DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF THERMO ELECTRIC

REFRIGERATOR
A project report submitted to
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
in
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Submitted by

M. SAI SIRI 15831A0379

G. NAVEEN KUMAR 16835A0314
K. SRIDHAR 16835A0317

Under the guidance of

Dr. S. SREENATHA REDDY

PRINCIPAL

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

GURU NANAK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad)
Ibrahimpatnam, Ranga Reddy District-501506
2018-2019
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the major project entitled “DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF
THERMO ELECTRIC REFRIGERATOR” is being submitted by M. SAI SIRI,
G.NAVEEN KUMAR, K. SRIDHAR, bearing Roll No. 15831A0379, 16835A0314,

16835A0317, in partial fulfillment for the award of Degree of Bachelor of Technology in

Mechanical Engineering, to the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University is a record
of bonafide work carried out by them under my guidance and supervision.
The results embodied in this Major-project report have not been submitted to any
other University or Institute for the award of any Degree.

Internal Guide

Dr. S. SREENATHA REDDY

Principal

External Examiner Head of the Department

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Major-project entitled “DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF THERMO

ELECTRIC REFRIGERATOR” is the sum of total efforts of our batch. It is our duty to
bring forward each and every one who is directly or indirectly in relation with our project and
without whom it would not have gained a structure.
We extend our deep sense of gratitude to Principal of Guru Nanak Institute of
Technology Dr. S. Sreenatha Reddy for providing us the best amenities to enable us
completes my project in the stipulated time, and valuable guidance which gave us the
confidence required to overcome the obstacles that we faced in the completion of this project.

We owe our immense thanks to Dr. B. Vijaya Kumar, Professor & Head of
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Guru Nanak Institute of Technology
for his sustained interest, constructive criticism and constant encouragement at every stage of
this Endeavour.

Last but not least; we are very thankful to our parents, friends and other faculty of the
Department of Mechanical Engineering for their constant support for completion of this
project.

M. SAI SIRI 15831A0379

G. NAVEEN KUMAR 16835A0314
K. SRIDHAR 16835A0317
 ABSTRACT

The main objective of the project is to design and fabrication of thermo-electric refrigerator
with an interior cooling volume of 0.0258m3. It was equipped with on/off control which was
found to be adequate to meet the required precision.

In the recent years, we have many problems such as energy crises and environment degradation
due to increasing CO2 emissions on ozone layer depletion has become the primary concern to
both developed and developing countries. Using thermo-electric module is going to be one of
the most effective, clean and environment friendly system. The main advantage of the
thermoelectric refrigerator is no need of any refrigerant and mechanical devices like
compressor, prime mover, etc for its operation.

Thermo electric refrigerator works on the principle of Peltier effect, when a direct current is
passed between two electrically dissimilar materials heat is absorbed or liberated at the
junction. The direction of the heat flow depends on the direction of applied electric current.
The materials used for the thermo electric refrigerator are Silicon-germanium and its alloys.
The design requirements are to cool the volume to the required temperature within a short time
and provide retention of at least next half an hour. The design and fabrication of thermo electric
refrigerator for required applications are to be presented.

i
 LIST OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS Page No.

Abstract i
List of Figures iv
List of Tables v
1. INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 History of thermoelectric refrigeration 1

1.2 The Seebeck effect 2

1.3 The Peltier effect 3
1.4 The Thomson effect 4
2. LITERATURE REVIEW 5
3. MATERIALS USED 9
3.1 Peltier unit 9
3.1.1 Comparison between Peltier modules 10
3.2 Cooling fan 11
3.3 Heat sink 11
3.4 Aluminum foil 12
3.5 Thermocol 12
3.6 Power supply 13
3.7 Thermal paste 14
3.8 Plywood 14
3.9 Decolam 15
4. DESIGN OF THE REFRIGERATOR BODY 16
4.1 Dimensions of the refrigerator 16
4.1.1 Outer dimensions 16
4.1.2 Inner dimensions 16
4.1.3 Volume of the refrigerator 16
4.2 Dimensions of the Peltier module 16
4.3 Design of refrigerator body by using solid works 2016 17

