SOLAR REFRIGERATION USING PELTIER

EFFECT
Project report submitted to
In partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of
Diploma of Technology
In
Mechanical Engineering
By
SAURABH KUMAR, SAURAV KUMAR, PRIYARANJAN KUMAR, SOURABH SINGH, SURAJ
KUMAR, ANURAG KUMAR, NAVEEN RAJ SINHA, RAKESH KUMAR
Under the Guidance of
Prof. SUJIT KUMAR

Department of Mechanical Engineering

STATE BORAD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION, BIHAR
Under
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNICAL
EDUCATION OF BIHAR
GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC TEKARI, GAYA(BIHAR)
December, 2024

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 GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC TEKARI, GAYA(BIHAR)
STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING)

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that this project entitled “SOLAR REFRIGE-

RATION USING PELTIER EFFECT” by “Saurabh Kumar” has been carried out
under my guidance and supervision. This project is for fulfillment of the
award of the degree of Diploma of Technology in Mechanical Engineering
from Government Polytechnic TEKARI, GAYA (BIHAR).

During this year period, they work with me as per college norms. They
regular, hardworking to task and eager to learn new concepts. I wish then a
bright and successful carrier.

Prof. Golden Kumar Prabhakar Prof. Sujit Kumar

(HEAD OF DEPARTMENT) (Professor and Guidance)
(Mechanical ENGG. Department) (Mechanical ENGG. Department)

External Examiner: __________________

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 ACKNOWLEDEGEMENT
First and foremost, I would like to thank Prof. Golden Kumar
Prabhakar, H.O.D., department of Mechanical Engineering,
Government Polytechnic Tekari, Gaya who guided me lot of
completion of this project work. Beyond that I am indebted for this
personal touch and help in the past one year. I sincerely thank your
efforts time and energy and best of my kindest regard to you.

I express my sincere thanks to supervisor Prof. Sujit Kumar,

Teacher, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government
Polytechnic Tekari, Gaya for his encouragement, co-operation and
moral support during the entire project activities.

At last but not least, I am grateful to my parents, whose blessing

and constant encouragements have helped me to complete this
project.

Sl. No. Name Registration no.

1 SAURABH KUMAR 1412522003
2 SAURAV KUMAR 1412522016
3 PRIYARANJAN KUMAR 1412522031
4 ANURAG KUMAR 1412522036
5 SOURABH SINGH 1412522042
6 NAVEEN RAJ SINHA 1412522035
7 SURAJ KUMAR 1412522060
8 RAKESH KUMAR 1412522021

PLACE:
DATE:

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 DECLERATION

We declare that project work entitled “Solar Refrigeration Using

Peltier Effect” is authentic work carried out by us under the worthy
guidance of “Prof. Sujit Kumar”, Teacher in Mechanical
Engineering Department, of Government Polytechnic Tekari,
Gaya under the State Board of Technical Engineering, Bihar
(India). This work has been submitted in the partial fulfilment of the
requirement of degree of Diploma of technology in “Mechanical
Engineering”. We have completed this work without using any unfair
means. It was real experience gaining practical knowledge.

Sl. No. Name Registration no. Signature

1 SAURABH KUMAR 1412522003
2 SAURAV KUMAR 1412522016
3 PRIYARANJAN KUMAR1412522031
4 ANURAG KUMAR 1412522036
5 SOURABH SINGH 1412522042
6 NAVEEN RAJ SINHA 1412522035
7 SURAJ KUMAR 1412522060
8 RAKESH KUMAR 1412522021

Place:
Date:

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 ABSTRACT

We designed and constructed a SOLAR REFRIGERATOR

USING PELTIER EFFECT with an interior cooling volume of 3.45
cubic meters (1.5m X 1.0m X 2.3m). The Peltier refrigerator was
equipped with on/off control which was found to be adequate to
meet the required precision of +/- 15 degree Celsius put forth in
the project requirements.

