away from one side and transferred tot he toher side of the module - this happens at such a fantastic rate that one side will experience extremely cold temperatures - i.e. frosting or freezing. This will only happen for a short amount of time if the hotside is left to fend for itself with no means of getting rid of the heat it is housing. This would, inevitably, result in the module cracking and ceasing to function. That is where the water block comes in as it rests in contact with the hotside of the TEC module. Using water cooling principles, it draws heat away fromt he module much like any water block would draw heat away from a CPU. A "cold plate" (a flat plate of copper) rests between the CPU and the cold side.

So now, the way it looks is:

waterblock
TEC module
cold plate

This comprises a basic TEC water block.

Remember that I said that a TEC module operates like a heat pump (or super heat pump for that matter).

Heat is generated by the CPU. The coldside of the module draws the heat to the hotside. The water block reoves the heat into the coolant medium of the water cooling loop which is released by the radiator. The better the water cooling loop, the more heat is removed from the hotside of the TEC module. The more heat that is removed from the hotside of the TEC module, the better the coldside module functions at removing heat from the CPU.

TEC modules are rated at varied levels based on their Qmax, which is the maximum amount of heat they can transfer from the coldside to the hotside. Thus, a 20watt TEC module would die a screaming and painful (albiet quick) death at the hands of a 955 presler 3.46 (and take the CPU with it) but a 226watt module would do just nicely and could go toe to toe with the proc. TEC modules generate ALOT of heat on their hotside so it is important that you have an adequate cooling system to compensate.

In my rig I have two seperate loops. But, in one loop, I have one rad dedicated to my GPU and one rad dedicated to my CPU (the TEC module.



The GPU rad is a bit overkill for just a single GPU water block as I would have done just fine with a single 120mm rad. However, the dual 120mm rad I use for the CPU is absolutely needed - the TEC module generates that much heat.

I am protected by condensation by three different components:

1) Before installation of the TEC water block, conformal coating is sprayed around the back of the motherboard directly behind where the CPU would be oriented. Also, after covering up things like the ram slots, fan connectors and the CPU socket, I spray conformal coating around the CPU socket, extending to an area about an inch around the socket itself.

2) Dielectric grease is oozed into the socket BEFORE I place the actual CPU in it. Dielectric grease is conductive but prevents condensation. It's incredibly messy if you aren't steady. You squeeze the grease (in abundance) intot he socket and place the CPU in it until it begins to ease out the sides of the CPU/socket.

3) Precut neoprene pads surround the TEC water block to prevent the atmosphere around the water block from creating any conditions that would promote condensation.

All done properly, it works like a charm. Two years running and I've never had to deal with condensation at all.

 

[KOne]

i read some where that laquer can be used to coat and shield the areas around the socket and the back of the motherboard. prior to applying the neoprene insulation. also where do you find conformal coating.

i'm waiting on ups for a triple 120mm radiator that i ordered, should be here on tues. i am planing on doing something similar to your set up. a 3x120 radiator for the cpu and a 120mm radiator for gpu.

what is a rough estimate of getting a TEC system going. i got all the liquid cooling coverd.

 

[phreejak]

Silicone Conformal Coating ($17.50)
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2244/ex-swi-10/Silicone_Conformal_Coating_-_12oz_Aerosol.html?tl=g30c105s191

mmmm...with the water cooling solution taken care of. Let's see:

These are guestimations:

TEC waterblock - $125
Meanwell PSU (300 SE12) - $90
Conformal Coating - $17.50
Dielectric Grease - $7.50
Precut neoprene bundle - $12
Relay Switch (so that the Meanwell will turn on when the computer is turned on) - $25

I would say around $280

 

[bliq]

just one thing about the aircon, is frost...

we have 2 aircons in our server room, and when left on too long, they start dripping water. we had to replace the mouldy, stinking carpet already...
so i think that when installed into a confined space, the cold might cause damp areas.

what i would suggest, is to install the aircon outside the cage ,and run duct into it.

just my opinion.

You have carpet in your server room?!? That's usually a no-no...

 

[KOne]

i'm sure this is going to be my next upgrade. i was thinking about phase but didnt want the bulky refrigerator that comes with it. plus this way is more hands on in setting it up, with phase its either buy the system already assembled or try to build on which would need alot of materials, tools, and hours of labor and mistakes. so i'm going to see how far i can get with just h2o and in a month or so jump up to TEC. when i do i'll post the results, i'm pretty sure i'll need some more tips. thanks for the help.

 

[phreejak]

Hey, it's all good.

If I can be of any help just drop me a line...

 

[rida]

Hi Wrack, please if you found a mini AC with 1250 btu I'll be very interseted to buy 10000 units .

Regards,
Rida

 

[Conumdrum]

Rida, look at the post date above your post. Think your about 2.5 years late.

 

[ouch1]

LOL another Dr Frankenstien post

 

[smallac]

Why don't you just slap a TEC water block on the CPU and be done with it?

what kind of temp are you gettin out of the TEC? do you get -c's

I am not really sure......

 

[Shadow703793]

DO NOT BRING UP DEAD THREADS

 

[aford10]

This topic has been closed by Aford10