ii
5. FABRICATION OF THE THERMO ELECTRIC REFRIGERATOR 18
5.1 Steps in the fabrication of the refrigerator 18
6. WORKING OF THE REFRIGERATOR 21
6.1 Working 21
7. GOVERNING EQUATIONS AND PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS 22
7.1 COP of TEM 22
7.2 COP of TER 23
7.2.1 Case – 1 (100ml of water) 24
7.2.2 Case – 2 (150ml of water) 25
7.2.3 Case – 3 (200ml of water) 26
8. COST ANALYSIS 27
9. FUTURE SCOPE 28
10. REFERENCES 29

iii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Name of the Figure Page No.

1.1 The seebeck effect 2

1.2 Peltier effect 3

1.3 The Thomson effect 4

3.1 Peltier module (TEC1-12706) 9

3.2 Cooling fan 11

3.3 Heat sink 11

3.4 Aluminium foil 12

3.5 Thermocol 13

3.6 Power supply 13

3.7 Thermal paste 14

3.8 Plywood 14

3.9 Decolam 15

4.1 Refrigerator body 17

4.2 Refrigerator body interior 17

5.1 Plywood pieces before fabrication 19

5.2 Refrigerator body after fabrication 19

5.3 Refrigerator body after fabrication with Peltier units 20

iv
 LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Name of the Table Page No.

3.1 Specifications of TEC1-12706 Peltier module 9

3.2 Comparison between TEC1-12706, TEC1-12704, TEC1-12708

Peltier modules 10

8.1 Cost analysis 27

v
 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 History of thermo electric refrigeration

Thermoelectricity was discovered and developed in 1820-1920 in Western Europe,

with much of work centered in Berlin. The first important discovery related to thermoelectricity
occurred in 1823. German scientist Thomas Seebeck found that a circuit made from two
dissimilar metals and junctions of the same kept at two different temperatures, produces
thermoelectric force which is responsible for flow of the current through module. Now this
invention is known as Seebeck effect [1].

In 1834, a French watchmaker and physicist, Jean Charles Athanase Peltier invented
thermoelectric cooling effect also known as Peltier effect. Peltier stated that electric current
flows through two dissimilar metals would produce heating and cooling at the junctions. The
true nature of Peltier effect was made clear by Emil Lenz in 1838, Lenz demonstrated that
water could be frozen when placed on a bismuth-antimony junction by passage of an electric
current through the junction [1].

He also observed that if the current was reversed the ice could be melted. In 1909 and
1911 Altenkirch give the basic theory of thermoelectric. His work explained that thermoelectric
cooling materials needed to have high Seebeck coefficients, good electrical conductivity to
minimize Joule heating, and low thermal conductivity to reduce heat transfer from junctions to
junctions [1].

In 1949 Loffe developed theory of semiconductors thermo-elements and in 1954

Goldsmid and Douglas demonstrated that cooling from ordinary ambient temperatures down
to below 0°C was possible. Rowe, shortly after the development of practical semiconductors
in 1950's, Bismuth Telluride began to be the primary material used in the thermoelectric
cooling.

Refrigeration is the process of heat removal from a space in order to bring it to a lower
temperature than surrounding temperature. Thermo-electric refrigeration aims to provide
cooling by using thermoelectric effects rather than the more prevalent conventional methods
like vapour compression cycle or the vapour absorption cycle [3].

1
There are three types of thermoelectric effect:

• The Seebeck effect

• The Peltier effect
• The Thomson effect

1.2 The Seebeck effect

The Seebeck effect is the conversion of heat directly into electricity at the junction of
dissimilar electrical conductors. It is named for the Baltic German physicist Thomas Johann
Seebeck.

