Computer coolers: starting from scratch. The purpose of water coolers: a practical device for home and office Theoretical foundations of cooling

Water coolers are devices that make it easier to get drinking water. Human health depends on the quality of the liquid consumed, and thanks to the cooler, you will have clean drinking water in hot or chilled form at any time.

Coolers for drinking water are divided into bottled and dispensers (purifier for running water). Standard bottles are produced with a volume of 19 and 22 liters, and with an adapter - 5 liters.

They are sold in supermarkets, specialized outlets, online stores, on the official websites of manufacturers and suppliers.

Devices of the same structural device differ in parameters:

• method of placement in the room - desktop, floor;
• design, color;
• type of control - mechanical, electronic;
• functionality;
• additional options;
• pouring method - from below, from above, flowing.

The cooler is a plastic container with two taps, equipped with a funnel for mounting the bottle, switches and heating/cooling indicators.

The bottled version is made in a floor or desktop version. They have similar specifications.

Water cooler device

The principle of operation is based on the fact that a metered amount of water from a flask enters the storage tank, where it is heated or cooled.

The cooler works from an electric network (220 volts). The device is equipped with heating and cooling sensors that stop the operation when the set water temperature is reached.

Turning off from time to time, it is in a standby state and does not consume electrical energy while the temperature is in the specified range. This behavior is called “heated-off” mode of operation.

Power ratings vary by model. Modifications of the device heat water to a temperature of +95-+98 degrees and cool to +4 degrees.

Dispensers are mounted to the water supply, filtering running water. In filtration, mechanical or chemical treatment is used, which purify water by 96-99%.

In the manufacture of flow devices, advances in fluid purification are used. Technologies are borrowed from the field of medicine, pharmaceuticals, perfumery. The coal filter relieves water of not pleasant smells, harmful and dangerous impurity, purifies water and improves taste.

Characteristics of water coolers

Cooling is carried out electronically or by compressor.

Devices with thermoelectric (electronic) cooling are easy to operate, maintain and repair. The devices are lighter in weight and cheaper. The disadvantage is low performance in the heat.

Such modifications work with the help of an electronic Peltier element, which is capable of cooling moisture by 12-15 degrees. The downside is the length of the process.

For a family or office workers with more than 5 people, compressors are chosen.

Compressor cooling is characterized by:

• reliability;
• high performance;
• high cost;
• independence from environmental conditions.

The compressor devices provide the ability to adjust the temperature, they are made in floor and desktop versions. Such models are large-sized, the water in them cools faster.

The heating system for all devices is structurally the same. They differ in design, reliability and functions.

Additional functionality - refrigerators, ozonation, carbonation. Ozonation disinfects the air masses of rooms, containers, refrigerating chambers. Food, vegetables, fruits, kitchen utensils, dishes are processed.

The bactericidal effect lasts two to three weeks.

Heating and cooling has a full-featured device. Maintaining room temperature is a budget solution.

Devices with built-in refrigerators, in addition to their direct purpose, are able to cope with the cooling and storage of products for a family or a team of workers. The capacity of refrigerators is 20-60 liters, they are equipped with shelves.

Ice makers create ice cubes for drinks. These models have three taps for cold, hot and room temperature water. Ice is produced and stored in a special compartment. The cost of installation is higher than analogues.

The arrangement of equipment with the function of gassing involves a place in the case for placing a cylinder with carbon dioxide. The bottle is designed for 1000 servings. The degree of carbonation is adjusted to taste. Equipped with a surface for placing cups or glasses.

In addition to soda, water without the addition of gas is also available to the user.

The freezer is a useful piece of equipment. Depending on the dimensions of the equipment, the freezer differs in volume. For a large family or office, a chamber with a volume of 40-60 liters is suitable.

The minibar is a nice plus. There are drinks, sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, chocolate.

A drawer with shelves will help keep products in order and easily find the little things you need.

Devices with ozonation function are equipped with a cabinet for:

• storage of drinks and food;
• dish disinfection;
• water ozonation.

Such models are used at home.

There are also containers-adapters for packaging. For ease of use, it is possible to attach a stack of plastic cups, glass holders or racks to the holder.

If the package does not include accessories, they can be purchased separately. Accessories are selected independently according to individual needs.

For example, a plastic cup holder is not needed at home. It will come in handy at school, office, children's centers or gyms.

The design of taps for supplying a drink is different: the valve is mechanically rotated when the dishes are pressed, manually or by pressing a button.

Tap water filter bottles are available for models with top bottle mounting.

There are two filter cartridges in the flask:

• ceramic microporous - removes lime, rust, harmful microorganisms;
• activated carbon with silver - removes chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, eliminates unpleasant odors, softens water.

The resource of cartridges is up to 5,000 liters.

Coolers without cooling are used as a kettle. Units without refrigeration and heating are suitable for consuming purified liquid at room temperature. They are used at home, offices, gyms, hospitals.

The design of household appliances is diverse. Choose a model, guided by your taste and the general concept of the interior of the room. On the market there are modifications in various colors.

The control is equipped with a display with a printed pattern or with rhinestones, for an amateur. It is possible to order an individual design.

An electronic scoreboard is convenient to use, but not mandatory, as it increases the price of the product.

pros

The main advantage of the device is protection against pathogenic and dangerous impurities.

It is also worth noting other positive aspects of its use:

• rational consumption of electrical energy;
• models are available with the function of carbonating water, which saves on consumption;
• comfortable feeling in any weather;
• the device does not boil water, but only brings it to the set temperature;
• trace elements and useful components are preserved;
• simplicity and ease of use;
• saving time for the preparation of clean drinking water.

The child lock prevents your child from turning on the faucet with hot liquid and getting burned. If there are children in the house, this function is necessary.

Minuses

The design of the unit happens with the top and bottom installation of the tank. With the top installation, the flask is attached from above to the holder on the body, which is inconvenient to use. Therefore, the service is performed by employees of the supplier company.

Manufacturers complete products with handles that facilitate maintenance when lifting and carrying.

The lower installation is easy to maintain, does not require effort - so you can maintain it yourself. But you need to know the installation sequence to avoid problems.

The lid is removed from the bottle, an adapter with a tube is inserted, the bottle is pushed into the device (using a stand equipped with wheels). The device turns off at night and during a long break in operation.

Contamination of water with pathogens is a disadvantage of dispensers.

How to choose a water cooler

When buying, choose a cooler, guided by the following factors:

• type of placement - floor or desktop;
• type of cooler - bottled, flow-through;
• design features - built-in refrigeration chamber, control panel, the presence of a locker or an ozonator for sterilization;
• cost - floor modifications have a higher price range.

The choice of the type of cooling is determined by the number of people who will use the cooler.

When choosing for home use, pay attention to mini-coolers - floor-standing equipment with an electronic type of cooling. Additional features include sensors and child protection.

If the family budget allows, purchase with the possibility of carbonation and ozonation.

The choice of office unit is dictated by the number of employees of the company or department. If there are up to five people in the team, then the same modifications as for the house will do. From five people - you will need a floor compressor apparatus equipped with a spacious freezer.

Provide in advance the availability of free space in the room for the installation of equipment and regular preventive maintenance.

For children's institutions (schools, sports clubs, hospitals), a dispenser for bottling drinks is installed. This is a safe solution for the health of children.

For a summer residence, a simple budget option is suitable - a pump for supplying bottled water. Put the pump on the bottle, press on its top and get the required portion.

The use of a cooler frees you from the problems associated with the delivery and storage of water, as well as the equipment of places for storing bottles. Guarantees a high-quality composition of drinking water that is safe for health, reduces the risk of consuming a low-quality product.

Advanced innovative technologies are used in flow devices that operate autonomously and do not depend on the water supplier. The cost of the unit connected to the water supply is higher due to the built-in cleaning filter.

The advantage is that it is unnecessary to place bulky flasks, since the parameters of the device are compact.

The method of liquid supply determines the appearance. The device with the bottle installed on top looks unattractive.

During the emptying of the tank, the free space is occupied by room air contaminated with bacteria. Humid and warm environment inside the barrel is favorable for microorganisms. The bottom loading design prevents the entry of pathogenic bacteria because the tank is located behind the doors.

Models with an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates the storage tank from the inside are completely safe. An ultraviolet lamp is also relevant when using bottled products.

A universal modern model of coolers is a dispenser with the following characteristics:

• autonomy;
• ultraviolet lamp.

Functionality and additional options form the price category. There are modifications of various categories and prices on the market. Based on your needs and budget, choose your option for a combination of price and quality.

When buying a desktop unit, consider and prepare the surface that will serve as a stand. Provide free access. Floor variations do not require a stand.

Cons of desktop placement:

• occupy useful space;
• require a solid surface;
• require service access.

When transporting, do not lay the coolers on their side. After delivery, do not turn on the cooling mode for two to three hours.

Electronic devices are equipped with fans, so do not install in dusty unventilated areas. The dust fan becomes clogged, resulting in damage to the cooling unit.

There must be space around the unit for free circulation of air masses. Direct sunlight on the cooler is not allowed. Suitable air temperature is from 0 to +25 degrees Celsius.

Installing in a room with high temperatures will increase the cooling time.

The coolers are designed for high-quality water with salinity values ​​in the range of 150-300 mg/l. Do not connect products with an empty hot liquid tank to the mains.

