IJSRK-13-04

International Journal of Scientific Research in Knowledge (IJSRK), 1(2), pp. 25-33, 2013 Available online at http://www.ijsrpub.com/ijsrk

©2013 IJSRPUB

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Full Length Research Paper

Solar Powered Air Conditioning by Aid of TEC for Mina Tents Application

Wael A. Salah1, Soib Taib

2, Anwar Al-Mofleh

3, Hamza A. Ghulman

4

1Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Jalan Multimedia, 63100 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia

2School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering,

Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal,

Penang, Malaysia 3Faculty of Engineering Technology, Al-Balqa’ Applied University, Marka Ashamalia, Amman, Jordan

4College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudia Arabia.

*Corresponding author: Email: [email protected], [email protected]; Tel: +603--8312 5508 ext. 5508, Fax:

+603-8318 3029

Received 4 January 2013; Accepted 15 February 2013

Abstract. This paper provides a review of some thermoelectric cooling (TE) applications in terms of the aspect of cooling at

electronic equipments and some proposed cooling application for the future. A background discussion of thermoelectric

cooling is provided in brief citing early history and current developments. In this paper, a review of the traditional cooling

techniques, a highlight on the problems faced by each of the techniques is made and it is compared to the thermoelectric

cooling. The aim of this paper is to discuss the possibility of making use of the Thermo Electric Coolers (TEC) for outdoor

cooling applications. The utilization of water for cooling aid is discussed. The factors affecting the TE performance is

discussed as well. The assembling consideration for best performance of TEC and the supply requirements for TEC will be

discussed. Effects of water cooling and the other methods of cooling procedures also is discussed with practical comparisons.

Key words: TEC Cooling, TEG, Solar energy, Underwater, Outdoor.

1. INTRODUCTION

The advancements in computer technology have been

made possible by the ongoing developments in the

packaging density of electronics. In order to ensure

satisfactory electrical circuit operation, limitation on

the chip temperature is imposed to prevent it to rise

above the ambient coolant temperature (Simons and

Chu, 2010). In many cases, special allocations with

specific temperature for some electrical equipments

has been implemented for safe and efficient operation.

The traditional cooling techniques have several

problems such as noises and vibrations, and the usage

of cooling gas has disastrous effect on the

environment, not to mention the regular services for

compressors.

A thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is a semiconductor-

based electronic component that functions as a small

heat pump. A thermoelectric device is a completely

solid-state heat pump that is operated based on Peltier

effect in which electrons carry energy to transfer heat

from hot to cold junction, the heat will be moved

through the module from one side to the other as a

low voltage DC power source applied to a TE module

(Lau et al., 1994; The Technology Inc, 2006).

The energy required for the electrons movement

through the system is provided by the power supply,

this energy is expelled to a heat sink at the hot

junction as electrons move from a high energy level

element (n-type) to a lower energy level element (p-

type). The n-p elements array is assembled so that it is

electrically connected in series and thermally

connected in parallel, then it affixed to two ceramic

substrates, one on each side of the elements as shown

in Fig.1.

One face will be cooled while the opposite module

face is heated simultaneously. At the cold junction

heat is absorbed by electrons as they pass from a low

energy level in the p-type semiconductor element to a

higher energy level in the n-type semiconductor

element. Heat is absorbed at the cold side of the n-

and p- type elements. The absorbed heat at the cold

junction is pumped to the hot junction at a rate

proportional to current passing through the circuit and

the number of p-n junctions. With a suitable system

design, the TEC device will operate as an effective

heating and cooling source (Thermoelectric

Handbook, 2007; Magaland Technology Inc, 2002)

(Figure 1).

Commercially, the thermoelectric cooling (TEC)

modules are widely available thus making them a

potential candidate to be used in the thermal

management of electronics applications (Moores et

al., 1999). The typical cooling technique for

Electronics systems is by the forced air flow using

axial fans or centrifugal blowers. When the heat loads

are small and relatively diffuse, thermal conduction

through aluminum plates is sufficient to spread the

mailto:[email protected]

Salah et al.