Figure 1.1 The Seebeck effect

As shown in Figure, the conductors are two dissimilar metals denoted as material A
and material B. The junction temperature at A is used as a reference and is maintained at a
relatively cool temperature (TC). The junction temperature at B is used as temperature higher
than temperature TC. With heat applied to junction B, a voltage (Eout) will appear across
terminals T1 and T2 and hence an electric current would flow continuously in this closed
circuit.

2
1.3 The Peltier effect

Peltier found there was an opposite phenomenon to the Seebeck Effect, whereby
thermal energy could be absorbed at one dissimilar metal junction and discharged at the
other junction when an electric current flowed within the closed circuit.

Figure 1.2 Peltier effect

In Figure, the circuit is modified to obtain a different configuration that illustrates the
Peltier Effect, a phenomenon opposite that of the Seebeck Effect. If a voltage (Ein) is applied
to terminals T1 and T2, an electrical current (I) will flow in the circuit. As a result of the
current flow, a slight cooling effect (QC) will occur at thermocouple junction A (where heat is
absorbed), and a heating effect (QH) will occur at junction B (where heat is expelled). Note
that this effect may be reversed whereby a change in the direction of electric current flow will
reverse the direction of heat flow.

Joule heating, having a magnitude of I2 x R (where R is the electrical resistance), also

occurs in the conductors as a result of current flow. This Joule heating effect acts in opposition
to the Peltier Effect and causes a net reduction of the available cooling. The Peltier effect can
be expressed mathematically as

3
Where:

• β is the differential Peltier coefficient between the two materials A and B in

volts. I is the electric current flow in amperes.
• QC and QH are the rates of cooling and heating, respectively, in watts.

1.4 The Thomson effect

As per the Thomson effect, when an electric current is passed through a conductor
having a temperature gradient over its length, heat will be either absorbed by or expelled from
the conductor. Whether heat is absorbed or expelled depends on the direction of both the
electric current and temperature gradient. This phenomenon is known as the Thomson Effect.

Figure 1.3 The Thomson effect

4
 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

Manoj Kumar1 presented an experimental study of noval potential green refrigeration and air-
conditioning technology. They are analysing the cause and effect of an existing air-condition
system. Thermoelectric cooling provides a promising alternative R&AC technology due to
their distinct advantages. The available literature shows that thermoelectric cooling systems are
generally only around 5–15% as efficient compared to 40–60% achieved by the conventional
compression cooling system.
Manoj and Walke2 conducted an experimental study of thermoelectric air cooling for cars.
They are trying to overcome these demerits by replacing the existing HVAC system with newly
emerging thermoelectric couple or cooler which works on Peltier and seebeck effect.
Yadav and Mehta3 presented combined experimental and theoretical study of thermoelectric
materials and application. The present study develops an optimization design method for
thermoelectric refrigerator. This device is fabricated by combining the standard n-channel and
p-channel solid-state thermoelectric cooler with a two-element device inserted into each of the
two channels to eliminate the solid-state thermal conductivity.
Maneewan4 conducted an experimental investigation of thermal comfort study of compact
thermoelectric air conditioner. In this paper analyse the cooling performance of compact
thermoelectric air-conditioner. TEC1-12708 type thermoelectric modules used for heating and
cooling application.
Huang. B5 conducted an experimental study of design method of thermoelectric cooler. They
are fabricated the thermoelectric cooler and analyse various considerations. The system
simulation shows that there exists a cheapest heat sink for the design of a thermoelectric cooler.
It is also shown that the system simulation coincides with experimental data of a thermoelectric
cooler.
Astrain, Vian & Domınguez6 conducted an experimental investigation of the COP in the
thermoelectric refrigeration by the optimization of heat dissipation. In thermoelectric
refrigeration based on the principle of a thermo syphon with phase change is presented.
Shen, Xiao et al7 investigated a novel thermoelectric radiant air-conditioning system (TE-
RAC). The system employs thermoelectric modules as radiant panels for indoor cooling, as
well as for space heating by easily reversing the input current. Based on the analysis of a
commercial thermoelectric module they have obtained a maximum cooling COP of 1.77 when
applying an electric current of 1.2 A and maintaining cold side temperature at 20°C.