All rules for the operation and handling of electrical appliances apply to coolers. A ground loop is required.

The equipment requires regular sanitization and disinfection carried out by specialized service workshops. Preventive measures will protect the health and well-being of people.

The standard warranty is 12 months from the date of purchase of the product. Some brands provide extended warranties for their products up to 36 months. Warranty service is carried out by authorized service centers.

A list of centers with addresses is attached to the warranty card. When purchasing a product, check the warranty card for information about the seller, the seal of the company, the correctness of filling and the presence of the date of sale.

The cooler is removed from warranty service in case of violation of the rules for installation, operation, storage, transportation, set out in the technical data sheet and instructions for use.

Warranty obligations become invalid in the following cases:

• damage associated with mechanical, electrical or thermal effects;
• damage resulting from non-compliance with the operating instructions;
• ingress of foreign objects (insects, animals, liquids);
• use of a liquid with a high degree of mineralization;
• opening, repair unauthorized by the manufacturer;
• careless, handling;
• operation without an equipped ground loop;
• damage caused by non-compliance of cable networks with power standards;
• melted thermal insulation on the hot water tank;
• damage caused by force majeure circumstances (fire, lightning, elements).

The supplier is responsible for the use of low-quality water and the presence of scale. For warranty repairs, products are accepted that are cleaned of dirt and dust after draining the liquid.

Faults and repairs

Reasons for breakdowns:

• Doesn't heat up- the heating element has burned out or thermal protection is triggered. The first case is possible if a hard liquid is used by the consumer. Then scale accumulates on the heating element and it burns out.

The second case is possible in a situation where, when installing the tank, they do not wait for the tank to be filled and are connected to the electrical network. In an empty device, the heating element is not in the water, so it heats the tank.

Thermal protection is installed to prevent breakage. Remove it only in specialized service centers.

• Doesn't cool- the problem of electronic devices. Cooling is provided by a fan located on the rear wall. The solution to the issue is the implementation of the operating rules regulated by the manufacturer.
• Water leak due to microcracks. Air enters through it, the tanks overflow and leakage occurs. The bottle is replaced and one liter of liquid is drained from each tap, then the leak disappears.

This breakdown is eliminated independently, since there is no defect in the product.

• The faucet drips or water does not flow from it - the neck of the bottle is pasted over with a hygienic sticker, it is removed before installation. If this rule is neglected, pieces of the sticker get inside the container and the cooler, clog the tap and prevent it from shutting off.

Perform self-opening of the device and repair in cases permitted by the manufacturer. Carrying out unauthorized work is fraught with the termination of the manufacturer's warranty.

Water Cooler Manufacturers

AEL Trading House is a supplier of equipment for the water business. The company sells wholesale and retail. Payment methods: cash and bank transfer, payment by transfer to a bank card.

Floor models: bottom loading, with refrigerator, with cabinet, without refrigerator and cabinet. Equipment: with display, with water at room temperature, with protection of the hot liquid tap. Designs with electronic cooling, no cooling, no heating.

Tabletop appliances: ceramic dispenser, ice maker, with display. Accessories in assortment: casings, supports for containers, glass holders. Delivery - by a transport company at the choice of the buyer. The company is expanding its network of service centers, and there is always a stock of goods in warehouses.

AguaWork supplies filling and cooling equipment. Line of devices: floor, desktop, compressor, electronic without cooling. Available there are closed modifications, with illumination, water distributors.

Warranty - 12 months from the date of sale of the equipment. The manufacturer guarantees the absence of manufacturing defects. Has a network of service centers.

BEON company - household appliances for the home. 550W coolers, touch control panel, refrigerant, electric shock protection. The warranty for the sold goods includes free repair and replacement in case of impossibility.

The goods are accepted to the service center up to 14 days of use. After - after-sales service, consultations of specialists. There are promotions, bonuses, discounts.

The firm "Ekotronik" supplies equipment for the water business. For companies working in the field of water supply, they offer purifiers and coolers. There is a catalog of dispensers, pumps, filters, accessories. The company sells wholesale and retail.

Shipping is paid by the customer. The guarantee provides: dispatch and repair, compensation for repairs at the place of residence, components. The warranty period is 12 months. Spare parts - on request in writing.

The manufacturer HotFrost presents equipment in a model range: pumps, child protection, with gas, compressor cooling, a choice of accessories, individual design and color scheme. Wholesale and retail sales.

Accessories: racks, coasters, flask handles, glass holders. Retail stores, online stores. Warranty, selection of spare parts, service centers, consultations are provided. Discounts apply.

The Lesoto brand is produced and assembled in China according to the drawings and under the control of AquaDelo. Use high quality plastic, silicone and stainless steel for food. Products undergo a three-stage quality control.

The percentage of marriage is 1%. There is a network of service centers and warranty workshops. Products with a certificate of conformity. Product catalog available.

RENOVA Group of Companies is a supplier of goods for home and office. Large range of products, accessories, spare parts, pumps. Extensive selection of structural, design, color solutions. Sale is carried out wholesale and retail.

Long ago, probably, there were times when people, in order to quench their thirst, opened a tap and poured tap water into a cup. But those times are almost universally over. Today, to quench our thirst in summer or drink tea in winter, we often head to the water cooler, which has become an integral part of many office and home kitchens. But what do we know about them, about coolers? They, one might say, took over the world, but we did not even notice it. the site presents to your attention a material with details about those who save us from thirst.

Classics of the genre

So, a cooler (from English cool - coolness, fresh) - it is sometimes a dispenser, water heater. It is a device that allows the user to consume clean drinking water simply, conveniently and safely. Usually the cooler consists of a plastic case with a funnel for installing a water tank. On the body there are one or two taps, light indicators for heating and cooling, a switch. The cooler is powered by an ordinary socket (220 V network). Despite the fact that the cooler is usually constantly connected to the network, it consumes little electricity, because most models have temperature sensors, thanks to which cooling or heating of water does not occur constantly, but only when necessary - when the desired water temperature is reached, the cooler switches to the waiting until the sensor “tells” that the water temperature has changed and gone beyond the set limits. Then the cooler goes back into operation.

Water for the cooler is available in standard plastic containers (bottles, flasks), with a volume of 19 or 22 liters. If there is a special adapter, it is sometimes possible to use water in small (five-liter) bottles sold in stores. There are also special adapter containers for packaged drinking water.

How he does it

The principle of operation of the cooler is simple - a certain amount of water from the main flask enters special compartments (tanks): for cooling and for heating (if this function is available). Accordingly, the water is cooled or heated. As the amount of water in the tanks decreases, new portions of it enter there, the water is brought to the desired temperature. The minimum temperatures to which water is cooled depend on the type of cooler (see below), the maximum heating is usually up to 92-98°C.

Water coolers also differ in the way water is cooled. There are coolers compressor, and there are electronic (thermoelectric). The compressor cooler works (cools the water) in the same way as it cools the air inside the refrigerator - the principle is the same. As a rule, compressor coolers for water are floor standing, although desktop models are also sometimes found. However, the dimensions of desktop compressor coolers are somewhat larger than those of desktop electronic ones. Compressor coolers are a reliable, time-tested solution. Such a cooler will cool water to a temperature of 4-5°C in a short time, the time required for cooling here almost does not depend on the ambient air temperature in the room (unlike an electronic cooler). Compressor coolers are somewhat more expensive than electronic ones.

Details about thermoelectric coolers. Note that due to the lack of a compressor, they are easier to operate and repair, weigh significantly less, and are cheaper. Water is cooled here using an electronic module (Peltier element). This is a thermoelectric converter, the principle of which is based on the Peltier effect - the appearance of a temperature difference when an electric current flows. Typically, an electronic cooler cools water to a temperature of 10-15 ° C, not lower. That is, you will not get really cold water from such a cooler - only cool (but, for some, this is good). Cooling in a thermoelectric cooler is slower than in a compressor cooler. As a rule, such models are an option for operation by a small number of users, suitable for use at home. For too hot rooms, an electronic cooler is not the best option - you will wait a long time for cool water. It is better not to install electronic water coolers in poorly ventilated, dusty rooms, and in general it is advisable to periodically clean the fan provided for by the design from dust, otherwise it will become clogged and broken, which will eventually lead to failure of the cooling module of the device.

Up and down

There are two types of water coolers: top mounted and bottom mounted water tanks. Everyone knows what a cooler with a top installation is. The bottle is installed here from above, in a special holder on the device body. This happens not to everyone. Therefore, such coolers are usually serviced (bottles are changed) by employees of water supply companies or simply by representatives of the stronger sex who are nearby. There are, however, special handles that make it easier for the user, if not lifting, then at least carrying bottles (sold by companies supplying water and coolers).

A cooler with a lower installation is easier to maintain and requires significantly less effort to replace an empty flask with a full one. You just need to remove the cap from the bottle, insert the adapter with the tube and slide the bottle inside the cooler on a convenient stand with wheels. Servicing such coolers is quite within the power of most users.

On the floor and on the table

Modern coolers also differ in the way they are installed (placed) in the room. They are floor and tabletop. Technically, floor and desktop differ little. It is logical that the body of the desktop cooler is smaller in size. A flask of water in the "desktop" case is always installed on top of the case. When buying such a cooler, be sure to first decide what kind of table or other surface you will put it on, so that all users have free access to it, so that the cooler is convenient to maintain, so that it does not interfere with anyone.

