DIY Res Chiller for RDWC DIY

[pop22]

This is I project I've wanted to do for a long time. On Sunday, I went to the local auction house. they hold an auction every Sunday. A humidifier was up so I bid and got it for $25. It a 50 pint unit. I was looking for a 20- OR 30 pint unit but, this one is like new and works fine. It will let me expand to a larger RDWC setup in the future. a 50 pint can cool 150-200 gallons with no problem.

I got a thermostat unit to use with it off ebay for around $10 that has a probe I can drop into the control res. Its going to take me a few days to get the rest of what I need for this project. I'll start stripping the dehumidifier today.

 

[pop22]

bump

 

[pop22]

Naked Chiller! Lol! I stripped the dehumidifier today getting it prepped for testing. I'm going to look over the wiring and strip out the sensors and "computer" controls. They will be replaced with a power switch and a thermal overload sensor. I will wire the thermostat I bought into a box along with a power receptacle. When all is working, I'll mod the cover to fit with the modifications.

I got a heavy duty tote to use as a control res. I ordered 1 1/2" Uni-seals for plumbing the reservoirs and control res. Uni-seals are a bit more expensive than grommets, but the seal and stay sealed! Should have all I need in a couple days. I have a spare pump and some Reflextics insulation to use on the control res. Conversion to RDWC in progress!

 

[ljufmennid]

damn it, I got a nice cup of tea out because I thought this was going be a long nice read

should have checked first have many post there actually was

great job by the way, dont mind me being all groggy

 

[justintrudeau]

Sweet! Looks like a kool lil project ya got going on..who knew u were a real life ganja Macgyver! Lol your talents are clearly never ending my friend! Good luck...I know I will be seeing a finished product soon..
Cheers

 

[pop22]

I got the idea from a Hygrohybrid video/ I don't have $400 for a chiller and I'm sick if messing with ice bottles. I can chill 200 gallons of water if needed, with this badboy once its setup! and I figure about 20 cents a day to run it. I'll track that when its up and running.

 

[justintrudeau]

That using ur knocker bro! I'm always up for saving $!lol

 

[JAYAR]

So how exactly will the humidifier chill the res pop?

 

[TxOld Dude]

Nice one Pop! I didn't corrupt ya, now did I? LOL! Put the "res cooler" burr in yer saddle?
:tiphat:

That's gonna be a good one! Wish I could find one m'self...

 

[pop22]

Nice one Pop! I didn't corrupt ya, now did I? LOL! Put the "res cooler" burr in yer saddle?
:tiphat:

That's gonna be a good one! Wish I could find one m'self...

Yes sir, you did get me motivated! And finding a $169.00 Dehumidifier for that price made it irresistible! I checked to product tab and this one was made in June of 2014! Any 30 pint or larger unit will work. these newer ones are a little trickier because of the control unit, but I can cut that right out of the circuit if need be. In fact, I may to simplify the build as I"ll have my own safety measures in place anyway. Final design isn't set yet. I'll test it first. I may build all the parts into a metal housing from an airconditioner. I really like yours much better, but I don't see it as cost effective for my needs. I'll be expanding my RDWC system after I redo my growroom. hoping to get a coulpe of tents, a 4x4x6'6" and a 2x4x6'6 so i can run photos and autos. I'm also re-thinking the whole system. I may get rid of the tote type resivoirs and go with buckets, easier to deal with individual plants. But thats another story and project.....,LOL!