Hydro Innovations' Freezer Reversed Engineered?

[fireburner23]

While I can always appreciate great ideas and some decent innovations, but I cannot appreciate a $5000 dollar price tag on something that I could probably do myself.

So I ask the question. Has anybody have an idea how to build a Hydro Innovation Freezer DIY style or is this question something I shouldn't be asking (frowned upon)?

(Source: http://watercooledgardens.com/blog/?m=200908)

The first thing, where did they get the freezer? Is it custom made?

 

[FreezerBoy]

You want to talk to festivus, inventor of the Refriginator. Looks like a standard upright freezer to me.

 

[fireburner23]

Fundamentally it does look like a upright freezer, but I am wondering what is under the freezer and how they have it setup.

It is very appealing to have a sealed grow box with water cooling.

 

[One Love 731]

Does the air going across the bulb then through the heat exchanger reduce humidity? Is there a carbon filter or possibly an external ozone generator. Humidity and odor would be my biggest concern with this system. Guess Ill go do some reading. Peace, pot and karma. One Love

 

[microbox]

I maybe wrong but that doesnt look watercooled. looks like a aircooled hood that isnt exhausting outside the box

 

[RedRain]

wow!! its a freezer!!!

it has an AC system built into it. what does a freezer do? it gets cold?? how does it do that?

it uses a different type of refrigerant, it has all the same components as an ac system (compressor, evap and condenser coil). The refrigerant it uses allows much lower temperatures.

Chill King makes the freezer for them.

Since you obviously cant figure it out, you dont have the knowledge, tools to do this yourself.

They arent doing anything special. You control how cold your freezer gets, and they do the same as well.

Instead of a dial with numbers, they have a thermostat. They have the bulb in a cool tube and air is sucked across the bulb and blown towards the top of the freezer.

Last time I checked a fridge/ freezer is a sealed unit. Thats why you can suffocate if you hide in one. I dont see why you need a scrubber when you have a sealed room?

 

[fireburner23]

Does the air going across the bulb then through the heat exchanger reduce humidity? Is there a carbon filter or possibly an external ozone generator. Humidity and odor would be my biggest concern with this system. Guess Ill go do some reading. Peace, pot and karma. One Love

I am not sure. I emailed Hydro Innovations about your question and they weren't sure either. My assumption is the heat exchanger probably condensates moisture, but how much and at which %, not really sure.

EDITED
I figured out what the dew point is for condensation.

At 72 degrees F and at 50% Relative Humidity, the Dew Point is 48.69 degrees F, which means that the IceBox will have to be at around 48.69 Degrees F to condensate the moisture (Source: http://www.decatur.de/javascript/dew/index.html). So...the question is....what temperature is the IceBox Heat Exchanger at?

 

[fireburner23]

wow!! its a freezer!!!

it has an AC system built into it. what does a freezer do? it gets cold?? how does it do that?

Magnets...how do they fucking work?

Last time I checked a fridge/ freezer is a sealed unit. Thats why you can suffocate if you hide in one. I dont see why you need a scrubber when you have a sealed room?

I didn't see a scrubber in that box, but your right, why would you need one?

 

[spurr]

@ OP:

I just bought a 1 hp EcoPlus chiller (commercial, white model) for just over $1k, along with IceBox 8", IceBox thermostat controller (using it to cool my room as well as HID heat, so no need for A/C), HydroInnovation reflector blanket, etc. Maybe I can help with some info and pics once I get my shipment. I spent some time talking with the folks at HydroInnvoations, I was going to get a 1/2 hp chiller for a 1,000w, but they explained why I should use a 1 hp for a 1,000w if I also want to use it to cool the room.

OP: why did you write "freezer"? Do you not mean "chiller"?

One thing I learned is that the appropriate sized water pump needs to be used for the chiller, well, the lower end chillers that is. Supposedly, the ChillKing chillers can handle high gph water pumps, but the ChillKing chillers are very expensive. I am setting up my Icebox to run on one pump, and the chiller to run on a different (smaller) pump, both pumps will be in the 50 gallon rez.