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heat into finned heat sinks for convection from the

fins into the air flow stream (Dubourdieu and Tribou,

1997). Liquid cooling system that can cool single or

multiple heat sources is an adoptive solution in some

current applications. A highly reliable compact pump

is used to circulate the fluid in a closed loop. The

overall system is integrated using assembly methods

and materials that enable very low fluid permeation

for long life (Kang et al., 2007).

Fig. 1: TEC module

Fig. 2: TEC module with the heat sink

Fig. 3: TEC direct measured temperature at cold side

2. FEATURES OF TEC MODULES

Thermoelectric systems are highly reliable provided

they are installed and used in an appropriate manner.

Thermoelectric modules are at steady state and have a

high mean time between failures (The Technology

Inc, 2006). Thermoelectric modules are noisy free

because of no moving parts and are virtually

maintenance free due to the useless of

chlorofluorocarbon gas. They can be operated in any

orientation; also they are ideal for cooling applications

that may be sensitive to mechanical vibration. The

ability to heat and cool lends to applications where

both heating and cooling is necessary or where precise

Amps

Temp

International Journal of Scientific Research in Knowledge (IJSRK), 1(2), pp. 25-33, 2013

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temperature control is critical (Optimizing TEC Drive

Current, 2006). Although the environmental

legislation is getting tougher, the usage of

thermoelectric as cooling system needs not to worry

due to its non-negative impact on the environment.

The thermoelectric cooling system is triggered by

electricity, thus eliminating the emissions of CFCs.

Another benefit is that, it needs no refill compared to

conventional systems (Supercool, 2012; Salah et al.,

2010).

Fig. 4: Mini Cooler/ heater

In addition, the installation of TEC is quite simple

and easy, with the caring of the conduction of TEC

with the cooling object and the conduction of the hot

side with the heat sink in order to insure the right

operation of TEC modules.

Air-conditioning is an important issue for

providence of the necessity of human comfort. It is of

great importance and would provide for

environmental comfort to pilgrims during the Hajj

performance, especially in times of summer.

Therefore, there is an essential requirement in the

direction of creating the design that helps increase

cooling service to be longer in life and reduce the use

of energy consumed. For this purpose, the design is

developed for this effect by using air conditioner

accompanied by bands capture solar energy and use in

to supply the process of Thermo- Electric Cooler

(TEC) plate, which provides additional cooling to

occupied zone (tent).The essential search will be taken

more focus in the design of cooling plate that attached

with TE.

In the last few years, many researchers made effort

to find out solution for hot and humid climate. This

research is emphasizing to find out the appropriate air

cooling develop solution that can work under any

climate. Thermoelectric cooling (TEC) is a viable

alternative for today’s traditional cooling techniques

which have problems such as noise and vibration,

more over the use of cooling gas and effect on the

environment, and regular services for compressor. The

aim of this paper is to discuss the possibility of

making use of the TEC-Thermo Electric Coolers

cooling applications. Such application with small area

is away-connected with the use solar energy as power

source. The use of TEC in refrigeration application

will be highlighted. The practical application of TEC

is presented for potential commercialization.

Mina is the largest membrane project in the world

every year; more than three millions pilgrims perform

the Hajj, the pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in

Makkah. The Mina Valley is one of the Hajj stations

and hosts the pilgrims for three days and nights.

During the 1997 Hajj season, a disastrous fire

destroyed tens of thousands of cotton tents. The Saudi

Authorities decided to re-build this vast city of tents

by installing 40,000 durable fireproof tents. The only

fabric that met these requirements was PTFE coated

fiberglass.

It is obvious that any climate has corresponding

air-conditioning, in order to deal with the

environmental conditions to provide the necessary

human comfort. A high-quality design should be

required to accomplish this function. The issue of

providing occupied zone (tent) in the Mina, and walls

between Safa and Marwa air conditioning system of

pressing issues is of great importance and would

provide for environmental comfort to pilgrims during

the Hajj performance, especially in times of summer.

Therefore, there is an essential requirement in the

direction of creating the design which helps increase

cooling service to be longer in life and reduce the use

of energy consumed.

Salah et al.


