DESIGN OF AN TABLE COOLER WHICH WE CAN

USE AS A SOLUTION TO THE HIGH COST FOR

COOLING DEVICES

DESIGNED BY,
PREMAKUMARA H.P.S.
210494D.
1.Summary of the Problem

The problem at hand is the need for a cooling device that is affordable,
energy-efficient, and effective at cooling indoor spaces. Many existing cooling
systems on the market can be expensive to purchase and operate, and may not be
accessible to all customers.
In addition, there is a growing need for more sustainable cooling solutions that
minimize energy consumption and environmental impact. Therefore, there is a
demand for a cooling device that can provide a balance of affordability, efficiency,
and effectiveness, while also being environmentally friendly.

2.Introduction the Concept

The rising demand for cooling devices has led to a significant increase in their
cost, making them inaccessible to many people. To address this issue, I propose a
new cooling device called the "Heat Collector" which is designed to provide
affordable cooling and hot water supply.

The Heat Collector comprises two main features:

1. Cooling the air in front of the device

 2. Generating hot water for drinking or other purposes

The device consists of two parts:

1. The air cooler box

2. The heat collector box.

The heat collector box absorbs some heat from the input room air, and then outputs
cool air back into the room. At the same time, it transfers the absorbed heat energy
to a water cup, which can be used to obtain hot water. The outside of the heat
collector box features a red light that indicates the temperature in the water cup.
When the light flashes, it is time to collect the hot water from the box. Afterward, one
can add water at room temperature to the cup, and the cycle repeats as the device is
used.

The Heat Collector provides a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional

cooling devices that can be inaccessible to many. By utilizing waste heat energy to
generate hot water, the device offers an additional benefit, making it a versatile and
useful appliance for customers.

3. Working Techniques

This device has two main parts, as I mentioned. Let’s see how they work.

3.1 The Peltier module

The main component of this unit is the Peltier module.

A Peltier module is a device that uses the Peltier effect to create a heat flux at the
junction of two different types of materials. The Peltier effect is one of the three phenomena
that make up the thermoelectric effect, which is the conversion of temperature differences
into electric voltage and vice versa.
A Peltier module consists of two copper substrates and many thermoelectric elements
arranged in tandem and sandwiched between the substrates. The thermoelectric elements are
made of two types of semiconductors: p-type and n-type. When a DC electric current flows
through the module, it brings heat from one side to the other, so that one side gets cooler
while the other gets hotter. This allows the module to have both “warming” and “cooling”
effects depending on the direction of the current.
The main advantages of a Peltier module are its lack of moving parts or circulating
liquid, long life, invulnerability to leaks, small size, and flexible shape. The main
disadvantages are its high cost for a given cooling capacity and poor power efficiency (a low
coefficient of performance or COP).
3.2 The Air-Cooling box

This is the main component of our device. It cools the room air and below is a top
view of the air-cooling box.

Figure 1

This part consists of two sections. The Peltier module is positioned in the
middle of the heat-insulated wall, as shown in Figure 1. The heat sink is placed on
the cool plate of the Peltier module, and a small cooling fan (fan 1) is attached to the
top of the heat sink. When the fan is turned on, hot air from the room is drawn into
section 1 of the cooling box through the air holes. The fan causes the drawn air to
flow through the heat sink and into section 2, as indicated by the blue arrows in
Figure 1. Fan 2 then pushes the cooled air out of the unit and into the room.

3.3 The heat collector box

This is the other component of my device. It is designed to collect wasted energy

and convert it for use in something useful. Below is a top view of the heat collector
box.

Figure 2

In this unit, we maintain waste energy. The Peltier module transfers the
absorbed heat energy from the room air to this unit using electrical energy. However,
this process also generates some heat energy, which accumulates near the hot plate
of the Peltier module. We need to remove this heat energy, but if we release it to the
environment, we will lose a significant amount of energy. To solve this problem, I
designed a water cup in this unit to release that heat energy to the water. We can
then use this heat energy to boil water.