FWIW,

I just spent ~$5,500 on a new grow setup for a 1,000w grow. I plan to make a journal thread about my setup, it's got all the bells and whistles, very high tech, such as Chhc-4, mercy-vapor UV-b (testing irradiance with Uv-b meter to provide ideal proven UV-b for greatly increased THC, flavonoids and maybe terpenoids), Co2 and VPD control, "Plant Warrior" containers (I have not seen anyone test those yet, they should help with reducing PWT, air-pruning tap root and secondary roots, etc.), Select-a-watt Galaxy ballast, Digilux HPS and MH 1,000w lamps (so I can test them with my quantum sensor for ideal irradiance for cananbis), blockbuster reflector 8" (for square footprint and to test with my quantum sensor for homogeneity of footprint), Equalizer hot-spot diffuser (to test with my quantum sensor), 95% reflective aluminum diffuse sheets (from SunLight supply, the same material in reflectors, so I can test making slotted vents in the hood for higher radiance), and of course IceBox and big ass water chiller, etc. Happy Time!

 

[spurr]

@ OP:

Now I understand why you wrote "freezer", I just looked at the pic on the blog. I thought this thread was about using the Icebox and chiller, my bad.

 

[fireburner23]

@ OP:

OP: why did you write "freezer"? Do not you mean "chiller"?

I was referring to the Hydro Innovations' Grow Freezer (google it or look at the picture from my first post to see what I am talking about) that they came up with.

The Hydro Innovations Grow Freezer isn't very popular due to the high price tag, but the Hydro Innovations guys said there was alot of custom work put into the grow freezer.

The thing they couldn't answer for sure was the humidity problem. I suppose if you got the coolant for the heat exchanger cool enough that you could condensate some of the humidity in the air. Otherwise, they said you would have to cut a hole and vent the grow freezer, which in my opinion defeats the purpose.

@ OP:
FWIW,

I just spent ~$5,500 on a new grow setup for a 1,000w grow. I plan to make a journal thread about my setup, it's got all the bells and whistles, very high tech, such as Chhc-4, mercy-vapor UV-b (testing irradiance with Uv-b meter to provide ideal proven UV-b for greatly increased THC, flavonoids and maybe terpenoids), Co2 and VPD control, "Plant Warrior" containers (I have not seen anyone test those yet, they should help with reducing PWT, air-pruning tap root and secondary roots, etc.), Select-a-watt Galaxy ballast, Digilux HPS and MH 1,000w lamps (so I can test them with my quantum sensor for ideal irradiance for cananbis), blockbuster reflector 8" (for square footprint and to test with my quantum sensor for homogeneity of footprint), Equalizer hot-spot diffuser (to test with my quantum sensor), 95% reflective aluminum diffuse sheets (from SunLight supply, the same material in reflectors, so I can test making slotted vents in the hood for higher radiance), and of course IceBox and big ass water chiller, etc. Happy Time!

Damn spurr, you sure know how to do it right. I will be sure to keep an eye on you. The way you describe your setup, it sounds amazing!

 

[Rocky Mtn Squid]

@ OP:

I just bought a 1 hp EcoPlus chiller (commercial, white model) for just over $1k, along with IceBox 8", IceBox thermostat controller (using it to cool my room as well as HID heat, so no need for A/C), HydroInnovation reflector blanket, etc. Maybe I can help with some info and pics once I get my shipment. I spent some time talking with the folks at HydroInnvoations, I was going to get a 1/2 hp chiller for a 1,000w, but they explained why I should use a 1 hp for a 1,000w if I also want to use it to cool the room.

OP: why did you write "freezer"? Do you not mean "chiller"?

One thing I learned is that the appropriate sized water pump needs to be used for the chiller, well, the lower end chillers that is. Supposedly, the ChillKing chillers can handle high gph water pumps, but the ChillKing chillers are very expensive. I am setting up my Icebox to run on one pump, and the chiller to run on a different (smaller) pump, both pumps will be in the 50 gallon rez.


FWIW,

I just spent ~$5,500 on a new grow setup for a 1,000w grow. I plan to make a journal thread about my setup, it's got all the bells and whistles, very high tech, such as Chhc-4, mercy-vapor UV-b (testing irradiance with Uv-b meter to provide ideal proven UV-b for greatly increased THC, flavonoids and maybe terpenoids), Co2 and VPD control, "Plant Warrior" containers (I have not seen anyone test those yet, they should help with reducing PWT, air-pruning tap root and secondary roots, etc.), Select-a-watt Galaxy ballast, Digilux HPS and MH 1,000w lamps (so I can test them with my quantum sensor for ideal irradiance for cananbis), blockbuster reflector 8" (for square footprint and to test with my quantum sensor for homogeneity of footprint), Equalizer hot-spot diffuser (to test with my quantum sensor), 95% reflective aluminum diffuse sheets (from SunLight supply, the same material in reflectors, so I can test making slotted vents in the hood for higher radiance), and of course IceBox and big ass water chiller, etc. Happy Time!

