STUDY AND FABRICATION OF THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATOR WITH ITS PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

Abstract

A thermoelectric refrigeration system is a solid-state cooling technology that utilizes the Peltier effect to create a temperature difference across a thermoelectric module (TEM). The system is highly versatile, reliable, and environment-friendly, making it a suitable alternative to conventional refrigeration systems. Small size, portability, zero emission, noise free, economical are some of its advantageous features. This project/study presents an overview of the thermoelectric refrigeration system, including its operating principle, design and fabrication and its performance analysis. The performance test of the fabricated model was done in different conditions: (i) varying hot-side heat sink (fan enhanced heat pipe and normal air cooling) ii) Varying the shape of cold side heat sink having same surface area iii) Varying the air circulation method through cold side heat sink iv) Varying the number of modules under same hot side heat sink. It was found that a fan enhanced heat pipe decreased the cabin temperature by 5.6 °C more than a normal air cooling system. Also, using tunnel arrangement at cold side fins improved air circulation which resulted in decreasing the cabin temperature by 1.4°C more. Higher number of modules was found inefficient when the heat dissipation rate of the hot side heat sink is limited. Additionally, this study highlights the current scenario in thermoelectric cooling technology and its potential applications in various industries, such as electronics, aerospace, and healthcare.