The start cross-section of a copper rod connects to the hot plate of the Peltier
module which attached on the insulated wall and at the end of the copper rod, I
attached another Peltier module, which operates at low voltage to facilitate heat
transfer from the hot plate of the first Peltier module to the water cup. The hot plate
of the second Peltier module is connected to the water cup and releases the heat
energy to the water. To simplify this process, I attached a copper coil to this hot plate
(see figure 2).

There is also a sensor unit in this section that informs the user when it's time
to remove the water from the cup (that indicates water is hotter). If the user doesn't
remove the water, the cooling device will automatically turn off. There is a tap for
getting hot water from the device.

3.4 Both units work together

Both the air-cooling box and the heat collector box work together to create an
efficient and sustainable cooling system. As hot air from the room is drawn into the
air-cooling box through the air holes, the Peltier module which placed on the center
of the heat insulated wall, cools the air by transferring the absorbed heat energy to
the heat collector box. The heat collector box then converts this wasted energy into
something useful by heating water in the water cup, which can then be used for
various purposes such as making tea or coffee.

The two boxes are connected through the copper rod and second Peltier
module in the heat collector box, which facilitate heat transfer from the hot plate of
the first Peltier module to the water cup. As a result, the cooling device not only cools
the room air but also provides a source of hot water.

The device is designed to operate seamlessly, with a sensor unit in the heat
collector box informing the user when the water is ready to be used. If the water is
not removed in time, the device will automatically turn off to prevent overheating.

Overall, the combination of the air-cooling box and heat collector box allows
for a sustainable and energy-efficient cooling system that not only cools the room air
but also provides a useful source of hot water.

3.5 Power supply to the device

 The cooling device requires several components to operate, including two
fans, two Peltier modules, and a sensor kit. Each of these components requires a
separate power supply to function correctly. The fans are both maintained at 12V
DC, with one fan placed on top of the heat sink and the other on the cooling box to
flow out the cooled air.

The Peltier modules also require 12V DC to function properly, as this voltage
is required to create the heat flux at the junction of the semiconductors. Additionally,
the sensor kit requires power to operate, which is provided by an Arduino board and
relay that switches the main power supply. The Arduino board and relay work at 5V
DC.

To simplify the power supply to the device, only one power supply of 12V DC
is needed. Therefore, the decision was made to use a 12V 5A power adapter to
provide power to all the components. This ensures that all components are receiving
the correct voltage and amperage needed to operate efficiently.

Overall, the power supply to the device is designed to be simple and efficient,
with only one power adapter required to power all the necessary components. This
allows for easier installation and maintenance of the device, while ensuring that all
components are receiving the correct power supply to operate efficiently.

Making the Conceptual Design:

Before starting the actual construction process, it's crucial to create a conceptual
design of the device. This design will help to identify the necessary materials, tools,
and components required for building the device. The following steps will guide you
through the process of creating a conceptual design.

Step 1: Identify the purpose of the device - The first step in creating a conceptual
design is to identify the purpose of the device. For instance, if I are building a
beverage cooler, I need to determine the type of beverages that the cooler will store.

Step 2: Determine the size of the device - After identifying the purpose of the device,
the next step is to determine the size of the device. This will depend on the number
of beverages I want to store and the available space.

Step 3: Draw a rough sketch of the device - Once I have identified the purpose and
size of the device, draw a rough sketch of the device. This will help me to visualize
the final product and make any necessary changes before starting the construction
process.
Step 4: Identify the necessary components - Based on the rough sketch, identify the
necessary components required for building the device. This will include the Peltier
module, heat sink, cooling fans, copper rods, water cup, and sensor kit.

4.1 Making the main box of the device:

The first step in building the device is to make the main box that will house all the
components. Follow these steps to make the main box.

Step 1: Measure and cut the wooden sheets - Measure and cut the wooden sheets
according to the dimensions of the rough sketch.

Step 2: Join the wooden sheets - Join the wooden sheets using nails and screws to
create the main box.

Step 3: Sand and paint the box - Sand the box to remove any rough edges and paint
it with your preferred color.

4.2 Attach the Peltier module, heat sink, and cooling fans:

The next step is to attach the Peltier module, heat sink, and cooling fans to the main
box. Follow these steps to attach the components.

Step 1: Apply thermal paste - Apply thermal paste on the cool side of the Peltier
module.

