SOLAR REFRIGERATION WITH PELTIER EFFECT

CHAPTER1
INTRODUCTION
From last century till now refrigeration has been one of the most important factors of our
daily life. The current tendency of the world is to look at renewable energy resources as a source
of energy. This is done for the following two reasons; firstly, the lower quality of life due to air
pollution; and, secondly, due to the pressure of the ever increasing world population puts on our
natural energy resources.

From these two facts comes the realization that the natural energy resources available
will not last indefinitely. The basic idea is implementation of photovoltaic driven refrigerating
system powered from direct current source or solar panel (when needed) with a battery bank. In
1821, the first important discovery relating to thermoelectricity occurred by German scientist
Thomas Seebeck who found that an electric current would flow continuously in a closed circuit
made up of two dissimilar metals, provided that the junctions of the metals were maintained at
two different temperatures.

Without actually comprehending the scientific basis for the discovery, Seebeck, falsely
assumed that flowing heat produced the same effect as flowing electric current. Later, in 1834,
while investigating the Seebeck Effect, a French watchmaker and part-time physicist, Jean
Peltier found that there was an opposite phenomenon where by thermal energy could be absorbed
at one dissimilar metal junction and discharged at the other junction when an electric current
flows within the closed circuit. Afterwards, William Thomson described a relationship between
Seebeck and Peltier Effect without any practical application.

After studying some of the earlier thermoelectric work, Russian scientists in 1930s,
inspired the development of practical thermoelectric modules based on modern semiconductor
technology by replacing dissimilar metals with doped semiconductor material used in early
experiments. The Seebeck, Peltier and Thomson effects, together with several other phenomena,
form the basis of functional thermoelectric modules. Thermoelectric Refrigeration aims at
providing cooling effect by using thermoelectric effects rather than the more prevalent
conventional methods like those using the ‘vapour compression cycle’ or the ‘gas compression
cycle’.

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1.1Definition

The Seebeck coefficient is the ratio between the electric field and the temperature
gradient. The Seebeck coefficient can be thought of as a measure of the coupling between the
thermal and electrical currents in a material. The Peltier coefficient of the junction is a property
depending on both materials and is the ratio of the power evolved at the junction to the current
flowing through it. The Thomson coefficient is the ratio of the Power evolved per unit volume in
the sample to the applied current and temperature gradient.

1.2 Construction

The construction setup of the refrigerator is as follows,

 Thermo-electric module
 Refrigeration chamber
 Battery
 Solar cell
 Charge Controller
 Heat Sink & Cooling fan

1.3 Thermo-electric module

A thermo-electric module (TEM) is a solid state current device, which, if power is

applied, move heat from the cold side to the hot side, acting as a heat exchanger. This direction
of heat travel will be reversed if the current is reversed. It is a phenomenon that is opposite to the
Seebeck effect. Combination of many pairs of p- and n-semiconductors allows creating cooling
units - Peltier modules of relatively high power. A Peltier module consists of semiconductors
mounted successively, which form p-n- and n-p-junctions. Each junction has a thermal contact
with radiators.

When switching on the current of the definite polarity, there forms a temperature difference
between the radiators one of them warms up and works as a heat sink, and the other work as a
refrigerator. A TE module is composed of two ceramic substrates that give foundation and also
electrical insulation to p-type and n-type semiconductors. The TE module is composed of silicon
bismuth semiconductor because this pair gives the highest COP. Specification,
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 Material used- Silicon - Bismuth

 A = 0.04 x 0.04 = 0.0016 m2
 Q max =33.3 watt
 V max = 14.8 v dc
 I max =6 amp

1.4 Refrigeration chamber

The chamber used is same as that of the chambers used in conventional refrigeration. The
chamber can be of any volume, shape and size. For experimentation purposes the volume of the
chambers is kept low. Insulation provided to the chamber is done by polystyrene. And aluminum
casing is done in the inner side of insulation to provide better cooling. We have used specific
chamber and is as follows,

 The size of the box is,

 Width - 28.7 cm,
 Length - 31.8 cm
 Height - 33.7 cm
 The power capacity is 60 W
 The capacity of cooling chamber is 7.8 L.
 The voltage is 240 V to 220 V AC and 12 V DC.

