Solar Powered Thermo-electric Cooler.

Peltier-devices use electricity to drive a temperature difference across a junction, resulting in a hot side
and cold side. The cold side can be used to in a chiller to reduce temperature of the contents of an
insulated space. This thermoelectric effect phenomenon has been utilized successfully in a variety of
commercial coolers. Most commercial coolers use a heat sink with electrical cooling fans to dissipate
heat from the hot side of the junction to the atmosphere, thus enabling operation. However, in a wet
environment the electrical cooling fan function is problematic (shorting, contamination.)
The purpose of this project is to create a
modular thermoelectric cooling device that can
be inserted into and easily removed from a
large-capacity cooler, for the purpose of
replacing or augmenting ice storage, e.g. during
extended expedition-style desert river trips. It is
envisioned that flexible solar panels installed on
a boats bimini cover could power the device;
excess hot-junction heat could be passively
dumped to the river via a conductive puck or
extended large diameter (copper) cable trailing
though the cooler drain plug into the river
hopefully eliminating the need for fan-based
cooling.
The device should be relatively compact, able to
interface with a standard marine-style 60-quart
thru 160-quart cooler. It must operate
efficiently on the electrical output of an array of
flexible solar panels. Battery backup should be
considered as an option. All components must
be waterproof and highly shock resistant. The
external surfaces of the device internal to the
cooler must be only food-grade materials. Project tasks include thermal and electrical analysis, viability
and performance analysis, component sizing & configuration management, parts selection, assembly,
test and documentation.
Student project member skillsets include ability to properly execute heat transfer analysis, perform CAD
design, apply electrical and instrumentation fundamentals, while exercising proper project management
and documentation tasks.
Sponsor: Robb Larson, 994-6420
rlarson@me.montana.edu