Ice in a Cooler with a Fan Tested – I wanted data on how the ice in a cooler (not a swamp cooler) performs – not just hot sports opinion – so I ran a test last night. I used a small Igloo marine cooler filled to the top with ice, attached a card board cover with holes for the fan and the exhaust (didn’t want to cut the real top until I had confidence this system works – probably decreased performance slightly), hooked up two thermometers – one inside the tent, one outside. I then put the swamp cooler inside the tent with the vent blowing on where my face would be. I put the inside thermometer where my face would be. When I started the fan (connected to car battery) the temp dropped quickly to about 67 degrees and stayed there for about 30 minutes. This was about 27 degrees cooler than ambient temp. After 30 mins the temp started creeping up, finally resting at about 80 degrees (10 degrees lower than ambient). As the ambient temp started dropping so did the inside temp. I stopped the test after 2.5 hours. Did it work? Yes – it cooled the tent to a frosty 67. Would it work all night? Doubt it – but it might provide long enough relief for a half decent nights sleep in hot Texas summer temps. The fan was really loud and put off its own heat. Maybe a higher quality fan would be quieter and not put off so much heat. The impact to the car battery didn’t even register on the battery charge indicator so I’m assuming running all night wouldn’t have been an issue. When I stopped the test the ice was half melted (started with 2 10lb bags). I suspect it would have continued provided cooling for several more hours. As the ice melts and shifts it makes noise – something to consider. Next time I may try freezer blocks instead of ice – they won’t shift as they melt and may stay frozen longer.