Fig1.1. Refrigeration Chamber

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1.5 Battery
The battery is an electrochemical converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The
main purpose of the battery is to provide a supply of current for operating the cranking motor
and other electrical units. Specification, 1. Voltage 12v 2. Current 6 A In this paper, they
innovatively assembled the refrigeration system by using few principles that is, Terracotta and
Peltier effect. They made the cabinet of Terracotta which is the type of clay and provide natural
cooling inside the cabinet. They have also used Peltier module which works on principle of
thermoelectric cooling for cooling effect in their refrigeration system. In this paper, cooling
effect is made by using thermoelectric device that is Peltier. As in conventional refrigeration
system, the release of CFCs have become more firm with time which causes pollution in the
environment. Also, in conventional refrigeration system, the energy used is surplus. To
overcome these disadvantages, they have designed thermoelectric refrigeration system. The
minimum temperature achieved in their system was found to be 15ºc for cooling and maximum
temperature was 65ºc for heating.

They have added new dimension for cooling purpose with reduction of temperature using
thermoelectric effect to enhance the performance of solar refrigeration system. So, the solar
refrigeration by using Peltier effect is designed and simulated by using MATLAB to maintain the
temperature of enclosure at 4ºc. Also, they have plotted a graph of coefficient of performance
versus current and coefficient of performance is depend on temperature difference between the
hot and cold side of the Peltier module and they have obtained a temperature difference of 20ºc.

Fig1.2. Battery

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1.6 Solar Panel

The direct conversion of solar energy is carried out into electrical energy by conversion
of light or other electromagnetic radiation into electricity.

Fig1.3. Solar Panel

1.7 Solar cell

The direct conversion of solar energy is carried out into electrical energy by conversion
of light or other electromagnetic radiation into electricity.
The dimensions of the panel are-
 Length – 48.5 cm,
 Width – 35 cm.
 Number of sub-cells used is 72
 Dimension of the sub-cells is,
 Length – 4.8 cm
 Width – 4 cm.
 Maximum power is 20 W
 Voltage is 17 V
 Current is 1.16 A

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Fig1.4. Solar Cell

1.8 Peltier Module

Peltier is semiconductor module, the module material chosen is bismuth telluride. The
peltier is module which is cooling and heating system work at a time. It is work as dc supply,
when dc current flows through the system then got the two sides, one is cooling side and other is
heating side. Cooling side is used for refrigeration system and other side is removed from the
system by the used for heat sink. The cold side also made of Aluminum is in contact with the
cold side of a thermoelectric module, when the positive and negative module leads are connected
tothe respective positive and negative terminals of a D.C. power source, it will be absorb by the
module’s cold side. Fig(1) shows the cooling effect of single stage peltier.

Fig1.5. Peltier Module

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1.9 Charge Controller

A charge controller is an essential part of solar refrigeration system that charge battery.
Its purpose is to keep a battery properly fed and safe for the long term. The basic function of a
controller are quite simple. Whenever the sunrays fall on a solar panel then there is a fluctuation
of solar rays on solar panel. To avoid the fluctuation of sunrays on solar panel, we use charge
controller in solar refrigeration system. Also, charge controller prevent battery overcharge and
electrical overload. We are using MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) base solar charger in

our solar refrigeration system.

Fig1.6. Charge Controller

1.10Heat sink
The heat sink usually made of aluminum, is in contact with the hot side of a
thermoelectric module. When the positive and negative module leads are connected to the
respective positive and negative terminals of a Direct Current (D.C) power source, heat will be
rejected by the module’s hot side, the heat sink expedites the removal of heat. Heat sink typically
is intermediates stages in the heat removal process whereby heat flows into a heat sink and then
is transferred to an external medium. Common heat sinks include free convection, forced
convection and fluid cooled, depending on the size of the refrigerator.

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Fig1.7. Heat Sink

1.11Cooling Fan
Cooling fans may bring cool air into the refrigeration chamber, draw hot air out of
the chamber, or as part of a heat sink, which is a special product designed to draw heat away

from a chamber& cooling it.

Fig1.8. Cooling Fan

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1.12Termoelectric cooler
A Peltier cooler, heater, or thermoelectric heat pump is a solid-state active heat pump
which transfers heat from one side of the device to the other, with consumption of electrical
energy, depending on the direction of the current.It can also be used as a temperature controller
that either heats or cools.

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CHAPTER2
BASIC THEORY OF PELTIER DEVICE

Early 19th century scientist, Thomas Seebeck and Jean peltier , first discovered the
phenomena that are the basis for found that if you placed a temperature gradient across the
junctions of two Dissimilar conductors, electrical current would flow peltier, on the other hand,
learned that passing current through two dissimilar electrical conductors, caused heated to be
either emitted or absorbed at the junction of materials. It was only after mid-20 th century
advancement in semiconductor technology, however, that practical application for thermoelectric
devices become feasible. With modern techniques.

We can now produce thermoelectric efficient solid state heat-pumping for both cooling
and heating; many of this unit can also be used to generate DC power at reduced efficiency.

