Design and Optimization of Thermoelectric Air-cooling Systems for Vehicles

Abstract

Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are highly efficient and reliable but can negatively impact the environment. Environmentally friendly systems that could replace existing HVAC systems, such as thermoelectric cooling and heating systems, have been studied recently. Herein, an air-cooling system using thermoelectric modules (TEMs) was designed, manufactured, and evaluated in terms of its cooling performance. The optimal TEM was identified by analyzing QC–△T and V–I performance plots. The designed thermoelectric air-cooling (TEAC) system was composed of TEMs, heat sinks, and fans. Two versions were designed and the aim was to reduce the height of the system without compromising the cooling performance. The systems were tested in an insulated chamber having an inner volume of 250 × 250 × 250 mm3. After setting the temperature inside the chamber to 45°C, the time required for the system to reduce the temperature to 26°C was measured. Then, the developed system was mounted in a real car and the temperature decrease was recorded.