Douglas.Curtis
Autistic Diplomat in Training
I see water cooling as a direction to go with LEDs. (Edit: At least on a small scale so far) There are a number of advantages I can see right away.
I can also see a number of disadvantages right away.
My first project is to build at least a 100w cabinet with 2 50w, water cooled, LEDs. Eventually I want 2-3 of these cabs running off the same reservoir, pump and radiator.
QUESTION: Any idea if an aluminum cooling block needs to be larger than the chip size? I have an 80mmx40mm LED base and can get an 80mmx41mm water cooled CPU block. Will this be enough for most applications, or will it really depend on the temp of the water being circulated?
Edit: What Useful Things Can Be Done With The Heated Water?
Depending on the temperature, this heated water can be used to heat something else. My first thought was an active heating system for soil pots. I flower at 68F and low humidity, which does not work so well for microbes in soil.
- Removal of light generated heat from the grow space
- Minimal head space requirements
- Central pump instead of multiple fans
- Tiny space required vs. very large heat sinks
- Relatively inexpensive to keep a reservoir below 158F/70C
- Water cooling blocks are less expensive than heat sinks/fans
I can also see a number of disadvantages right away.
- Water + Electricity = Bad! Extra work required to ensure safety
- Leaks
- Pump failure (though the Ming & Ben ships have thermal shutdown circuits, a lot do not)
- Did I mention leaks? lol The pressures won't be massive, but they'll be enough
- Hose added to Cord issue when raising/lowering lights
My first project is to build at least a 100w cabinet with 2 50w, water cooled, LEDs. Eventually I want 2-3 of these cabs running off the same reservoir, pump and radiator.
QUESTION: Any idea if an aluminum cooling block needs to be larger than the chip size? I have an 80mmx40mm LED base and can get an 80mmx41mm water cooled CPU block. Will this be enough for most applications, or will it really depend on the temp of the water being circulated?
Edit: What Useful Things Can Be Done With The Heated Water?
Depending on the temperature, this heated water can be used to heat something else. My first thought was an active heating system for soil pots. I flower at 68F and low humidity, which does not work so well for microbes in soil.