The location of the floor cooler, of course, should also be thought out in advance, guided by the same criteria as in the case of a desktop cooler.

cold and gas

A water cooler - that's what a cooler is for, to cool (and heat, if the corresponding possibility is implemented). It cools or heats the water. However, there are models that are able to cope with the cooling of something else - these are floor coolers with built-in refrigerator. Usually the volume of the built-in refrigerator is not very large - about 20 liters, but for storing various small things, products that will be useful to users (a small team in the office, because it is not entirely logical to buy such a cooler at home - there is always an ordinary refrigerator at home) during the working day, this quite enough. There are, however, coolers with more capacious refrigerators. For example, the design of the HotFrost V 205 BS cooler provides for a 60-liter refrigerator - this model is also suitable for larger teams. Usually in the "cooler" refrigerator there are one or two shelves for products, there are models with small shelves-balconies on the refrigerator door.

There is ice coolers, which allow the user to always have ready-made ice cubes. For example, the IceS A106C model, in the lower part of which there is a compartment for making ice. In addition, this cooler has three taps: for supplying cold, hot water and water at room temperature. Ice, however, will have to be taken out of the appropriate compartment and put into the glass manually. Such a cooler costs, however, not cheap - about 20 thousand rubles *.

Another cooler option - for soda lovers - with water carbonation function. The design of such coolers provides a place in the case for installing a carbon dioxide cylinder (as a rule, one cylinder is included in the delivery package, it is enough for about 1000 portions of water). Typically, these models are also floor-standing and have two "port" for installing cups. That is, in such coolers, both carbonated and ordinary water is available to the user. A separate place is for supplying chilled soda. It is often possible to set the degree of water carbonation: medium or strong.

Finally, there are water coolers with ozonation function- they are usually floor standing, the design provides for an ozonizer cabinet, where the user can store fruits or vegetables, disinfect a small amount of dishes, and ozonize water. If you do not turn on the ozonizer, then you can use the lower space as a regular locker. Such coolers are suitable both for installation at home and in the office (but still, in our opinion, more for the home - hardly anyone will "bother" with ozonation at work).

Miscellaneous

In addition to the main "cooler moments" listed above, there are also several other differences between coolers from each other, they directly relate to performance characteristics and ease of use. For example, there are coolers whose design provides for built-in holder for a "stack" of plastic cups. But in budget models, the holder is often not provided and it must be purchased additionally.

Also the coolers are different from each other crane design through which water enters the cup, glass. There are faucets from which water flows when you move the valve away with a cup, and there are water coolers designed so that the user, having placed the cup in the “port” to pour water into it, must separately press the desired button or turn off the faucet valve.

It is impossible not to mention some accessories available to cooler users. For example, is on sale special filter flasks, which are needed to purify tap water and further use it in the cooler. Such a filter flask - for example, MT-3 (768CB), costing about 1.6 thousand rubles - is available for models with a top bottle installation. Actually, the flask is installed just instead of a bottle, it has two filter cartridges (we are talking about the model mentioned above). The upper ceramic microporous filter cartridge removes lime, rust, sediment, pathogens, and other contaminants from the water. The bottom filter cartridge consists of silver coconut shell activated carbon, mineral and silica sand, ion exchange resins, carbon fibers and screened filter membranes. The cartridge completely purifies water from bacteria, chlorine, nitrates, pesticides, dyes and other organic compounds, eliminates unpleasant taste and smell. Ion-exchange resins remove heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, others), iron from water, soften water. Silica sand removes acids from water, improves taste. Mineral sand effectively fights toxic elements. The resource of cartridges is 5 and 2 thousand liters, respectively.

Also found on sale. Actually, these are not coolers at all, because the "cool-component" (cooling) is absent here. Such models are able to heat water and supply water at room temperature. Such devices will come in handy for those, for example, who want to protect children from drinking excessively chilled water. Or they can be used instead of a kettle, thermo pot.

There are also coolers that do nothing at all: they do not cool and do not heat up. Comfortable with them just pour water at room temperature. Of course, they are also called coolers just out of habit - manufacturers often do not bother to change the appearance of such devices to reduce the cost of production. It's just that cooling and heating "stuffing" is not installed in the cases of ordinary coolers. There are usually only two taps left. These models (water dispensers) are most likely to be most suitable, for example, for kindergartens, perhaps for medical institutions, for gyms (after all, drinking very cold water during training is not recommended). It is hardly logical to use them at home or in the office. Water dispensers are also for children - with a 2.5-liter flask (for example, the Funtik water dispenser), into which, according to Turkish manufacturers and domestic sellers, you can pour not only water, but also juices and compotes.

There are also - a very simple option, perhaps a summer cottage - bottled water pumps. Mechanical the pump is simply put on the bottle and, by gently pressing on its upper part, the user receives the amount of water he needs. Simple and budgetary (the price of the pump is 200-300 rubles).

The design of any household appliance is a rather significant thing. Cooler design is no exception. He is always in sight, he is often used. He must be cute. Of course, the design features of these devices partially limit manufacturers in experimenting with design. But still, the variety is quite large - there are models of different colors, with various controls made. There are, for example, models with a display, which, of course, is not only a design element, but also facilitates the “communication” of the user with the device, expands user capabilities (for example, temperature settings for heating and cooling water are available, the user can adjust them in his own way). discretion). There are coolers with various designs on their cases, even coolers with rhinestones. Many supplier companies offer the possibility of ordering an individual design for the cooler.

Price order

Since coolers differ from each other in their functionality, they also differ in cost. Simple models (for example, desktop water dispensers) can be purchased at a price of about 1 thousand rubles. Floor - for 2-3 thousand rubles. Models without cooling, but with heating, cost from 1.5 thousand rubles. The cost of fully functional desktop thermoelectric coolers starts from about 2,000 rubles. Compressor "desktops" are unlikely to be found cheaper than 4 thousand rubles. Floor models with electronic cooling cost from 3 thousand rubles, floor compressor models - from 5 thousand rubles. The cost of coolers with refrigerators (only compressor ones) starts at about 7 thousand rubles. Approximately these are the minimum prices for models with ozonation. Coolers with a carbonation function are unlikely to be found cheaper than 20 thousand rubles. The cost of a flask (19 l) with water is from 100 rubles.

Epilogue

A water cooler is a very convenient and useful household appliance. Full-featured models provide the user at home or at work with cool and hot water. In fact, the cooler replaces the kettle. An excellent and necessary option for large families, for offices. A modern water cooler is an economical device, so do not be afraid that with its purchase, the cost of paying for electricity will increase (but at night, by the way, this is especially true for offices, it is better to turn off the cooler, no one uses it anyway - all savings). If necessary, to make life more convenient, you can consider buying a model with some additional functions (with a refrigerator, ozonation, with the possibility of making ice). the site is definitely for coolers that make life easier, especially in summer, in the heat.

* - All prices in the article are based on the results of monitoring Russian tinnet stores. As of June 2012. Depending on the region, the cost of devices and accessories may vary.

From this article you will learn:

• How desktop water coolers work
• What are the features of floor standing water coolers
• What are remarkable compressor coolers for water
• What are electronic water coolers
• What are designer water coolers for?
• Who is suitable for water coolers with a refrigerator and with a locker
• How does the child lock function work in water coolers
• What are the types of faucets in water coolers
• How coolers with top and bottom water loading are arranged
• What are the most common questions about water coolers

Many people think that a water cooler is a small cabinet with a 10-liter bottle on top of it. There is an opinion that such devices are produced by 1-2 companies. But it's not. Now coolers are presented on the market in a fairly wide range, which allows you to choose a model for a specific interior. In this article we will tell you what types of water coolers exist.

Table water coolers

Desktop water coolers - the group is quite extensive. It includes all devices intended for installation on a table, cabinet, window sill, kitchen set. In devices of this type, a cooling function may be provided. Often they are equipped with a display, the ability to control the temperature, an on and off timer. Another option is that such models simply distribute drinking water without heating or cooling it.

The desktop cooler has a number of advantages, it:

• compact;
• multifunctional;
• economically consumes electricity;
• practical;
• is inexpensive.

Most often, a desktop water cooler is used:

• at home, if tenants are 5 or less;
• in small offices, the area of ​​which does not allow placing a large cooler;
• in the country, because the desktop cooler is easy to move and install.

When choosing a cooler, you should also consider the type of cooling. If the model provides for compressor cooling, the water with it quickly acquires the desired temperature. This option is suitable for homes and offices with a large number of people. Coolers with electronic cooling are used if the number of water consumers is small. Desktop units are compact and relatively light. They weigh only 2-3 kg, so there are no problems with their transportation.

When choosing a desktop cooler, remember that you will often have to change the bottle in it. Microorganisms can get into the internal pipeline of the device, which quickly multiply and accumulate, penetrating into the water. Can this problem be dealt with? Yes, if you opt for the innovative tank model with a UV lamp. Such a lamp is installed in the tank, and due to ultraviolet radiation, it destroys bacteria. Of course, a cooler with this element will cost more than a classic model.

