The appearance of new types of well-known household appliances is always connected with providing a higher level of human comfort and always aimed at satisfying his needs. It is with this goal in mind that portable refrigerators with thermoelectric cooling have appeared on the world market that can provide chilled products and drinks outside the house: on a trip or on a picnic.
How does a thermoelectric refrigerator work?
The operating principle of any thermoelectric refrigerator is based on the use of the Peltier Effect. It consists in the fact that when a direct current passes through a thermobattery, which consists of two dissimilar conductors (connected in series), heat is released or absorbed at the place of their connection (depending on the direction of the current), i.e. heat transfer occurs so that one part of this battery cools and the other is heated.
To use this effect, the first (cold) part of the thermobattery is placed in the medium, which must be cooled, and the second (hot) - into the surrounding.
The device of a refrigerator with thermoelectric cooling:
- Fan - for heat dissipation.
- Radiator is a finned aluminum plate for heat release.
- Distanser - to transfer the cold inside the refrigerator.
- Power supply - to change the AC voltage to a constant.
- Switch mode of the power supply - 2 modes: from 0 to 5 ° C and from 8 to 12 ° C. 6. Body with lid.
All elements are attached to the back of the case or located in the lid of the refrigerator
.Types of thermoelectric coolers
There are two types of portable thermoelectric coolers:
- for cars;
- in the form of a bag.
Automotive thermoelectric refrigerator
Used in cars and trucks to cool (or warm up) and store food and drink while driving or parking. Such a refrigerator is installed in the car's cabin and, sometimes even, it can act as an armrest.
They produce refrigerators of two modifications: they operate from the mains to 12 V and 24 V, and, using a charging-rectifying device, it can be connected to a 220 V or 127 V network. The operating time is unlimited, but, naturally, with a constant current source. The outer casing of such a refrigerator is covered with black artificial leather over the sheet steel, and the inner casing is made of food aluminum. Thermal insulation is provided by molded expanded polystyrene. Available in different forms:
- a box built into a special niche;
- a small locker or bedside table;
- mini-fridge (for a jar with a drink).
Thermoelectric cooler bag
A very convenient option for a portable refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy the cold drinks and food in the heat. To achieve the maximum effect in such a portable thermoelectric refrigerator, it is best to put everything in the refrigerator already cooled, and you can also put in the cold accumulators , ice bags or cooled plates. If you want this device can work and as a thermos, to maintain the temperature of the products.
Unlike the car, the refrigerator bag is not designed to heat food.
In the kit for the bag are additionally:
- long cord to position the refrigerator in the trunk;
- two covers: one with cords and a switch, the other with a handle (for carrying.
Advantages of a thermoelectric refrigerator
- noiselessness;
- reliability and durability;
- small size;
- absence of moving, rubbing parts and complicated connecting pipes;
- the possibility of precise temperature control;
- no need for liquid or gas coolers.
But, despite the above advantages and mobility of thermoelectric refrigerators, they are not very popular due to their high cost.