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3rd NICTE IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 725 (2020) 012014 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/725/1/012014

Utilization of peltier cooling systems driven by solar power for storing

vegetables and fruits
T. B. Sitorus1,2, Z. Lubis1, F. Sembiring1, B. Christopel1, J. A., R. Siagian
1
Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan - Indonesia
2
PUI Energi Berkelanjutan dan Biomaterial, USU, Medan - Indonesia
e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract. This article aimed to determine the performance of the Peltier cooler
box system that utilizes solar power for storing vegetables and fruit. The
advantage of the Peltier cooling system is that it does not consume electricity and
environmentally friendly. The thermoelectric component is coupled with a heat
sink where a small fan is placed on the outside, and another fan is set inside the
cooler. Data is obtained from the measurement system and then analyzed so that
the performance of the cooling system can be determined. The experiment is
carried out in a location that is exposed to solar radiation. The process of
measuring weather conditions is carried out by using a weather instrument. To
record the temperature distribution on each component of the Peltier cooling
system are used thermocouples which are connected to the data acquisition.
Experimental results show that the minimum temperature that can be achieved on
vegetables and fruits ranging from 17.324°C. The average temperature of
vegetables and fruits during the experiments varies from 22oC. The results of this
experiment indicate that the Peltier cooler box tested can be used to maintain the
freshness of vegetables and fruits. The maximum COP value of the Peltier cooling
system tested is 0.670, and the minimum COP value is 0.428.

1. Introduction
Based on the research that has been done so far that most regions in Indonesia will
always be exposed to the solar radiation for 10-12 hours every day and it is estimated that the
average of solar radiation reaching the Indonesian earth ranges from 4.8 kWh/m2/day [1, 2, 3].
One of the equipments used to utilize solar radiation is photovoltaic cells or solar panels. In
general, photovoltaic cell technology has the advantage of low operating and maintenance
costs [4]. The PV cells are equipment that converts solar energy into electrical energy. In their
use, photovoltaic cells are arranged interconnected to produce more energy and enormous
power, known as photovoltaic cell panels or modules. The current generated from
photovoltaic cells, in general, is direct current (DC), but by using a converter, this current can
be made into alternating current (AC). The demand for photovoltaic cells such as for energy
generation is increasing every time around the world due to the consideration of growing
awareness about global warming and the comparative price of solar energy with conventional
thermal power plants [5].
One of the cooling systems that can utilize solar radiation through photovoltaic cells is
the Peltier cooling system. Peltier cooling driven by solar power is a cooling system that uses
solar energy as a substitute for conventional energy to operate Peltier equipment so that it can
be used to cool a room or object [6, 7]. In general, the main components of the solar Peltier
cooler include Peltier modules, photovoltaic cells, coolers, insulators, heat sinks, and cooling
fans. The electrical energy produced by PV cells is supplied to the Peltier cooling system
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3rd NICTE IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 725 (2020) 012014 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/725/1/012014

through photovoltaic effects. This study is purposed to determine the performance of the
working system of Peltier cooler driven by solar power for storing vegetables and fruits.

2. Literature Study
Peltier cooling system or thermoelectric cooler is a solid state electric cooling component
that can function as a heat pump to carry out the cooling process. The principle is to use a
Peltier effect where the cold side is used for cooling, and the hot side is used to remove heat
from the cold side into the environment by utilizing the heat sink and cooling fan [8, 9]. On
the side of the Peltier cooling system that absorbs heat, a cooling effect occurs, and this is
used for various cooling processes. It said Peltier cooling system because this system utilizes
the Peltier effect, which was first discovered by Jean Charles Antanase Peltier in 1834.
Briefly, it can be noted that the Peltier effect was an effect of heat on one side and cold on the
other when the direct current passed to a series of two different types of material that are
connected [10, 11]. The material is a thermoelectric element material made from
semiconductor material.
In general, the advantages of Peltier cooling systems are practical because of their small
shape, easy installation, do not involve large and complex mechanical supporters, can be
applied to portable cooling devices, are not easily damaged, and are predicted to be able to
use around 100,000 hours. The disadvantages are the limited cooling and low efficiency. As a
note that the efficiency of the Peltier cooling system ranges from 10-15% [12, 13].
Applications that are often used by Peltier cooling systems are by utilizing the temperature of
the cold parts produced, namely as processor coolers, mini air conditioners, refrigerators in
dispensers, beverage coolers, and aquarium temperature regulators. While the temperature of
the heat can be removed by attaching the heat sink and fan. The coefficient of performance
(COP) of the Peltier system is the ratio between the heat produced by Peltier and the energy
supplied. The COP value of the Peltier system can be determined from the equation [14, 15]:

Q cooling
COP = (1)
Win

The equation can determine cooling capacity (W).

Q cooling = m. C p . ∆t (2)

Where W in is the energy used to move Peltier components (W).

