Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Multiple Configurations and Electrical Power on the Cooling Performance of Thermoelectric Refrigerators

Öz

Thermoelectric (TE) cooling technology offers a popular solution for portable cooling systems due to its compact and lightweight structure. This study experimentally investigates the impact of various design parameters on the cooling performance and energy efficiency of TE coolers. The effects of critical variables such as the number of active modules (ranging from 1 to 3) and the applied supply voltage (8, 10 and 12 V) on system performance have been experimentally evaluated. These experimental parameters were examined across different cooling volumes, with detailed results presented. Additionally, the interactions of these parameters with cooling capacity, temperature reduction, COP, and energy consumption were explored to identify ways to enhance the performance of TE cooling technology. The findings indicate that TE cooling systems can be more thermodynamically efficient in larger cooling volumes. On the other hand, lower steady-state temperatures were achieved in smaller volumes. It has also emerged that the applied supply voltage needs to be optimized according to geometric parameters, with the most effective cooling load obtained at a 10 V supply voltage and a 3P mode. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of a thorough understanding of critical parameters to overcome the challenges encountered in the design and operation of thermoelectric cooling systems. The optimization of the number of active modules and the applied supply voltage are fundamental elements that will enable this technology to adapt to various application areas and achieve greater energy efficiency and broader usage potential.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Thermoelectric
• Refrigeration
• Coefficient of performance
• Cooling performance
• Cooling load

Termoelektrik Buzdolaplarında Çoklu Düzenlemenin ve Elektrik Gücünün Soğutma Performansına Etkilerinin Deneysel Olarak İncelenmesi

Öz

Termoelektrik (TE) soğutma teknolojisi, kompakt ve hafif yapısı ile taşınabilir soğutma sistemlerinde popüler bir çözüm sunmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, TE soğutucuların soğutma performansı ve enerji verimliliği üzerinde çeşitli tasarım parametrelerinin etkisi deneysel olarak incelenmiştir. Araştırmada, aktif modül sayısı (1 ila 3 arasında) ve uygulanan besleme gerilim (8, 10 ve 12 V) gibi kritik değişkenlerin sistem performansına etkileri deneysel olarak ele alınmaktadır. Bu deneysel parametreler farklı soğutma hacimleri için incelenerek sonuçlar detaylandırılmıştır. Ayrıca bu parametrelerin soğutma kapasitesi, sıcaklık düşümü, COP ve enerji tüketimi üzerindeki etkileşimleri ortaya koyularak, TE soğutma teknolojisinin performanslarını geliştirme yollarını araştırılmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular daha büyük soğutma hacimlerinde termodinamik açıdan daha verimli TE soğutma sistemlerinin uygulanabileceğini göstermektedir. Buna karşın küçük hacimlerde daha düşük kararlı hal sıcaklıkları elde edilmiştir. Ayrıca uygulanan besleme geriliminin geometrik parametrelere göre optimize edilmesi gerekliliği ortaya çıkmış ve en etkili soğutma yükü 10 V besleme gerilimi ve 3P modu için elde edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, bu çalışma, termoelektrik soğutma sistemlerinin tasarımı ve işletilmesinde karşılaşılan zorlukları aşmak için kritik parametrelerin derinlemesine anlaşılmasının önemini vurgulamaktadır. Aktif modül sayısı ve uygulanan besleme geriliminin optimizasyonu, bu teknolojinin farklı uygulama alanlarına uyum sağlamasını ve enerji verimliliğini artırarak daha geniş bir kullanım potansiyeline ulaşmasını sağlayacak temel unsurlardır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Termoelektrik
• Soğutucu
• Performans katsayısı
• Soğutma performansı
• Soğutma yükü

Kaynakça

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