Thaka.AiReviewed 16 October 2026 · schematic not to scale
A reference-inspired, original test procedure for a guarded DC fan moving air past ice. It uses stored cold and electrical input; it is not an energy generator.
- 1Insulated box and weighed ice packs
- 2Guarded DC inlet fan in removable lid
- 3Dry supply, switch and protected wiring
- 4Air outlets and collected condensation
Site and operating requirements
- Measure the purchased components before making a cut template. Mark wet and dry zones, fan guards, drain and accessible stop.
- Use manufacturer-compatible low-voltage equipment and keep the mains power supply outside condensation and spill areas.
Tools and measuring equipment
- Caliper/tape, cardboard cutting template, scale, air/water thermometers and DC power meter. Adults use cutting and tube-bending tools with power disconnected.
Output and operating conditions
Measure inlet/outlet air temperature, input W, ice mass and elapsed time. No cooling capacity or runtime is inferred from the photograph.
Prototype dimensions must follow measured purchased components. The proposed layout is a learning aid and has not been built or tested by Thaka.Parts, quantities and dimensions
| Part | Quantity | Specification / dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Insulated box and removable lid | 1 | Record internal L × W × H and wall thickness; use ice packs and a removable drip tray. |
| Guarded DC fan and compatible supply | 1 each | Use the fan’s rated voltage/current, approved power supply, switch and manufacturer-specified fuse. Keep electrical connections dry. |
| Outlet ducts and test instruments | as measured | Two outlet elbows if desired; measure actual outside diameter, mounting holes, seal, air thermometer, scale and DC power meter. |
Preparation and component checks
- Read the complete linked method, mark its edition, and create a measured component list and a labelled sketch before starting. Keep experimental changes separate from the published procedure.
- Prepare the work area and inspect every component. Run the lowest-risk dry or unpowered check before water, heat, moving parts or crop material are introduced.
Procedure
- 1
Sketch the lid using the actual fan cutout and outlet diameters. Leave enough material between openings and mark the ice fill limit below all electrical parts.
- 2
Remove the lid and disconnect power before cutting. Deburr openings; mount the fan with guards on both accessible sides and secure the outlets.
- 3
Secure the DC wiring outside the wet compartment with strain relief and a drip loop; follow the component wiring diagram.
- 4
Run a dry check with no ice. Verify airflow direction, guard clearance, stable mounting and an accessible stop switch.
- 5
Add a weighed amount of ice packs and fit the lid. Log both air temperatures and input power at fixed intervals until outlet temperature approaches inlet temperature.
- 6
Switch off, disconnect and drain. Compare trials at the same room conditions and include the energy used to freeze the ice when assessing savings.
Safety and inspection
Use intact enclosed low-voltage equipment; keep mains adapters away from condensation. Stop for leaks, wet wiring, blocked airflow or abnormal heat. Empty and dry after every trial.
Verify the result
A cooler outlet temperature alone does not give watts of cooling; airflow and humidity are also needed. Do not infer whole-room air-conditioning performance.
Measurement log
- Component model, measured dimensions, supply V/A, ice mass, air/water temperatures, test duration, condensate and all energy inputs.
Maintenance and repeat checks
- Inspect and clean after each trial following the source method. Record wear, contamination, leaks or loose components; do not restart until the cause is corrected.
- Use the source’s service intervals and replacement limits. Recheck the result whenever a component, material, input condition or method changes.
Troubleshooting
- No output, abnormal heat, noise, vibration or leaks
- Stop and isolate first. Check the documented input, load compatibility, alignment and connections; keep guards fitted and refer specialist systems to their installer.