5
Virjoghe, Diana et al8 conducted a numerical investigation of thermoelectric System. The
thermoelectric systems have attracted renewed interest as concerns with the efficient use of
energy resources, and the minimization of environmental damage, have become important
current issues.
Riff and Guoquan9 Conducted an experimental study of comparative investigation of
thermoelectric air conditioners versus vapour compression and absorption air conditioners.
Three types of domestic air conditioners are compared and compact air conditioner was
fabricated.
Suwit Jugsujinda10 conducted a study on analyzing thermoelectric refrigerator performance.
The refrigeration system of thermoelectric refrigerator (TER: 25 × 25 × 35 cm3) was fabricated
by using a thermoelectric cooler (TEC: 4 × 4 cm2) and applied electrical power of 40 W. The
TER was decreased from 30 ºC to 20 ºC for 1 hr and slowly decreasing temperature for 24 hrs.
The maximum COP of TEC and TER were 3.0 and 0.65.
Wei He11 Conducted Numerical study of Theoretical and experimental investigation of a
thermoelectric cooling and heating system driven by solar. In summer, the thermoelectric
device works as a Peltier cooler when electrical power supplied on it. The minimum
temperature 17 oC is achieved, with COP of the thermoelectric device higher than 0.45. Then
comparing simulation result and experimental data.
Matthieu Cosnier12 presented an experimental and numerical study of a thermoelectric air-
cooling and air-heating system. They have reached a cooling power of 50W per module, with
a COP between 1.5 and 2, by supplying an electrical intensity of 4A and maintaining the 5°C
temperature difference between the hot and cold sides.
Riffat and Qiu13 compared performances of thermoelectric and conventional vapor
compression air-conditioners. Results show that the actual COPs of vapor compression and
thermoelectric air-conditioners are in the range of 2.6-3.0 and 0.38-0.45, respectively.
However, thermoelectric air conditioners have several advantageous features compared to their
vapor-compression counterparts.
Mayank Awasthi14 Studied the design and developed a working thermoelectric refrigerator
interior cooling volume of 5L that utilizes the Peltier effect to refrigerate and maintain a
selected temperature from 5 °C to 25 °C. The design requirements are to cool this volume to
temperature within a time period of 6 hrs and provide retention of at least next half an hour.
Sagar D. Patil15 Summarizes the advancement in thermoelectric refrigeration, thermoelectric
materials, design methodologies, application in domestic appliances and performance
enhancement techniques based on the literature. The coefficient of performance of the
6
thermoelectric refrigeration is less when it is used alone, hence thermoelectric refrigeration is
often used with other methods of refrigeration. This paper presents a review of some work been
done on the thermoelectric refrigeration over the years.
Sudhanshu Paul16 Advancement in technological field led to the most valuable invention i.e
refrigeration and air conditioning system but its prolonged usage resulted in environmental
problems that were catastrophic. Refrigerant used in the system such as CFC’s, HFC’s. HFC’s
caused serious environmental issues and giving rise to global warming. These refrigerants
deplete the ozone layer that strains the ultraviolet rays coming to the earth’s surface and their
effect is for a longer period of time as these refrigerants stay in the atmosphere for as long as
18 years. A Thermoelectric refrigeration system (TERS) was designed and built which can be
used for personal and industrial refrigeration purposes. It can also be used very effectively in
car for cooling and warming purpose just by changing the polarity. One Peltier was used for
achieving the cooling with a DC power supply through external power supply (SMPS).
Shyam Patidar17 Concept of thermoelectric (TE) energy makes it unique because of reversible
energy conversion, e.g. from thermal to electrical and vice-versa. Seebeck and Peltier effects
are base of all TE energy applications. Thermoelectricity has wide range of applications due to
reversible energy conversion. In recent years, with technology development and global
warming issues TE devices come into use in various applications because of its ecofriendly
feature and distinct advantages. The thermoelectric energy has a vast range of applications in
various fields like; electricity generation, refrigeration, air conditioning, heating/cooling,
biomedical devices etc. due to its simple construction and mechanism, portability, require DC
supply to run etc.
Syed M. Kadri18 Discussed the different types of thermoelectric materials, explains the
techniques used to grow thin films for these materials, and discusses future research and
development trends for this technology. The principles of the thermoelectric phenomenon,
including Seebeck effect, Peltier effect, and Thomson effect are discussed. The dependence of
the thermoelectric devices on the figure of merit, Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity,
and thermal conductivity are explained in detail.
Joonoh Kim19 propose an optimal cold sink temperature for thermoelectric dehumidifiers
based on theoretical and experimental investigations. We show that the optimal condition is
such that the latent heat absorption rate per unit power supplied to the dehumidifier is
maximized. In consideration of the cooling ability of Peltier pellet and the heat exchange
characteristics of the cold sink, we estimate the condensation rate as a function of the cold sink

