Custom Reservoirs

Dirk Diggler · 19 Dec 2017 at 22:47

I'm looking to integrate a custom reservoir into my system, and it's got to hold maybe 5 litres of fluid. Have any of you put something like that together previously, or have any suggestions on how to achieve it?

I'm thinking I'll need to keep it part of the closed loop, and it's slightly complicated by the fact I'll need to have a little heater in the water to prevent freezing.

It's all part of this project, and I would welcome any ideas you may have to offer.

https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/project-external-cooling.18799743/

Mick-1965 · 20 Dec 2017 at 08:59

I have had a skim through the other post, probably missed it but why the heater and not just use antifreeze. 75% water 25% antifreeze will protect you down to -12 C

Dirk Diggler · 20 Dec 2017 at 09:25

Mick-1965 said:
I have had a skim through the other post, probably missed it but why the heater and not just use antifreeze. 75% water 25% antifreeze will protect you down to -12 C

Condensation. If the water was to go anywhere near sub zero then anti-freeze would prevent icing but I would end up with condensation on the components inside the warm PC. My target fluid temperature is actually way above freezing point; 10C minimum but 20C under normal conditions (idle).

Dirk Diggler · 20 Dec 2017 at 09:33

I'm actually thinking of doing something with one of these:

https://www.toolstation.com/shop/He...ks+&+Vessels/sd3234/Water+Storage+Tank/p38349

Just need to work out how to make an inlet/outlet for G1/4 connections.

pastymuncher · 20 Dec 2017 at 09:37

My water temp was down to 4.5 degrees C last week due to the below zero air from outside going through them and I still didn't have any condensation at all. Just remember that some coolants are not compatible with certain plastics. The last thing you want is to have a build up of gunk due to leaching.

Dirk Diggler · 20 Dec 2017 at 10:20

pastymuncher said:
My water temp was down to 4.5 degrees C last week due to the below zero air from outside going through them and I still didn't have any condensation at all. Just remember that some coolants are not compatible with certain plastics. The last thing you want is to have a build up of gunk due to leaching.

You think maybe I'm trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist? What's the lowest you've seen your fluid go?

orbitalwalsh · 20 Dec 2017 at 10:29

alphacool eizzeit - prob past that point now but enter the value of what temp you want the water to be at - very expensive though

Mick-1965 · 20 Dec 2017 at 10:30

String said:
Condensation. If the water was to go anywhere near sub zero then anti-freeze would prevent icing but I would end up with condensation on the components inside the warm PC. My target fluid temperature is actually way above freezing point; 10C minimum but 20C under normal conditions (idle).

Ahh : had a thought that it maybe something along those lines.
Why not instead of a heated reservoir have a bypass hose between the inlet and outlet of the outside radiator with a valve between the two so you can control the bypass.
This will limit the amount of very cold coolant travelling back into the PC.
In the summer when temps are up you have the valve completely shut and in the winter just open up the valve until you get your required water temp.

Hope that makes sense

Bluntwrapped · 20 Dec 2017 at 12:47

I think it has already been suggested but i’d be tempted to put the whole lot in the garage and run a power switch through the wall. I suppose it would be a shame not to see the thing, but you wouldn’t need to worry about condensation then and your temps would be awesome

pastymuncher · 20 Dec 2017 at 12:52

String said:
You think maybe I'm trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist? What's the lowest you've seen your fluid go?

I have been down to 3.5 degrees C before and had no problems at all. The cpu and gpu were running in single digits even while gaming!!

Dirk Diggler · 20 Dec 2017 at 13:09

I'll do some more fiddling around with what I have set up just now.

@Bluntwrapped I just can't bring myself to put all my hard work into the cold, dark garage.

Dirk Diggler · 20 Dec 2017 at 21:19

I've opened up the external enclosure and set the radiator fans to 0rpm on idle and results are a bit unexpected. I'll update my project log when I've collected a bit of data, but it looks like I'm trying to solve an issue that isn't there right enough!