Experimental study of thermoelectric cooler box using heat sink with u-shape heat pipe and methanol working fluid

Abstract

Thermoelectric refrigeration system is considered environmentally friendly because it does not use refrigerants which have huge potential damaging the ozone layer. In this experimental work, u-shape heat pipe with heat sink was charged with methanol working fluid with different filling ratios to observe its effect on the thermoelectric performance. The cooler box has 240 mm x 180 mm x 130 mm of inner dimension. 37.3 watt DC power supply supplied constantly to the thermoelectric module to performed cooling action. The result shows that methanol with 45% and 55% filling ratios has the maximum COP about 0.03881 and 0.03885 respectively. This filling ratio also provides for a lower cabin temperature and temperature difference between the cold and hot thermoelectric sides.