Updating Chiller Design

I've been working in 3D Studio Max for a little bit updating the design for my chiller. I'm redesigning, creating a blue print, if you will.

Havent designed the refrigeration loop yet. This is essentially the basic layout. Cleaned up, and condensed a bit vertically I think.

AWESOME the project is back

I'm going to assume you have checked out xtreme systems forum

I'm a member there, but havent posted in a while. Right now I'm finishing my desk, and concentrating on school. It'll be a pretty drawn out process cause Im so busy, but I should be able to update the design at least weekly for now.

I really want to get the design down before building it. That way I can avoid excess waste.

Here is the next update. I've added the discharge line, the liquid line with the filter drier and TXV, that is, and all I got left is the suction tube. Not going to worry about showing the fine details like the balancing port.

After this Im gonna work on the water loop design.

I know, you're probably getting bored of just design updates. But I have to do it, otherwise I wont know what the heck I'm doing hehehe.

This is just a simple render of the condenser water loop. Well, the cooling loop. You can see the "Bulge" on the drawing. That is a tube, in tube heat exchanger where the water coming out of the computer will help cool the condenser water. Before that a radiator will cool it. Although Ill probably switch that order. The radiator will have a duct connected to it, and a radiator on the chilled loop, used for auxilliary cooling or heating of the room, depending on which fan is on, and how strong a breeze. It'll come in handy for compartments in my desk, but mostly for the enclosed chest my chiller will be inside.

I am highly interested in this kind of thing keep us posted plz. I am only 18, and live at home and at the moment, this is a big no no. when i leave one day though this is something i have gota do. So us the professional way ramsesIII!

- Paul

These images are the full loop. That, in a basic sense is what its going to look like. I'm not expending alot of effort to make textures, its really color coded to show the high & low pressure sides of the chiller, and the hot and cold liquid loops. That piping as it stands, right now is gonna run under my bed. However, that part of the design will use some flare fittings and it will be modular.

what kind of temps are you expecting? have you made one of these before? this is a phase change unit right? would be awesome to have heaps of photo's & notes during construction, would be a nice guide!

I've never actually built a refrigeration machine, but I work in the industry, and have some good knowledge. I built it already, but decided to rebuild it because I don't quite like how it came out.

I'm going for an operating Evap. pressure of 10PSIG, which should equate to near -32F. That will likely result in a chilled solution temperature of near -25F, although I wont know that for sure before testing. I only know what the evap temp I am shooting for is. I will run between 10 & 15 PSI for good capacity. I want to maximize the efficiency of my chiller, and 0PSI operating suction pressure won't enable me to do that.

Im sure going to take pictures and explain the process as I go along. For the chiller, as well as the sound insulated (air conditioned) chest that it will sit inside. I'll make some videos of things like brazing, etc so you can see how its done. I just wish I could use the brazing equipment at work hehehe.

Oh, and the good news is, I'm gettin close to starting this project. Its still a good while off, cause I only get to work on my desk on the weekends, but still.

I've got the basic hutch parts built. Still obviously got alot to do, (i.e. it wont just sit on the desk like that hehe.)



Its gonna sit bout 2 feet off the desk, maybe lower if that comes out too high. Anyways, you can see it lacks any decoration. That center piece I call my "Superman Piece" cause its shaped like the emblem LOL, but you cant see it, I'll take a picture some other time. Just going to add a few details to that piece, because its going to house a TV LOL. Going to buy a 26" HDTV and put it up there hehe. It'll complement the 2 19" LCDs that Im gonna have on the desk LOL. So I can surf, play a game (like homeworld hehe), and watch TV without having to turn around... thats so annoying.

I cant wait till this sucker's done. Still gotta finish the center piece, detail the hutch, figure out which way I want to "elevate it," make drawer fronts, integrate electrical controls for desk, computer, and chiller, wiring for lights, wiring for everything, accessories (Im goin to town here), final detailing, final sanding, staining..... Then finally I Can rebuild my chiller for some real testing. At which point my savings account will be quite healty enough for a computer, my redesigned chiller, TV, and then whatever else I wanna blow it on right?

Oh, and don't worry, that savings account money comes after bills, and money I spend on my girlfriend. So she's definately not left out.