Floor standing water coolers

Considering the types of water coolers, photos and prices on the Internet, you can not ignore the floor model of the device. It is installed on a flat, flat surface. It's better if it's just the floor. The device works in automatic mode. The front panel is equipped with an indicator button that informs about its status. At the request of the user, the cooler can be switched to heating or cooling mode. If you plan not to use it for a long time, then the device should be disconnected from the network.

There are types of water coolers, inside of which ozonation chambers are built. Thanks to them, it is possible to save working time and use disinfected dishes.

Consider the advantages of floor coolers:

• You can place them directly on the floor. This is very convenient if the area of ​​​​the room is small or there is no separate table on which a compact model could be placed.
• Thanks to their small dimensions, coolers can be installed even in a small room.
• Floor types of water coolers are presented today in a wide range, which allows you to choose your favorite model to your taste and for the interior of your home or office space.
• The cooler both heats and cools the water.
• There are completely different models with different functions on the market.

• The coolers have additional useful options, such as, for example, a carbonation system, filtration, built-in lighting and cup holders. There are models with 3 taps for water supply (the third is designed to fill large containers with water at room temperature), operating in light pressure mode, and there is also a hot water tap blocking function.
• Models can be equipped with other additional elements, such as a mini-bar (built-in refrigerator), a cupboard for storing dishes, coffee and tea, as well as a new convenient ozonation system that disinfects all the dishes in the cupboard.

When choosing a floorstanding unit, you should consider what type of loading it has - bottom or top. If only women work in the office, then it is better to choose a model where the water tank is installed at the bottom, since it is difficult to lift more than 20 kg. And you will have to do this, because there will be a need to replace the bottle.

Compressor water coolers

Compressor devices are more productive than coolers, which provide for thermoelectric cooling. They are able to give, as a rule, 2-2.5 liters of cold water per hour. At the same time, the device can operate 24 hours a day, similarly to a conventional refrigerator, and maintain the temperature of cold drinking water at 5–8 degrees above zero.

When buying a compressor device, you can say that you get a small specialized refrigeration unit. This is a great purchase for both home and office space.

Of course, the price of such models is higher, and they weigh more than electronic ones. In addition, after being transported in a horizontal or inclined position (which is highly undesirable), they should be allowed to stand for several hours, and also leave free space around the case for air circulation during operation. However, all these minor difficulties and disadvantages are not so noticeable, given that the devices are reliable and productive: at least 2 liters of water per hour, cooled to 7-10 degrees.

Compressor types of water coolers are the best solution for large offices where many employees work. Also, the devices are suitable for installation in meeting rooms or reception managers, in a word, in any place where the reputation of the company is important.

So, compressor coolers cool water on the same principle as refrigerators and some air conditioners. The design consists of several main elements:

• directly to the compressor, which creates the necessary pressure difference;
• thermostatic valve maintaining differential pressure;
• an evaporator that takes heat;
• a condenser that releases heat into the environment;
• refrigerant - the substance by which heat is transferred from the evaporator to the condenser.

Compressor models are characterized by high performance and reliability. At the same time, a compressor is always provided in coolers with a built-in refrigerator. Such devices can usually cool up to 2-3 liters of liquid per hour, some types of water coolers of this category - up to 5 liters. At the same time, the water temperature, as mentioned above, is maintained at a level of 5-7 degrees. One of the main and, of course, useful functions of compressor models is the ability to adjust the temperature regime. As for the shortcomings, here, perhaps, only one can be singled out - very large dimensions and weight, due to which it is rather difficult to move and transport devices.

Of course, due to the extensive functionality and performance, compressor models become more versatile and in demand in any conditions. But knowing the key advantages and disadvantages of electronic and compressor cooling systems, you can more carefully look for the model that suits you. That is, in each specific situation, you need to choose the device taking into account your own requirements, the characteristics of the room where the device will be placed, and the operating rules.

Electronic water coolers

Electronic types of water coolers have certain advantages over simple compressor ones:

• their cost is lower;
• they weigh less, making moving to another room or moving around the city a breeze.

But there are also disadvantages:

• the cooling system of electronic devices is not efficient enough: 4-5 glasses of cool water per hour with a temperature of 12-15 degrees below the external environment.

Electron cooling is carried out according to a principle named after Jean Peltier, a French physicist. This scientist first investigated electron cooling back in 1834. The essence of the Peltier principle is that when direct current flows in a circuit of several conductors, cooling occurs in those places where they are connected. Then the Russian academician A.F. Ioffe investigated this principle and applied new semiconductor alloys for it, thanks to which the production of electrical equipment with a cooling function was subsequently established with fairly good performance.

Why are coolers with an electronic cooling system better than compressor coolers? The fact that they have a longer period of operation (2 times or more) due to the fact that there are no mechanical parts in the system, there is no poisonous freon refrigerant and, therefore, there is no risk of its leakage. Due to this, the cooler with electronic type of cooling is an environmentally friendly and safe device, the cost of which is very low. Another significant advantage of such models is the almost silent operation. This kind of coolers, as a rule, are purchased for medical institutions, schools, kindergartens, hotels. You can transport the device in any position - this will not affect its further operation.

The performance indicator of a cooler with an electronic cooling system is 1–1.5 liters of cold water per hour. Such models are designed for a small number of consumers (5-7 people). The cooler cools the water up to 15 degrees.

It is better not to install electronic devices in rooms that are poorly ventilated, in dusty rooms, since the fan built into them may become clogged, and this can lead to damage to the cooling module. In addition, it is better not to use such a cooler at high room temperatures. So it will take a lot of time to get water with the right parameters.

As already mentioned, the electronic type of cooling has its pros and cons when compared with a compressor system. Be that as it may, it is up to you which type of cooler to choose.

Designer water coolers

Today, there are various types of water coolers on the market, both standard and designer. You can opt for some original model of the device by placing advertising information, company brand, name, contact information on its body. So the device will become not only functional, but also a good aesthetic addition to your room.

Coolers for water with a refrigerator

There is another type of water coolers - with a refrigerator. These are devices with a built-in chamber, where, as in a conventional refrigerator, the temperature is automatically maintained at +5 degrees.

Coolers with a refrigerator are divided into two types. Some have a small chamber built in, with a volume of 16 to 28 liters. In others - a large refrigerator, with a volume of 50 to 60 liters. Models of the first type are perfect for ten people. If it is assumed that 15-25 people will use the device, then it is better to purchase a cooler with a large internal refrigerator. Such models have a more thoughtful design.

In addition to the refrigerator, there are also types of models with an ice generator. At the bottom there is a special section where you can take ice. The cost of such coolers - from 20 thousand rubles.

Water coolers with cabinet

In the floor types of coolers with a locker, you can keep coffee, tea, and some products. Coolers with extra storage space are a useful solution for both offices and home kitchens. Necessary items are very conveniently placed on the shelf in the device. Some models are equipped with an additional function of internal ozonation. According to many consumers, the functionality of the locker is similar to the refrigerator, but this is not entirely true. There is no cooling element at the bottom of such coolers, and therefore the choice must be approached very carefully. And, of course, the cost of models with a refrigerator is much higher.

Child proof water coolers

Certain types of water coolers are equipped with an option that protects users from scalding. This feature is usually referred to as child lock.

On the hot water taps in such coolers, a special latch (lever) is provided, which blocks accidental pressing of the boiling water supply mechanism and, accordingly, protects against burns.

These types of water coolers can be placed where there are children and the elderly, since these models are absolutely safe.

Types of faucets in water coolers

There are two types of mechanisms for activating faucets for water supply:

• pressed by a mug;
• with buttons (or keys).

Taps type "press mug"

Drinking water taps are considered the most wearing parts in coolers, and therefore, when choosing a model, you should definitely consider what it will be used for, how many users will operate it, and other factors.

The most popular design are taps that are activated by pressing a mug. Typically, such models are installed in offices where staff uses their dishes. The design is ergonomic and convenient in that a person can draw water using only one free hand (in which there is a cup).

Such faucets break quite often, but they are very easy to replace with new ones. It is convenient that for this you do not need to disassemble the device completely.

Taps with buttons

If the cooler is planned to be placed where disposable tableware is usually used, then it is better to choose a model with faucet activation by buttons (keys) for a number of reasons:

• Pressing a soft plastic cup on the faucet is inconvenient.
• The buttons provide smooth pressure and ease of use.
• This design of faucets lasts longer and is more difficult to damage.

In addition, coolers with push-button faucets are best for homes and institutions that have children:

• the risk of mechanical damage is reduced;
• the use of faucets with a button virtually eliminates burns.

Top loading water coolers

The most familiar type of water coolers for us is a floor-standing model with a top-loading bottle. In them, a replaceable container is placed in a special recess in the upper part of the apparatus with the neck down. From there, water enters the cooling system, and then into the mugs.

And, in fact, it is not without reason that top-loading bottle models are more familiar to us. According to some people, it is more pleasant to fully see the container from where water enters your mug. There is a psychological aspect to this, especially if you need to pour water in an unfamiliar place, such as a doctor's office or a shopping center.

The top-loading bottle machine is serviced in much the same way as other types of water coolers. But there is one caveat: it is not always easy to lift a heavy container to the desired height. But even this minus does not cover all the advantages of such coolers, and therefore they are successfully used in many institutions in Russia.

