PROBLEM STATEMENT (WEEK 6)

Comparison between traditional refrigeration system and portable mini fridge using TEC

Design Criteria

The idea was to build a portable mini fridge and to provide facilities for a person. The project aims to design and build a miniature prototype of portable mini fridge using thermal electric cooler. The system was targeted as a personal cooler and temperature of the cooled air should be lowered 7 to 8 degree Celsius from ambient temperature. Secondary objective of the project includes to make our life easier and to reduce their bill cost. This proposal and designation is to reduce the energy consumption with engineering techniques and calculation method.

Experimental Design

In this project heat sinks (hot side and cold side) operate by conducting heat or coldness from the TEC to the heat sink and then radiating to air. A better the transfer of coldness between the two surfaces, the better the cooling will be. When the heat sinks were attached the TECs, there will be uneven surfaces or gaps. The gap will cause for poor heat transfer, even if it is negligible. To improve the thermal connection between the TECs and the heat sinks a chemical compound was used. The heat sink compound, typically a white paste made form zinc oxide in a silicone base ensures a good transfer of heat between the modules and the heat sinks.