To learn more about forced air cooling visit go.uvm.edu/forcedaircooling
To download the PDF version of this guide click here!
Framing:
2”x12” lumber to make a 43” wide x 74” tall x 11-1/4” deep plenum for suction air distribution.
Plenum Panel:
3/8” CDX Plywood with an 11-1/4” circle cut out for the blower suction inlet. Position this whole centered for even air pressure.
Plastic Wrap:
It is Important to channel air from one end horizontally through to the blower under suction, not pressure. We used 4 mil poly for our tests and it worked great. We attached it via duct tape initially, then wrapped the plastic around strapping and screwed it to the box with fender washers. Using wiggle wire would be a great upgrade and make replacing the plastic easier in the future.
Blower:
12” Portable Ventilation Blower. This blower can be purchased through Global International, or Northern Tool and Equipment.
Alterations:
After some field trials, it was discovered a smaller (shorter)
unit works well. Many farms aren’t packing full 6’ pallets, and we found that a 4’ version was suitable.
Bill of Materials—Pallet Cooler
Framing Lumber, 2”x 12”x 8’ (Qty 3) ……………………. $55
Plywood, 4’ x 8’ x 3/8” (Qty 1) …………………………….. $20
Decking Screws, 3” (1 box) ………………………………….. $10
Decking Screws, 1-1/4” (1 box) ……………………………. $10
Fender Washers, 3/16 x 1-1/4” (1 box) ………………… $10
Plastic, 4 mil, 20’x25’ (need ~8’x16’)…………………….. $25
Blower, 12” Portable Ventilation Blower …………….. $125
Total Cost ……………………………………………………$255
unit works well. Many farms aren’t packing full 6’ pallets, and we found that a 4’ version was suitable.