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3. TEC COOLING DESIGN

The heat pumping capacity of a module is

proportional to the current and is dependent on the

element geometry, number of couples, and material

properties (Thermoelectric Handbook, 2007).

Fig. 5: TEC attached to heatsink drown in water

Fig. 6: TEC performance

Fig. 7: Concept of TEC application for air cooling system

3.1. TEC Proper Fit Consideration

The proper fit between the heat side of TEC and the

heat sink affect the performance of TEC. Good

thermal conduction will lead to better performance,

although good thermal isolation between heat and

cold side will give better performance. Figure 3 shows

the temperature measured directly from TEC cold

side, this shows two states of measurements, one

shows the data measured good thermal conduction of


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heat sink and hot side of TEC and the other one with

bad thermal conduction.

Figure 2 shows a single TEC module with the heat

side attached to a heat sink and the cool side is free to

air. The proper fit of TEC will improve its

performance, especially when heat sink compound is

added.

3.2. Thermal Isolation

To ensure the best performance to be achieved from

TEC module the importance of good thermal isolation

between hot and cold sides are huge due to its

sensitivity and the distance between the two sides is

so small. To overcome such problem the attached heat

sink is extended which it increases the distance from

the heat sink plate to the cold sink plate. This allows

for thicker insulation and longer assembly bolts. As a

result, heat conducting from the heat sink plate back

to the cold sink plate is reduced (Figures 2 and 3).

Appropriate air cooling solution that can work

under any climate is a solution for hot and humid

climate. For this purpose, by using air conditioner



(TEC) plate, this provides additional cooling to the

tent. The aim is to determine the optimum operating

parameters by the meaning if the comfort parameters

in the occupied zone were within the range of

acceptable comfort standards, and also to investigate

the range of temperatures under varying space load

conditions which was ranged between (23- 25°C) for

the purpose of predicting and studying its effects in

the functioning as well as its performance.

4. APPLICATIONS

TEC size and simplicity make it easy to be applied for

cooling application where size and simplicity are

required. One main application that can be under

consideration is the cooling of away connected

electronics, such as in the telecommunication

cabinets. This cooling arrangement can be easily

supplied from a PV panel with a DC converter.

Thermoelectric refrigeration is thought to be one of

the alternative technologies that would help to reduce

the rate of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants

emission to the atmosphere, as this do not employ

working fluids that are harmful to the environment.

(Lertsatitthanakorn, 2003).

4.1. Solar Fridge

A sample of fridge prototype unit is developed using 4

TEC as shown in Fig.4. The prototype with a 12 in x 8

in x 6 dimension using solar module of 70 W is

capable of functioning in both cooling and heating

operation. The unit takes about 30 min to reach the

minimum temperature of 180C within the

compartment (Figure 4).

4.2. Water and Thermoelectric Cooling

The efficient cooling system uses service water to

cool the modules, a feature contributing to the

converter’s compact design. An air-to-water heat

exchanger is included, which cools the internal

enclosure and is connected to the same cooling circuit

as the power parts (ABB Schweiz AG, 2006; Melcor,

2000).

Fig.5 shows the TEC module attached to heat-sink,

instead of attaching a fan, the heat-sink is been drown

in the water. From this technique it has been observed

that the performance of TEC cooling system improved

by an average of 3oC, this effect is shown in Fig.6. If

the supply is connected to solar module then the

cooling system produces zero CO2 emission.

As the trend towards higher power dissipation and

more concentrated heat sources continues, a more

attractive solution is to use closed liquid cooling loops

to efficiently spread heat to finned surfaces that can be

situated almost anywhere within the electronics

system. These closed loops may be two-phase

capillary pumped systems such as loop heat pipes or

single or two-phase mechanically pumped systems.

The closed loop cooling systems function only as

efficient heat spreaders internally within the

electronics system enclosure by the closed loop liquid

cooling systems, the need for high speed fans is

mitigated and the noise levels can be significantly

lowered (ABB Schweiz AG, 2006; Tellurex

Corporation, 2001) (Figures 5 and 6).