Step 2: Attach the heat sink - Attach the heat sink on the cool side of the Peltier
module.

Step 3: Attach the cooling fans - Attach the cooling fans on the heat sink to flow the
room air through heat sink to absorb heat by the Peltier module.

4.3 Attach the copper rod to the hot side of the Peltier module:

The copper rod is used to transfer heat from the Peltier module to the water cup.
Follow these steps to attach the copper rod.

Step 1: Cut the copper rod - Cut the copper rod to the required length.

Step 2: Bend the copper rod - Bend the copper rod at a 90-degree angle.

Step 3: Attach the copper rod - Attach the copper rod to the hot side of the Peltier
module using thermal paste.
4.4 Water cup connect with copper rods:

The water cup will be attached to the copper rods. Follow these steps to connect the
water cup with the copper rods.

Step 1: Drill holes in the water cup - Drill two holes in the water cup to insert the
copper rods.

Step 2: Insert the copper rods - Insert the copper rods into the drilled holes.

Step 3: Secure the water cup - Secure the water cup using screws.

4.5 Attach sensor kit:

Next, I need to attach the temperature sensor kit to my device. This kit will allow you
to monitor the temperature of the water in real-time. I can place the sensor in the
water cup or attach it to the copper rod. Follow the instructions provided with the kit
to ensure proper installation.

4.6 Setup the power supply:

Once I have assembled all the components, I need to connect the device to a power
supply. I can use a 12-volt 5A power adapter to power the Peltier module and
cooling fans. Make sure to connect the positive and negative terminals correctly. I
can also add an on/off switch to control the power supply.

Once I have completed all the steps, my designed is cooler device is ready to use.
Simply add water to the cup and turn on the device. The Peltier module will start
cooling the water, and the fans will circulate the air to improve the cooling efficiency.
The temperature sensor kit will allow you to monitor the temperature of the water and
ensure that it is at the desired level.

5.Efficiency:

Efficiency is an important factor to consider when evaluating the performance of the

device. The efficiency of the device can be measured in terms of its energy
consumption, cost, and maintenance requirements.

5.1 Energy:

The energy efficiency of the device can be calculated by using the following
equation:

Efficiency = Output energy / Input energy

Where, Output energy is the amount of energy produced by the device, and Input
energy is the amount of energy consumed by the device.

To calculate the output energy, you can use the following equation:

Output energy = Mass of ice produced x Specific heat of water x Temperature

difference

Where, Mass of ice produced is the amount of ice produced by the device, Specific
heat of water is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of water by 1
degree Celsius, and Temperature difference is the difference between the initial
temperature of the water and the final temperature of the ice.

To calculate the input energy, you can use the following equation:

Input energy = Power consumption x Time

Where, Power consumption is the amount of power consumed by the device, and
Time is the duration for which the device is in operation.

5.2 Cost:

The cost efficiency of the device can be calculated by using the following equation:

Cost efficiency = Output cost / Input cost

Where, Output cost is the cost of producing the ice, and Input cost is the cost of
operating the device.

To calculate the output cost, you can use the following equation:

Output cost = Mass of ice produced x Cost of water

Where, Mass of ice produced is the amount of ice produced by the device, and Cost
of water is the cost of the water used to produce the ice.

To calculate the input cost, you can use the following equation:

Input cost = Power consumption x Cost of electricity x Time

Where, Power consumption is the amount of power consumed by the device, Cost of
electricity is the cost of electricity per unit, and Time is the duration for which the
device is in operation.
5.3 Maintenance:

The maintenance efficiency of the device can be calculated by using the following
equation:

Maintenance efficiency = Availability / Downtime

Where, Availability is the amount of time the device is available for use, and
Downtime is the amount of time the device is not available for use.

To calculate the availability, you can use the following equation:

Availability = (Total operating time - Total downtime) / Total operating time

Where, Total operating time is the total duration for which the device is in operation,
and Total downtime is the total duration for which the device is not available for use.

To calculate the downtime, you can use the following equation:

Downtime = Total maintenance time + Total repair time

Where, Total maintenance time is the total duration for which the device is under
maintenance, and Total repair time is the total duration for which the device is under
repair.