3. Methodology
In this study, the cooler box assembled using four Peltier cooling elements with types of
TEC1-12706 with a voltage of 12 V and a current of 6 A. Two batteries is used to provide
electrical power to the Peltier components contained in the cooler. To supply power to cells
with solar energy sources, two solar panel modules are used. A solar charge controller (SCC)
voltage regulator is used to adjust the current for charging from solar panels to batteries to
avoid overcharging/overvoltage and monitor battery temperature. The SCC used was one with
a voltage of 12 V and a current of 10 A. The vegetables and fruits were used as cooled
objects. To minimize the influence of air infiltration, the Peltier system cooler is isolated with

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3rd NICTE IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 725 (2020) 012014 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/725/1/012014

10 mm thick plywood on the outside, 40 mm thick Styrofoam in the middle, stainless steel
plate 1 mm thick and coated with aluminum foil on the inside.
The experiment process is carried out starting at 09.00 WIB up to 17.00 WIB, and the
power supply from the battery begins to be activated. Data acquisition is connected with J
type thermocouples with an accuracy of ±0.4% used to measure the temperature distribution
that occurs in the cooler. Data acquisition works automatically and records measurement
results for every minute. To record weather conditions is used weather measuring device
consisting of a pyranometer to measure solar radiation (accuracy of ±5%), temperature smart
sensor to measure ambient temperature (accuracy ±0.2oC) and RH smart sensor for measure
air humidity (accuracy ± 2.5%). The cooler and battery are deactivated at 17.00 WIB. The
battery was again activated at 09.00 WIB the next day, and the experiment was carried out
again with the same procedure. The experiments are carried out for three consecutive days in
June 2018 in Medan city. Table 1 shows the specifications of the Peltier cooling box system
tested.

Table 1.Specifications of the Peltier cooling box system tested

No Data Information
1 Cooler box dimension length 36 cm, width 28 cm, high 26 cm
2 Type/number of Peltier TECl-12706 / 4 pieces @ 72 watt
3 Number of heat sink/cold sink Each four pieces
4 Number of fans 4 piece @ 1,8 watt
5 Number of photovoltaic cells 2 piece @ 100 watt
6 Cooled objects vegetables and fruits
7 Cooler box material plywood, styrofoam, stainless steel, aluminum foil

Figure 1 shows the section of the outside, and inside parts of the Peltier cooling system tested.
Figure 2 shows the experimental scheme carried out.

Figure 1. The outside and inside of the Peltier cooling box system

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3rd NICTE IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 725 (2020) 012014 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/725/1/012014

Pyranometer
Temperature
&
Humidity Solar Charge Controller
Censors

Data logger

`
Battery Photovoltaic
Cell

Thermocouple
Computer
cable

Acquisition data

Cooler box

Figure 2. Experimental scheme

4. Results and Discussions

4.1. Weather Conditions
The experimental process is carried out in an open location that experiences direct solar
radiation. The weather conditions need to be known because they are related to the
performance of the photovoltaic cells used. Photovoltaic cells are used to absorb solar
radiation energy and are stored in batteries. The battery component is used as an energy
source to drive the Peltier component in the cooling process.
The process of measuring weather conditions was carried out for three days of
experiments. The measurement time range is done every minute. Table 2 shows the condition
of the average weather parameters during the experiment process. In this study, the measured
weather parameters are ambient temperature, air humidity, and the intensity of solar radiation.

Table 2. Weather condition during the experiments

Experiment Average ambient Average relative Average solar

Time temperature (oC) humidity (%) radiation (W/m2)
5/06/2018 31,593 61,23 190,65
6/06/2018 30,586 77,45 182,43
79,11 167,88
7/06/2018 30,229

4.2. Photovoltaic Performance

The experiment of the Peltier cooler box uses solar panels cell to absorb solar radiation to
produce electrical energy. To calculate the estimated number and power of a PV module that
is needed, it is necessary to know the power required by the cooling system every day. In this
study, four small fans and four Peltier components of type TEC1-12706 were used. The
average electricity usage for 8 hours in one day is 2311.2 watts.

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3rd NICTE IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 725 (2020) 012014 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/725/1/012014

As a note that for the calculation of total and power estimates, it is assumed that the
weather conditions are sunny with the intensity of solar radiation averaging 8 hours per day.
Because the efficiency of the Peltier cooling system around 96% so that the number of PV
cells needed is two pieces. Based on the PV specifications used, the maximum power for one
PV cell is 108.60 watts, and PV efficiency is 15.60%. This experiment used a battery that
serves to store electrical energy that has been produced by PV cells to drive fan equipment
and Peltier components. The battery power specification used has a 12V and 70 Ah. The solar
panels have 18.9 V and 5.3 A which is then regulated by SCC to 12 Volt and 10 A so that it
can charge the battery of 70 Ah.

