Swamp Thing

This is a simple laser-cut swamp cooler design. It's written in OpenSCAD, a parametric text-based modeling program.

There are a bunch of parameters near the top that you may need to tweak for your environment. In particular, make sure the wood_thickness and plastic_thickness are set for your materials, and adjust the pad parameters to reflect your evaporative pad.

The default design is set up for a 4" ducted fan and a 4" output duct. To change duct size, edit the duct_diameter parameter. To use a different fan, replace references to the fan_panel_4in modules with your own; there's an example in the file for using an array of 120mm computer fans instead.

Assembly Instructions

You will need:

1. All the panels in the wood_cutting_layout and plastic_cutting_layout modules.
2. Silicone sealant.
3. Your fan.
4. Your cooling pad.
5. A small bilge pump.
6. Enough PVC pipe to span the top of the cooling pad.
7. Hose and fittings to adapt the PVC pipe to your bilge pump.

To assemble:

1. Locate the longitudinal cross braces.
2. Slot them into the side panels. They slide into the slots near the bottom and lock down. Make sure the top cutouts align.
3. Locate the lateral cross braces.
4. Slot them into the longitudinal cross braces to form a hash-sign.
5. Slot the front and back panels into place. There are several cutouts at the top of the side panels; the front panel goes nearest the cutouts.
6. Drop the reservoir floor into place. It should nest quite snugly.
7. Fit the reservoir walls in. They should hold in place by friction.
8. Seal all reservoir seams using silicone sealant. Allow this to cure.
9. Assemble the pad hanger panels and the pad spacers. Use zip ties through the holes next to the panels to hold the spacers in place --- not too tight!
10. Slot the pad assembly into place. It mates with slots on top of the side panels. Seal the bottom seams if desired. Load the pad.
11. Mount your fan to the fan supports. If using the default 4" ducted fan, it should fit by friction. Put a hose clamp between the two supports to keep it from sliding out.
12. Slide the fan assembly into place. It mates with slots on the top of the side panels.
13. Place the rear lid panel in place. Seal.
14. Place the front lid panel in place. Hinge if desired.