Let’s see how I recycled my old PC computer into a homemade thermoelectric Peltier mini fridge with temperature control!
I had an old cpu that I was not using and wanted to give it a second life by reusing some of its parts. I could not think of a better way than to build a Peltier cooler out of it. For this DIY project, I used the ATX power supply and heatsinks from the computer as well as a Styrofoam shipping box I had. The fridge uses a thermoelectric Peltier device for cooling. Basically, you apply DC current to this small ceramic square to cool down one side whereas the other gets hot. The heatsinks are used to dissipate heat or cold on either side with the fans. The temperature control switch allows you to set the desired temperature. You can expect a 10-15 Celcius temperature difference between the cooler and ambient temperature. In Fahrenheit, it went from 70 to 50 degrees. This is obviously not as efficient as a classic compressor refrigerator but it’s a cool gadget that is cheap and easy to build! I hope you’ll enjoy!
Check my ATX breakout board video for more information about the lab bench power supply and how to use it:
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Materials required for this DIY project
Homemade Peltier Refrigerator (about 8$):
-Peltier module TEC1 12706
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575231953&toolid=10001&campid=5338032268&customid=&icep_uq=tec+12706&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg (eBay) http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/2BemYj6 (Aliexpress)
-Temperature control switch
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575231953&toolid=10001&campid=5338032280&customid=&icep_uq=W1209&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg (eBay) http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/IYjEmIq (Aliexpress)
-Thermal conductive silicone pad
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575231953&toolid=10001&campid=5338032289&customid=&icep_uq=thermal+conductive+silicone+pad+100mm+0.5mm&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg (eBay) http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/jMbAAYZ (Aliexpress)
-8cm Computer fan
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575231953&toolid=10001&campid=5338032296&customid=&icep_uq=fan+12v+80x10mm+2+pin&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg (eBay) http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/N7IAUJu (Aliexpress)
-4cm Computer fan 24V
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575231953&toolid=10001&campid=5338032303&customid=&icep_uq=fan+24v+40mm+2+pin&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg (eBay) http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/UJAa6AM (Aliexpress)
-Styrofoam shipping box (or any type of cooler you have on hand)
-Small and large heatsinks from an old PC computer or any heatsinks you may have
-Electrical wires (I’m using AWG14 wires and Dupont cables)
-Hot glue gun
ATX power supply conversion to lab bench (about 8$):
-Breakout Board http://goo.gl/5mnn5o (eBay) http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/YrjUNRr (Aliexpress)
-ATX Power Supply http://goo.gl/x2sFKf (eBay)
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Warning and disclaimer:
ATX PSU can deliver enough current to cause serious injuries or death. I am not responsible for any accidents or damages.
Post time: Feb-14-2017