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Floral Cooler Project

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by Natureman, Sep 7, 2015.

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  1. Sep 7, 2015 #1
    Natureman

    Natureman Active Member

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    ImageUploadedByOrchidsForum.com1441635982.597879.jpg ImageUploadedByOrchidsForum.com1441636007.814201.jpg
    I have a floral cooler, now, but I had to cut it out of the system it was attached. (Grocery stores have 'main' compressors and lines are run in series to all the coolers). I think I need a compressor and a condenser... Any thoughts on getting this ready for next summer?
     
  2. Sep 7, 2015 #2
    LibbyHillBrewer

    LibbyHillBrewer New Member

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    Your best bet will be to call a refrigeration guy and have someone who works on these come over and check it out for you. A lot of the components that contact refrigerant require a license to purchase so you might need to know someone in that business anyhow.

    Good find BTW. I'm really looking forward to seeing this thing up and running.
     
  3. Sep 15, 2015 #3
    Natureman

    Natureman Active Member

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    I have a condensing unit on its way for this cooler; this is going to happen... So excited!
     
  4. Sep 16, 2015 #4
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Can't wait to see it in action. Please keep us updated.
     
  5. Sep 16, 2015 #5
    naoki

    naoki Well-Known Member

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    Wow, that is huge. How heavy is it? And I'm also looking forward to seeing how it goes.
     
  6. Sep 17, 2015 #6
    Natureman

    Natureman Active Member

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    Naoki, it's three to five times heavier than a residential refrigerator; each of the doors is about the limit of what I can lift... Very heavy.
    I have a condensation unit coming it should be cooling soon!
     
  7. Sep 21, 2015 #7
    Natureman

    Natureman Active Member

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    ImageUploadedByOrchidsForum.com1442841984.015580.jpg
    Condensing unit is here!
     
  8. Sep 21, 2015 #8
    DPfarr

    DPfarr Well-Known Member

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    Nice! I hope you get to grow whatever you want in there.
     
  9. Sep 24, 2015 #9
    Natureman

    Natureman Active Member

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    This cooler is 25 years old and was using R22 refrigerant which is bad. I'll have to change out the expansion valve to get it to work with the new condensation unit. If anybody does this again.
     
  10. Sep 24, 2015 #10
    naoki

    naoki Well-Known Member

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    Looks like you are making a progress! Does it run with 120V? While I was looking for some info, I came across this DIY controller which might be interesting to you:
    http://www.raspiviv.com
     
  11. Sep 24, 2015 #11
    xmpraedicta

    xmpraedicta Prairie angraecoid nut Supporting Member

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    That is one of the coolest projects ever! I am going to learn how to make one over the upcoming long cold winter.
     
  12. Sep 26, 2015 #12
    Natureman

    Natureman Active Member

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    Naoki, I've seen this but completely forgot about it... Very cool. I'll have to try it. Thanks for putting it up!
     
  13. Oct 8, 2015 #13
    Natureman

    Natureman Active Member

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    ImageUploadedByOrchidsForum.com1444307831.951904.jpg doors on and compressor is hooked up and charged. Control is a programmable house thermostat!
     
    LibbyHillBrewer likes this.
  14. Oct 10, 2015 #14
    Natureman

    Natureman Active Member

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    Getting closer... Mirrors in. Need to run some power to interior for grow lights, fans, and humidity. ImageUploadedByOrchidsForum.com1444492741.439182.jpg
     
  15. Oct 27, 2015 #15
    Natureman

    Natureman Active Member

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    ImageUploadedByOrchidsForum.com1445963688.837839.jpg
    Finally got some plants in my floral cooler... Very excited!
     
  16. Oct 27, 2015 #16
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Most excellent! Are you able to maintain the tempertures you wanted?
     
  17. Oct 27, 2015 #17
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Great job. Please keep the updates coming.
     
  18. Oct 27, 2015 #18
    naoki

    naoki Well-Known Member

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    Excellent! How is the waste water dealt? Is the bottom water tight?
     
  19. Oct 27, 2015 #19
    Natureman

    Natureman Active Member

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    Marni, temps are holding perfect!
    55night, 65dawn/dusk, and 70day.
    (I think I'll drop it to 52night once I get a Masdevallia veitchiana to add to the cooler)
    To catch waste water, I have a flood tray in the bottom of the cooler, but the cooler is sealed anyway.
     
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  20. Oct 27, 2015 #20
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Very good!
     
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