Index No: Date: 04.03.

2023

1. Project Title Low-Cost Refrigeration System Using Peltier Effect

2. Scheme Chanakya Fellowship Program iHUb-Awadh IIT ROPAR

4. Duration (months) 10 months

5. Project Cost (Rs.) Rs. 5000

6. Name of the Project Mentee with Regd No. SANGRAM SUBUDHI

2002070030

7. Institute VSSUT, Burla

8. Address with Mobile and e-mail sangramsubudhi19@gmail.com

7008002736

12. Project Summary with key words:

The Peltier Effect is a thermoelectric phenomenon that can be used to create a cooling effect. A Peltier
device also known as thermoelectric cooler (TEC), is a semiconductor-based device that can transfer
heat from one side to the other when an electric current is applied. By using multiple TECs arranged in
a cascade configuration, a heat sink, a fan and a power supply. The TECs are placed between two heat
sinks, with one heat sink being cooled while the other is heated. The fan is used to dissipate from the
hot side of the TECs.

The system is controlled by a microcontroller that monitors the temperature and adjusts the voltage
supplied to the accordingly. The microcontroller also controls the fan speed based on the temperature
readings.

The main advantage of this refrigeration system is its simplicity and low-cost. It can be used for small-
scale cooling applications for now. We can increase it with large scale after the growth in small-scale
areas which consists of mostly villages in North India. It has a small limiting capacity and efficiency
compared to traditional refrigeration systems. Overall, this project demonstrates the feasibility of using
Peltier devices for refrigeration applications and provides a starting point of
optimization and development.

Keywords: Thermoelectric, Peltier module, microcontroller, temperature, cooling, low-cost

13. Objectives  Extending Shelf Life of Food

 Increase in Income
 Improving Food Security
 Reducing Loss in Harvest
 Sustainable and Long-Lasting Agriculture

1
14. Expected  Having a refrigeration system in place could make a farm
outcome more attractive to potential buyers or customers, as it
demonstrates a commitment to quality and safety.
 By using a low-cost refrigeration system with Peltier
modules, farmers could potentially save money on upfront
costs and maintenance expenses.
 By implementing a refrigeration system, farmers could
reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and improve food
safety for their customers.
 By implementing a low-cost refrigeration system using
Peltier modules, farmers could potentially keep their
produce fresh for longer periods of time, which could
increase their profits and reduce waste [1].

2
15. Technical Details  Peltier modules: The heart of the refrigeration system will
be the Peltier modules. These are solid-state devices that use
the Peltier effect to transfer heat from one side of the module
to the other when a direct current is applied. [1].

 Heat sinks: Peltier modules generate a significant amount of

heat on the hot side, which must be dissipated to prevent the
module from overheating. Heat sinks are devices that are
used to absorb and dissipate heat away from the Peltier
module.

 CPU Fans: To enhance the heat transfer from the heat sinks,
fans can be used to increase the airflow over the heat sinks.
This will help to remove heat from the system more
effectively and keep the Peltier modules from overheating
[2].

 Insulation: The refrigeration system will need to be

insulated to prevent heat

 SMPS: Since Peltier modules require a direct current power

source, the refrigeration system will need to include a
suitable power supply, such as a battery or a solar panel
system [2].

 Temperature controller: To maintain the desired

temperature inside the refrigeration system, a temperature
controller will be needed [2].

16. Origin and Relevance of this project: The origin of the low-cost refrigeration system project can be
traced to the need for affordable sustainable refrigeration solutions for small-scale farmers in
developing countries. Small-scale farmers often lack access to electricity or expensive refrigeration
systems, which leads to the post-harvest losses of their agricultural products. This project reflected the
growing awareness of the need to address the challenges faced by small-scale farmers and the potential
of the low-cost refrigeration systems to improve their livelihoods and contribute to global and
sustainability goals.

Small-scale farmers often lack access to electricity or expensive refrigeration systems so we will be
making this project in which it should also run with the help of an inverter. The project aims to address
the issue of post-harvest losses by providing affordable refrigeration solutions that can help small-scale
farmers to store their produce and access new markets. By reducing post-harvest losses, the project also
has the potential to increase food security and contribute to the sustainable development of local
communities. The project aims to give this system at a low and efficient cost.
3
The relevance of the low-cost refrigeration system for farmers is significant as it can help to preserve
and prolong the shelf life of perishable produce such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. This can
be especially beneficial in regions where there may be limited access to electricity and expensive
refrigeration units.

