Insulating a computer... Your thoughts?

[Szech]

I'm planning the case for my top-secret project (pics to be posted on completion), and I'm trying to figure out ways to keep the computer as cool as possible. It will be in direct sunlight, so I figure that if I line the case with pipe insulation (the stuff that looks like metallic bubble wrap), it would help keep it cool in the high So-Cali temps. I realize that this would also effectively keep in the heat when temps drop (it happens sometimes), but I will put in good air cooling, so hopefully, when the computer is on, the hot air will evacuate quickly.

What do you think about this? Would some foam-like material work better? No material at all?

[Nighthawk]

One idea, if it's going to be in sunlight, is to put some solar panels on it, over whatever insulation you use. They could help power it or blow some extra fans. If it's sunny enough, you might be able to power the entire thing through solar panels, since you can get ones to charge a laptop. Just watch out for clouds!

--start edit--

Hopefully that's not your secret =)

I think that the thin space blankets (look like mylar) are supposed to be able to keep you warm alone, so if you got a few of those you'd be quite set. You should get REALLY good cooling, though, because whatever heat that isn't immediately dissappated out through the fans will stick around and keep things warm. I think usually the case (especially Lian-Li aluminum cases) helps get rid of heat so be careful.

[This message has been edited by Nighthawk (edited 01-31-2001).]

[Biff]

Hi

How bout something like aluminum foil, to reflect the sunligh off the case. I would also think that the tiles off the space shuttle would be ideal!

[Rat]

I'd consider building a double-wall case and put insulation between the walls.

Rat...

[NDC]

Hmmmmm. I have a feeling that having the box outside will be a very risky thing to do...

First of all, the moisture is going to kill all the circuits, especially when winter mornings come in Southern California. Second, you won't want to have the case completley sealed off since it's going to need cool air to enter the case.

[Szech]

Thanks for the input http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif.

I think solar panels would cost a bit too much Nighthawk. But you bring up an interesting point...

Do aluminum cases really cool the system that well? In addition to good air flow, of course. Because I haven't purchased the materials for the case yet, and I don't mind putting up a bit more for aluminum sheets. If those cool well enough, I might just say screw the insulation.

BTW NDC, it won't be outside, but it will be exposed to high temps.

[randy48]

Szech, if you are building the case yourself, think about a beer keg! Mine is nearly finished and I'll guarantee aluminum helps keep it cool! I'm using a 1/4 keg (8 gallon), it's really to small, but a half keg would be perfect! They're made out of 1/8 inch thick aluminum http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif One gigantic heatsink http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif You can usually get one from a junk yard, I gave $10 for mine with a 12 volt car fan (for cooling), they'll usually sell them by weight. Or you might just happen to come across one sitting in an alley behind a bar? If you're interested, e-mail me and I'll tell ya what I did/am doing. Will probably post some pics here this weekend http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Nighthawk]

The one place I've seen that sells them is

http://www.tweakbox.com/Tweakbox.htm

The Lian-Lis are expensive, but supposedly are much lighter and help dissapate heat (makes sense since most heatsinks are made of one form of aluminum or another).

Fixed link. No need to add UBB tags, it's automatic. :-) -Socalgal

[This message has been edited by socalgal (edited 01-31-2001).]

[thekingofpain]

If ya got the sun shining on your components the #1 thing you could do is shade it...

[Beerman]

You Californians have peculiar ideas about insulation. :-) The concept of insulation is to inhibit heat transfer, one way or the other. The physics of Aluminum make it great as a dissipator of heat because it sheads heat nearly as quickly as it gains heat (one of the reasons that it was used early in cooking pans). But since it does transfer heat quickly, when put in the sun, it would also transfer heat quickly into the case.

Although I would not discourage the use of aluminum, I would also invesigate ways to reflect the heat away from the case in the way that the bright side of a space blanket reflects the heat back (in theory..but they're not much help in a Minnesota fall, winter or spring) Perhaps bright aluminum?

Also I would suggest shaping the case to expose the smallest ammount of surface area to the sunlight.

Finally I may investigate somehow being able to take advantage of the temperature differential between one side of the case and the other. Perhaps this could be used to help produce a wind tunnel through the case? Maybe not. Does anyone here have a degree in thermodynamics?

Good Luck.

[Szech]

Hmmm... How does this sound? All aluminum case, in the shade? I'll polish the aluminum up real purty, so it'll (hopefully) be reflective.

Randy48, I saw those pics you posted before. Very nice http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif... Unfortunately, even a tiny keg won't fit where I'm jamming this sucker, so my only real option is to build it.

[kljucd1]

Hi,
Try painting the top of the box (preferably gloss) white, as white reflects most of the sunlight, this will also be inexpensive.
Daniel...