$15 Air Cooler

[PaulB]

I hate to be the guy that just posts YouTube videos on Mooneyspace but I found another one that might be of interest to the group.  Using a 5 gallon bucket, some styrofoam, and a small fan this videos creates a device that should cool our airplanes in the summer.  They hook it up to a solar panel in the video but I'm sure it wouldn't be hard at all to hook it up to a cigarette lighter.  Should save you $350+ over the commercially available ones. 

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxSLbpAwibg

[PTK]

This is an evaporative cooler. It cools by evaporating water. This process, by definition, adds water vapor into the air. This is good and these are efficient if you're in a hot DRY climate. If you use this in the airplane though you'll be introducing a ton of humidity into the cabin! This promotes corrosion and not a good idea!

The best option is the B-Kool cooler which actually removes humidity from the air.

The B-Kool is an awesome cooler and a great value. The most efficient cooler of its type.

http://www.b-kool.net/product-details.html

See also:

http://mooneyspace.com/topic/11954-b-kool-introduces-new-product-line-portable-cooling-as-low-as-27900/?p=148679

[PaulB]

Correct me if I'm wrong but my understanding is that because the water is frozen and sealed in a 2 gallon milk jug there should be no net addition of water to the air blown through the device.  If it was just a chunk of ice sitting in the bucket with air blown across it there's no question you would be adding humidity.

[M016576]

Correct me if I'm wrong but my understanding is that because the water is frozen and sealed in a 2 gallon milk jug there should be no net addition of water to the air blown through the device. If it was just a chunk of ice sitting in the bucket with air blown across it there's no question you would be adding humidity.

That's correct. To be an evaporative cooler (or swamp cooler, to those of us that have lived in the desert), it needs to be an open water source.

The advantage of that b-cool system is the radiator pump. I don't think it's worth $300 though- but that's a highly subjective opinion based on where I fly and how I deal with heat.

Living in and keeping your mooney in a humid environment will have a far greater effect on corrosion than using a swamp cooler in your plane once in a while. Just sitting in our planes breathing introduces moisture to some extent. The best way to fight corrosion is to spray with acf50 or corrosion x, and to live in a very arid environment. The closer you live to the ocean, the more your toys naturally want to "melt into it."

[PaulB]

That's correct. To be an evaporative cooler (or swamp cooler, to those of us that have lived in the desert), it needs to be an open water source.

The advantage of that b-cool system is the radiator pump. I don't think it's worth $300 though- but that's a highly subjective opinion based on where I fly and how I deal with heat.

Living in and keeping your mooney in a humid environment will have a far greater effect on corrosion than using a swamp cooler in your plane once in a while. Just sitting in our planes breathing introduces moisture to some extent. The best way to fight corrosion is to spray with acf50 or corrosion x, and to live in a very arid environment. The closer you live to the ocean, the more your toys naturally want to "melt into it."

 

I guess the advantage for this gadget it not having to drain the water.  Just remove the jug and refreeze.  Guess you could do the same with the B-cool system if a jug fits in there (or use ice packs).  Not sure I see the advantage to the radiator pump though.  

[Piloto]

How about a cooling collar like these ones:

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=Cooling+collar&rlz=1C2SKPL_enUS434US479&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=yU5kU6nbCoqf8QHqwoDoCA&ved=0CEIQsAQ&biw=840&bih=464

 

Very portable. Has anyone tried this?

 

José

[N201MKTurbo]

I just climb and maintain 70 degrees...

[fantom]

How about a cooling collar like these ones:

Very portable. Has anyone tried this?

José

Yes, and they work for a while. Will get you to cruise altitude without a problem.

That 5 gallon bucket could be very handy in an emergency, after which it's referred to as a 'honey bucket'.

[PaulB]

Yes, and they work for a while. Will get you to cruise altitude without a problem.

That 5 gallon bucket could be very handy in an emergency, after which it's referred to as a 'honey bucket'.

 

If you did that then it would definitely be an evaporative cooler.    Speaking of urinating in flight, can't remember if it was on here or another forum where there was a thread about rigging a hose out the pilot side window for micturition.  Seems like a great idea... for making a mess.