References:

1 - Remeli, M.F., Bakaruddin, N.E., Shawal, S., Husin, H., Othman, M.F. and Singh, B., 2020, April.

Experimental study of a mini cooler by using Peltier thermoelectric cell. In IOP Conference Series:
Materials Science and Engineering (Vol. 788, No. 1, p. 012076). IOP Publishing.

2 -Refrigeration System Types and Working Principle [Complete Details] - Engineering Learn

I took some references from engineering websites and YouTube for the better visualization of working
principle of refrigeration system.

4
 17. Time-line (Monthly):
Activity

Months 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Literature Summary

Detail Summary and Patent

Search
Simulation
Procurement
Small Prototype

Development
Presentation

Project Completion

18. Suggested Plan of action for utilization of research outcome expected from the project:

As per the given timeline above I have started the literature summary and patent search for the project,
and also, I'm managing the research for the project for detailed summary and flowchart.

Flowchart for the making of the system as follows:

1.First of all, I will be using the Semi Modular Power Supply (SMPS) which will be providing the
electricity for the Peltier module. Peltier module generates heat on one side and absorbs heat of the Peltier
module.
2. Heat Sink and fan are used to remove heat on one side of the Peltier module.
3. Cold side of the Peltier module is connected to a liquid cooling loop through a water block.
4. Liquid coolant absorbs heat from the coolant to the ambient air or another fluid.
5. Pump circulates the coolant through the liquid cooling loop.
6. We will be using Heat Exchanger transfer heat from the coolant to the ambient air or another fluid.
7. Cold Coolant returns to the water block to absorb more heat from the Peltier module.
8. Temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the coolant.
9. The refrigeration system maintains the desired temperature in the target environment or device.
10. We will be using regulator for the control of Peltier module so that it doesn’t overheat and we will
the get the desired temperature for the crops.

5
The system uses a Peltier module, which is a device that can transfer heat from one side to another when
electricity is applied. The Peltier module is attached to a heat sink, which is a metal plate designed to
absorb and dissipate heat. A fan is used to blow air over the heat sink to improve heat dissipation.

The Peltier module is powered by a power supply, which provides the necessary voltage and current to
operate the Peltier module. A temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature inside the
refrigerated space, and a control system regulates the temperature by adjusting the current flowing
through the Peltier module and controlling the fan speed.

The system can be designed with multiple Peltier modules to increase the cooling capacity and
efficiency of the system. However, it should be noted that Peltier modules have limitations in terms of
cooling capacity and efficiency, and may not be suitable for applications requiring high cooling power
or long operating times.

The configuration will be cascade parallel connection of modules attached with heat sinks given in the
picture below.

I want to show some practical demo while experimenting peltier modules using my thermal camera.

When the Peltier modules is connected to 5V. I’ve found some great results about temperature efficient
in Peltier modules. Here are some screenshots. First two are colder side of modules

6
And the Second one is of hotter side like very hot.

So that’s why we are using heat sink with thermal paste so that heat should be dissipated. Here are some
thermal camera screenshots.

But it is’nt that much sufficient to cold the surface of the module it can get overheat that’s where we will
use discarded and high rpm CPU fans. And we will achieve the temperature we desire. Here is the
screenshots.

7
20.Environment Impact and Risk Analysis:

Environmental Impact:

Peltier-based refrigeration systems have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional

refrigeration systems because they do not use refrigerants that can cause ozone depletion or contribute to
global warming. However, the manufacturing of Peltier modules and their disposal at the end of their
lifespan can have some environmental impact. The materials used in Peltier modules, such as lead and
tellurium, are toxic, and their disposal should be done with proper care to avoid environmental
contamination.

Risk Analysis:

There are some potential risks associated with a Peltier-based refrigeration system. These include:

1. Overheating: If the Peltier module is not properly cooled, it can overheat and cause damage to the
system.
2. Electrical shock: If the system is not properly grounded, there is a risk of electrical shock.
3. Failure of the control system: If the control system fails, the temperature regulation of the system
can be affected, resulting in damage to the refrigerated goods.
4. Short lifespan of the Peltier module: Peltier modules have a limited lifespan, and their efficiency
decreases with time. Regular maintenance and replacement of the Peltier module may be
necessary to ensure optimal performance of the system.

8
Student Signature Supervisor Signature

9
10