Analysis of Efficiency of Thermoelectric Personal Cooling System Based on Utility Tests

Abstract

Thermoelectric modules can find practical application in clothing with a cooling function. A personal cooling system using Peltier modules integrated with clothing was developed and tested with the participation of a person. A dedicated electronic controller was designed that enabled the power or temperature to be controlled and recorded. In the research, the influence of heat sinks and the method of controlling the operation of the module on the cooling efficiency was assessed. The research was aimed at selecting the operating mode of the controller and choosing the arrangement of modules comparing cooling efficiency. The research showed that by selection of appropriate controlling mode, the electric power used can be reduced while keeping the cooling efficiency at the same level. The location of Peltier modules in places where they can tightly adhere to the body increases their performance.

Evaluation of Performance and Power Consumption of a Thermoelectric Module-Based Personal Cooling System—A Case Study

“…In this study, it was decided to carry out a comprehensive iterative process of development and testing of a personal cooling system intended to be used at the workplace, with the aim of providing a means of protection from the effects of heat. The novelty of our solution based on thermoelectric cooling with flexible TE modules and heat sinks was already demonstrated in [11], where we also highlighted the importance of the adopted TE module control method as well as their location on the human body. The aim of the work presented in this paper was to preliminarily evaluate the potential of flexible TE modules in the reduction of thermal discomfort during increased physical activity and under high ambient temperature.…”

“…The TE modules were embedded into frames with Velcro that enabled their integration with custom-made clothing. Details related to the developed personal cooling system have been described in [11]. A view of the PCS with two TE modules and one heat sink mounted on the clothing showing the integration method is presented in Figure 1.…”

“…PID controllers are often used for temperature control using TE modules, such as in box coolers [12]. However, as argued in [11], the proportional-derivative (PD) type is optimal for the considered application due to its following features:…”

Integration of Active Clothing with a Personal Cooling System within the NGIoT Architecture for the Improved Comfort of Construction Workers

“…z o.o. The design of the developed model was based on the conclusions from previously conducted tests [5,26].…”

Flexible Active Peltier Coolers Based on Interconnected Magnetic Nanowire Networks

“…Although flexible and lightweight TE devices are expected to generate the same interest in low-power miniaturized refrigeration based on the Peltier effect, it is only very recently that this field of application has received attention [23,24]. Flexible TE devices could enable the development of wearable devices for personalized thermoregulation with the prospect of drastically reducing the volume of heating or cooling by targeting the areas of the human body that require precise thermal doses [23][24][25][26]. In normal operation, Peltier coolers use materials with a high thermoelectric power factor and low thermal conductivity to reduce the reverse heat flow from the hot side.…”