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An Experimental Study on the Optimal Operation Condition of an Air-Cooler using Thermoelectric Modules  

Hwang, Jun (Graduage School, Kookmin University)
Kang, Byung-Ha (School of Mechanical and Automotive engineering, Kookmin University)
Publication Information
Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering / v.18, no.1, 2006 , pp. 66-72 More about this Journal
Abstract
This article presents the optimal operation of an air conditioner using thermoelectric modules. A prototype of air conditioner using four thermoelectric modules has been designed and built. The system performance with evaporative cooling for hot side of the module are studied in detail for several operating parameters, such as input power to the thermoelectric module, fans and pump. It is found that the optimal input voltage to the thermoelectric module and pump is selected for the best system performance based on the cooling capacity and the COP at a given operating condition. It is also found that both the cooling capacity and COP of a system is increased with an increase in the input power to fans. The cooling performance could be improved when the ambient temperature is increased and the relative humidity is decreased since the evaporative cooling at the hot side has been increased.
Keywords
COP; Pottier effect; Thermoelectric module; Thermoelectric cooling;
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