Coolers with bottom water loading

Bottom loading bottle water coolers are easy to use and stylish in design. For a replaceable container in such models, a special compartment is provided, due to which it does not need to be moved. In addition, the device itself looks more aesthetically pleasing, since the bottle is installed at the bottom.

Floor types of water coolers with bottom loading bottles have many advantages, among which the following are especially distinguished:

• No need to lift a heavy bottle up. For its placement in the design of the device, a special compartment is provided at floor level.
• The machine has heating and cooling functions. Some models have a third faucet, such a cooler provides consumers not only with cold and hot water, like most others, but also at room temperature.
• Aesthetic design. These types of water coolers look aesthetically pleasing and modern. The bottle at the bottom of the device is hidden behind a special door.
• Such coolers differ from each other in size, power, individual design characteristics and cost.

In coolers in which the bottle is located at the bottom, the following elements can be provided:

• monitor with control function;
• system of additional filtration and purification of water from bacteria and viruses;
• backlit buttons;
• leakage protection.

Frequently asked questions about this or that type of water cooler

1. Does the cooler boil water?

Desktop or floor-type devices heat water to 95-97 degrees, but do not boil it. This can be regarded as an advantage, since it is precisely this temperature, which is several degrees less than 100, that contributes to the preservation of all useful substances in the water and allows you to brew coffee and tea without problems. It is known for sure that boiled water does not give any benefit, and more often it does harm to health due to the properties that have changed as a result of heating.

1. Which cooling system is better: compressor or electronic?

A compressor cooling system is much better than an electronic one in terms of performance. Figures in numbers:

• compressor cools up to 7 ⁰C,
• electronic - up to 15 ⁰C.

Important! The electronic cooling system does not function if the air temperature is above 30 degrees. In the summer in the heat, it is absolutely ineffective.

1. Which system is quieter: compressor or electronic?

In terms of noise, the devices are almost identical. In the compressor types of coolers, the sound source is the compressor, in the electronic ones, the fans are buzzing.

1. What is the cooler's power consumption?

Typically, a cooler consumes the same amount of energy as an electric light bulb (approximately 40-60 watts per hour). The model with a refrigerator has a power of 80 to 100 watts.

1. Does the cooler come with a glass holder or is this item purchased separately?

The cooler is not equipped with a holder for glasses - it is bought separately.

1. Can the cooler be transported horizontally?

It is desirable to transport compressor-type devices in a standing state. As for electronic coolers, they can be transported in a horizontal position, and their weight is significantly lower than that of compressor models.

1. What to do when the cooler buzzes?

If the cooler makes noise during operation, this is normal. It is only necessary to place the device on a flat and solid surface and make sure that all the legs are on the same level.

In most of the coolers, a water cooling system is provided - compressor or electronic, and it is because of them that little noise is created in the room. In models of the first type, the hum is formed, as mentioned above, due to a running compressor. As for the electronic system, a small fan makes noise in it. Bottom-loading coolers may have additional sound due to the pump that supplies water to the storage tank. But it turns on from time to time, for a short period.

1. Are refrigerators and cabinets the same thing?

No, because the locker does not cool - it does not have such a function. The refrigerator is provided only in compressor types of coolers.

1. What is the third faucet for?

Some models have an additional faucet that supplies room temperature water. Remember that the first half glass of water from the extra faucet is usually quite cool. This is because the supply tube passes through the cold water tank.

1. Is sanitation necessary and do I have to pay for it?

You need to sanitize and clean the cooler about once a year - this is the minimum. It is better if professionals in the service center do this. They will carry out high-quality cleaning and disinfection of the cooler and provide a guarantee for the work performed. Most often, disassembling the device at home is impossible, and there are no proper results from cleaning with simple household chemicals.

1. What is the temperature in the refrigerator compartment of the cooler?

The temperature in the chambers of all types of coolers is the same as in ordinary refrigerators - from 5 to 7 degrees, which helps to preserve the freshness of products.

1. There is water in the refrigerator compartment. Is it normal?

Opening the doors too frequently will allow air to enter the refrigerator compartment and cause condensation to form during the cooling process. This is normal, and each cooler with a refrigerator is equipped with a drip tray to collect excess liquid.

1. When is it necessary to replace the filter in the cooler?

No replacement required. Coolers are not equipped with any filters. Bottled water is already clean, prepared, and it is this that a person drinks.

How is a water cooler different from a purifier?

The purifier was preceded by a fairly common water cooler for a nineteen-liter bottle. The scheme of operation and the housing remained the same, however, in the purifier, water comes from the filtration system located at the bottom of the device.

Often, these types of coolers are also called water purifiers or aquabars, and they work according to the general principle: they purify tap water, improving its taste and quality characteristics. Like traditional coolers, purifiers can heat and cool water.

There are several types of purifiers:

• according to the type of filtration, they are reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration;
• by type of installation - floor and desktop;
• according to the type of construction - with and without a storage tank.

How to connect a purifier?

The purifier is connected to the cold water line using a plastic tube with a diameter of 6 mm. In this case, the water source can be removed by 100 meters. The feed tube is pulled out so as not to interfere with others, if possible, then it is laid on baseboards or under a false ceiling - as it is more convenient. High-quality plastic 100% protects against leakage. If a floor connection is chosen, then for aesthetic purposes and for additional protection of communications, you can hide it under special boxes.

In purifiers with RO-membrane, one more tube is provided - for drainage (draining) of dirty water. With the help of a special fastening (fitting), it easily joins the drain into the sewer under the sink.

From the water pipe, water enters the filtration system through a tube. After passing through all stages of purification, it enters the storage tank, which is located under the cover of the purifier, and from there - into the cold and hot water tanks.

In those types of coolers where there is no storage tank, its function is performed by a cold water tank. In distribution tanks, the temperature remains at the set level by means of electronic sensors. Water is heated and cooled automatically if the temperature drops or rises above normal. For cold water, the norm is 10 degrees, for hot - 90. Thanks to this function, you can immediately get both hot and cold in

A water cooler is a typical attribute of an office setting, but it is increasingly seen in an ordinary kitchen. It is worth talking in detail about what is remarkable and useful for this device.

What is the cooler for?

The task of the cooler is to distribute drinking water in room, cold or hot form. The device can be highly specialized, working only for heating- up to 95-97 degrees (with such an assistant, you do not need to wait for the kettle to boil every time) or exclusively for cooling(from 4 to 15 degrees), or maybe combine both modes. Some models implement additional features such as gassing or ozone treatment.

The device is powered by the mains, but thanks to multiple sensors that monitor the temperature of the liquid and start the standby mode, energy is consumed very economically. In the event that the cooler pours water at room temperature, it does not need current at all.

When choosing a model with heating, pay attention to the child protection system: it eliminates the risk of getting burned by hot water.

A water bottle with a volume of 19 to 50 liters is installed either from above or below. Drinking liquid is supplied first to the "cold" tank, and then to the heating compartment - if, of course, one is provided. From time to time, the built-in controllers activate the heating or cooling system, that is, even without user intervention, the dispenser will always have cooled or hot water ready. To get it, just substitute a glass and turn the corresponding tap.

Varieties of home coolers

Water distributors are desktop and floor. The former can be placed on a kitchen worktop or other durable surface (they are most often bought for family needs), the latter, similar to Soviet soda machines, are installed as a stationary refrigerator. Let's see what are the strengths and weaknesses of both types.

Desktop coolers

Floor coolers

According to the type of device, home coolers are divided into compressor and electronic.

• Devices with compressor more productive and durable (the mechanism of the cooling action is the same as that of conventional refrigerators), aimed at servicing a large number of people. The range is dominated by floor design. You should be aware that such devices cannot be transported in a horizontal position.
• Electronics , seriously inferior in terms of cooling speed, more suitable for a small company (about 7-8 people), needs good ventilation and does not like a hot indoor climate. What it lacks is made up for by the lower cost - powerful compressor technology is valued at a handsome sum - as well as by the minimum noise level and the relatively small size of the case.

Who are purifiers

For those who are not attracted by the prospect of regularly buying bottled water, spending money on delivery and storing bulky containers somewhere, there are coolers with a connection to the plumbing system. These dispensers are equipped flow filters, which effectively screen out mechanical and chemical impurities.

With the purchase of a purifier, many problems disappear, but it is important not to forget that the filters must be periodically replaced with new ones. The cost of flow-through coolers, of course, “bites”, but the user will clearly have no doubts about the quality of water.

Any cooler, be it a purifier or an ordinary dispenser, must be professionally cleaned about twice a year - limescale accumulates inside, salts are deposited and bacteria settle in, an unpleasant odor is added to the water.

Advanced features

Heating, cooling and distributing water is not all that modern coolers are capable of. Many dispensers are able to:

• Ozonize , that is, to disinfect dishes and food (for example, fruits and berries to extend their shelf life). When not in use, the compartment can be used as storage for kitchen utensils.
• Aerated , that is, saturate the water with food carbon dioxide (provided that a special cylinder is connected - disposable, for approximately 1000 servings, or rechargeable). The degree of gassing should ideally be controlled; on sale you can find sweet syrups for making drinks with different tastes.
• Refrigerate food - in the presence of a refrigerator, the low-temperature section is not very in demand, but if soft drinks “disperse” well in the family, it will take on the role of an auxiliary mini-bar.
• Eliminate bacteria in water - due to the built-in UV lamp, the dispenser disinfects bottled water, leaving no chance for the reproduction of harmful microorganisms.
• make ice - a special generator forms neat cubes of frozen water; on demand, ice pieces are stored in a compartment with a negative temperature.