One liter of water was placed inside the cooler to test the
performance of the device. We tested the maximum performance
of the device by cooling a sample down to -5 degrees Celsius.
Temperature control was also tested by cooling one liter of water
from room temperature down -5 degrees Celsius. On/off control
was found to give adequate performance and we met or
exceeded all of our project requirements set forth in the fall
semester of 2024.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Contents Page No.
Certificate
Acknowledegement
Decleration
Abstract
Introduction 7
1 BASIC THEORY OF PELTIER DEVICE 8
•
Peltier History
•
Peltier Structure
•
Peltier Theory
•
Why is TE cooler used for
cooling
• Disadvantage
• Which industries use TEC
cooling
• Basic Principles
• Method of Heat Transfer
• Condensation
• Coefficient of Performance
2 MATERIAL USED 16
3 WORKING 23
4 CONSTRUCTION 25
5 COST ANALYSIS 26
6 CONCLUSION 27
7 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT 28
8 REFERENCE 29

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Convectional cooling system such as those used in refrigerators utilizes a
compressor and a working fluid to transfer heat. Thermal energy is absorbed
and released as the working Fluid undergoes expansion and compression
and changes phase from liquid to vapor and back, respectively.
Semiconductor thermoelectric coolers (also known as Peltier coolers) offer.
Several advantages over conventional systems. They are entirely solid-
state devices, with no moving parts; this makes them rugged, reliable, and
quiet. They no ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons, potentially offering a
more environmentally responsible alternative to conventional refrigeration.
They can be extremely compact, much more so than compressor-based
systems. Precise temperature control (< +/- 0.1C̊) can be achieved with
Peltier coolers. However, their efficiency is low compared to conventional
refrigerators. Thus, they are used in niche applications where their unique
advantages outweigh their low efficiency. Although some large-scale
applications have been considered (on submarines and surface vessels),
Peltier coolers are generally used in applications where small size is needed
and the cooling demands are not too great, such as for cooling electronic
components.
The objectives of this study is design and develop a working
thermoelectric refrigerator interior cooling volume of 5L that utilizes the
Peltier effect to refrigerate and maintained a selected temperature from 5C̊
to 25C̊.

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Peltier History

Early 19th century scientists, Thomas seebeck and Jean Peltier, first
discovered the phenomena that are the basic 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 condu -ctors, caused heat
to be either emitted or absorbed at the junction of the materials. It was only
after mid-20th Century advancements in semiconductors technology,
however, that practical application of thermoelectric devices became
feasible, with modern techniques,
We can now produce thermos electric efficient solid state heat-
pumping for both cooling and heating; many of these units 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.

Peltier Structure

A typical thermoelectric module consists of an array of Bismuth

Telluride semiconductor pellets that have been carrier either positive or
negative carrier the majority of current. The pairs of P/N pellets are
configured so that they are connected electrically in series, but thermally in
parallel. Metalized ceramic substrates provide the platform for the pellets
and the small conductive tabs that connect them.

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Peltier Theory

When DC voltage is applied to the module, the positive and negative charge
carriers in the pellet array absorb heat energy from one subs-trate surface at
the opposite side. The surface where heat energy is absorbed becomes cold;
the opposite surface where heat energy is released becomes hot. Reversing
the polarity will result in Reversed hot and cold sides.

Figure 1 Cross section of Peltier

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Why is TE Coolers Used for Cooling?
❖ Ideal when precise temperature control is required.
❖ Ability to lower temperature below ambient.
❖ Heat transport controlled by current input.
❖ Able to operate in any orientation.
❖ Compact size make them useful for applications where
size or weight is a constraint.
❖ Ability to alternate between heating and cooling.

DISADVANTAGES
❖ Able to dissipate limited amount of heat flux.
❖ Less efficient than VCR system.
❖ Relegated to low heat flux applications.
❖ More total heat to remove than without a TEC.
Q removed = Q chip + W TEC

Which Industries Use TEC Cooling?

❖ Electronic
❖ Medical
❖ Aerospace
❖ Telecommunications

What are Some Applications?

❖ Electronic enclosures
❖ Laser diodes
❖ Laboratory instruments
❖ Temperature baths
❖ Refrigerators

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Basic Principles
When a p-type semiconductor is used instead, the holes move in a
direction opposite the current flow. The heat is also transported in a
direction opposite the current flow and in the direction of the holes.
Essentially, the charge carriers dictate the direction of heat flow.

Method of Heat Transport

There are several methods which can be employed to facilitate

the transfer of heat from the surface of the thermoelectric to the
surrounding.
➢ Electrons can travel freely in the copper conductors but
not so freely in the semiconductor.
➢ As the electrons leave the copper and enter the hot-
side of the p-type, they must fill a “hole” in order to
move through the p-type.

