Design and selection of solar‐powered Peltier‐based cooling neera (coconut sap) collecting system

Abstract

The fresh sap harvested from the unbloomed inflorescence of the adult spadix of coconut tree (Cocus nucifera L.) is known as “neera.” It must be collected below room temperature to prevent naturally occurring fermentation. The study aims to design and choose the Peltier cooling neera collection system (PCNCS) for integration with the neera tapping machine. With a 12 V 6 A Peltier module powered by a direct current, this collecting system operates via the Peltier effect. In each of the four designs, two Peltier modules were used. Since the heatsink and fan must be fixed in each design, they have unique dimensions and capabilities. A 305 W solar panel powers the system, charging a 12 V 100 Ah lead‐acid battery. The test was conducted for 210 min by dispensing a 219 mL sample of neera from a plastic drip bottle at a flow rate of 1.5 liters per day. The design boxes include a variety of models, including elongated cuboidal boxes, cuboidal boxes, cubic boxes, and triangular prism boxes. The corresponding designs reached temperatures of 16.5, 19, 22, 20, and 18°C. Two alternative Peltier fixing position models were applied in the cubic box design. Among the four potential designs, the elongated cuboidal box with a COP of 0.7323 has been chosen since its trial result shows the lowest temperature. Practical Applications The Solar‐powered Peltier‐based cooling neera collecting system can be used to collect the unfermented neera and store the harvested neera for a specific time. The cooling collection system can help the tapper collect the neera without climbing the coconut tree. It can also reduce the labor charge from the daily climbing of coconut trees to harvest neera. The designed system allows us to serve the neera in a short period because it is collected and discharged frequently. Also help to the farmers to increasing their economy by means reducing the operating cost.