New and often elegant uses for thermo-electrics continue to be developed each day.

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CHAPTER3
WORKING OF TEC
Thermoelectric coolers operate according to the Peltier effect. The effect creates a
temperature difference by transferring heat between two electrical junctions. A voltage is applied
across joined conductors to create an electric current. ... The main application of the Peltier effect
is cooling. Thermoelectric coolers operate according to the Peltier effect. The effect creates a
temperature difference by transferring heat between two electrical junctions. A voltage is applied
across joined conductors to create an electric current. When the current flows through the
junctions of the two conductors, heat is removed at one junction and cooling occurs. Heat is
deposited at the other junction. The main application of the Peltier effect is cooling. However the
Peltier effect can also be used for heating or control of temperature. In every case, a DC voltage
is required.

3.1 Working
The thermoelectric module consist of pairs P-type and N –type semiconductor thermo
element forming thermocouple which are connected electrically in series and thermally in
parallel. The module are considered to be highly reliable component due to their solid state ,for
most application they will provide long trouble free service, in cooling application, an electric
current is supplied to the module and the result is that one side of the module becomes cold and
other side hot.

Fig 3.1. Thermoelectric Module

Working principle of thermoelectric module, Cold side Temperature (Tc), Hot side
Temperature (Th), Operating temperature difference (∆T), which is the temperature difference
between Th and Tc. Amount ofheat to be absorbed at the TEC’s coldsurface. This can be termed
as heat. It is represented as Qc and unit is watt.

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Cold side temperature: If the object to be cooled is in direct contact with cold surface
of the TEC’s, the required temperature can be considered the temperature of the cold side of
TEC.In this project the object is air, which has to be cooled when passing through aluminum heat
sink, the aim is be cooled the air flowing through the heat sink, when this type of system is
employed the cold side temperature of the TEC is needed to several timecolder than ultimate
desire of temp of the air.

Hot Side Temperature: The hot side temperature (Th) is mainly based on the two
factor. First parameter is the temperature of the ambient air in environment to which the heat is
been rejected and second factor is the efficiency of heat sink this is between hot side of TEC on
ambient.

3.2 Temperature Difference

The two temperature TC and Th, and difference between them are ∆T is very important
factor, the following equation shows actual∆T. ∆T = Th - Tc Actual ∆T is a difference between
hot and cold side of TEC. As per study, we will make the wooden box and provide insulation of
aluminum foil and. Thermopolis. We will install peltier module on heat sink and also test it. We
will implement the micro controller circuit and program for the control unit. We will test solar
panel and charge controller circuit and assemble all the component systematically. The Block
diagram is shown below of solar refrigeration system by using peltier.

3.3 Working design

This project’s aim is to investigate the feasibility and produce prototype of a rapid-cooling
device using Peltier technology. As project is based on peltier effect our first main step is
selection of right peltier module. For selection of module following factors should be consider,
 Its operating temperature must be within required limits.
 Heat rejected by hot side of module should be less than its total power capacity.
 For desired cooling proper heat sink should be provided on hotter side.
 Peltier module should be selected according to the volume which has to be cooled.

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3.4 Why is TE Coolers Used for Cooling?

 Ideal when precise temperature control is required.

 Ability to lower precise temperature below ambient.

 Heat transport controlled by current input.

 Able to operate in any orientation.

 Compactsize make them useful for application where size or weight is a constraint.

 Ability to alternate between heating and cooling.

 Excellent cooling alternative to vaporcompression coolers for system that are sensitive to
mechanical vibration.

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CHAPTER4
MATERIALS USED

4.1 Card Board

Fig4.1. CardBoard
Cardboard is a generic term for heavy-duty paper-based products having greater
thickness and superior durability or other specific mechanical attributes to paper; such as fold
ability, rigidity and impact resistance. The construction can range from a thick sheet known
as paperboard to corrugatedfiberboard which is made of multiple corrugated and flat layers.

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4.2 Aluminum sheet

Fig4.2. Aluminum Sheet

Aluminum is a chemical element with symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is a silvery-
white, soft, nonmagnetic, ductile metal in the boron group. By mass, aluminum makes up about
8% of the Earth's crust; it is the third most abundant element after oxygen and silicon and the
most abundant metal in the crust, though it is less common in the mantle below. The chief ore of
aluminum is bauxite. Aluminum metal is so chemically reactive that native specimens are rare
and limited to extreme reducing environments. Instead, it is found combined in over 270
different minerals.

Aluminum is remarkable for its low density and its ability to resist corrosion through the
phenomenon of passivation. Aluminum and its alloys are vital to the aerospace industry and

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important in transportation and building industries, such as building facades and window
frames.The oxides and sulfates are the most useful compounds of aluminum.

