Computer Case Fan Inquiry / Specs & Usage Q?s

[working on it]

Since it's been too hot to finish painting the exterior of the TTT (in direct sunlight, 100-108 degrees) for weeks now, and the build stops there until that's done...I've spent some idle time reconsidering my planned usage of ac wired interior fan(s) and dc powered automotive radiator fan(s). I had been pre-disposed to using one or the other, since when I raced at the dragstrip, I always used 120vac powered fans in the pits (w/inverter or generator furnishing the ac), or using small diameter electric radiator fans (12vdc) directly off the battery (in my racecar), to keep cool. I naturally assumed I could modify or control the fans to minimize the electrical draw, minimize the noise, and maximize the cfm output all at the same time. But, ac fans require either a shore power connection, an inverter drawing down a 12v battery (with only 75% efficiency or so), or a noisy generator to be running all the time. And the radiator fan concept will require about 4-5 amps per hour for a very small (7"-10") diameter fan running at about 1750 rpm, making plenty of airflow and noise as well, unless I used a rheostat to slow it down (with resultant loss of efficiency). I'm not abandoning their use entirely, but for all but extreme heat (requiring extreme cooling) situations, I'm researching computer case fans/wall vents as a quieter-more efficient standard. Many of you have recommended their usage in teardrops, but no one has named any specifications or brand names of fans that they have used. I have measured the interior (sleeping area) of my as yet empty TTT, and came up with 87.295 cubic feet as the maximum area. Of course, interior furnishings and such will lessen that number, so I've researched many case fans that can meet or exceed that cfm requirement in a minute or two. And amperage draw at .5 per hour (12 vdc) is MUCH better than anything I had previously planned on. And the decibel ratings of from <18db to < 26db are soothing sounds compared to a radiator fans drone. So, can anyone point out what they are using, where they have mounted it, and what if any mods they did to make it suit their usage?

[working on it]

Excuse my double/triple ? post- "Internal Server Error" twice in a row while posting. Can an Administrator remove one of them? Fixed! Thanks!

[starleen2]

Excuse my double/triple ? post- "Internal Server Error" twice in a row while posting. Can an Administrator remove one of them? Fixed! Thanks!

got it fixed

[mfkaplan]

I have little computer fans mounted on the rear sides of my teardrop. They don't use a lot of battery power but do move air. Toggle switches at the front control them. Dryer vents cover them on the outside.

[mfkaplan]

Addendum to my message: The fans were just cheap generic ones I ordered from some internet site, I call them muffin fans but that might not be the correct name. I just wired them as if the were lights, no rheostat. They've been working since 2006.

[shootr]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103098

This is the one I'll be using, two actually, one on each side up high towards the front. The reviews crack me up, a white noise generator is louder than these...

I'm thinking of using plastic hood scoops to cover them, pointing down, for a little different look.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hood-Scoop-Air-Racing-Acura-TL-RL-CL-97-98-99-00-01-02-03-Black-/230828655964?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D1080455486496409145%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D2%26#ht_3461wt_1021

[Shadow Catcher]

I used two Antec three speed case fans, no need for speed regulation as the low is very low and the high quite high but not too noisy the specification is 100CFM each on high, which I doubt http://www.amazon.com/Antec-TriCool-120 ... B00066ISES

These work very well and draw a lot less current. I used a small three way DPDT switch and wired it for both or only one fan on.

[working on it]

Thanks for your replies. Shootr- your fan choice is already on my candidate list; I had already considered using an Edelbrock Pro-Flo aircleaner http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-1002/Application/?query=Air+Cleaner+Fitment%7cSingle+4-barrel%2c+5+1%2f8+in.+diameter(in line with my automotive fetish) screwed to the interior wall(s) over the case fans, but using insect screening instead of the foam element, and using trailer vents on the exterior wall to seal the hole from the weather. The next question is how to open and close that hole in the wall for a/c and heating use? Shadowcatcher- I like the switchable 3-speed fans, mounted on your roof vent. How would a roof vent(s), mounted vertically on the trailer sidewalls stand up to wind and rain at highway speeds (closed of course!)? If feasible,that would solve the exterior sealing problem ok.

[GuitarPhotog]

I used two Antec three speed case fans, no need for speed regulation as the low is very low and the high quite high but not too noisy the specification is 100CFM each on high, which I doubt http://www.amazon.com/Antec-TriCool-120 ... B00066ISES

These work very well and draw a lot less current. I used a small three way DPDT switch and wired it for both or only one fan on.

I use one of those Antec fans also. Mine is mounted behind the factory-built louvers on one side of the trailer. On low it provides enough circulation to prevent condensation and on high provides enough air to keep the interior of the trailer fresh.