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➢ As the electrons move from the p-type into the copper
conductor on the cold side, the electrons are4 bumped
back to a higher energy level and absorb heat in the
process.
➢ The electrons move freely through copper until they
reach the cold side of the n-type semiconductor.
➢ Finally, when the electrons leave the hot-side of the n-
type, they can move freely in the copper. They drop
down to lower energy level and release heat in the
process.
➢ To increase heat transport, several p-type or n-type
Thermo-electric (TE) components can be hooked up in
parallel.

➢ The TE components can be put in series but the heat

transport abilities are diminished because the
interconnecting’s between the semiconductors creates
thermal shorting.
➢ The most efficient configuration is where a p and n TE
component is put electrically in series but thermally in
parallel. The device to the right is called a couple.

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 ➢ One side is attached to a heat source and the other a
heat sink that converts the heat away.

Semiconductor Doping: n-type

N doped semiconductors have an abundant number of extra
electrons to use as charge carriers. Normally, a group IV material (like Si)
with 4 covalent bond (4 valence electrons) is bounded with 4 other Si.
To produce an n-type semiconductors, Si material is doped with group V
metal (P or As) having 5 valence electrons, so that an additional
electron on the Group V metal is free to move and are the charge are
carriers.

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Semiconductors Doping: p type
For p-type semiconductors, the dopants are Group III (In, B) which
have 3 valence electrons, these materials need an extra electron for
bonding which creates “holes”. P doped semiconductors are positive
charge carriers. There’s an appearance that a hole is moving when there
is a current applied because an electron was originally. Holes and
electrons move in opposite direction.

Condensation
A common problem with TE cooling is that condensation may
occurs causing corrosion and eroding the TE’s inherent reliability.
Condensation occurs when the dew point is reached. The dew
point is the temperature to which air must be cooled at constant
pressure for the water vapor to start to condense. Condensation occurs
because the air loses the ability to carry the water vapor that

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condenses. As the air’s temperature decrease its water vapor carrying
capacity decrease.
According to the previous results, it seems that the epoxy is the
best sealant. These results are verified by the published permeability
data showing the epoxy having the lowest permeability of all the
sealants.
PUBLISHED PERMEABILITY DATA
Type Vapor Transmission Rate
g mm/m2 Day
Acrylic Not Listed
Epoxy 0.7-0.94
Polyurethane 0.94-3.43
Silicone Rubber 1.73-3.11

Coefficient of Performance
A typically AC unit has a COP of approximately 3. TE coolers
usually have COP’s below 1; 0.4 to 0.7 is a typical range.
Below are COP values plotted versus the ratio of input current to
the module’s Imax specification. Each line corresponds with a constant
DT/DT max (the ratio of the required temperature difference to the
module’s max temperature difference specification).

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 CHAPTER 2 MATERIAL USED
1. SOALR PANEL:

Figure 2 Solar Panel

Solar panels consist of photovoltaic cells that harness sunlight to
generate electricity. This electricity serves as the primary power source
for the entire system.
Specifications:
Wattage: 55W
Voltage Rating: 12V

Justification:
The 55W, 12V solar panel is selected for its compatibility with our
system's voltage requirements. It is appropriately sized for our initial
prototype, capable of efficiently harnessing solar energy.

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2. SOLAR CHARGER CONTROLLER:

Figure 3 Solar Charge Controller

A solar charge controller acts as a crucial intermediary in a solar

power system. It ensures that the energy generated by solar panels is
efficiently and safely stored in the battery or energy storage system,
maximizing system performance and the lifespan of the battery.

Specification:
voltage rating 12V
Justification:
A 12V solar charger is crucial for regulating the battery charging
process, preventing overcharging, and extending the battery’s
lifespan ensuring a reliable operation of the system.

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 3. BATTERY

Figure 4 Battery

The battery acts as energy storage reservoir, allowing the system to

operate during cloudy days or at night. It provides continuous power
supply, ensuring uninterrupted cooling.
Peltier device is powered by 12V battery. An electric battery is a
device consisting of two or more electrochemical cells that convert
stored chemical energy into electrical energy.
Specification:
Voltage rating - 12V
Capacity - 7.5AH (Ampere Hour)
Justification:
The 12V ,7.5AH battery serves as a backup power source during periods
of low or no sun.

