SeaDog SC
Member
Attached are a few photos of a portable AC system I built for less than $30. Using an old Igloo cooler, old used fan and buying some 3" PVC drain pipe I made this "AC Unit". Repurposing ice bags (water and cotton) kept from Omaha Steak shipments, add those and some loose ice, turn the fan on and instant cool air.
Method: 1) Mark the hole size using the fan as a guide, cut the hole with a jig saw. Secure the an with a couple of angle brackets and seal around the fan with caulk. 2) Using 3 inch PVC, cut two holes with a 3.5 inch hole saw, measure the distance from the bottom of the cooler to the top of the lid. 4) Assemble the PVC to a 90 degree fitting, best if the pipe stays about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from bottom. (Don't seal the PVC to the lid, then you can turn them to have he air flow the direction you want, and also remove them to add ice or clean. Drill 1/2 inch holes near bottom of PVC pipe, (cool air sinks) 6 to 8 of them. Place the two pipes in the holes, add ice, turn on and chill. (Don't expect it to cool you off like your car ac, but some nice cool air blowing on your legs feels great on a hot day.)
Since I already had a 120V ac fan, I use a 12V dc - 120V ac old inverter on the boat to power the fan. I assume you could buy a 12V dc fan to avoid using an inverter, but I am into recycling and repurposing old stuff.
How long does it stay cool? Obviously a lot of variables, ambient temperature, fan speed, type cooler used, how much ice. It's just a fun little project with a nice purpose.
Method: 1) Mark the hole size using the fan as a guide, cut the hole with a jig saw. Secure the an with a couple of angle brackets and seal around the fan with caulk. 2) Using 3 inch PVC, cut two holes with a 3.5 inch hole saw, measure the distance from the bottom of the cooler to the top of the lid. 4) Assemble the PVC to a 90 degree fitting, best if the pipe stays about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from bottom. (Don't seal the PVC to the lid, then you can turn them to have he air flow the direction you want, and also remove them to add ice or clean. Drill 1/2 inch holes near bottom of PVC pipe, (cool air sinks) 6 to 8 of them. Place the two pipes in the holes, add ice, turn on and chill. (Don't expect it to cool you off like your car ac, but some nice cool air blowing on your legs feels great on a hot day.)
Since I already had a 120V ac fan, I use a 12V dc - 120V ac old inverter on the boat to power the fan. I assume you could buy a 12V dc fan to avoid using an inverter, but I am into recycling and repurposing old stuff.
How long does it stay cool? Obviously a lot of variables, ambient temperature, fan speed, type cooler used, how much ice. It's just a fun little project with a nice purpose.