4.3 Solar Panel

Fig4.3. Solar Panel

4.4 Battery

Fig4.4. Battery

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4.5 Charge Controller

Fig4.5. Charge Controller

4.6 Peltier Module

Fig4.6. Peltier Module

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4.7 Heat Sink

Fig4.7. Heat Sink

4.8 Cooling Fan

Fig4.8. Cooling Fan

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CHAPTER5
Advantage and disadvantage
5.1 Advantages of the machine

 Light weight and compact for very small heat loads.

 No moving parts, eliminating vibration, noise, and problems of wear.

 Reversing the direction of current transforms the cooling unit into a heater.

 Operates in any orientation. Not affected by gravity or vibration

 Very low cost device for cooling in small appliances.

 Precision temperature control capability.

5.2Disadvantages of the machine

 Limited to very small refrigeration volume.

 Compared to conventional refrigerators cooling achieved is less.

 Heat sinks required conducting heat to and from the thermoelectric modules become very
heavy and bulky as the refrigeration capacity increases.

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5.3 Applications of the machine

 Medical field- Pharmaceutical industry, medicine and medical equipment storage, etc.

 Military- storing of consumable goods in war affected zones, rural area, etc.

 Dairy (milk) industry.

 Mechanical industry.

 Scientific and Laboratory Equipment— cooling chambers; freezers; cooling incubators;

temperature stabilized chambers; cold laboratory plates and tables; thermo-calibrators;
stage coolers; thermostats; coolers and temperature stabilizers for multipurpose sensors

 Restaurant and hotel.

 Vegetable, fish, fruit, beverage, etc. storage.

 Electronic— miniature cooling units for incoming stages of highly sensitive receivers and
amplifiers; coolers for high power generators, laser emitters and systems, CCD cameras,
parametic-amplfiers, vacuum and solid-state photo detectors and CPU coolers.

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CHAPTER6
CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN

1. Dimension Of Fridge
1. Outer dimensions
 Length160mm
 Breadth110 mm
 Height240mm
2. Inner dimensions
 Length150 mm
 Breadth100mm
 Height 230 mm
3. Volume of the Fridge 3450000mm3
4. Dimension of Peltier 40 mm* 40 mm* 2mm

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CHAPTER7
COST ANALYSIS

Materials Cost

1. Solar Panel 950

12V12Wt

300
2. Card Board

240
3. Peltier TEC12706

1700
4. Battery
12V9Ah

550
5. Charge Controller
12V10Ah

6. Aluminum Sheet,Thermocoal sheet,& 2610

other extra accessories

Total 6350

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ACTUAL MODEL PICTURE

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CHAPTER8
CONCLUSION

The TE devices can act as coolers, heat pumps, power generators, or thermal energy
sensors and are used in almost all the fields such as military, aerospace, instrument, biology,
medicine, industrial or commercial products. The major challenge faced in TE cooling is lower
COP especially in large capacity systems. However, as the energy costs are elevating and
environmental regulations regarding the manufacture and release of CFCs have become more
firm with time, the scope of TE effect has revived, especially in the developing countries or the
third world where the energy is not surplus.

TE chilling of beverage can be done at the farm level to inhibit any enzymatic or
microbial change in quality of the beverage. Research in `the field of thermoelectricity and
experimentation with different materials is required to improve the COP of the TE cooler. In the
coming years thermoelectricity has a lot of potential to create energy saving and effective
solutions for the industry and commercially as well. The minimum temperature achieved was
found to be 150c for cooling and the maximum temperature was 65◦c for heating in this
experiment.

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CHAPTER9
REFRENCE
[1] International Journal of Engineering (IJE), Volume (5): Issue (1): 2011, Riffat SB. Xiaolima
Thermoelectric: A Review of Present and Potential Applications. Applied Thermal Engg. 2003:
23: 913-35.

[2] Luo, Q., Tang, G., Liu, Z., Wang, J. (2005). A Novel Water Heater Integrating
Thermoelectric Heat Pump with Separating Thermo siphon. Applied Thermal Engineering, 25,
2193–2203.

[3] Riffat, S. B., Qiu, G. (2004). Comparative Investigation of Thermoelectric Air-Conditioners

versus Vapour Compression and Absorption Air-Conditioners. Applied Thermal Engineering,
24, 1979–1993.

[4] Bansal PK, Martin A, Comparative Study of Vapor Compression, Thermoelectric and
Absorption Refrigerator – Rs. Int J Energy Res 2000; 24 (2): 93- 107.

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