ColdCase - Blog #1 - Introduction

This is the first blog for this challenge

The goal is to recycle an old PC and make a mini-fridge. In the scrap yard of out IT department, I found a broken HP ProLiant MicroServer. The IT guys kindly agreed to take it, so here we are.

Other posts in this serie

• ColdCase - Blog# 1 - Introduction
• ColdCase - Blog #2 - The refrigerated cell
• ColdCase - Blog #3 - Preparing the environment
• ColdCase - Blog #4 - The software
• ColdCase - Blog #5 - Final assembly
• ColdCase - Blog #6 - The Android app
• ColdCase - Blog #7 - Final assembly

1. Disassembling the server

The first step is to remove all the parts, check what we can reuse and plan the placement of the new components. Here are some photos of the disassembly process

2. Planning

With the empty case in front of me, I can start to plan how to place the new components. After evaluating different possible layouts, I think the best option is the place components as shown in picture below

What I will do is

1. Create the refrigerated area on the right. I will remove the bottom of the storage devices area to extend the refrigerated section down to the case floor, in order to have more spaces for cans and bottles. The existing metallic parts will be the heatsink of the Peltier cells. This hopefully will provided a better heat dissipation when compared to a single heatsink
2. I will install the Peltier cell and an additional heatsink (recycled from the motherboard) on the left of the frame. This position will leverage the airflow generated by the fan installed in the back of the case to further remove heat generated by the Peltier cell
3. All the electronics components will be installed in the area initially designed to host a CD Rom unit. There is plenty of room there to accommodate The Curiosity Nano boards and all the expansion boards

Additionally, I will recycle the RGB led mounted in the front panel to provide visual feedback to the user

I will also reuse the power button and LED indicators. USB connectors will be connected to 5V, so that you can recharge your devices

That's all for the moment. I am still waiting for the challengers' kit, but in the meantime I will build the refrigerated bay and install the Peltier cell