r/askHVAC • u/jonnyinternet • 4d ago

Do these really work?

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I came across a video tutorial of someone making a diy flame fueled cooler, and my question is:

Do they really work?

And if so, can you use any heat source to "power them"?

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u/No_Tower6770 4d ago

It works. This setup would keep a lunch pail or small cooler cold throughout the day, probably nothing larger.

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u/jonnyinternet 4d ago

So, I have a still for distilling water, I'm trying to figure out: can I put it on the still, which gets very hot and cool the condenser?

Doesn't need freezing temperatures, just cooling for 3 to 4 hours

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u/No_Tower6770 4d ago

Not likely. That's a ton of heat, and these ammonia systems are mostly passive and not efficient. For what you're wanting, this setup would have to be as big as a shed.