STUDY AND FABRICATION OF THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATOR WITH ITS PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
Date
2023-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IOE Pulchowk Campus
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.
Description
Refrigeration is the act of obtaining and maintaining a temperature below ambient
in order to cool a product or place to a desired temperature. Therefore, refrigerator is the
mechanism used to transfer heat from a lower to a higher temperature
Keywords
thermoelectric module (TEM)