Collaborate Disseminate
By putting a new spin on decades-old thermoelectric technology, scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a tiny microscopic cooling device they describe as the “world’s smallest refrigerator.” It’s hardly the place … Continue reading World’s smallest “refrigerator” has a volume of one cubic micrometer
Passive homes are a fairly recent trend in home building, but promise a future with minimal energy inputs in our day-to-day. One of the challenges in this year’s Hackaday Prize is to envision ways to add utility to earthen homes often used in refugee camps where there is a housing …read more
A dead refrigerator is an occurrence determined to frustrate any homeowner. First there’s the discovery of hundreds of dollars in spoiled food, and then the cost of a repair call and the delay of the inevitable wait for parts. It’s clear to see why a hacker like [Mr. Carlson] would …read more
You may think that the humble coffee table is something that couldn’t be subjected to a high-tech makeover, but … yeah, you’d be wrong. The currently-crowdfunding Coosno is equipped with a mini fridge, voice control, Google Home and mo… Continue reading "Smart" coffee table packs in the techy features
One of the most power-hungry devices in our homes, besides the air conditioner or heater, is our refrigerator and freezer. It’s especially so if the door doesn’t close all the way or the magnetic seal doesn’t seat properly. [Javier] took to solving a recurring problem with his personal fridge by attaching an alarm to the door to make sure that it doesn’t consume any more power than it absolutely needs.
At its core the device is straightforward. A micro switch powers a small microcontroller only when the door is open. If the door is open for too long, the microcontroller …read more
Continue reading Fridge Alarm Speaks, and Saves Power & Food
We like this one because it has a real Junkyard Wars feel to it: turning a cast-off fridge compressor into a two-stroke internal combustion engine. [Makerj101] is doing this with tooling no more complicated than a hacksaw and a hand drill. And JB Weld — lots and lots of JB Weld.
[Makerj101]’s video series takes us through his entire conversion process. Despite the outward similarity between compressors and engines, there are enough crucial differences to make the conversion challenging. A scheme for controlling intake and exhaust had to be implemented, the crankcase needed to be sealed, and a cylinder head …read more
Continue reading Fridge Compressor to 2-Stroke Engine: JB Weld for the Win
For four years in a row, a GE French door refrigerator has won our coveted Best Refrigerator award. The post Best Refrigerator: GE Café CFE28TSHSS appeared first on WIRED. Continue reading Best Refrigerator: GE Café CFE28TSHSS
Compressed air is great to have around the shop. The trouble is, most affordable compressors are somewhere between “wake the dead” and “the reason Pete Townshend is deaf” on the decibel scale. But with a little ingenuity and a willingness to compromise on performance, you might find this ultra-quiet, ultra-cheap air compressor a welcome way to keep the peace in your shop.
Yes, this compressor under-performs even a Harbor Freight pancake compressor which can be had for $60 and is ready to work right out of the box. In fact, [Eric Strebel]’s design sort of requires you to buy an …read more
Continue reading Fridge Parts Make Air Compressor That’s Easy on the Ears