If you really think about it, snow globes are one big lie. They don't even have real snow! I decided to fix that by making a snow globe that makes its own real icy snow! It uses a snowman shaped piece of aluminum, some peltier elements, some resistors to create condensation on the aluminum and produce snow.

Check out the video!:

Supplies

Parts

3 x Peltier Elements
PC CPU Cooler
Fans
Aluminum
PC Power supply
DIY Plastic Snow Globe
Thermal Paste
2 x 75R 2W resistors
Felt

Tools

3D printer
Soldering Iron
Lathe
Milling Machine

*This is an advanced project that requires machining metal

Step 1: Watch the Video!

You'll get the best idea of what it does by checking out the video. Don't forget to subscribe!

Step 2: Basic Idea

The peltier elements are able to transfer heat from one side to the other when a voltage is applied. Using this effect we can make a really cold side as long as the hot side stays cool enough.

Step 3: Mount the Peltier Elements

I used 3 different sized peltier elements and 3D printed a mount to put them on the CPU cooler. The largest one will be directly mounted on the CPU cooler then cascading in size to the 3rd. They will each cool the next one slightly more than the last. You need to use thermal paste on each pelter to get good thermal conductivity.

Step 4: Test Out the Coolers

You want to make sure you can get to very low temperatures. I was able to reach -25C on the smallest peltier element. Which is good enough for this project.

The two larger peltier coolers were able to take 12V directly while the smallest one was able to do 5V. The PC power supply can supply each of these voltages.

PC power supplies require one of the pins to be ground to turn them on. There are plenty of articles showing how this is done.

Step 5: Machine/create the Snowman

I decided to make a snowman looking shape, but you could really use anything, even just an aluminum rod. I used my lathe to remove all of the material that wasn't a snowman.

Then used my mill to remove some of the base to make it sit perfectly on the peltier element.

I also 3d printed a hat and added a ribbon for a scarf. (hat file included)

I used a torch to heat the snowman and press the hat into its head so it would sit properly.

Step 6: Create a Mount for Snowman

You need to wire up the resistors in parallel to also hook up to 12V. The 75R resistors @ 12V will produce 1.8W of heat. These will get really hot, so be careful!

Using the bottom lip of the snowman I created a second mount to press it into the top peltier element. You will again need to use thermal paste to mount it. Then tighten down the screws to secure it to the base.

Step 7: Mount It in a Box or Create a Housing

I decided to lasercut a housing for everything. I used acrylic and mounted the fans to it. This held everything up and out the top, this is where the "snow globe" will sit. Hiding all of the other things. Everything will be controlled by the power supply, and once its turned on it begins running. No microcontrollers in this one!

Step 8: Cut the Felt

You need the felt to hold whatever liquid you decide to vapourize. I cut it out on the lasercutter but this can easily be done with scissors. It needs to go around the snowman and sit on the resistors.

Step 9: Moisten the Felt

You need to get the felt moist before placing it on the resistors. I use water for the ice!

Step 10: Add the Snow Globe Cover

The snow glove cover will trap the moisture and allow the cold snowman to collect it and freeze the condensation. It will continue to grow as long as there is vapour in the chamber. It may fog up if there is too much water, but you can easily take off the cover and wipe it with a paper towel then place it back down.