7
temperature. The theoretical predictions are compared with the results of experiments by using
a prototype dehumidifier.
J. G. Vian20 Thermosyphon has been developed for heat removal from the hot side of a Peltier
pellet. This device allows to reduce the thermal resistance of conventional fin dissipaters, thus
increasing the COP of thermoelectric refrigerators. This technology (thermosyphon and
thermoelectricity) has been implemented into a domestic refrigerator. Two refrigerators have
been manufactured, one with a thermosyphon and the other with a conventional fin dissipater.
Both have been tested and compared to each other as regards COP. The results obtained have
been compared to those for compression refrigeration.

8
 3. MATERIALS USED

3.1 Peltier Unit

Figure 3.1 Peltier module (TEC1-12706)

The most commonly used Peltier modules in the all applications are TEC1-12706,
TEC1-12704, TEC1-12708. The Peltier unit in this fridge is TEC1-12706. This work on 12V
DC and takes maximum current of 6amps at full load. The power rating of this unit is 92watts
[3].

Table 3.1 Specifications of TEC1-12706 Peltier module

Th (ºC) 27 50 Hot side temperature at environment: dry air, N2

Temperature Difference between cold and hot side

of the module when cooling capacity is zero at cold
DTmax (ºC) 70 79 side

Umax (Voltage) 16.0 17.2 Voltage applied to the module at DTmax

Imax (amps) 6.1 6.1 DC current through the modules at DTmax

QCmax (Watts) 61.4 66.7 Cooling capacity at cold side of the module under
DT=0 ºC

AC 1.8~2.2 2.0~2.4 The module resistance is tested under AC

resistance(ohms)

9
3.1.1 Comparison between Peltier modules
Table 3.2 Comparison between TEC1-12708, TEC1-12706, TEC1-12704

Specifications TEC1-12708 TEC1-12706 TEC1-12704

Geometry 40X40 mm 40±0.1X40±0.1 mm 40X40 mm

Umax (voltage) 16.0-17.2 16.0-17.02 16-17.2

Imax (amps) 8.2 6.1 4.9

Th (o C) 27-50 27-50 27-50

∆Tmax (o C) 70-79 70-79 70-79

QCmax (watts) 82.1-89.8 61.4-66.7 49.2-53.4

AC resistance 1.35~1.65 1.8~2.2 2.4~2.7

(ohms)

Cost 1400 250 2100

Features Superior cooling and Superior cooling and Superior cooling and
Higher Efficiency For Higher for higher
operational operational
temperatures temperatures

Applications Food and beverage Food and beverage Food and beverage
service refrigerator, service refrigerator, service refrigerator,
Liquid cooling, Liquid cooling, Liquid cooling,
Temperature Temperature Temperature
stabilizer, stabilizer, stabilizer,
Photonic and Photonic and Photonic and
medical systems. medical systems. medical systems,
CPU cooler and
scientific instrument.

