DIY Reverse Heat Pump: Cool a Room with Refrigerant

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of using a heat reservoir and an expansion valve to create a reverse heat pump for cooling a small room. However, it is noted that this method would only transfer heat within the room and ultimately lead to an increase in energy and temperature. It is also suggested that the use of a heat exchanger, specifically an air conditioner, would be a more effective solution for cooling a room.
  • #1
Cloudzero
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I don't know much about the subject, besides some diagrams and youtube vids, so please bear with me. I'm trying to make a reverse heat pump to cool a small room.

If I had a heat reservoir (in a box within the same room) that could increase the temperature/pressure of a refrigerant and then used an expansion valve (restricting the flow of refrigerant) to decrease the pressure of the refrigerant, could I use the heat reservoir to evaporate the refrigerant sending cold air into the room?
 
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  • #2
If I had a heat reservoir (in a box within the same room)...

If everything is in the room then all you can do is move heat around within the room.

Sure you can devise a way to temporarily pump heat into this box BUT the inside of the box will get hotter and hotter making it harder and harder to pump it in there. In addition more and more energy will leak back out through the (insulated) walls of the box back into the room.

Consider this question...

It's a hot day. Will leaving the refridgerator door open cool the room? In the long term the answer is no. It will actually get hotter. The fridge will consume more electricity which represents more energy coming into the room. Opening the fridge door does not provide a new path for energy to leave the room - so there is a net increase in energy coming into the room.

What you need to do is have one heat exchanger in the room and one outside the room.
 
  • #3
or in other words air conditioner. :D
The ones work with the same thing you separate two places and to get the one colder you move the heat to the other , in the AC case the outside environment.
 

FAQ: DIY Reverse Heat Pump: Cool a Room with Refrigerant

1. How does a DIY reverse heat pump work?

A DIY reverse heat pump works by using refrigerant, a substance that can absorb and release heat, to transfer heat from one area to another. The pump consists of an indoor and outdoor unit, a compressor, and a series of coils and valves. The refrigerant is compressed in the outdoor unit, which causes it to become hot and release heat. Then, the refrigerant is sent through the coils in the indoor unit, where it expands and becomes cold, absorbing heat from the room and releasing it outside. This process can be reversed to cool a room in the summer.

2. What materials are needed to build a DIY reverse heat pump?

To build a DIY reverse heat pump, you will need an indoor and outdoor unit, a compressor, refrigerant, copper tubing, a condenser, and various valves and fittings. It is also important to have proper safety equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, when working with refrigerant. Additionally, you may need tools such as a drill, pipe cutters, and a vacuum pump to properly install and maintain the heat pump.

3. Is building a DIY reverse heat pump safe?

Building a DIY reverse heat pump can be safe as long as proper precautions are taken. It is important to use safety equipment when working with refrigerant, as it can be harmful if inhaled or comes into contact with skin. Additionally, it is important to follow all instructions carefully and have a basic understanding of electrical and plumbing work. If you are unsure about any step of the process, it is best to consult a professional.

4. What are the benefits of using a DIY reverse heat pump?

Using a DIY reverse heat pump can have several benefits. It can help save energy and reduce utility bills by using the heat exchange process to cool a room instead of using traditional air conditioning. It is also a more environmentally friendly option, as it does not use harmful chemicals like CFCs. Additionally, building a DIY heat pump can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a pre-made one, as long as it is done safely and correctly.

5. Can a DIY reverse heat pump be used in any climate?

While a DIY reverse heat pump can be used in most climates, it may not be as effective in extremely cold or hot climates. In very cold climates, the heat pump may struggle to extract enough heat from the outside air to warm a room. In very hot climates, the heat pump may struggle to release enough heat outside to cool a room. However, with proper insulation and sizing, a DIY reverse heat pump can still be a viable option in most climates.

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