<Chas>

[shootr]

Thanks for your replies. Shootr- your fan choice is already on my candidate list; I had already considered using an Edelbrock Pro-Flo aircleaner http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-1002/Application/?query=Air+Cleaner+Fitment%7cSingle+4-barrel%2c+5+1%2f8+in.+diameter(in line with my automotive fetish) screwed to the interior wall(s) over the case fans, but using insect screening instead of the foam element, and using trailer vents on the exterior wall to seal the hole from the weather. The next question is how to open and close that hole in the wall for a/c and heating use? Shadowcatcher- I like the switchable 3-speed fans, mounted on your roof vent. How would a roof vent(s), mounted vertically on the trailer sidewalls stand up to wind and rain at highway speeds (closed of course!)? If feasible,that would solve the exterior sealing problem ok.

As far as opening/closing the hole, this is the first thing that comes to mind:

But I don't know how you would actuate it with a cover over it inside and out.

LOVE the Pro-Flo, may ask to borrow that idea when my time comes...

I'm not doing a/c or heat, so I'm just using insect screen behind the fan (mounted to the exterior wall) and foam plugs when I don't need the ventilation and for storage to keep bugs out.

[Lgboro]

I used 6 computer fans built into a non-powered RV vent. The 2 middle fans blow in for when I want that option and the other 4 blow out to expel hot air. I toggled them in pairs so I can run 2 - 4- or 6 fans depending on need or on the need to conserve battery. I have the on a single pulse modulated dimmer to further allow adjustment of air flow. Works really well to date.

ps....also built in two 20 count 10mm led lights in the space left in the RV vent.

[working on it]

After a little more research, influenced not a little by you-tube videos and comparisons, I bought these today at Fry' s Electronics in Arlington http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181027 (I got the same price as newegg, but got immediate gratification-immediate possession!). Rated at 35 dba (at speed), I was concerned at first, but remembered that I'm used to gunfire, dragracing, rock-and-roll, and a half-dozen barking dogs. And I've learned to selectively tune-out irritations like wives and foremen. i foresee no noise problem with 35 dba! I got the 120 mm size to match up to the 5 1/8" base of 4-bbl carbureted air cleaners, to go with the Pro-Flo concept, and 5-6" round ducting is readily available. I'm starting to lean toward dryer vent covers (with dampers), since I can't seem to find an easily sealable outside vent cover. If I could afford it, I'd put old cast aluminum "Birdcatchers" with closable butterflies to seal the vents (you car guys know what I mean). Another thing...I always intended to use a small radiator cooling fan inside, for radical cooling (short-term) needs, but after looking at 200mm case fans (there are 250mm too), I may soon be mistaken for an overclocker!

[48Rob]

You might look into the vents listed here;
http://truck-hardware.orrorr.com/category/fans-vents

The cowl vents and ventilators might be an option.

Rob

[working on it]

48Rob- I saw your posting earlier today. I had visited that site many times before, and though I had earmarked the H-9105 vent for possible use many months ago, I looked at the choices again...at your suggestion. Since I had recently made my choice to use 120mm case fans as primary ventilation, I went in another direction, and was not satisfied with my (outside) vent alternatives, including the dryer vent (non-sealable). But, looking over that website again, I spotted the roof/wall mount H-9139 kit (which, with included butterfly closure,gaskets, and self-draining outside cover) will enable me to seal the wall for a/c use. The only drawback is to scrap my automotive air cleaner/bug screen concept, and mount the case fans on a swing-away mount (piano hinge), with the built-in case fan rubber vibration isolator sealing against the opened butterfly; then, all I have to do to be able to close the butterfly when no flow is needed, is to undo a clasp or wing nut, and swing the fan away from the wall. The addition of an ordinary case fan guard/filter will bug-proof the whole thing. Shootr- the Pro-Flo idea is up for grabs now...in exchange for the butterfly closure idea. The cost factor will be similar, and the use of a "trailer" vent on the outside will be "automotive" enough for me.Pics added (8/12) of swing-away mount Corsair SP Hi-Perf 120mm fans with bug screen & finger guard.

[working on it]

Went ahead and bought and installed the enclosed trailer vents I mentioned , Redline Trailer Products Part number 9139. Came with outside vent body, body to wall gasket, and inside closable butterfly. I bought two from e-trailer.com. The first was perfect, but the second had one of the four threaded inserts the wrong size, so I have to find one #12-24 machine screw to finish the butterfly mount (the other threaded inserts are #10-32).. Having mounted these vents,and after adding a screen under each butterfly, I can take the screens and finger guards off the case fans (to improve airflow). Depending on which main circulating fan I choose, to be mounted as a swing-down from the front sloping wall, I may not need the case fans except for in-storage to keep dustiness, mustiness, and insects out.