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 4. Peltier Module

Figure 5 Peltier Module

Peltier modules are at the core of the system, utilizing as the Peltier
effect to create cooling effect by passing an electrical current through
them. The temperature differential allows for refrigeration.
Specification:
Model – TEC1-12706
Voltage rating – 12V
Current rating – 6A

Justification:
The TEC1-12706 Peltier modules are selected for their compatibility
with a 12V power source making, them ideal for our solar-based
system. Their substantial cooling capacity is crucial for effective
refrigeration within prototype.

5. HEAT SINK
Heat sinks play a critical role in ensuring efficient heat transfer. They
help dissipate heat generated by the Peltier modules and maintain the
desired temperature within the cooling compartments.

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Specifications:
Size - Appropriate to fit Peltier modules
Material - High thermal conductivity (e.g., aluminum)

Justification:
Heat sinks are essential for efficiently dissipating heat from the hot side
of the Peltier modules, preventing overheating and ensuring consistent
cooling performance.

Figure 6 Heat Sink

6. COOLING COMPARTMENT
Cooling compartments are the spaces where temperature control
is essential. They store items that require refrigeration, and the
system's purpose is to maintain the desired low temperature
within these compartments.

Specifications:
Material: Wooden Dimensions: 35 cm x 25 cm x 25 cm (Height x
Width x Depth)

Justification:
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 The wooden cooling container, with specified dimensions, provides
the necessary space for housing the Peltier modules, heat sinks,
and the cooling chamber. Its insulation properties help maintain
the desired internal temperature and contribute to efficient
cooling using foil paper or polystyrene (Thermocol).

Figure 7 Cooling Compartment

7. TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
The temperature indicator constantly monitors the temperature
inside the cooling chamber, providing accurate and upto-date
information about the environmental conditions within the
refrigeration system.

Specifications:
Digital temperature indicator with a suitable range.

Justification:

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 A temperature indicator with display is an essential tool for
monitoring and controlling the internal temperature of the cooling
chamber, ensuring the system operates within the desired cooling
range.

Figure 8 Temperature Indicator

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 CHAPTER 3 WORKING

Solar refrigeration using the Peltier effect is an innovative and

sustainable cooling system that utilizes the thermoelectric properties of
Peltier modules and solar energy to provide refrigeration without the
need for traditional refrigerants and mechanical compressors. Here's an
explanation of how this system works:
a. Solar Energy Harvesting - The process begins with the capture of
solar energy using photovoltaic panels, commonly known as solar
panels. Solar panels are installed on the exterior of the system,
and their primary function is to convert sunlight into electrical
energy. The electricity generated by these panels is in direct
current (DC) form and is used to power the entire system.
b. Electricity Supply to Peltier Modules - The DC electricity produced
by the solar panels is then directed to the Peltier modules. Peltier
modules are made of thermoelectric materials, typically bismuth
telluride, which exhibit the Peltier effect. These modules consist of
multiple pairs of these thermoelectric materials. When an electric
current is passed through these materials, a temperature gradient
is established, with one side getting cold and the other side
getting hot.
c. Heat Absorption and Cooling - One side of the Peltier modules,
often referred to as the "cold side," is placed in contact with the
space or compartment that requires cooling, such as a refrigerator
or storage area. As the electric current flows through the Peltier
modules, heat is absorbed from the interior space, causing the
temperature inside the space to decrease. This creates the cooling
effect essential for refrigeration.

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 d. Heat Dissipation - On the opposite side of the Peltier modules,
known as the "hot side," heat is generated due to the Peltier
effect. To maintain the efficiency of the cooling process, efficient
heat dissipation is crucial. Heat sinks made of materials with high
thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper, are attached to
the hot side. These heat sinks dissipate the heat, preventing the
Peltier modules from Overheating.
e. Control System - A control system, often integrated with
microcontrollers and sensors, plays a pivotal role in monitoring
and regulating the operation of the system. Sensors measure
parameters such as the temperature inside the refrigeration space
and the electrical current flowing through the Peltier modules.
The control system adjusts the electric current supplied to the
Peltier modules based on this data to maintain the desired
temperature inside the refrigerated space.

