Advanced computational model for Peltier effect based refrigerators. (25th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martinez, A.; Astrain, D.; Rodriguez, A.; Aranguren, P.
• Is Part Of: Applied thermal engineering. Volume 95(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 339
• Page End: 347
• Publication Date: 2016-02-25
• Subjects: Thermoelectric cooling -- Thermoelectric refrigerator -- Dynamic simulation model -- Finite differences -- Experimental validation; Heat engineering -- Periodicals; Heating -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 621.40205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.11.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-4311

Abstract

Highlights: Outperforms any other simulation model for thermoelectric refrigerators. Transient state with temperature-dependent Seebeck, Peltier, Joule and Thomson. Construction and testing of a prototype for model validation and verification. ±10% of maximum deviation from experimental values of the main outputs. Assessment of temperature-independent properties. Abstract: Computational models emerge as essential tools in the challenge of developing competitive thermoelectric refrigerators for the domestic sector. This paper presents a computational model for thermoelectric refrigerators that simulates the entire system under transient state, including the thermoelectric modules, heat exchangers, insulated compartments, and hot and cold reservoirs. Also, temperature-dependent Peltier, Seebeck, Thomson and Joule effects are implemented. A prototype of a thermoelectric refrigerator has been built and tested to conduct the verification and validation of the computational model. The most important outputs are predicted with deviations lower than ±10%. The effect on the outputs of temperature-independent properties has been assessed. Results indicate that deviations are up to twice as high as those obtained for temperature-dependent properties, so these simplifications are invalid in the simulation of thermoelectric refrigerators under real operation.