Design and Development of Solar Powered Thermoelectric Refrigeration System for Rural Region

Abstract

The environmental degradation becomes a great matter of concern due to use and disposal of Chloro-Fluoro-Carbons (CFCs) and Hydro Chloro-Fluoro-Carbons (HCFCs) as refrigerants in conventional refrigeration and air conditioning systems. This leads to extensive research into development of alternate refrigeration systems. Solar energy which is renewable source of energy is available abundantly in the environment. This study deals with the design and development of eco-friendly solar powered thermoelectric refrigeration system. In rural areas where people have to deal with electricity problems, this thermoelectric module will be very helpful to them as it runs on solar energy. Vegetables, Food items and other different required things can be preserved in it. In thermoelectric refrigeration system, the mechanical parts and coolants which are used in conventional refrigeration systems get eliminated and a thermoelectric module is used instead which is cost effective and vibration free. The objective of this study is to develop a working thermoelectric refrigeration system to cool a volume of 5 lit capacity cabinet that utilizes the Peltier effect to cool and maintain a selected temperature range of 8<sup>0</sup>C to 15 <sup>0</sup>C. Solar panel is used to provide the required energy to run this system.