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Any refrigeration guys here? Need help with details of a design
Posted on 3/6/17 at 1:05 pm
Posted on 3/6/17 at 1:05 pm
I want to build a custom refrigerator to fit in a very specific space. I know it's not all that complicated to put together the components, but I want to make sure I am sizing them correctly and accounting for things like defrosting, coolant flow paths, etc. I could also use some help sourcing specific components like a glass door, wall materials, etc. I'm an ME who did reasonably well in thermo classes a long time ago, but that's pretty much the extent of my direct experience.
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Posted on 3/6/17 at 2:00 pm to Ag Zwin
I am not going to help much, but what is the application and size
Posted on 3/6/17 at 2:53 pm to NYCAuburn
I am redoing my basement, and have one wall that is exposed brick. It has a door-sized alcove in the middle, about 5 inches deep. I want to build a refrigerator that is one bottle/can deep and has a glass front and back so that the brick behind it is visible.
I would locate the "guts" (compressor, coils, etc.) on the other side of the wall, which is a hallway that is rarely used. From the front, all you would see is the frame, glass door, shelves, and beer.
As an added bonus, I would like to look at having a slot for a 5 gallon keg on the other side of the wall. I thought I might get away with not refrigerating the keg, but running lines though or along the evaporator coils to cool it as needed, but am dubious about the heat removal capacity of this approach.
What I need to know:
- Ideas for arranging the evaporator coils (top, sides, etc.).
- Designing the frame. My thought is to make the walls out of some sort of foamboard pressed between layers of sheet metal. These would then be attached to a glass back (double pane, inert gas) to provide rigidity. I would add a frame mold to the front so I could hang a glass door with appropriate trimmings (gasket, magnet, etc.)
- Would gutting a used refrigerator for the compressor, and possibly condenser coils, be enough, or should I look at an AC unit.
- Will I need a fan to blow over the evaporator coils?
Getting custom glass panes is relatively easy, but I am wondering how much difference there is between normal window panes and refrigerator-specific panes. Here in northern MN, the windows are pretty robust, but...
Other thoughts or things I am forgetting?
I would locate the "guts" (compressor, coils, etc.) on the other side of the wall, which is a hallway that is rarely used. From the front, all you would see is the frame, glass door, shelves, and beer.
As an added bonus, I would like to look at having a slot for a 5 gallon keg on the other side of the wall. I thought I might get away with not refrigerating the keg, but running lines though or along the evaporator coils to cool it as needed, but am dubious about the heat removal capacity of this approach.
What I need to know:
- Ideas for arranging the evaporator coils (top, sides, etc.).
- Designing the frame. My thought is to make the walls out of some sort of foamboard pressed between layers of sheet metal. These would then be attached to a glass back (double pane, inert gas) to provide rigidity. I would add a frame mold to the front so I could hang a glass door with appropriate trimmings (gasket, magnet, etc.)
- Would gutting a used refrigerator for the compressor, and possibly condenser coils, be enough, or should I look at an AC unit.
- Will I need a fan to blow over the evaporator coils?
Getting custom glass panes is relatively easy, but I am wondering how much difference there is between normal window panes and refrigerator-specific panes. Here in northern MN, the windows are pretty robust, but...
Other thoughts or things I am forgetting?
Posted on 3/6/17 at 3:08 pm to Ag Zwin
quote:
- Would gutting a used refrigerator for the compressor, and possibly condenser coils, be enough, or should I look at an AC unit.
I would look at gutting parts from a commercial unit. Meant to operate under less than ideal conditions, rated for more hours and usually easier to get repair parts.
quote:
- Designing the frame. My thought is to make the walls out of some sort of foamboard pressed between layers of sheet metal.
Custom walk ins are essentially this. Pressed foam with usually a sheet of aluminum on either side, with a blower on the inside. Just make sure its sealed and insulated well
quote:
- Will I need a fan to blow over the evaporator coils?
I'd say if you salvage from a comm unit, you will have everything you need, but you will need some sort of air flow on the compressor/coil side of the wall
quote:
Getting custom glass panes is relatively easy, but I am wondering how much difference there is between normal window panes and refrigerator-specific panes. Here in northern MN, the windows are pretty robust, but...
The frame and sealing might be the hard part/cost. maybe a pre-built door and frame the fridge/wall to fit door.
Posted on 3/6/17 at 3:56 pm to NYCAuburn
Seems like a cut down comm unit would work. Cut the front off and adapt that to the depth of the opening then mount in place. If you are only looking at 5" depth then you would likely have to duct the fan into the space to circulate.
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