10
3.2 Cooling fan
The fans used in this fridge works on 12V DC and draws 0.18amps. The power
consumption of each fan is 2.16 watts.

Figure 3.2 Cooling fan

3.3 Heat sink

Heat sink is a passive heat exchanger that transfers the heat generated by an electronic
or a mechanical device to a fluid medium, often air or a liquid coolant, where it
is dissipated away from the device, thereby allowing regulation of the device's temperature at
optimal levels. In computers, heat sinks are used to cool central processing units or graphics
processors. Heat sinks are used with high-power semiconductor devices such as
power transistors and optoelectronics such as lasers and light emitting diodes, where the heat
dissipation ability of the component itself is insufficient to moderate its temperature.

Figure 3.3 Heat sink

11
3.4 Aluminium Foil
Aluminium foil is widely used for radiation shield (barrier and reflectivity), heat
exchangers (heat conduction) and cable liners (barrier and electrical conductivity). Aluminium
foil's heat conductive qualities make it a common accessory in hookah smoking: a sheet of
perforated aluminium foil is frequently placed between the coal and the tobacco, allowing the
tobacco to be heated without coming into direct contact with the burning coal.

Aluminium is used for packaging as it is highly malleable: it can be easily converted to

thin sheets and folded, rolled or packed. Aluminium foil acts as a total barrier to light and
oxygen (which cause fats to oxidise or become rancid), odours and flavours, moistness, and
germs, and so it is used broadly in food and pharmaceutical packaging, including long-life
packs (aseptic packaging) for drinks and dairy goods, which allows storing without
refrigeration.

Figure 3.4 Aluminium Foil

3.5 Thermocol
Thermocol is another name for Polystyrene, it's a synthetic aromatic (benzene
derivative) polymer made from the monomer styrene (a monomer is a molecule that may bind
chemically to other molecules to form a polymer. Hence the name Polystyrene).

12
 Figure 3.5 Thermocol

3.6 Power Supply (12volts DC)

A power supply unit converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the
internal components of a computer. Modern personal computers universally use switched-
mode power supplies.

Figure 3.6 Power Supply

13
3.7 Thermal Paste
Thermal paste is a kind of thermally conductive compound which is commonly used
as an interface between heat sinks and heat sources.

Thermal grease consists of a polymerizable liquid matrix and large volume fractions of
electrically insulating, but thermally conductive filler. Typical matrix materials
are epoxies, silicones, urethanes, and acrylates; solvent-based systems, hot-melt adhesives,
and pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are also available. Aluminium oxide, boron nitride, zinc
oxide, and increasingly aluminium nitride are used as fillers for these types of adhesives.

Figure 3.7 Thermal Paste

3.8 Plywood
Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers of wood veneer that are glued
together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another.

Figure 3.8 Plywood

14
3.9 Decolam
Decolam is a jointed sheet of veneer pressed onto a paper which was impregnated with a
phenolic resin. This way we become a sturdy sheet that is still flexible enough for slightly
curved surfaces.

Figure 3.9 Decolam

15
 4. DESIGN OF THE REFRIGERATOR BODY

4.1 Dimensions of the refrigerator

4.1.1 Outer dimensions

• Length 0.4 m
• Breadth 0.25 m
• Height 0.5 m

4.1.2 Inner Dimensions

• Length 0.33 m
• Breadth 0.23 m
• Height 0.34 m

4.1.3 Volume of the Fridge

0.33*0.23*0.34 = 0.0258 m3

4.2 Dimensions of Peltier module

• Length 0.04 m
• Breadth 0.04 m
• Thickness 0.002 m

16
4.3 Design of the refrigerator body by using solid works 2016

Figure 4.1 Refrigerator body

Figure 4.2 Refrigerator body interior

17
 5. FABRICATION OF THE THERMO ELECTRIC
REFRIGERATOR

5.1 Steps in the fabrication of the refrigerator

1. Firstly a box of Plywood is made of given dimensions and then the decolam and door

with opening and closing system is made and fixed into it.

