Auto ACENGR-4020Presenters:

Seth Bowman, Carson Camp, Elizabeth Clarke, Nicholas Tate

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Project Faculty

Dr. O. Hayden GriffinProject SponsorFaculty Advisor

Additional Assistance Provided ByDr. Tarek Abdel-Salam - ReferenceEast Carolina University - Funding

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What is the problem with Auto AC?

Problem Statement:

Current automotive air conditioners are

complicated and take up space within the car.

Description:

This project will produce a new automotive

air conditioner that reduces complexity and

does not use an engine run compressor.

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Key EDS Factors

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Functional PerformanceRemove 18000 BTU’s of heat

Human FactorsAll moving parts self-contained within unit to mitigate dangers

EconomicShould match estimated market price of $1,500

Maintenance, Repair, and RetirementNo less than 25% professionally replaceable/repairable partsAble to be disposed of without special handling needs

PollutionWill not exceed GWP of 1430

Decision Matrix

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Thermoelectric Materials

Governed by the Peltier Effect Typically Made of Bismuth Telluride and CopperUtilize N and P Type Semiconductors

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Small Scale Lab Model

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Thermoelectric Testing

Procedure:3 minute test of Current

Results:60 Watts75 BTU of heat removal

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Car Testing

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Test Vehicle: 2012 Chevy Sonic

Test Software: HPTuners VCMScanner

Test Procedure:

2x 3 minute idle tests

2x 3 minute driving tests

Car Testing - Data

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Comparison of Data

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Assumptions:• Compressor Power Increases Linearly with

RPM• Fuel to electric conversion efficiency of 21%

(engine 40%, belt 98%, alternator 55%)• Manufacturer specified 72W max power

consumption for thermoelectric

Data Comparison - Compressor vs TE

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Development of System

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Design Philosophy- Minimize cost and complexity by reusing existing components wherever possible.

Thermoelectric Implementation

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Components:

1x Aluminum mounting block

2x Tellurex SL1210 TE Units(170 BTU, 120W)

1x Stainless Cooling Pipe

Thermoelectric Assembly

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System Plumbing

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Heater Core Inlet

Heater Core OutletComponents

TE Assembly (1)

1 Quart Reservoir (2)

Electric Fluid Pump (3)

Cooling fluid (Water or

Water/Glycol)(1)

(2)

(3)

System Wiring

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Vehicle Switched 12V

Components

TE Assembly (1)

Switch (2)

Electric Fluid Pump (3)

Fuse Block (4)

2x 15 amp for TE

1x 10 amp for

pump

1x 2 amp for

switch

(1)

(2)

(3)

Vehicle 12V from Relay

Relay

(4)

Economic Analysis

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Recommendations

Install the system in a car currently lacking AC Use the bill of materials and provided drawingsNot recommended to replace compressors

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Conclusions

Good alternative for cars without an air conditioning systemThermoelectrics suitable for mild coolingToo large for most vehiclesCould have more applications as technology advances

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Questions?

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