DIY Chiller Using Peltier Element

[skyjuice123]

Just to share this DIY chiller project that uses electronic chip called Peltier. Peltier chillers has fewer components and they are cheap to construct. All components are available from ebay. dun think the project cost would be more than S$120/= if one were to use other form of heat sink than the one shown that cost US$60/=. Good for those who are DIY enthusiatic and not willing to buy costly chiller for their reef project. One snag though is that Peltier chillers is not as energy efficient as Freon chillers.

http://www.shine7.com/aquarium/chiller.htm

[skyjuice123]

Peltier element can freeze water droplet into ice in about 30 seconds and can even go below -40C. Therefore, Pletier Chillers must work with proper temperature controller.

[RockyBoy]

I've done this many years back on my small tank, and yes. not efficient. Also not easy to find the TEC locally though.

[skyjuice123]

There is one kit from Hong Kong selling through ebay, all for the price of S$41/= including shipping. The kit consists of power supply, 2 pieces of peltier element etc only for refrigeration. For chiller unit, one would need to buy a cooling block and a temperature controller which cost another S$40/-. Cooling is only about 120 watts; may be only good for emergency use. One can use multiply unit of these connect them in parallel to give the required power. Not for usual run as it is not energy efficient. It is powered by 12 volt supply; may be the daring ones can extend the cooling heat sink and dip it directly into the water. This is actually how Ice Probe chiller works.

http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/12V-6A-refrigeration-system-Cooling-system-DIY-kit-set-Peltier-cooler-TEC1-12706-/180959391026?pt=Home_Automation_Modules&hash=item2a22052d32

[Nic1988]

Lol alternatives, but in terms of convenience best stick to a ready made one, cheapest should go for around 200 plus brand new, if second hand can be even cheaper!