Perhaps you have seen this before. This article shows you how to keep cool for under $15. It really works. Even though it is rudimentary, it operates on the same basic principle as your air conditioner at home. Who knew that all of the science and technology of that beast in your walls could be boiled down to a simple five gallon bucket and an electric fan? Well, we’re going to break it down for you so you can tackle this project yourself.
Air conditioners operate on a very simple scientific principle… heat exchange. In fact, air conditioning systems exploit this principle and as such, are one of the most efficient methods of cooling your home. Perhaps you’ve wondered how your system works. Well today is your day, my friend. Allow us to shed a little bit of light on the issue.
The best way to think of your air conditioner is that it is one large dehumidifier. Cold air cannot carry as much moisture as warm air. Therefore, if we can pull the moisture out of the air we will remove some of the heat, and thereby keep cool in the process. This occurs when a liquid moves from it’s liquid state to a gaseous state. This is the main idea behind your air conditioning system.
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Your AC uses a refrigerant that can move from a liquid to a gas at a very low temperature. It operates in a closed system and involves two sets of coils. The condenser coils house
Your AC uses a refrigerant that can move from a liquid to a gas at a very low temperature. It operates in a closed system and involves two sets of coils. The condenser coils house the refrigerated liquid, which is very cold. Your air conditioner pulls air from your home through an intake vent and blows it over these cold coils known as evaporator coils. It travels through the ductwork and into your home, keeping you cool. Meanwhile, the liquid refrigerant is heated during this process and begins to move from a liquid to a gas. At this point, it travels from your inside coils, to a set of coils outside where the heat is exhausted. These are known as your condenser coils because it is at this point that the refrigerant begins to move from a gas, back to a liquid… it condenses. Then, the process starts all over again. Since there’s no loss of refrigerant, there is no need for replenishment. This makes your air conditioning system quite efficient.
Also, the process of blowing air over the cold coils releases some of the heat in the form of condensation. This is why you have that handy dandy drip pan placed underneath to catch water. The unbelievable thing to think about is that this water was actually in your home the entire time. It was present in the air and is removed through the exchange process that happens at your condenser. No wonder those hot days feel so sticky, right?
What About the Bucket System?
The makeshift air conditioner works on the same principle. A fan forces air over the frozen gallon of water (make shift condenser coils) and out through the three PVC pipes (ductwork), into the room. Warm air is pulled in through the top of the bucket via a fan, and the cycle repeats. The only thing you might be wondering is where is the condensation pan? Well, let’s just say this guy probably has to empty his bucket every so often. There is also no thermostat involved so it needs to be cut off from time to time to keep the power bill at bay, unless you hook it up to a solar panel like he did. Then you have a low cost way of heating one room. Yet, even though it is not the most efficient means of keeping cool, it is amazing to see the principles at work behind your massive air conditioning system played out with a 5 gallon bucket, a frozen jug of water, and a household fan. Science is pretty awesome at times.
