Can makeshift air conditioning really work?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around a humorous photo captioned "Makeshift air conditioning," which highlights a misunderstanding of thermodynamics in air conditioning systems. An HVAC engineer points out the common mistake of using portable spot coolers to supplement inadequate air conditioning by venting heat into the ceiling plenum, ultimately leading to equipment failure. The engineer shares a personal experience of repurposing a refrigerator for a PC water cooling system, noting that it only functioned for about a week before breaking down. This emphasizes the importance of proper thermal management in cooling systems.
gregarob
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The caption of this photo was, "Makeshift air conditioning." I couldn't stop laughing. Someone needs to take a class in thermodynamics.
 

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That's a common mistake, unfortunately. I'm an HVAC engineer and I've seen portable spot coolers used to augment insufficient air conditioning...with the spot cooler rejecting its heat into the ceiling plenum, where the air is picked-up by the room's built-in air conditioning. Oops.
 
Well, that motor won't last long. I had a large refrigerator that I broke down for use with a PC water cooling system and it only lasted about a week cycling it intermittently.
 

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