Thermoelectric Generators Utilizing a Cooler

School Name

Center for Advanced Technical Studies

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Engineering

Presentation Type

Non-Mentored

Oral Presentation Award

4th Place

Abstract

Thermoelectric Generators utilized on a cooler Abstract The battery life of a typical cellular phone tends to decrease rapidly when exposed to extreme temperatures. In these situations of extreme temperature, a power source simply may not be available. If a cooler can be modified to provide constant power based on the temperature differential inside and outside the cooler, then a phone or other small electronic device can be charged and extend user battery life. By placing 6 Thermoelectric Generators on the surface of the cooler a dramatic temperature gradient will allow energy to be produced (via the Seebeck Effect). The dimensions of the Thermoelectric Generators are to be cut into the cooler followed by placing the Thermoelectric Generators into the cut-out areas and securing the devices. The wires from the Thermoelectric Generators will be connected in series on the outside of the cooler with wire nuts. The results to date have shown that the Thermoelectric Generators produced a consistent amount of power or DC voltage. The data collected showed that a more efficient Thermoelectric Generator will be needed to charge a portable phone. This newly developed product has many practical applications and could be used in a beach or pool setting whereby creating a mobile power source in the absence accessible power. After initial prototype development, a secondary goal is to power a cooling fan in a cooler to make the cooler stay cold for extended periods of time without addition of ice. Keywords: Thermoelectric Generators Thermodynamics Portable Power

Location

Wall 225

Start Date

3-25-2017 11:00 AM

Presentation Format

Oral Only

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 25th, 11:00 AM

Thermoelectric Generators Utilizing a Cooler

Wall 225

Thermoelectric Generators utilized on a cooler Abstract The battery life of a typical cellular phone tends to decrease rapidly when exposed to extreme temperatures. In these situations of extreme temperature, a power source simply may not be available. If a cooler can be modified to provide constant power based on the temperature differential inside and outside the cooler, then a phone or other small electronic device can be charged and extend user battery life. By placing 6 Thermoelectric Generators on the surface of the cooler a dramatic temperature gradient will allow energy to be produced (via the Seebeck Effect). The dimensions of the Thermoelectric Generators are to be cut into the cooler followed by placing the Thermoelectric Generators into the cut-out areas and securing the devices. The wires from the Thermoelectric Generators will be connected in series on the outside of the cooler with wire nuts. The results to date have shown that the Thermoelectric Generators produced a consistent amount of power or DC voltage. The data collected showed that a more efficient Thermoelectric Generator will be needed to charge a portable phone. This newly developed product has many practical applications and could be used in a beach or pool setting whereby creating a mobile power source in the absence accessible power. After initial prototype development, a secondary goal is to power a cooling fan in a cooler to make the cooler stay cold for extended periods of time without addition of ice. Keywords: Thermoelectric Generators Thermodynamics Portable Power