Simple Refrigeration question

[CreePinG_DeatH]

Ok... is the evaporator inside the refrigerator simply a thin sheet of metal with small tubes built into it for the freon or ammonia? If so I think I just came up with a kick @$$ idea for a waterblock.

But I need confirmation first.

[Diggrr]

The evaporator can be alot of different designs, but it's basically a tube or chamber of larger diameter than the tube supplying the freon. This allows the freon to expand into a gas and get very cold in doing so.

I've heard of someone even using a copper waterblock for one.
There's also this (http://home.talkcity.com/ConnectionPt/ptcg/athlon2-1.htm) one that uses a small custom made evaporator that one of our members here made (very nicely, I might add).

You must use a metal (copper or maybe aluminum) to take temp fluctuations and pressure, and it must seal very solidly as with welding or soldering. Copper seams to be the best choice in my mind.
It might be good to keep it's size down too, you must use a good insulation, yet it still needs to fit the cpu area.

Have fun!

[Christoph]

You could try the US$100 mini-fridge case mod (http://www.pcrivals.com/projects/computerator/index.shtml). Somehow it reminds me of Diggrr. Very DIYish.

[Tiger]

Originally posted by CreePinG_DeatH
Ok... is the evaporator inside the refrigerator simply a thin sheet of metal with small tubes built into it for the freon or ammonia? If so I think I just came up with a kick @$$ idea for a waterblock.

But I need confirmation first.
This is a very technical and complex area of design. There are certain relationships between the power of the compressor, size of the condenser, metering valve, evaporator and the refrigerant used. If just noticed all the variables you will immediately understand why it is so complex.
The base principle is that the gas enters the evaporator as a liquid and will stay a liquid until enough heat is absorbed to convert it to a gas. If the evaporator is too small or there is insufficient heat it will remain a liquid and will enter the compressor as a liquid. Net result compressor failure.

[CreePinG_DeatH]

ok well that compressor failure thing would really suck... Do companies sell just evaporators? Or more likely just the guts of a refrigeration system without the housing? I wasn't looking to build an evaporator, just build a waterblock around one... that should supply enough heat.

[Christoph]

I don't know if they sell them, but I'm pretty sure that you can get them. Try the cheap sub-zero cooling mod (http://www.overclockers.com/tips777/).

[Patchmaster]

You could try the US$100 mini-fridge case mod. Somehow it reminds me of Diggrr. Very DIYish.Those boys are nuts. They're using an open container filled with alcohol with a bilge pump submerged in it? One tiny little spark and that sucker is going to be a ball of flame. I hope no one else is foolish enough to try this.