stirling engine aquarium chiller.

[JC_Biggs]

soooo i just "happen" to have a stirling engine laying around. we made it in school (M.E. program) you know if you run it back wards it acts like a fridge? any one ever tried this before? be easy to run with a 25watt solar panel, and dc motor. would work during the hottest part of the day the best. only trick i think is what plastic to plumb the water. what conducts heat the best?

 

[JC_Biggs]

works just like this thing

Amazon.com: Coleman Stirling Power Cooler with Free A/C Adaptor Included: Sports & Outdoors

not sure how well it would work though.

 

[kjbuente]

While I have no advice for what you can use. I wanted to post to follow this thread because I have a peltier controlled by a PIC chip that I want to use to keep my temperature stable. But using something with the best thermal conductivity into the aquarium with a material that is safe for fish and inverts has me stumped.

So personally I hope you figure it out. That and I think your idea is much more energy efficient.

 

[jsoong]

Although there are thermally conductive plastics, I don't think it would be commonly available at your HW stores.

High quality stainless steel might be an option, but you prob have to paid $$ for someone to fabricate a heat exchanger for you.