For under water application, the water cooling

arrangements will be much easier as it will be open

loop cooling, so there will be elimination of the heat

exchanger and also the need for high speed fan is

mitigated.

4.3. Underwater Thermoelectric Generator

Thermoelectric Generation could be done when

thermoelectric modules are placed between hot and

cold plates, then voltage and power could be obtained

(Optimizing TEC Drive Current, 2006). Proposed

application could utilize the underwater environment

that is, the use of Thermoelectric Generator where the

water will present the cold side, and the heat

generated by power components will present the hot

side. This prospective application is expected to

utilize the cold temperature of water and the heat

generated by power components.

Salah et al.


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4.4. Air Cooling Medium for Various Applications

The nature of TEC is exploited by sticking the cold

side to material which the air is to be flowed against.

Insulation between hot and cold side is very important

than ever, in order for both; a) heat transfer

mechanism to work well, and (b) TEC cooling

mechanism working to maximum effect. It has been

known that dissipation of heat will ensure the cold

side to produce lower temperature. Thus, for this

reason, a 12-Volt fan is attached at the heat sink end

to provide greater heat dissipation.

Heat transfer mechanisms of conduction and

radiation are practiced for this type of application.

Figure 7 is a related diagram that further explains the

concept of air cooling system and cooler performance

for high power electronic packages.

Fig. 8: Mina Tent Campus

Fig. 9: Proposed design of TEC tent

The thermoelectric cooler (TEC) performance

could be conducted for high power electronic

packages such as processors. In (Zhang et al., 2012;

Bierschen and Gilley, 2006; Hasan and Kok Chuan,

2007), two cooling scenarios, the processor test and

the processor cooling under end-user conditions, are

analyzed based on the present analysis models for two

commercial TECs with high cooling power capacities

nominal. The analytical results show that significant

thermal enhancements are achievable based on

optimized currents and cooling configurations (Figure

7).

The material to be used for heat transfer needs a

very thorough examination. While the best heat

conductor is gold, the material is very expensive in

cost and also unpractical in mass productions. Copper

represent a much logical and practical option and is

rated second behind gold. In short, for such

application to reach maximum potential, a good heat

transferable material is essential so that the heat

transfer mechanism occur effortlessly.

4.5. Air Conditioning by Aid of TEC for Tents

Cooling Application

It is obvious that climate has corresponding air-

conditioning, in order to deal with the environmental

conditions to provide the necessary human comfort.


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Air-conditioning is an important issue to provide

comfortable condition for human. TEC application

will enable adequate solutions for temporary usage of

mobile tents where for example during the summer in

the most Middle East countries, the heat is almost

unbearable. An obvious applicable example is The

Mina Valley which is one of the Hajj stations and

hosts the pilgrims for three days and nights as shown

in Fig.8. Implementation of TEC on traditional

cooling system is absolutely important in order to

conserve energy and the fact that TEC utilizes natural

source of solar, any system with the aid of TEC will

be working fine at anywhere as the sunlight permits

(Figure 8).

The essential required in the direction of creating

the design helps increase cooling service to be longer

in life and reduce the use of energy consumed. An

appropriate air cooling solution that can work under

any climate is a solution for hot and humid climate.

For this purpose, by using air conditioner



(TEC) plate, this provides additional cooling to the

tent. A future application of the system can be applied

to tents as shown in (Figure 9).

5. CONCLUSION

The TEC cooling technique is found to be free of

some problems attached to traditional cooling

techniques such as noise, size and vibration. In

addition, it has no side effect on the environment

where there is zero emission of CO2 gas. With their

small size, efficiency, reliability, and environmental

friendliness, TECs are becoming widely accepted as

the most effective cooling source for many

applications. The paper had discussed the use of the

TEC-Thermo Electric Coolers in cooling away

connected applications with the use of solar energy as

power source. The prototype TEC fridge has the

potential for commercialization. Cooling system uses

service water to cool the converter modules

contributing to compact an efficient design. The TEC

system had improved the temperature by an average

of 3oC when water is used for direct cooling, therefore

this technique become an alternative solution for

underwater cooling. TEC could be an effective

heating and cooling source with a proper design of TE

system. An additional cooling to the tent could be

supplied by the Thermo- Electric Cooler (TEC) plate,

this will leads to more comfortable condition.

