thinking about using AC condenser from car for radiator in liquid cooled system

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puckooon3

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Nov 15, 2013
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recently while trying to repair my car i bent the a fitting on the AC condenser(
AC system's radiator) , there by causing it to become useless for its intended purpose. upon examining the component i saw that it could be used for a water system with minimal modifications.

I'm thinking of using this part as the radiator for a water cooled system. maybe even sticking it outside via the window by my desk. has anyone tried something like this?

can I run something closer to automotive anti-freeze in the PC cooling system to remove the chance of freezing the coolant?

what kind of heat rejections have people found with there liquid cooled system?

does anyone have any ideas how clean i have to get the condenser? can i just run a filter after it to collect any particals
 
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C12Friedman

C12Friedman

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Jan 25, 2012
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Although heater cores are more commonly used, any heat exchanger can be modified to work for a PC (skill level dependent). I've personally considered the use of a radiator outside in the winter but there is the issue of condensation and insulating the tubing to prevent possible damage to the PC. Traditionally, AC condensers are aluminum so using anti-freeze should help to prevent corrosion (although water is better at heat exchanging).
I would not rely on a filter but would vigorously clean (rinse) the condenser until it comes clean (I personally wouldn't expect too much particulate matter in the condenser but then I've never cleaned one either)
One thing that I would be (a little) concerned about is the fin density on the condenser - the fins are usually a bit denser than you find in water cooling radiators - a fan with high static pressure should be used

That's about all the input I can think of, hopefully it's somewhat helpful
 
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puckooon3

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Nov 15, 2013
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my dream was that the passive cooling (fan-less with just natural conduction) capacity of the condenser would be way more then my system would ever output. it sounds like my idea will either end up being really risky or really compicated
 
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