Leading brands

• hotfrost– manufactures coolers of desktop and floor type, with electronic and compressor cooling system, top and bottom bottle loading. There are models that distribute water at room temperature, combining cooling and heating, devices with aerating function and devices with a refrigeration section.
• Ecotronic- produces desktop and floor coolers, including flow type. The model line includes devices with a built-in kettle, ozone generator, gasifier and refrigerator, heating, cooling and combined, with the distribution of room water, top and bottom installation of the bottle. Cooling electronic and compressor, a large selection of body colors.
• AEL– purifiers and stand-alone drinking water dispensers with the possibility of table and floor placement. Many models support the bottom loading of the bottle, compressor and electronic cooling. There are units designed only for heating or cooling, devices with the issuance of water at room temperature, coolers with a built-in refrigerator (chamber volume - from 12 to 50 liters).
• Kraft- electronic and compressor devices with installation on the floor or on the table. Easy operation, versatile classic design, affordable price. The bottle is fixed from above; floor dispensers are complemented by a convenient cabinet for storing dishes and kitchen items. Not only cooling, but also heating is practiced.
• AquaWork– a large selection of compact and floor dispensers. Cooling by compressor and electronic technology, support for water heating (child protection is provided), an extensive range of colors. A number of models are equipped with a cupboard or built-in refrigerator, there are simple water dispensers without being connected to electricity.

Often used to build a large radiator heat pipes(English: heat pipes) - hermetically sealed and specially arranged metal tubes (usually copper). They transfer heat very efficiently from one end to the other: thus, even the farthest fins of a large heatsink work effectively in cooling. So, for example, the popular cooler is arranged

To cool modern high-performance GPUs, the same methods are used: large radiators, copper core cooling systems or all-copper radiators, heat pipes to transfer heat to additional radiators:

Recommendations for choosing here are the same: use slow and large-sized fans, the largest possible heatsinks. So, for example, popular cooling systems for video cards and Zalman VF900 look like:

Usually, the fans of video card cooling systems only mixed the air inside the system unit, which is not very effective in terms of cooling the entire computer. Only very recently, cooling systems have been used to cool video cards that carry hot air outside the case: the first steels and a similar design from the brand:

Similar cooling systems are installed on the most powerful modern video cards (nVidia GeForce 8800, ATI x1800XT and older). Such a design is often more justified, in terms of the proper organization of air flows inside the computer case, than traditional schemes. Air flow organization

Modern standards for the design of computer cases, among other things, regulate the way the cooling system is built. Starting with, the release of which was launched in 1997, a computer cooling technology is being introduced with a through air flow directed from the front wall of the case to the back (additionally, air for cooling is sucked in through the left wall):

Those interested in the details are referred to the latest versions of the ATX standard.

At least one fan is installed in the computer's power supply (many modern models have two fans, which can significantly reduce the rotation speed of each of them, and, therefore, the noise during operation). Additional fans can be installed anywhere inside the computer case to increase airflow. Be sure to follow the rule: on the front and left side walls, air is blown into the case, on the back wall, hot air is thrown out. You also need to make sure that the flow of hot air from the rear wall of the computer does not fall directly into the air intake on the left wall of the computer (this happens at certain positions of the system unit relative to the walls of the room and furniture). Which fans to install depends primarily on the availability of appropriate mounts in the walls of the case. Fan noise is mainly determined by fan speed (see section ), so slow (quiet) fan models are recommended. With equal installation dimensions and rotational speed, the fans on the rear wall of the case are subjectively noisier than the front ones: firstly, they are farther from the user, and secondly, there are almost transparent grilles at the back of the case, while various decorative elements are at the front. Often noise is created due to air flow around the elements of the front panel: if the amount of air flow transferred exceeds a certain limit, eddy turbulent flows form on the front panel of the computer case, which create a characteristic noise (it resembles the hiss of a vacuum cleaner, but much quieter).

Choosing a computer case

Almost the vast majority of computer cases on the market today comply with one of the versions of the ATX standard, including in terms of cooling. The cheapest cases are not equipped with either a power supply or additional devices. More expensive cases are equipped with fans to cool the case, less often - adapters for connecting fans in various ways; sometimes even a special controller equipped with thermal sensors, which allows you to smoothly adjust the rotation speed of one or more fans depending on the temperature of the main components (see for example). The power supply is not always included in the kit: many buyers prefer to choose a PSU on their own. Of the other options for additional equipment, it is worth noting special fastenings for side walls, hard drives, optical drives, expansion cards that allow you to assemble a computer without a screwdriver; dust filters that prevent dirt from entering the computer through the ventilation holes; various nozzles for directing air flows inside the case. Exploring the fan

Used to transport air in cooling systems fans(English: fan).

Fan device

The fan consists of a housing (usually in the form of a frame), an electric motor and an impeller mounted with bearings on the same axis as the motor:

The reliability of the fan depends on the type of bearings installed. Manufacturers claim the following typical MTBF (number of years based on 24/7 operation):

Taking into account the obsolescence of computer equipment (for home and office use it is 2-3 years), fans with ball bearings can be considered "eternal": their life is not less than the typical life of a computer. For more serious applications, where the computer must work around the clock for many years, it is worth choosing more reliable fans.

Many have come across old fans in which the plain bearings have worn out their life: the impeller shaft rattles and vibrates during operation, making a characteristic growling sound. In principle, such a bearing can be repaired by lubricating it with solid lubricant - but how many will agree to repair a fan that costs only a couple of dollars?

Fan specifications

Fans vary in size and thickness: commonly found in computers are 40x40x10mm for cooling graphics cards and hard drive pockets, as well as 80x80x25, 92x92x25, 120x120x25mm for case cooling. Also, fans differ in the type and design of the installed electric motors: they consume different current and provide different impeller rotation speeds. The performance depends on the size of the fan and the speed of rotation of the impeller blades: the generated static pressure and the maximum volume of air transferred.

The volume of air carried by a fan (flow rate) is measured in cubic meters per minute or cubic feet per minute (CFM, cubic feet per minute). The performance of the fan, indicated in the characteristics, is measured at zero pressure: the fan operates in an open space. Inside the computer case, the fan blows into the system unit of a certain size, so it creates excess pressure in the serviced volume. Naturally, the volumetric performance will be approximately inversely proportional to the pressure generated. specific kind flow characteristics depends on the shape of the used impeller and other parameters of a particular model. For example, the corresponding graph for a fan is:

From this follows a simple conclusion: the more intense the fans in the back of the computer case, the more air can be pumped through the entire system, and the more efficient the cooling will be.

Fan noise level

The noise level generated by the fan during operation depends on its various characteristics (for more details on the reasons for its occurrence, see the article). It is easy to establish the relationship between performance and fan noise. On the website of a large manufacturer of popular cooling systems, we see: many fans of the same size are equipped with different electric motors, which are designed for different rotation speeds. Since the same impeller is used, we obtain the data we are interested in: the characteristics of the same fan at different rotation speeds. We compile a table for the three most common sizes: thickness 25 mm, and.

Bold font indicates the most popular types of fans.

Having calculated the coefficient of proportionality of the air flow and the noise level to the speed, we see an almost complete match. To clear our conscience, we consider deviations from the average: less than 5%. Thus, we got three linear dependencies, 5 points each. Not God knows what kind of statistics, but this is enough for a linear dependence: we consider the hypothesis confirmed.

The volumetric efficiency of the fan is proportional to the number of revolutions of the impeller, the same is true for the noise level.

Using the obtained hypothesis, we can extrapolate the obtained results using the least squares method (LSM): in the table, these values ​​are marked in italics. However, it must be remembered that the scope of this model is limited. The investigated dependence is linear in a certain range of rotation speeds; it is logical to assume that the linear nature of the dependence will remain in some neighborhood of this range; but at very high and very low speeds, the picture can change significantly.

Now consider the line of fans from another manufacturer:, and. Let's create a similar table:

Calculated data are marked in italics.
As mentioned above, at fan speeds that differ significantly from those studied, the linear model may be incorrect. The values ​​obtained by extrapolation should be understood as a rough estimate.

Let's pay attention to two circumstances. Firstly, GlacialTech fans are slower, and secondly, they are more efficient. Obviously, this is the result of using an impeller with a more complex blade shape: even at the same speed, the GlacialTech fan carries more air than the Titan: see graph growth. BUT the noise level at the same speed is approximately equal to: the proportion is observed even for fans of different manufacturers with different impeller shapes.

It should be understood that the real noise characteristics of a fan depend on its technical design, the pressure generated, the volume of air pumped, on the type and shape of obstacles in the way of air flows; that is, on the type of computer case. Since there are a wide variety of cases used, it is impossible to directly apply the quantitative characteristics of fans measured under ideal conditions - they can only be compared with each other for different fan models.

