Tell me what you think of this idea.

[Szech]

I was thinking about this the other day. I go out and buy two or three peltiers, and fasten them to a copper container, and fill that container with water. I'll have a power supply that is only used for powering the peltiers and the fans attached to them. Basically, what I want is a small container that can chill my drinks FAST (under a minute fast). Will this work? Is it feasible?

[jman01pa]

Isnt that an expensive refrigerator? Whats a Peltier cost about $50.00. Ice is much cheaper. And you dont have to find a place to plug it in. But a interesting idea anyhow.

J http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[alpha]

Well, you'd need a HUGE heatsink and hell powerful PSU (400watt at least) for the peltiers and it would put them under alot of stress, but the water will probably freeze very quickly.

[Szech]

Hmmmm... how about just one peltier? There's a trinket shop around here that sells cheap peltiers for ~$15 (Pentium II sized), and I have an old power supply just collecting dust. I wouldn't want the cheap peltier to touch my computer, but drinks don't matter. And I don't intend on using it as a refrigerator, just have it on when I want a cold drink, off once my drink is cold. Just an invention to accomodate my impatience http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif.

[bhess]

Go buy some liquid nitrogen. We used to "chill" our sodas for lunch at work with it.
Just drop it in and count to ten. If you lost your count it exploded! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif worked great though.

[jadison]

That;s just plain funny, bhess!
Az far as your idea goes Szech...I wouldn't waist the time or the money, but hey, if u don't have to spend much of either, be my guest, Have fun http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
BTW, this belongs in the Brainstorming Session room!!!

-jd-

[Szech]

Cool, thanks for the input. I calculated the total cost, and it'll be about $20 ($15 for the peltier, $3 for a metal container). I already have the power supply and the heatsink/fan, and I plan on saudering a small wire cage around the heatsink so no one touches it. Anyway, I figure a hotplate costs about that much, and since I never heard of a coldplate, and I imagine it wouldn't chill drinks as fast, I think it's worth it. If I actually go through with it, I'll post some pics http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[shadow]

You can buy those ready made, they're called electric coolers, meant to be plugged into a car's lighter or run off an AC adapter.

I have one in my van for when we camp it serves as our fridge.
PW

[bhess]

Ya gotta do it just to say it's been done. Post pics too!