2. A lockset is attached at the door to lock the refrigerator from partial openings during

the transportation.

3. The Peltier devices are mounted at the sides of the box by using thermal paste.

4. The Peltier assembly is made which cold side is faces inside of the box.

5. Base of the evaporator is attached with cold side of the Peltier and hot side is attached

to a heat sink with fan assembly.

6. The heat and cold side of the Peltier module is arranged with a heat sinks which gives

the better transfer of heat and cooling.

7. Inside of the refrigerator cabin is sealed with thermacol and aluminium foil which helps

to provide leakage of the cooling effect.

8. The four Peltier modules with heat sink assembly are connected in parallel.

9. A Power converter device is used in the project which converts the input power 220

volts AC to 12Volts DC current.

10. A digital thermo meter is mounted at the top of the refrigerator to observe the inside

temperature.

11. All connections given and a switch is used to ON and OFF the Refrigerator.

18
 Figure 5.1 Plywood pieces before fabrication

Figure 5.2 Refrigerator body after fabrication

19
Figure 5.3 Refrigerator body after fabrication with Peltier units

20
 6. WORKING OF THE REFRIGERATOR

6.1 Working
1. The refrigerator is provided with a power supply of 12 volts and 10 amps DC current.

2. To start the refrigerator, the switch on the fridge is turned ON.

3. When the switch is turned on the Peltier devices and fan start functioning.

4. Cold sides of the four Peltier devices transfers the chilling effect to the evaporator.

5. Hot side of the Peltier are exposed to the atmosphere so that a fan will takes out the

heat from hot side at faster rate.

6. The Peltier thermo electric device will be arranged in a box with proper insulation

system and heat sink so that efficient cooling takes place at all the time.

7. To turn off the refrigerator, switch can be turned OFF.

21
 7. GOVERNING EQUATIONS AND PEFROMANCE
CALCULATIONS

7.1 COP of TEM (Thermo electric module)

Heat Absorption (Qc) = αITC – 0.5I2R – Kt (Th-TC)

Heat Rejection (Qh) = αITh + 0.5I2R – Kt (Th-TC)

Where α = Seeback Coefficient of the module in VK-1

I = Current in amps

R = electrical resistance of the TEM in Ω

Kt = thermal conductivity of TEM in Wm-1K-1

Tc = Cold side temperature in K-1

Th = Hot side temperature in K-1

Coefficient of performance (COP) = Qc / Qh-Qc

α = 53 VK-1 I = 10 A R = 2.1 Ω Kt = 0.025 Wm-1K-1

Tc = 10 oC = 283 oK

Th = 53 oC = 326 oK

Heat Absorption (Qc) = 53*10*283 – 0.5(10)2 * 2.1 – 0.025(326-283)

= 149883.9 Joules

= 150 KJ

For 4 Peltier modules Qc = 150*4

= 600 KJ

Heat Rejection (Qh) = 53*10*326 + 0.5(10)2 * 2.1 – 0.025(326-283)

= 172883.9 Joules

= 173 KJ

22
 For 4 Peltier modules Qh = 173*4

= 692 KJ

Coefficient of performance (COP) = Qc / Qh-Qc

= 600/692-600

= 6.52

7.2 COP of TER (Thermo electric refrigerator)

Outer dimensions

Length = 40cm

Breadth = 30cm

Height = 50cm

Inner dimensions

Length = 33cm

Breadth = 23cm

Height = 34cm

Volume of the fridge

Volume Outer = Length*Breadth*Height

= 40 * 30 * 50 = 60000 cm3 = 0.06 m3

Volume Inner = Length*Breadth*Height

= 33 * 23 * 34 = 25806 cm3 = 0.0258 m3

Let the mass of the water inside the refrigerator be Mw

Let Specific heat capacity of water at constant pressure be Cp

Mw = Volume of water in the refrigerator * Density of water at 300K

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Calculation of COP of refrigerator

