I live in Minnesota, and I have an unheated, detached garage. I would like to place an "offsite" data backup device (possibly a NAS) in the garage, which I should be easily able to connect to the wireless network in the house (in case of fire, burgling, etc).
My biggest concern is the cold in the winter; I understand most computer equipment has a published operating range down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and I expect it to be, at times, up to 60-70 degrees colder than that during the winter. I'm slightly concerned with the heat in the summer, though days where the temperature in such a garage would be too hot for a computer would be few. I'm also somewhat concerned about the physical security of the equipment.
I'm interested in building or buying some sort of a modest-sized, climate-controlled enclosure in which I could put a computer and/or NAS, that would ideally provide:
- a safe operating temperature for the equipment, but in an energy efficient way (keep the temperature just warm enough and/or just cool enough to not put undo stress on the enclosed gear)
- ventilation for the equipment; I'm not completely certain, but I don't think a sealed / airtight enclosure would be good for a computer-like thing
- some degree of physical security for the enclosed equipment (in case of garage break-in)
- not interfere with the wireless network unduly (it does need to attach to the network to serve its function)
I've googled a bit, but I haven't found anything along these lines either for sale or as a hobbiest project. Maybe it's out there and I haven't stumbled upon the right search terms.
Can anyone offer advice / suggestions on some sort of enclosure that fits the bill?
Thanks!
Best Answer
First off, as long as the temps stay in range, I don't think you'll have a problem with an 'air-tight' container. The only reason computer equipment needs airflow is because it's dumping heat into that air. As long as you have a little bit of air, and can keep it at an acceptable temp, low airflow won't be a problem. You can't go zero airflow because the equipment in question isn't built to heatsink to it's case.
Off had the first thing that occurs to me is a 'garage fridge'(something like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001B2P2G8/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=3788940351&ref=pd_sl_6z7wf02xh3_b)
The thing includes a heater system to keep it's refrigerated section from freezing in cold temps.
That's really more than you need though, because it's going to try to keep stuff cold when you really only need it to keep stuff room temp. It's going for a much narrower temp range than you'll care about.
If I were going to try this, I'd get an old fridge (doesn't have to work), and build my own controls (some kind of micro-controller) - I'd cut some kind of vents with controllable louvers and fans into the top and side. And some kind of heating system (really small space header? dunno). I'd add in a temp sensor, and turn the heater on when things get too cold, and the fans on (with louvers open) when things get too hot. If the temp gets out of range, cut power to the device in question.
If you want it to deal with hot days as well, then get a fridge that WORKS, and put the chillers it into the mix as well - if things get hot enough that the fans aren't doing it, cut them, close the louvers and hit the chillers.