Wow...Dude, you sure blew a wad on that. Shit, for that kind of money you could have custom built an entire room with multiple light's.

I'm not trying to be an know-it-all jerk, but I can speak from personal experience with those asshole's from Hydro Innovations. Caveat Emptor whenever dealing with those liar's. I bought one of their piece of shit overpriced chillers last year. What a mistake that was. Poor quality in both manufacture and parts, numerous mechanical break down's, and the chump's only give you a 3 month warranty. Good luck on getting any customer service after they have your $$$$.

As for the fridge/freezer, I use to grow in a home made fridge set-up. I stuffed a 1000 K HPS into it. It was air-cooled, used a home made carbon filter for odor control, and utilized a aero/dwc hydro system to grow.

I don't use it anymore, and now sits idle in a back room deep in my dungeon.
I think it cost me about $1200.00 to put together back in '03.

RMS

 

[spurr]

Wow...Dude, you sure blew a wad on that. Shit, for that kind of money you could have custom built an entire room with multiple light's.

What I bought does work for an entire room, the only thing that was pricey (over a grand) was the chiller. I have setup many rooms, with multi-600w and multi-1000w lamps; I know what I am doing, been growing indoor for nearly 15 years. Everything I bought is top of the line and a few aspects are more advanced than anyone else I have ever seen or heard about, re mercy vapor UV-b and quantum sensors (I've been using mercury vapor UV-b lamps for a couple of years).

Granted, I wanted to get a better controller than the Chhc-4, but the one I want is ~$2,500 and I didn't want to spend that much for this grow. I plan to get the better controller (that can also do DUMP-DIF, etc.) in a couple of months. I also got many other items I didn't list with that ~$5,500, like high power/capacity humidifier (~$250) to automate control of VPD, etc.

I'm not trying to be an know-it-all jerk, but I can speak from personal experience with those asshole's from Hydro Innovations. Caveat Emptor whenever dealing with those liar's. I bought one of their piece of shit overpriced chillers last year. What a mistake that was. Poor quality in both manufacture and parts, numerous mechanical break down's, and the chump's only give you a 3 month warranty. Good luck on getting any customer service after they have your $$$$.

You're not being a jerk, but the thumbs down was a bit over-the-top, no? So your whole issue is that I bought an IceBox, and that you really dislike HydroInnovations, that's cool, it's your opinion, doesn't bother me one bit. However, I did not buy a chiller from them, I bought the new model EcoPlus 1 hp chiller; I have no worries it will not be sufficient. I spent about $250 for Hydroinnvoations equipment, that is paltry, so if they don't work no big deal.

As for the fridge/freezer, I use to grow in a home made fridge set-up. I stuffed a 1000 K HPS into it. It was air-cooled, used a home made carbon filter for odor control, and utilized a aero/dwc hydro system to grow.

I am not sure why people want to grow in a freezer, especially with a high wattage HID; it's inefficient to grow in such a small space with higher wattage HID lamps. I didn't realize this thread is about a freezer, I thought it was about a chiller and the word "freezer" was misused, but the OP correct me about the thread. If had known I was mistaken I would not have posted here in the first place...

 

[RedRain]

Magnets...how do they fucking work?

you're kidding right?

an AC system uses a compressor to pull refrigerant through an evaporator and condenser coil where the refrigerant will go from liquid to a gas state and back. A freezer/ fridge is an ac system as well and same concept.

oh and heres your answer about magnets...the answer!

sometimes you just have to learn a little yourself and not look for others to just tell you things. HI didn't go and re-invent the wheel here.

 

[B. Friendly]

I got a 6'' radiator flang with a bath room fan behind it 90cfm. running drain to waste, if I had a 400cfm fan it would work perfect on temp stat... mine just hangs in my room, not even pointed at my lights, just hanging high up in the room, and cool temps drop down...
Got 2-400watt bulbs

it took my temps down from 85-90 to 68-76, and it just hangs in my room, check it out https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=195062&page=2 post 30

here's another easy way to use these. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmHp2ydAv1s&feature=related

you do not need an A/C unit, complete waste, just get a water chiller, they are cheap on ebay, I bought one used for $80.