Price categories of fans

Consider the cost factor. For example, let's take and in the same online store: the results are entered in the tables above (fans with two ball bearings were considered). As you can see, the fans of these two manufacturers belong to two different classes: GlacialTech operate at lower speeds, so they make less noise; at the same speed they are more efficient than Titan - but they are always more expensive by a dollar or two. If you need to build the least noisy cooling system (for example, for a home computer), you will have to fork out for more expensive fans with complex blade shapes. In the absence of such strict requirements or with a limited budget (for example, for an office computer), simpler fans will do just fine. The different type of impeller suspension used in fans (for more details, see section ) also affects the cost: the fan is more expensive, the more complex bearings are used.

The connector key is beveled corners on one side. The wires are connected as follows: two central ones - "ground", common contact (black wire); +5 V - red, +12 V - yellow. To power the fan through the molex connector, only two wires are used, usually black ("ground") and red (supply voltage). By connecting them to different pins of the connector, you can get different fan speeds. A standard voltage of 12V will run the fan at normal speed, a voltage of 5-7V provides about half the rotation speed. It is preferable to use a higher voltage, since not every electric motor is able to reliably start at too low a supply voltage.

As experience shows, fan speed when connected to +5 V, +6 V and +7 V is approximately the same(with an accuracy of 10%, which is comparable to the accuracy of measurements: the rotation speed is constantly changing and depends on many factors, such as air temperature, the slightest draft in the room, etc.)

I remind you that the manufacturer guarantees the stable operation of its devices only when using a standard supply voltage. But, as practice shows, the vast majority of fans start up perfectly even at low voltage.

The contacts are fixed in the plastic part of the connector with a pair of folding metal "antennae". It is not difficult to remove the contact by pressing down the protruding parts with a thin awl or a small screwdriver. After that, the "antennae" must again be unbent to the sides, and insert the contact into the corresponding socket of the plastic part of the connector:

Sometimes coolers and fans are equipped with two connectors: a molex connected in parallel and a three- (or four-) pin. In this case you need to connect power only through one of them:

In some cases, not one molex connector is used, but a pair of "mom-dad": this way you can connect the fan to the same wire from the power supply that powers the hard drive or optical drive. If you are swapping the pins in the connector to get a non-standard voltage on the fan, pay special attention to swap the pins in the second connector in exactly the same order. Failure to do so will result in the wrong voltage being supplied to the hard drive or optical drive, which will most likely result in their immediate failure.

In three-pin connectors, the installation key is a pair of protruding guides on one side:

The mating part is located on the contact pad; when connected, it enters between the guides, also acting as a retainer. The corresponding connectors for powering the fans are located on the motherboard (usually several pieces in different places on the board) or on the board of a special controller that controls the fans:

In addition to ground (black wire) and +12 V (usually red, less often: yellow), there is also a tachometric contact: it is used to control the fan speed (white, blue, yellow or green wire). If you do not need the ability to control the fan speed, then this contact can be omitted. If the fan is powered separately (for example, via a molex connector), it is permissible to connect only the speed control contact and a common wire using a three-pin connector - this scheme is often used to monitor the fan speed of the power supply, which is powered and controlled by the internal circuits of the PSU.

Four-pin connectors have appeared relatively recently on motherboards with processor sockets LGA 775 and socket AM2. They differ in the presence of an additional fourth contact, while being fully mechanically and electrically compatible with three-pin connectors:

Two identical fans with three-pin connectors can be connected in series to one power connector. Thus, each of the electric motors will have 6 V of supply voltage, both fans will rotate at half speed. For such a connection, it is convenient to use fan power connectors: the contacts can be easily removed from the plastic case by pressing the fixing “tab” with a screwdriver. The connection diagram is shown in the figure below. One of the connectors connects to the motherboard as usual: it will provide power to both fans. In the second connector, using a piece of wire, you need to short-circuit two contacts, and then insulate it with tape or electrical tape:

It is strongly not recommended to connect two different electric motors in this way.: due to the inequality of electrical characteristics in various operating modes (startup, acceleration, stable rotation), one of the fans may not start at all (which is fraught with failure of the electric motor) or require an excessively high current to start (it is fraught with failure of the control circuits).

Often, fixed or variable resistors connected in series in the power circuit are used to limit the fan speed. By changing the resistance of the variable resistor, you can adjust the rotation speed: this is how many manual fan speed controllers are arranged. When designing such a circuit, it must be remembered that, firstly, the resistors heat up, dissipating part of the electrical power in the form of heat - this does not contribute to more efficient cooling; secondly, the electrical characteristics of the electric motor in various operating modes (starting, acceleration, stable rotation) are not the same, the resistor parameters must be selected taking into account all these modes. To select the parameters of the resistor, it is enough to know Ohm's law; you need to use resistors designed for a current no less than the electric motor consumes. However, I personally do not welcome manual control of cooling, as I believe that a computer is quite a suitable device to control the cooling system automatically, without user intervention.

Fan monitoring and control

Most modern motherboards allow you to control the speed of fans connected to some three- or four-pin connectors. Moreover, some of the connectors support software control of the speed of rotation of the connected fan. Not all connectors on the board provide such capabilities: for example, the popular Asus A8N-E motherboard has five connectors for powering fans, only three of them support rotation speed control (CPU, CHIP, CHA1), and only one fan speed control (CPU); Asus P5B motherboard has four connectors, all four support rotation speed control, rotation speed control has two channels: CPU, CASE1 / 2 (the speed of two case fans changes synchronously). The number of connectors with the ability to control or control the speed of rotation does not depend on the chipset or southbridge used, but on the specific model of the motherboard: models from different manufacturers may differ in this regard. Often, motherboard designers deliberately deprive cheaper models of fan speed control capabilities. For example, the Asus P4P800 SE motherboard for Intel Pentiun 4 processors is able to regulate the speed of the processor cooler, while its cheaper version Asus P4P800-X is not. In this case, you can use special devices that are able to control the speed of several fans (and usually provide for the connection of a number of temperature sensors) - there are more and more of them on the modern market.

Fan speeds can be controlled using BIOS Setup. As a rule, if the motherboard supports changing the fan speed, here in the BIOS Setup you can configure the parameters of the speed control algorithm. The set of parameters is different for different motherboards; usually the algorithm uses the readings of thermal sensors built into the processor and motherboard. There are a number of programs for various operating systems that allow you to control and adjust the speed of fans, as well as monitor the temperature of various components inside the computer. Manufacturers of some motherboards bundle their products with proprietary programs for Windows: Asus PC Probe, MSI CoreCenter, Abit µGuru, Gigabyte EasyTune, Foxconn SuperStep, etc. Several universal programs are distributed, among them: (shareware, $20-30), (distributed free of charge, not updated since 2004). The most popular program of this class is:

These programs allow you to monitor a number of temperature sensors that are installed in modern processors, motherboards, video cards and hard drives. The program also monitors the rotation speed of fans that are connected to motherboard connectors with appropriate support. Finally, the program is able to automatically adjust the speed of the fans depending on the temperature of the observed objects (if the motherboard manufacturer has implemented hardware support for this feature). In the figure above, the program is configured to control only the processor fan: at a low CPU temperature (36°C), it rotates at a speed of about 1000 rpm, which is 35% of the maximum speed (2800 rpm). Setting up such programs comes down to three steps:

1. determining which of the channels of the motherboard controller are connected to fans, and which of them can be controlled by software;
2. specifying which temperatures should affect the speed of the various fans;
3. setting temperature thresholds for each temperature sensor and operating speed range for fans.

Many programs for testing and fine-tuning computers also have monitoring capabilities:, etc.

Many modern video cards also allow you to adjust the speed of the cooling fan depending on the temperature of the GPU. With the help of special programs, you can even change the settings of the cooling mechanism, reducing the noise level from the video card in the absence of load. This is how the optimal settings for the HIS X800GTO IceQ II video card look in the program:

Passive cooling

Passive cooling systems are called those that do not contain fans. Individual computer components can be content with passive cooling, provided that their heatsinks are placed in sufficient airflow created by "foreign" fans: for example, a chipset chip is often cooled by a large heatsink located near the CPU cooler. Passive cooling systems for video cards are also popular, for example:

Obviously, the more heat sinks one fan has to blow through, the more flow resistance it needs to overcome; thus, with an increase in the number of radiators, it is often necessary to increase the speed of rotation of the impeller. It is more efficient to use a lot of low-speed large-diameter fans, and passive cooling systems are preferably avoided. Despite the fact that passive heatsinks for processors, video cards with passive cooling, even power supplies without fans (FSP Zen) are produced, trying to build a computer without fans at all from all these components will certainly lead to constant overheating. Because a modern high-performance computer dissipates too much heat to be cooled only by passive systems. Due to the low thermal conductivity of air, it is difficult to organize effective passive cooling for the entire computer, except to turn the entire computer case into a radiator, as is done in:

Compare the case-radiator in the photo with the case of a conventional computer!

Perhaps, completely passive cooling will be enough for low-power specialized computers (for Internet access, for listening to music and watching videos, etc.)