1. Input Power = Voltage*Current

2. Initial Temperature = _____K

3. Final Temperature = _____K

4. Total amount of heat removed = Total cooling effect produced

= Mw * Cp * (Change in temperature)

5. Input Work = Input power * Time (in seconds)

6. Coefficient of performance = Refrigeration effect / Input work

7.2.1 Case - 1 (100ml of water)

Mass of the water in the box be Mw = Volume of water in the box * Density of water at 300K

= 100 * 10-6 * 1000

= 0.1 Kg

1. Input Power = Voltage*Current

= (12V * 9A) = 108 Watts

2. Initial Temperature = 305K

3. Final Temperature = 300.7K

4. Total amount of heat removed = Total cooling effect produced

= Mw * Cp * (Change in temperature)

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 = 0.1 * 4.12 * 4.3

= 1.7716 KJ = 1771.6 J

5. Input Work = Input power * Time (in seconds)

= 108W * 60 seconds

= 6480 J

6. Coefficient of performance = Refrigeration effect / Input work

= 1771.6/ 6480

= 0.27

7.2.2 Case - 2 (150ml of water)

Mass of the water in the box be Mw = Volume of water in the box * Density of water at 300K

= 150 * 10-6 * 1000

= 0.15 Kg

1. Input Power = Voltage*Current

= (12V * 9A) = 108 Watts

2. Initial Temperature = 305K

3. Final Temperature = 302.4K

4. Total amount of heat removed = Total cooling effect produced

= Mw * Cp * (Change in temperature)

= 0.15 * 4.12 * 2.6

= 1.6068 KJ = 1606.8 J

5. Input Work = Input power * Time (in seconds)

= 108W * 60 seconds

= 6480 J

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6. Coefficient of performance = Refrigeration effect / Input work

= 1606.8/ 6480

= 0.248

7.2.3 Case - 3 (200ml of water)

Mass of the water in the box be Mw = Volume of water in the box * Density of water at 300K

= 200 * 10-6 * 1000

= 0.2 Kg

1. Input Power = Voltage*Current

= (12V * 9A) = 108 Watts

2. Initial Temperature = 305K

3. Final Temperature = 303.2K

4. Total amount of heat removed = Total cooling effect produced

= Mw * Cp * (Change in temperature)

= 0.2 * 4.12 * 1.8

= 1.4832 KJ = 1483 J

5. Input Work = Input power * Time (in seconds)

= 108W * 60 seconds

= 6480 J

6. Coefficient of performance = Refrigeration effect / Input work

= 1483/ 6480

= 0.23

Average COP from three cases = 0.27 + 0.248 + 0.23

3
= 0.249 ~ 0.25

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 8. COST ANALYSIS

Table 8.1 Cost analysis

SL. NO Name of the components Qty Cost (Rs)

1. Peltier units 4 4700

2. Power supply 1 550

3. Cooling fans 8 800

4. Heat sinks 8 400

5. Thermal paste 2 200

6. Wiring material 1 100

7. Thermocol 1 200

8. Insulating material 1 150

9. Digital thermometer 1 300

10. Plywood 1 850

Total 8250/-

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 9. FUTURE SCOPE

This measures and changes, if implemented can play an important role in the future models to
be developed. Some of these measures and changes are:

1- Number of Peltier units can be increased to further decrease the temperature inside the
refrigerator. Same refrigerator can be used for heating purpose if we also insulate the other side
i.e. heating side of the refrigerator within the box.

2- To increase the volume of the refrigerator maintaining the same temperature inside the
refrigerator, number of Peltier units and heat sink has to be increased.

3- PID (Proportional integral derivative) controllers can be used for making it a temperature-
controlled refrigerator.

4- This refrigerator can also be equipped with a LCD display and digital temperature sensor so
that the temperature inside the refrigerator can be monitored.

5- In this project, refrigerator is made up of Thermocol and aluminium foils. wooden material
can be used to make this refrigerator mores sturdy in constructions. Wood will also act an
additional insulator for the cooling compartment.

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