My Latest Project - Walk-in Cooler - Page 2

**John Beere** · 07-24-2006, 05:28 AM

I ended up getting a good deal on a 10k BTU Frigidaire AC unit today at Lowes... one of the last they had in stock other than some tiny 6K units and some huge 18k units. Just took it apart and began experimentation on "hotwiring" it. This is the one area of the project that has me the most concerned as I have found very little information on how to accomplish it.

The goal is to completely control the unit from my Ranco controller. When it powers up the unit, I want the compressor to kick in and the fan on full blast until it cuts the power.

If anyone has any information on this I would greatly appreciate them sharing it in this thread. Thanks much.

drost · 07-24-2006, 11:19 PM

If anyone has any information on this I would greatly appreciate them sharing it in this thread. Thanks much.[/QUOTE]

Here's some information from an earlier post regarding walk in coolers:

http://franklinbrew.org/members/sj/walkin.html

Here's the entire thread:

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/building-walk-cooler-10413/index2.html

**John Beere** · 07-24-2006, 11:49 PM

Thanks. I found the electronic diagram of my AC unit today and compared it to that same page on FranklinBrew.org... it looks like my conversion will be very similar to that AC. I'm waiting on another Ranco conroller until Friday so I'm going to have to put that part of the project off a few days.

Heading to Lowes now for a 24" door and some R30 insulation...

**olllllo** · 07-25-2006, 12:07 AM

This you ??

http://cgi.ebay.com/John-Beere-John-Deere-Beer-Shirt-Funny-Novelty-MD_W0QQitemZ8436388740QQcmdZViewItem

Brewiz · 07-25-2006, 12:07 AM

Where in So. Ga are you??

**John Beere** · 07-25-2006, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olllllo

This you ??

http://cgi.ebay.com/John-Beere-John-Deere-Beer-Shirt-Funny-Novelty-MD_W0QQitemZ8436388740QQcmdZViewItem

Hey, somebody's ripping me off! heh

**John Beere** · 07-25-2006, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brewiz

Where in So. Ga are you??

Valdosta - we used to take my Parrot to the Avian Vet in Bainbridge... forget her name.

***EDIT*** I mis-read Stockbridge as Bainbridge in your info. Must have had a few... heh

**John Beere** · 07-25-2006, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbreen01

When trying to refridgerate the area (esp against a brick wall) you're bound to have moisture/condensation problems. So I'd use a vapor barrier like Tyvek for sure. Moisture and mold go hand in hand; so be careful.
Plus this will help keep the air layer static.

Keep us posted.

Marc.

OK, so I've got the walls lined with Reflectix and am about to lay the fiberglass insulation but wanted to discuss the use of Tyvek first. Should I still consider using it since the Relectix is supposed to also be a Vapor barrier? If so, what would I do, just cover the entire walls with Tyvek first, then insulate? or insulate the walls, then cover in Tyvek. Remember that once the walls are insulated, I am still using 4" of foam board insulation.

**John Beere** · 07-25-2006, 06:51 PM

Thought I'd follow up with this information from http://www.reflectixinc.com/technology/benefits.asp

Benefits

Reflects 97% of radiant energy
Non-toxic/Non-carcinogenic
Does not require protective clothing or respirators to install
Does not compress, collapse or disintegrate
Class A/Class 1 Fire Rating
Durable and lightweight
Fiber-free
Controls condensation
Environmentally safe
Does not promote nesting of insects or rodents
Lowers heating and cooling costs year-round
Easy to install
Prevents mold and mildew
Vapor and radon retarder
Not affected by moisture or humidity
Permanent and maintenance free
Made in the USA
QS 9000 and ISO 9001 manufacturing location

I'm going to say that I'm OK with just the Reflectix and forget about the Tyvek...

**John Beere** · 07-26-2006, 05:22 AM

I began installing the R30 insulation this evening... that stuff is rediculously thick. Due to the fact the idiots who built my house decided to space the studs at random intervals, I ended up strapping the insulation down with duct tape to better hold it in place until I can put the foam board over it.

I guess I haven't mentioned that the room is roughly 10' tall which makes it look smaller than it is in the photos. I'm only building the cooler 8' tall but am going ahead and insulating up to the top of the joists.

Here is a shot of the wall after plugging all the holes with Great Stuff, Duct Tape, and Reflectix before insulation.

And after insulation. Not that pretty but should be functional (and hidden in the end).

Look how thick this stuff is... nuts.