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Thermodynamic Analysis of a Compact Thermoelectric Air Conditioner

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Abstract

The thermodynamic characteristics of a compact thermoelectric (TE) air conditioner were investigated from a perspective based on exergy. A new efficiency is developed that is useful in studying TE performance resulting in possible improvement. Exergy analysis is applied to a TE system and its components, and exergy flows and efficiencies are evaluated. It was found that the exergy decreased as the electric current supplied to the TE air conditioner increased. Maximum exergy efficiency was 0.088 with a corresponding cooling capacity of 28.6 W. The exergy efficiency of the compact TE air conditioner was found to be relatively very low when compared with the respective coefficient of performance.

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Abbreviations

COP:

Coefficient of performance

Ex d :

Exergy destruction (W)

Ex i :

Exergy inflow (W)

Ex o :

Exergy outflow (W)

I :

Current of the TE modules (A)

K :

Thermal conductivity of TE elements (W/K)

N :

Number of TE couples

P :

Power input to the TE air conditioning system (W)

Q c :

Cooling capacity of the cold side (W)

Q h :

Heating capacity of the hot side (W)

R :

Electrical resistance of TE elements (Ω)

S g :

Entropy generation (W/K)

T c :

Cold side temperature of TE module (K or  °C)

T h :

Hot side temperature of TE module (K or  °C)

T ca :

Cold air temperature (K or  °C)

T ha :

Hot air temperature (K or  °C)

T o :

Surrounding temperature (K or  °C)

α :

Seebeck coefficient (V/K)

η Ex :

Exergy efficiency

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Thermal Processes Research Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Mahasarakham University, Khantarawichai, Mahasarakham, 44150, Thailand

    W. Tipsaenporm

  2. Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Burapha University, 169 Long-Hard Bangsaen Road, Saensuk, Muang, Chonburi, 20131, Thailand

    M. Rungsiyopas

  3. Energy Technology Division, School of Energy, Environment and Materials, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangmod, Thungkru, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand

    C. Lertsatitthanakorn

Authors
  1. W. Tipsaenporm
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  2. M. Rungsiyopas
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  3. C. Lertsatitthanakorn
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to W. Tipsaenporm.

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Tipsaenporm, W., Rungsiyopas, M. & Lertsatitthanakorn, C. Thermodynamic Analysis of a Compact Thermoelectric Air Conditioner. J. Electron. Mater. 43, 1804–1808 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-013-2879-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-013-2879-2

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