Desenvolvimento de dispositivo portátil de baixo custo para refrigeração e reuso de água em processos de destilação em aulas experimentais de química

Abstract

In laboratories in general, the use of distillation apparatus for the production of various in universities and courses, the use of distillation apparatus for student practices or routine activities in small laboratory settings is common. These apparatuses are powered by a heat source, causing the heating of a product or mixture so that, from the boiling point, different products separate and are subsequently condensed in a cooled tube known as a condenser. The condenser is typically cooled with running water, creating a temperature difference between the condensing product and the flowing water. However, this method usually involves the use of potable water from utilities or wells. This work aims to reduce or eliminate the use of potable water in the distillation apparatus at the Federal Technological University of Paraná, Medianeira Campus, by creating a circulating cooling system using Peltier modules. The Peltier effect is a thermoelectric phenomenon in which heat transfer occurs when an electric current pass through two conductors of different materials, usually made of semiconductors like bismuth-tellurium. It has two sides known as the hot junction and cold junction. When an electric current is applied to the module, electrons move through the semiconductors, absorbing heat at the cold junction and releasing it at the hot junction. This allows Peltier modules to be used for small-scale refrigeration, commonly found in water coolers, portable refrigerators, and computers. As these modules are compact, provide consistent cooling, and have low energy consumption, this project will apply these concepts in a refrigeration system, demonstrating its environmental and economic viability.