Help with Prototype: Find Cooling Fans for Solar-Powered Box

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable cooling fans for a solar-powered cooling box prototype. Participants explore options for low-power fans that can be used in conjunction with a battery backup system, while also considering the constraints of limited surface area for solar panels.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • dkMountainGoat seeks cooling fans similar to those used in 12V coolers for cars and RVs, emphasizing the need for small size and low power consumption.
  • Some participants suggest conducting a Google Images search for 12V fans to find suitable options.
  • dkMountainGoat clarifies the need for a fan with a "cooling aggregate," later specifying that they mean a heat sink.
  • There is a discussion about using peltier thermoelectric coolers with a heatsink and fan, with dkMountainGoat expressing difficulty in locating these components without purchasing a complete cooler.
  • One participant mentions that heat sinks and peltier devices can be found on Amazon or at computer stores.
  • Another participant proposes the idea of using a computer or laptop heat sink and fan combo, noting their small size but expressing uncertainty due to the lack of provided dimensions.
  • It is noted that computer heat sinks can vary significantly in size and capability, with some supporting peltier devices up to 150W.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best approach to finding cooling solutions, with some suggesting specific products and others discussing design considerations. No consensus is reached on a single solution or method.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific components and their availability, but there are unresolved questions regarding the exact specifications needed for the cooling system and the dimensions of potential solutions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in solar-powered cooling systems, prototype development, or thermoelectric cooling solutions may find this discussion relevant.

dkMountainGoat
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I am currently working on a prototype for a new product.

Whithout exposing the product to much it is simply put a cooling box run by solar panels with a battery backup.

Due to the fact that the surface area available for solar panels is limited the cooling module needs to be quite small and not comsume to much power.

Does anyone know where I would be able to find cooling fans like the kind used in 12V coolers for cars and RV's? 24V would also work.

Any help is received with much appreciation!

Regards,

dkMountainGoat
 
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dkMountainGoat said:
I am currently working on a prototype for a new product.

Whithout exposing the product to much it is simply put a cooling box run by solar panels with a battery backup.

Due to the fact that the surface area available for solar panels is limited the cooling module needs to be quite small and not comsume to much power.

Does anyone know where I would be able to find cooling fans like the kind used in 12V coolers for cars and RV's? 24V would also work.

Any help is received with much appreciation!

Regards,

dkMountainGoat

Welcome to the PF.

I did a Google Images search on 12V Fan, and got lots of good hits. Maybe try that to look for the style of fan you have in mind... :-)
 
I did a Google Images search on 12V Fan, and got lots of good hits. Maybe try that to look for the style of fan you have in mind... :-)

Thanks a bunch, I have tried this approach but seem to just find air flow fans. What I am searching is a fan with a cooling aggregate :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
what is a "cooling aggregate"? Do you mean a heat sink?
 
russ_watters said:
what is a "cooling aggregate"? Do you mean a heat sink?

Yes I mean a heat sink. Sorry for the bad translation ;). I have been looking into peltier thermo electric coolers with a heatsink and a fan on each side. I then came to think of the small 12V coolers for cars and these use the same. I am just having a hard time locating these without having to buy a cooler and destroy just to get the cooling module.

I hope this clarifies what I am searching.

Regards.
 
You can buy both heat sinks and peltier devices on amazon or at pretty much any computer store.

Incidentally, I actually have a 12V peltier car/camp cooler disassembled on my kitchen table right now.
 
Would a computer/laptop heat sink and fan combo work? they can be pretty small...not sure since you do not wish to provide dimensions for obvious reasons.
 
Yes, they can be pretty small or they can be up to 120x120mm, and support a peltier up to 150W or so.
 

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