EcoRenovator - View Single Post - Heat Pumps, Appropriate Technology, Refrigerators

marx290 · 03-10-13, 06:14 PM

Hi everyone!

I know I've stumbled across this forum a couple of times, but for some reason I never looked around. I have to say, there are a lot of interesting projects going on here with the rich conversation to go with it. I've been pretty disappointed with the lack of real, hands on DIY HVAC projects on the internet. I was starting to think their wasn't anyone out there passionate about fiddling with and improving vapor compression systems.

I've done some work with some small, rebuilt dehumidifiers in my garage using BBQ grade propane as a refrigerant. I had a hell of time finding much useful information about the stuff until now. It seemed like most forums are dominated by either HVAC techs who only want to work on the industry stuff or the engineers that often design unrepairable junk. I'm looking for people who aren't afraid to cut, braze and charge. There are a ton of interesting threads on here and I've just begun to scratch the surface.

I won't drone on much more here because few people are going to want to read this drivel.

My primary project now relates to building a better refrigerator including designs including modified cabinets, doors, insulation materials, phase change materials, hydrocarbon refrigerants, low temperature brines, domestic water heating, passive cooling with outdoor heat pipes, multiple compressor drives by using an open drive compressor and possibly a pedal powered refrigerator.

I keep a blog, but I hope to have some good conversations here! Apparently I can't post any pictures or links yet. In good time!

03-10-13, 06:14 PM	#1
marx290 Vapor Compression Goon Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 63 Thanks: 11 Thanked 22 Times in 11 Posts	Heat Pumps, Appropriate Technology, Refrigerators Hi everyone! I know I've stumbled across this forum a couple of times, but for some reason I never looked around. I have to say, there are a lot of interesting projects going on here with the rich conversation to go with it. I've been pretty disappointed with the lack of real, hands on DIY HVAC projects on the internet. I was starting to think their wasn't anyone out there passionate about fiddling with and improving vapor compression systems. I've done some work with some small, rebuilt dehumidifiers in my garage using BBQ grade propane as a refrigerant. I had a hell of time finding much useful information about the stuff until now. It seemed like most forums are dominated by either HVAC techs who only want to work on the industry stuff or the engineers that often design unrepairable junk. I'm looking for people who aren't afraid to cut, braze and charge. There are a ton of interesting threads on here and I've just begun to scratch the surface. I won't drone on much more here because few people are going to want to read this drivel. My primary project now relates to building a better refrigerator including designs including modified cabinets, doors, insulation materials, phase change materials, hydrocarbon refrigerants, low temperature brines, domestic water heating, passive cooling with outdoor heat pipes, multiple compressor drives by using an open drive compressor and possibly a pedal powered refrigerator. I keep a blog, but I hope to have some good conversations here! Apparently I can't post any pictures or links yet. In good time!