4.3. Performance of Peltier Cooling System

The performance of the Peltier cooling system is tested by placing a thermocouple sensor at
several points in the cooler box. The thermocouple sensor is positioned on the outside of the
cooler box, the top cover wall, the left wall, the right wall, the lower wall, and the vegetables
and fruits. The experiments are carried out starting at 09.00 WIB until 17.00 WIB for three
days with different weather conditions. Figures 3 up to 5 show that the temperature
distribution in the cooling box system and the air temperature for three days. Measurements
are made on the Peltier cooler box and outside air conditions. On the inside of the cooler, the
temperature distribution is measured on the left wall, right wall, the bottom wall, top cover
wall, vegetables, and fruits.

Figure 3. The temperature distribution of the Peltier cooling box system on the first day

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3rd NICTE IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 725 (2020) 012014 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/725/1/012014

Figure 4. The temperature distribution of the Peltier cooling box system on the second day

Figure 5. The temperature distribution of the Peltier cooling box system on the third day

During the experiments in three days, the minimum temperatures of vegetables are
17.324oC, 17.876oC, and 18.102oC, respectively. The minimum temperature of fruits is
17.688oC, 17.923oC, and 18.328oC. The minimum temperature of vegetables and fruits is
obtained on the first day with an average environmental temperature of 31.593oC. Generally,
the minimum temperature of vegetables and fruits is obtained at 09.00-10.00 WIB. The
average temperature of vegetables and fruits is 22oC, and the average temperature of the inner
wall of the cooler box is around 23oC. The measurement results showed that the average
temperature of the outside air on the first day up to the third day was 30.803oC. The
experimental data also showed that the maximum environmental air temperature that had been

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3rd NICTE IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 725 (2020) 012014 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/725/1/012014

reached was 34.566oC, which occurred on the first day. Based on the measurement results
obtained that although small there is a temperature difference in the vegetables and fruits.
This is influenced by the water content in the fruits and vegetables. In general, there is a
difference in temperature distribution that occurs at the measured component point. Figures3
up to5 show that the temperature distribution on the top cover is higher than on the left, right,
and bottom walls. This is also influenced by the distance of the heat sink components that are
closer to the left, right and bottom walls and direct solar radiation towards the top cover.
Experimental measurement data shows that the temperature on the outer wall is the highest
compared to other measurement points. This is caused by the influence of ambient
temperature and the effect of heat discharged by the fan from the heat sink attached to the
surrounding environment. Research data indicate that the temperature distribution in the
cooler box is quite evenly distributed to all sides of the cooler. The temperature difference in
the cooler with the ambient temperature is around 14-17°C. This condition indicates the
occurrence of heat removal processes contained in the cooler into the ambient so that there is
a cooling effect on the vegetables and fruits. The measurement results also show there were
fluctuations in the temperature distribution of the components measured in the cooler box
during the experiments. Several factors can cause an analysis of the variation of the
temperature distribution in the cooler. First, changes in the ambient temperature also influence
the temperature distribution in the cooler. Second, the performance of a fan that is used for a
long time can result in heat in the cooler system. Third, the reduced supply of energy from the
battery to drive the fan and Peltier components that make the cooling system is not optimal. It
was found from the experimental results that the maximum COP value was 0.670 on the first
day with the cooling time of 41 minutes. The COP value obtained is influenced by the cooling
time for each experiment and the energy supply from the battery to the Peltier component.
Based on the analysis carried out that battery capacity correlates with solar radiation received
by solar cells. The intensity of solar radiation is strongly influenced by fluctuating weather
experiencing sunny and cloudy conditions.

Table 3. The COP value obtained

Average
Initial Minimum
Cooling time ambient
Day temperature temperature COP
(minute) temperature
(oC) (oC)
(oC)
1 25,561 17,324 41 31,593 0,670
2 25,654 17,876 45 30,586 0,525
3 26,819 18,102 49 30,229 0,428

5. Conclusions
The Peltier cooler box has been successfully assembled and tested its performance. The
advantage of the Peltier cooling system driven by solar power is without using electrical
energy and chemical refractors so that it is environmentally friendly. In testing for three days,
the minimum temperature was obtained for vegetables and fruits of 17.324°C. The average
temperature of vegetables and fruits during the experiments ranges from 22oC. This condition
is enough to keep vegetables and fruits fresh because based on the literature that the average
temperature for fresh vegetables and fruits is smaller than the room temperature of 25°C.

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3rd NICTE IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 725 (2020) 012014 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/725/1/012014

The results of the experiments indicate that the Peltier cooling system tested can be used
to maintain the freshness of vegetables and fruits. The maximum COP value of the Peltier
cooling system tested is 0.670, and the minimum COP value is 0.428. For further research, it
is necessary to consider the capacity of batteries to store energy from photovoltaic cells
because this also affects the performance of the Peltier cooling system.

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