Experimental Work on Solar Powered Portable Refrigeration System for Rural Areas

Abstract

Abstract: The increase in demand for refrigeration globally in the field of air-conditioning, food preservation, medical services, vaccine storages, and for electronic components temperature control led to the production of more electricity and consequently an increase in the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere which in turn leads to global warming and many climatic changes. Thermoelectric refrigeration is a new alternative because it can reduce the use of electricity to produce cooling effect and also meet today’s energy challenges. Therefore, the need for thermoelectric refrigeration in developing countries is very high where long life and low maintenance are needed. The objectives of this study is to develop a working thermoelectric refrigerator to cool a volume 5L cabin that utilizes the Peltier effect to cool and maintain a selected temperature range of 5 0C to 25 0C. The cooling chamber design integrates thermoelectric modules (TEMs), which operate on the Peltier effect to cool juicer down to nearly 18’C. Solar panel added advantage to provide the energy. The design and fabrication of solar powered thermoelectric refrigerator for required applications are presented.