Hey everyone! I'm working on an interesting project that involves my small chicken coop. It's insulated, but when temperatures drop below freezing outside, it gets too cold inside—down to 0 degrees. I want to maintain a cozy 3-7 degrees inside. To help with this, I have an infrared heater that draws around 50-70 watts.
I also have a computer in my basement that runs video recognition software and uses about 30-40 watts, which I could push to 50-70 watts for better performance. The coop has power and, potentially, LAN access in the near future.
I thought it might be smart to use the waste heat from the computer to help warm the coop instead of generating heat twice. I initially considered using a basic aluminum case, since it needs to be both dustproof and splash-proof (IP54 rated).
I'm worried plastic won't conduct heat well enough, so I'm thinking of using a larger aluminum toolbox, drilling holes for power and LAN, and sealing them with rubber plugs.
Does anyone know where I could find an affordable IP54-rated case that fits mATX or even ITX specifications?
3 Answers
Ever thought about a small bitcoin miner instead? They produce a fair amount of heat and could help keep the coop warm. Plus, you might end up with some extra cash while keeping your chickens warm!
I get what you're trying to do, but honestly, a 50-70 watt output isn't going to do much to warm up an open space like a chicken coop. Even if you find a suitable weatherproof case, expect it to cost a hefty amount—maybe around $500+. You’d need to weigh how much you’d save on heating versus the cost of setting this up. If you’re determined, check out options from companies like Armagard; they have some solid products.
You might find it easier to just channel the warm air from your PC directly into the coop instead of trying to create a sealed case. Or, consider a custom water loop where you put a radiator in the coop, but watch out for condensation if it gets too cold. Also, you might want to look into industrial NEMA4X enclosures—they're better suited for outdoor conditions. They can fit your PC case or could be modified to hold just the components you need. Asking a professional might give you more tailored advice since this isn’t a common need for consumer products.
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