Projeto e construção de um mini refrigerador com pastilhas termoelétricas

Abstract

This activity, consists in the project and construction of a portable mini refrigerator, with thermoelectric modules, based on the Peltier effect. The thermoelectric module is a semiconductor formed by two different materials than, when submitted to DC power, one junction will absorve the heat, and the other one will dissipate it. This effect will be responsible for the refrigeration. The modules are energized by a switched power supply, because it is more efficient and has a more compact structure than a linear one. A PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) circuit was used to control the tension applied to the Peltier effect module. This refrigeration system was submitted to many tests and improvements before to reach the final version. Finally, the efficiency and economical viability of the modules were evaluated; the economical viability of the mini refrigerator was also evaluated too.