1. Overview

I am proposing the design and construction of a thermoelectric diffusion cloud chamber to observe and visualize particle interactions. This project will leverage Peltier thermoelectric coolers (TECs) and a Corsair water-cooling circuit for thermal regulation. The cloud chamber will be optimized for performance, reliability, and clear visibility of particle trails. I need help from the community to refine the design, optimize insulation, integrate electronics, and troubleshoot any technical challenges along the way.



2. Thermal Regulation

  • Utilize Peltier TECs (ordered from Laird, Germany) for cooling.

  • Corsair water-cooling circuit to dissipate excess heat and stabilize temperatures.

"Chilly plate thing"

387005670 

7. Electrostatic Charged Plating

Incorporate a metal plate inside the chamber to charge the air and enhance the visibility of ionization trails.

"Shockey plate thing"


6. Imaging System

Integrate three high-resolution cameras positioned at the top, side, and front of the chamber for comprehensive recording and observation.

"So we don't miss a thing"

 

4. PSU Setup

  • A single high-efficiency PSU for primary operation.

  • A small auxiliary PSU dedicated to high-voltage components during initial testing.

"This should be ideal."


3. Insulation and Transparency

  • Build a chassis that provides effective thermal insulation.

  • Design with minimal obstructions to preserve clear views of particle trails.

"It's basically a fancy box bro"

 

8. Atmospheric Optimization

  • Investigate rarefaction techniques to accelerate startup times and achieve supersaturation faster.

  • Current design relies on isopropyl alcohol, but glycol may be considered for testing purposes.

 "Let's get some HVAC up in this bitch"


5. HV PSU Setup

  • We can improvise this in a way that protects our main PSU during the prototype phase, then implement it into that circuitry hopefully...

"Emphasis on the hopefully."


10. Current Status

  • We have already ordered Peltier coolers from Laird in Germany, which are currently in transit.

  • We aim to assemble parts and start testing thermal gradients by the first Sunday of 2025 if we can find some spare TECs.

  • Spare TECs for prototyping are welcome while we wait for our primary components to arrive.

"For our status in the streets, check the hood"


9. What MSD Homies Can Do

  1. Optimizing chamber insulation and rarefaction techniques.

  2. Designing and fabricating the chamber’s frame and layout.

  3. Configuring the power and high-voltage circuits safely.

  4. Assisting with camera mounting and software integration for imaging.

  5. Sharing spare TECs or components for early testing and experimentation.

"May all who are bored and like science unite."



Parts List:

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/laird-thermal-systems-inc/387005670/14113442?s=N4IgTCBcDaKHAEBmAHAdgAxoKwDZ1xALoC%2BQA

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/custom-liquid-cooling/cx-9030006-ww/hydro-x-series-xr7-480mm-water-cooling-radiator-cx-9030006-ww?srsltid=AfmBOorh17JEgMzfXXGim_l_p8aafsHXl3jQrJ2zU7hnDd-GFHOpeZQe

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/custom-liquid-cooling/cx-9040005-ww/hydro-x-series-xd7-rgb-pump-reservoir-combo-aca-a-black-cx-9040005-ww

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FD26B92?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-RM1000e-Modular-Low-Noise-Supply/dp/B0DD5RWTYY?crid=2S65OFLYOEP7X&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vwlTxYF0RuraqhDz1j0HAB-iVFHPaAsp3HovnlncMZs7uPPPEhRvYDgMSPSPh7PLEf_00XbwhDTSr4UjVnlKKxuL-G3wJnoo7TDtHtFk_DeBKwugXrR4GMoXkE5c7DAQoIiWy4cycX7ae3MA8hTyZPg9B9iUt3AVLDrhDCy_G0tEbIwOUu1IzsLMcJfvSw5It4g9SmPO0JA0FNQFHbDonolsV_HNHxYyMBwrahoa8i3xXf0mZMgK9eroFHF0KygdbKaglW-3YlbT1EYGyFcZmwk57NGoS00Ig_YZJvQD2Jsd7wbBAUHS8hmBV0lipy0XSffkdeoe_zHmYN-sfFmCgy-pO0CR-IeWTDMwcF6VJp8.0_OPfAlFeIa5M6XALsAt7s7_1NwrW6vySYEUj0xUI8g&dib_tag=se&keywords=corsair+atx+1000ee&qid=1735435532&s=electronics&sprefix=corsair+atx+1000ee%2Celectronics%2C111&sr=1-1