Thaka.AiReviewed 16 October 2026 · schematic not to scale
Explore heat exchange using a purchased low-voltage pump and fan with a separate ice-water reservoir. This is a stored-cold experiment, not refrigeration without energy input.
- 1Insulated reservoir / ice; stored cold
- 2Coil or air path and guarded fan
- 3Separate dry DC supply and switches
- 4Outlet air, condensate tray and temperature checks
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
Record air and water temperatures, flow, ice consumption and fan + pump watts. No validated coil length or cooling rating comes from the screenshot.
Select tube diameter, bend radius, pump head and compatible fittings from actual datasheets. The diagram is conceptual and not pressure-rated plumbing design.Parts, quantities and dimensions
| Part | Quantity | Specification / dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Tubing coil and guarded DC fan | 1 each | Measure coil outside diameter; use a proper tube bender and manufacturer minimum bend radius. Coil never touches blades. |
| Reservoir, matched DC pump and hoses | 1 set | Open unpressurised reservoir, rated pump, hose barbs and clamps; check head/flow curve and dry-run restrictions. |
| Drip tray, sensors and power supply | 1 set | Separate wet and dry areas; use compatible protected DC supplies and independent switches. |
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
Measure the fan guard, mounting points, tubing and reservoir height. Draw supply and return routes and place the pump according to its manual.
- 2
Bend the tube without kinks and attach the coil to a separate stand ahead of the fan guard. Route condensate into a tray.
- 3
Fit and clamp hoses. With the fan and all power disconnected, fill with room-temperature water and inspect joints for static leaks.
- 4
Run the pump alone at its rated voltage, confirm a continuous return stream and check for leaks, air locks and low water.
- 5
Run the guarded fan; add a measured ice mass. Record inlet/outlet air and water temperatures, flow and total DC power.
- 6
Stop both devices, disconnect, drain and dry. Clean the reservoir and compare trials using the same airflow and ambient conditions.
Safety and inspection
No mains wiring on a wet frame. Do not attach unverified coils to moving fan guards or create a sealed pressurised loop. Keep water above the pump minimum and below electrical parts.
Verify the result
Water-side thermal transfer can be estimated from measured mass flow × heat capacity × temperature rise. Include pump/fan power and upstream ice production; do not equate this with net energy generation.
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.