ADVANTAGES OF PROPOSED SYSTEM

➢ Environmentally Friendly
➢ Energy Efficiency
➢ No Moving Parts
➢ Low Noise
➢ Scalability
➢ Remote Operation
➢ Simple Design

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 CHAPTER 4 CONSTRUCTION

Dimension of the Fridge

• Outer dimensions
 Length 160mm
 Breadth 110mm
 Height 240mm
• Inner dimension
 Length 150mm
 Breadth 100mm
 Height 230mm
• Volume of Fridge 3450000mm3
• Dimensions of Peltier 40mm * 40mm * 2mm
Step in the construction of the Fridge
❖ Firstly, a box of Thermocol is made of given dimensions and then
the aluminum box is made and fixed inti it.
❖ The aluminum box is mounted with a Peltier device at the bottom
with the help of thermal paste.
❖ At the top of the aluminum box a small rectangular box is made in
which hot side of the Peltier is faced.
❖ Base of the evaporator is attached with cold side of the Peltier and
hot side is attached to a heat sink which is submerged in heatsink
fan.
❖ The heat sink fan is placed beneath evaporator has a fan and heat
sink submerged in it.
❖ A battery is placed beside the evaporator with proper insulation.
❖ The terminals of the Peltier devices, and fan should be connected
properly.

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 CHAPTER 5 COST ANALYSIS

The cost analysis for this project is done as follows:

Sl. No. Name of the material/ Equipment Cost Rs.

1 Peltier device-2 660
2 Aluminum box 200
3 Thermocol box 150
4 Fan 300
5 Battery 12V 650
6 Thermal paste 80
7 Heat sink- 2 400
8 Temperature monitor 200
9 Solar panel 12V, 6A 800
10 Insulating material 150
Total Cost Rs 3590

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 CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the project on solar refrigeration using a Peltier module

has demonstrated the feasibility and potential of utilizing renewable
energy sources for cooling applications. The successful implementation
of the Peltier module in conjunction with solar power showcases a
sustainable and eco-friendly solution for refrigeration needs. Moving
forward, continued research and development in this area can lead to
further advancements in solar-powered refrigeration technologies,
contributing to a greener and more energy-efficient future.

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 CHAPTER 7 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

The future scope of solar refrigeration using the Peltier effect is promising, as
advancements in technology, material, and power management could significantly
improve the efficiency, affordability, and scalability of these systems. Here are
some potential areas of growth and innovation:

❖ Improve Efficiency of Peltier Modules

 Advanced Material
 Enhanced Cooling Power
 Reduced Cost
❖ Integration with Advanced Solar Technologies
 High-Efficiency Solar Panels
 Flexible and Lightweight Panels
❖ Smart Energy Storage and Power Management
 Hybrid power Source
 Smart power management system
❖ Hybrid systems (Peltier + traditional cooling)
❖ Phase Change Material (PCMs) for thermal energy storage
❖ Integration with building management systems (BMS)

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 CHAPTER 8 REFERENCE
1. Gaurav Gupta, Ashok Kumar Yadav, and Shatrughan Singh (2014) - “Solar
Air-Conditioning: Design for a Compressor-Less System using Peltier Effect”,
Vol 2, Issue 2, April - June 2014 | Pages: 213-218.
2. Ganesh S. Dhumal, P.A. Deshmukh, M. L. Kulkarni, “Experimental
Investigation of Thermoelectric Refrigeration System Running on Solar
Energy and Development Of Mathematical Model”, International
Engineering Research Journal (IERJ) Volume 1 Issue 5 Page 232-238, 2015,
ISSN 2395-1621.
3. K. K. Nandini and Muralidhara, "Peltier based cabinet cooling system using
heat pipe and liquid based heat sink,", National Conference on Challenges
in Research & Technology in the Coming Decades (CRT 2013), ujire, 2013,
pp. 1-5, Doi: 10.1049/cp.2013.2536.
4. . Chintan, D. Patel, Prashant Sharma, and Amitesh Paul, (2014). “Parameter
optimization of shell and tube type heat exchanger for improve its
efficiency.”- International Journal of Engineering Research and Science &
Technology, 3(1), 11-18.
5. Prof. Pushkarny B.H., Divyesh Patel, Akshay Parulkar, Hitesh Rai, Nadeem
Khan, “Solar Refrigeration Using Peltier Effect”, International Journal Of
Research In Aeronautical And Mechanical Engineering, ISSN(Online): 2321-
3051, Vol.4 Issue 2, February 2016, PGS: 67-74.
6. T H Taylor, Adam Hilger, “Alternate Energy Sources”
7. Renewable Energy Sources for rural areas in Asia and Pacific, APO, Tokyo,
2000.

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