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www.abb.com/powerelectronics.

Bierschenk J, Gilley M (2006). Assessment of TEC

Thermal and Reliability Requirements for

Thermoelectrically Enhanced Heat Sinks for

CPU Cooling Applications. in Thermoelectrics,

ICT '06. 25th International Conference.

Dubourdieu P, Tribou G (1997). Thermoelectric

generator for underwater wellhead. The 16th

International Conference on Thermoelectrics.

Hasan MH, Kok Chuan T (2007). Optimization of a

Thermoelectric Cooler-Heat Sink Combination

for Active Processor Cooling. in Electronics

Packaging Technology Conference, EPTC. 9th.

Jin W, Ke Z, Friend J (2009). Minimum power loss

control thermoelectric technology in power

electronics cooling. in Energy Conversion

Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2009. IEEE.

Kang S, Miller D, Cennamo J (2007). Closed Loop

Liquid Cooling For High Performance

Computer Systems Proceedings of IPACK2007,

ASME Inter PACK, Vancouver, CANADA.

Lau PG, Ritzer TM, Buist RJ (1994). Thermodynamic

Optimization of Heat/Cold Sink Extenders in

Thermoelectric Cooling Assemblies. TE

Technology Inc., Michigan, USA.

Lertsatitthanakorn C (2003). Cooling Performance of

Thermoelectric Water Cooler. Naresuan

University Journal, 11(2): 1-9.

Magaland Technology Inc (2012). Thermoelectric

Cooling Modules Application Note. Available

at: www.magaland.com.

Melcor (2000). Avilable at: www.melcor.com.

Moores KA, Joshi YK, Miller G (1999). Performance

assessment of thermoelectric coolers for use in

high temperature electronics applications. 18th

International Conference on Thermoelectrics,

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of Multistage Converter for Outdoor Thermal

Electric Cooling (TEC) Applications. Jordan

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Engineering (JJMIE), 4(1): 15 – 20.

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Equipment: A Review and Analysis. Sixteenth

IEEE SEMI-THERM Symposium,

Poughkcepsie, NY, USA.

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Tellurex Corporation (2001). Introduction to

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Wael A Y Salah was born in Hebron, Palestine in 1978. He received his B.Eng in Industrial Automation

Engineering (IAE) from Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU) in 2001. Awarded with M.Sc and Ph.D

degrees from University Science Malaysia (USM) in 2007 and 2012 respectively. Attached to the

Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University - Malaysia since 2012.

Research interest in Power Electronic and Drives, Energy Management Power Control and

Management, Renewable Energy System, Energy Efficiency.

Soib Bin Taib recieved his B.Sc from University Sains Malaysia in 1984. Works as system Engineer at

PERNAS NEC in 1985. Awarded with M.Sc and Ph.D degrees from Bradford University UK in 1986

and 1990 respectively. Attached to the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering USM since

1990. Appointed as the Head of Power Program from 1997 until 2005. From 2004 appointed as the

R&D Task Manager for Centre for Education of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (CETREE)

USM.

Research interest in Power Electronic and Drives, Experts Systems and currently involved in the

development of Renewable Energy System Published more than 150 papers in Local and International

journal and Proceeding.

Anwar al-Mofleh was born in Mahes, Jordan in 1969.recived his B.Sc and MSc from Byelorussian

Polytechnic academy in 1993. He is currently working as lecturer in Al-Balqa Applied University in

Jordan.

Research interest in Power and Energy Systems, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

Hamza A. Ghulman received his BSc from University King Abdulaziz in 1988 in Saudia Arabia and

MSc in 1993. Awarded with another MSc and PhD degrees from Ohio University in USA in 1996 and

2001 respectively. He is currently Professor at University Umm Al-Qura and involve in researches

(during Hajj seasons) with the Pilgrimage Researches Center in Makkah. Published more than 25

publications worldwide and two books. Member in ASME, SME, IIE, ASNT, and others.

Documents

IJSRK-13-04