In the old days, when the power consumption of processors had not yet reached critical values ​​- a small radiator was enough to cool them - the question "what will the computer do when nothing needs to be done?" It was solved simply: while it is not necessary to execute user commands or running programs, the OS gives the processor a NOP command (No OPeration, no operation). This command causes the processor to perform a meaningless, ineffectual operation, the result of which is ignored. This takes not only time, but also electricity, which, in turn, is converted into heat. A typical home or office computer, in the absence of resource-intensive tasks, is usually only 10% loaded - anyone can verify this by launching the Windows Task Manager and watching the CPU (Central Processing Unit) Load History. Thus, with the old approach, about 90% of the processor time flew to the wind: the CPU was busy executing commands that no one needed. Newer operating systems (Windows 2000 and later) act smarter in a similar situation: using the HLT (Halt, stop) command, the processor is completely stopped for a short time - this obviously allows you to reduce power consumption and processor temperature in the absence of resource-intensive tasks.

Experienced computer scientists can recall a number of "software processor cooling" programs: when running under Windows 95/98/ME, they stopped the processor using HLT, instead of repeating meaningless NOPs, which lowered the processor temperature in the absence of computational tasks. Accordingly, the use of such programs under Windows 2000 and newer operating systems is meaningless.

Modern processors consume so much energy (which means: they dissipate it in the form of heat, that is, they heat up) that the developers have created additional technical measures to combat possible overheating, as well as tools that increase the efficiency of saving mechanisms when the computer is idle.

CPU thermal protection

To protect the processor from overheating and failure, the so-called thermal throttling is used (usually not translated: throttling). The essence of this mechanism is simple: if the processor temperature exceeds the allowable one, the processor is forcibly stopped by the HLT command so that the crystal has a chance to cool down. In early implementations of this mechanism, through BIOS Setup, it was possible to configure how much time the processor would be idle (CPU Throttling Duty Cycle: xx%); new implementations "slow down" the processor automatically until the temperature of the crystal drops to an acceptable level. Of course, the user is interested in the fact that the processor does not cool down (literally!), but does useful work - for this you need to use a fairly efficient cooling system. You can check if the processor thermal protection mechanism (throttling) is enabled using special utilities, for example:

Minimization of energy consumption

Almost all modern processors support special technologies to reduce energy consumption (and, accordingly, heating). Different manufacturers call such technologies differently, for example: Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST), AMD Cool'n'Quiet (CnQ, C&Q) - but they work, in fact, the same way. When the computer is idle and the processor is not loaded with computing tasks, the clock frequency and voltage of the processor decreases. Both of these reduce the power consumption of the processor, which in turn reduces heat dissipation. As soon as the processor load increases, the full speed of the processor is automatically restored: the operation of such a power saving scheme is completely transparent to the user and running programs. To enable such a system, you need:

1. enable the use of supported technology in BIOS Setup;
2. install the appropriate drivers in the OS you are using (usually this is a processor driver);
3. in the Windows Control Panel, in the Power Management section, on the Power Schemes tab, select the Minimal Power Management scheme from the list.

For example, for an Asus A8N-E motherboard with a processor, you need (detailed instructions are in the User's Guide):

1. in BIOS Setup, in the Advanced > CPU Configuration > AMD CPU Cool & Quiet Configuration section, switch the Cool N "Quiet parameter to Enabled; and in the Power section, switch the ACPI 2.0 Support parameter to Yes;
2. install ;
3. see above.

You can check that the processor frequency is changing using any program that displays the processor clock speed: from specialized types, up to the Windows Control Panel (Control Panel), section System (System):

AMD Cool "n" Quiet in action: current CPU frequency (994 MHz) is lower than nominal (1.8 GHz)

Often, motherboard manufacturers additionally complete their products with visual programs that clearly demonstrate the operation of the mechanism for changing the frequency and voltage of the processor, for example, Asus Cool&Quiet:

The processor frequency changes from maximum (in the presence of computational load) to some minimum (in the absence of CPU load).

RMClock utility

During the development of a set of programs for complex testing of processors, (RightMark CPU Clock / Power Utility) was created: it is designed to monitor, configure and manage the power-saving capabilities of modern processors. The utility supports all modern processors and a variety of power consumption management systems (frequency, voltage ...). The program allows you to monitor the occurrence of throttling, changes in the frequency and voltage of the processor. Using RMClock, you can configure and use everything that standard tools allow: BIOS Setup, power management by the OS using the processor driver. But the possibilities of this utility are much broader: with its help, you can configure a number of parameters that are not available for configuration in a standard way. This is especially important when using overclocked systems, when the processor runs faster than the nominal frequency.

Video card auto overclocking

A similar method is used by video card developers: the full power of the GPU is needed only in 3D mode, and a modern graphics chip can cope with a desktop in 2D mode even at a reduced frequency. Many modern video cards are tuned so that the graphics chip serves the desktop (2D mode) with reduced frequency, power consumption and heat dissipation; accordingly, the cooling fan spins more slowly and makes less noise. The video card only starts to work at full capacity when running 3D applications, such as computer games. Similar logic can be implemented programmatically, using various utilities for fine-tuning and overclocking video cards. For example, this is how the automatic overclocking settings in the program for the HIS X800GTO IceQ II video card look like:

Quiet computer: myth or reality?

From the user's point of view, a sufficiently quiet computer will be considered such, the noise of which does not exceed the ambient background noise. During the day, taking into account the noise of the street outside the window, as well as the noise in the office or at work, it is permissible for the computer to make a little more noise. A home computer that is planned to be used around the clock should be quieter at night. As practice has shown, almost any modern powerful computer can be made to work quite quietly. I will describe a few examples from my practice.

Example 1: Intel Pentium 4 platform

My office uses 10 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 computers with standard CPU coolers. All machines are assembled in inexpensive Fortex cases priced up to $30, Chieftec 310-102 power supplies (310 W, 1 80×80×25 mm fan) are installed. In each case, a 80x80x25 mm fan (3000 rpm, noise 33 dBA) was installed on the back wall - they were replaced by fans with the same performance 120x120x25 mm (950 rpm, noise 19 dBA) ). In the LAN file server, for additional cooling of hard drives, 2 80 × 80 × 25 mm fans are installed on the front wall, connected in series (speed 1500 rpm, noise 20 dBA). Most computers use the Asus P4P800 SE motherboard, which is able to regulate the speed of the processor cooler. Two computers have cheaper Asus P4P800-X boards, where the cooler speed is not regulated; to reduce noise from these machines, the CPU coolers have been replaced (1900 rpm, 20 dBA noise).
Result: computers are quieter than air conditioners; they are almost inaudible.

Example 2: Intel Core 2 Duo platform

A home computer based on a new Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 (2.13 GHz) processor with a standard processor cooler was assembled in an inexpensive $25 aigo case, a Chieftec 360-102DF power supply (360 W, 2 80 × 80 × 25 mm fans) was installed. In the front and rear walls of the case, there are 2 fans 80 × 80 × 25 mm, connected in series (speed is adjustable, from 750 to 1500 rpm, noise up to 20 dBA). Used motherboard Asus P5B, which is able to regulate the speed of the CPU cooler and case fans. A video card with a passive cooling system is installed.
Result: the computer makes such a noise that during the day it is not audible over the usual noise in the apartment (conversations, steps, the street outside the window, etc.).

Example 3: AMD Athlon 64 Platform

My home computer with an AMD Athlon 64 3000+ (1.8 GHz) processor was assembled in an inexpensive Delux case priced under $30, initially containing a CoolerMaster RS-380 power supply (380 W, 1 fan 80 × 80 × 25 mm) and a GlacialTech SilentBlade video card GT80252BDL-1 connected to +5 V (about 850 rpm, less than 17 dBA noise). The Asus A8N-E motherboard is used, which is able to regulate the speed of the processor cooler (up to 2800 rpm, noise up to 26 dBA, in idle mode the cooler rotates about 1000 rpm and noise is less than 18 dBA). The problem with this motherboard: cooling of the nVidia nForce 4 chipset chip, Asus installs a small 40×40×10 mm fan with a rotation speed of 5800 rpm, which whistles quite loudly and unpleasantly (in addition, the fan is equipped with a sleeve bearing that has a very short life) . To cool the chipset, a cooler for video cards with a copper radiator was installed; against its background, clicks of the positioning of the hard disk heads are clearly audible. A working computer does not interfere with sleeping in the same room where it is installed.
Recently, the video card was replaced by HIS X800GTO IceQ II, for the installation of which it was necessary to modify the chipset heatsink: bend the fins so that they do not interfere with the installation of a video card with a large cooling fan. Fifteen minutes of work with pliers - and the computer continues to work quietly even with a fairly powerful video card.

Example 4: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Platform

A home computer based on an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ processor (2.0 GHz) with a processor cooler (up to 1900 rpm, noise up to 20 dBA) is assembled in a 3R System R101 case (2 fans 120 × 120 × 25 mm are included, up to 1500 rpm, installed on the front and rear walls of the case, connected to the standard monitoring and automatic fan control system), FSP Blue Storm 350 power supply (350 W, 1 fan 120 × 120 × 25 mm) is installed. A motherboard is used (passive cooling of chipset microcircuits), which is able to regulate the speed of the processor cooler. Used graphics card GeCube Radeon X800XT, cooling system replaced by Zalman VF900-Cu. A hard drive was chosen for the computer, known for its low noise level.
Result: The computer is so quiet that you can hear the sound of the hard drive motor. A working computer does not interfere with sleeping in the same room where it is installed (neighbors behind the wall are talking even louder).