Design and Fabrication Of Solar Portable Fridge

Abstract:
This project was to utilise Peltier modules to assess the feasibility of a stand-alone, portable
device capable of cooling 2-3 drinks in a time of 10 minutes per drink. As such, the project
investigated methods of improving rapid heat transfer and electrical efficiency in order to conserve
power. The first project phase consisted of the devices mechanical design with the aim of making it
simple so that it is easily manufactured at a low cost. Although the mechanical design functioned
well, the device was unable to cool drinks due to problems in the circuitry and the battery. The total
weight of the device was aprroxmately 3.1 kg and it has the flexibility of accepting sizes ranging
from a 250 ml can up to a 500 ml bottle (standard drink sizes). The convective heat transfer
coefficient was calculated as 79.00 W/Km2 through a model estimating the Nusselt number. It was
found that directing sufficient airflow through the heatsinks was one of the most critical elements of
the design and more effort should be made in the future to ensure the airflow channels are narrow
and airtight. Electrical efficiency-control simulations found that regulating the voltage had a large
impact on battery life and should be considered for future designs.

Model Diagram:

From Left to Right: A 3D View of the Cooling Device, A Side-Section View, and A Top-Section View