Theoretical and Experimental Investigations of Solar-Thermoelectric Air-Conditioning System for Remote Applications

In this paper, we have designed and constructed a low cost solar-thermoelectric (TE) air-conditioning system for people in remote areas where electricity is still in short supply. Such system can be potentially used to condition tents and living areas. The proposed solar-powered TE air-conditioning system is based on the principles of Peltier effect to create a finite temperature difference across the condenser and the evaporator of the TE air-conditioning system. The cold side (or the evaporator) of the TE module is used for air-conditioning application; provides cooling to the living space. The thermal energy from the hot side of the module is dumped to the surrounding environment. Using the existing heat transfer and thermodynamics knowledge, an analytical model is developed to predict the performance of the solar-TE air-conditioning system in terms of the hot and cold reservoir temperatures, heat removal rates from the conditioned space, power input, and coefficient of performance (COP). A second analytical model is proposed to predict the cooling down period of the conditioned space as a function of heat removed by air-conditioning system, heat gained through the wall of the conditioned space, and heat generated inside the conditioned space. A detailed system is constructed to predict the performance of solar-TE air-conditioning system experimentally. A conditioned space was constructed to carry out the experimental work. Multiple air-conditioning systems were installed in the conditioned space. The cooling performance of the designed solar-TE air-conditioning system was experimentally tested and verified with the analytical calculation.