 

[RedRain]

B. Friendly - how much power does your chiller draw? whats the HP? how big is your res?

 

[fireburner23]

you're kidding right?

an AC system uses a compressor to pull refrigerant through an evaporator and condenser coil where the refrigerant will go from liquid to a gas state and back. A freezer/ fridge is an ac system as well and same concept.

oh and heres your answer about magnets...the answer!

sometimes you just have to learn a little yourself and not look for others to just tell you things. HI didn't go and re-invent the wheel here.

LOL! I forget sometimes that not everyone hears the memes that go around the internet. I was making a reference to the "Magnets!? How do they fucking work?" from ICP's song Miracles. http://knowyourmeme.com/blog/memes-in-2010-effing-magnets

Redrain, I appreciate you writing in and offering your two cents. With that being said, I also personally don't need your condescending comments, it doesn't really add anything to topic and just creates a bad environment for everyone.

Personally, I don't think you understand how this product works. You said "wow!! its a freezer!!! it has an AC system built into it. what does a freezer do? it gets cold?? how does it do that?", that comment was a great addition to the subject, but it proves that you are just a troll. Hydro Innovations' Grow Freezer looks like a freezer, but fundamentally the Hydro Innovations Grow Freezer is similar in concept to a regular freezer, but it isn't because they removed the original components of the freezer and put in their own components to create water-cooled system, which is similar to a regular freezer.

The point of my post was to try to figure out what they did. My fundamental questions were:

1. what refrigerator/freezer did they use? I found out that they did a lot of custom work to get the product they showed at the expo;
2. how is the water-cooling system setup? I don't have a Hydro Innovations' Grow Freezer to reverse engineer, so therefore I can't go under the freezer and find out what they did differently from a regular freezer. I do understand that they ripped out all the old parts and put in a 1/2HP chiller, beyond that, I am not sure what they did.
3. during the discussions of this product, One Love 731 pointed out that there may be a problem with humidity since it is a sealed unit, a very good question (read below, there may be a solution).

Humidity problem: I have been thinking about the humidity problem for several days now. Far as I can tell, Chillers chill the incoming water then pumps it to the heat exchanger then drains out to a drain, but what if you were to get a reservoir specifically designed for the water cooling system (maybe people do that already), I think you could sufficiently get the temperature low enough to hopefully reach the dew point for condensation in the sealed container that it would help with the humidity problem.

 

[festivus]

I've converted a couple of fridges into sealed grow cells. While it sounds like a great idea, it's a shitload of work, and in the end wasn't worth it. Yes, it is sealed, so no smell or light leaks, but the actual growing area is less than 4 square feet. Yield was never more than a few oz's.

The last grow in my unit, I was running the lights 24 hours on. Since I had gutted the mulon heater and defrost timer, the unit had no way to defrost. It ended up short circuiting, rupturing a refrigerant line. I redesigned it to use as a nursery for my clones and seedlings, venting to the outside with a 6" axial fan on a speed controllermounted in the freezer compartment and passive air intake at the bottom of the door. 2- 125 watt cfl's in a 6" cooltube. I vent the tube with 2 axial computer fans.

This type of setup should be used only if there aren't any other options, imho.

Thanks FB for the mention!

 

[spurr]

Humidity problem: I have been thinking about the humidity problem for several days now. Far as I can tell, Chillers chill the incoming water then pumps it to the heat exchanger then drains out to a drain, but what if you were to get a reservoir specifically designed for the water cooling system (maybe people do that already), I think you could sufficiently get the temperature low enough to hopefully reach the dew point for condensation in the sealed container that it would help with the humidity problem.

FWIW, when I was speaking to the HI people, they suggested I use www.dpcalc.org calculator to figure out the due point so I can prevent condensation from building up on the heat exchanger (IceBox).

 

[B. Friendly]

B. Friendly - how much power does your chiller draw? whats the HP? how big is your res?

I am running drain to waste, which is free cuz no metering here

but all I have hooked to my unit is a 90cfm bathroom fan and that's doing the job.

but system would run very cheaply with a "water chiller, 400cfm fan and your Radiator/flang." probally less than 5 amps there. your cost would come from the submersible pump which is still pretty cheap if compared to an A/C unit.

put it this way it cost less than a 1000watt bulb/ballast to run