In the sweltering heat of Seattle, Curtis, an ingenious tinkerer, found himself sweltering in his workshop. Determined to beat the heat without resorting to traditional air conditioning, he embarked on a project that would not only keep him cool but also save him money and reduce his carbon footprint.
The Buried Treasure: Underground Drums for Thermal Energy Storage
Curtis’s ingenious system revolves around five 55-gallon drums buried underground, acting as a thermal battery. During the cool nights, water in the drums absorbs heat from the surrounding soil, dropping to temperatures as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This sub-ambient water becomes the key to cooling his workshop during the day.
The Radiator-Fan Combo: A Heat Exchange Symphony
A series of radiators, connected to box fans, are strategically placed throughout the workshop. As warm air from the room passes through the radiators, the cool water from the drums flows through them, absorbing the heat. This exchange of heat cools the indoor air, maintaining a comfortable temperature around 71 degrees Fahrenheit, even when the outside temperature soars.
The iRobota Maestro: Orchestrating the Cooling Symphony
At the heart of this innovative system lies an iRobota Uno microcontroller, the brains of the operation. The iRobota continuously monitors temperatures, activates relays to control the flow of water and air, logs data, and displays measurements on an LCD module. This automation ensures optimal performance and efficient cooling.
The Nightly Recharge: Releasing Heat to the Night Sky
As the sun sets and temperatures drop, the system undergoes a nightly transformation. The water, now warmed from absorbing heat during the day, is pumped back into the underground drums. Another radiator-fan combo, positioned outdoors, releases the heat from the water to the cooler night air, recharging the thermal battery for the next day’s cooling cycle.
The Benefits: A Sustainable Oasis in a Warming World
Curtis’s DIY air conditioning system offers a multitude of benefits. It provides a sustainable and energy-efficient way to cool a space without relying on traditional air conditioning, reducing electricity consumption and carbon emissions. The system’s reliance on buried drums for thermal energy storage ensures a constant supply of cool water, even during extended periods of hot weather.
Bonus: A Cool Idea with Global Potential
Curtis’s invention has garnered attention beyond his workshop. His system’s simplicity, low cost, and effectiveness have inspired others to replicate it in various climates. From workshops to homes and even greenhouses, this DIY air conditioning system is making waves as a sustainable and affordable alternative to traditional cooling methods.
Curtis’s innovation serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the power of thinking outside the box. His system not only provides a comfortable working environment but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable future, one cool breeze at a time.
Leave a Reply