Track: Innovation

Abstract

The research investigated the effectiveness of Thermoelectric Coolers (TEC) as a viable cooling option for outdoor refrigeration purposes used outdoor activities e.g. sport events, graduations and wedding ceremonies. The model utilized the technology of a TECs which are solid state current devices that operate by applying DC power and transfers heat from cold side to hot side, acting as a heat exchanger. The performances and effectiveness of the unit was studied by determining the maximum cooling time of system, the number of peltier devices and the optimum positioning of the peltiers needed to produce the required refrigeration of a 10L water tank. Solid Works was used to carry out thermal simulations on the designed water cooler in a real time environment at outdoor ambient temperature to observe the effects of the parameters described above.  The designed system was able to cool down a water tank of 10L from 30? to 10? in 20 minutes by using 4 peltiers with a total refrigeration power of 240W by using 280W solar power. Thermostatic control was seen to reduce power consumption of the system by 37.5%. which in turn reduced the size of the solar panel. For maximum efficiency the cold side of the peltiers must be attached to heat sinks with fins for maximum heat removal from the tank.