DIY Glycol chiller, question on heat exhange

[akpingel]

I am making a DIY chiller with a window unit and cooler. I was looking at the AC coil and thinking about the fins. Seems like they may not be necessary due to the heat exchange is occurring in a liquid state (glycol/water mix) and not with air. So the increased surface area that the fins take up would not be necessary and actually constrict the flow of liquid distribution. Any thermo experts out there have an opinion on cutting the fins off to improve heat exchanging? Picture example in a second.
Thanks,
Alex

 

[akpingel]

 

[Duck&BarrelBrewing]

Hey there, I built the exact thing you are talking about not too long ago. I am not sure if it really matters. I would think the more surface area to come in contact with the liquid the better for heat exchange. However, I am not a mechanical engineer so I can't say for sure on that.

However, what I ended up doing was placing an aquarium circulation pump in the well with the glycol so that it would circulate the liquid around and keep the evap from freezing up or getting too cold.

I ran a 40% glycol mix so 2gal glycol and 3gal water, which it really is recommended for 50% but glycol is not cheap lol, and I have had no problems keeping temp. It seems to cool down quickly. I have about the same size A/C unit that you show in your pic.

I would say leave the fins on. You don't want to be cutting them and accidentally nick the pipe and cause the refrigerant to come out.

Just my thought. Good luck. it is a well worth project. I am sooooo happy with mine.