DIY 12-Volt Swamp Cooler

A swamp cooler, also known as an evaporative cooler, cools air by blowing it over water-saturated pads, which causes the water to evaporate. The cooler air is blown into the space you want to chill and pushes warmer air out through windows that are kept slightly open. Unlike air conditioning systems, an evaporative cooler provides a steady stream of fresh air into the space rather than re-circulating the same air and is a much less expensive option. Here is a simple way to make a portable swamp cooler for your car, using the basic principles of evaporative cooling.

12-volt car cooling fan
two-gallon plastic bucket with lid
Marker pen
Plastic cutting knife
Drill
Cord management clips
Screws with securing washers
Three 2-liter plastic bottles
Iced water

Instructions

- 1
  Place the fan head on top of the bucket and mark around its circumference with a marker pen.
- 2
  Make another line about 5mm within the original line marking. This is done to ensure the hole you cut out will enable the fan to sit comfortably on top of the bucket without falling in.
- 3
  Cut along the innermost circle with a suitable plastic cutting knife.
- 4
  Make four evenly-spaced circulation holes, approximatey 1 1/2-inch in diameter, around the remaining edge of the plastic bucket cover with the drill.
- 5
  Bolt the fan onto the hole with cord management clips fastened with appropriately-sized screws. It is important that the fan is secured tightly onto the plastic bucket cover to minimize subsequent movement and noise when the fan is in operation.
- 6
  Place three 2-liter plastic bottles of frozen water into the bucket. Although you can use iced-water to create a similar outcome -- the output of chlled air -- the frozen water will last longer.
- 7
  Place the swamp cooler in your car and attach the fan to the electrical supply with the cigarette lighter adapter.

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