International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications Volume 9, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2024, pp: 1695-1706 www.ijprajournal.com ISSN: 2249-7781 DOI: 10.35629/7781-090116951706 | Impact Factor value 7.429 | ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 1695 Off-grid Cold Chian Solutions: Assessing Peltier Module Suitability for Agricultural Produce Preservation Rhutuja N. Palte 1 , Y.P. Khandetod 2 , A. G. Mohod 3 , P.U. Shahare 4 and K.G. Dhande 5 1 Ph.D. Scholar, Deptt. of Renewable Energy Engineering, College of Agril. Engg. and Technology, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra- 415712, India 2 Ex-Director of Research, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra- 415712, India 3 Professor and Head, Deptt. of Renewable Energy Engineering, College of Agril. Engg. and Technology, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra- 415712, India 4 Associate Dean, College of Agril. Engg. and Technology, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra- 415712, India 5 Professor (CAS), Deptt. of Farm Machinery and Power, College of Agril. Engg. and Technology, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra- 415712, India --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted: 18-02-2024 Accepted: 26-02-2024 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABSTRACT The test apparatus was constructed to study heat exchange mechanism of two TEC modules, TEC1- 12706 and SKHC1-07106C. The manufacturer‟s specified performance of a TEC module was evaluated under ideal conditions i.e. Nitrogen gas at 101.3 kPa. When a TEC was supplied with current, it was exposed to all forms of parasitic heat losses and these losses influenced the performance of the TEC. For the TEC1-12706 Peltier module, at 10°C and 20°C temperature difference, experimental cooling capacity was 14.22 W and 8.25 W obtained respectively. The power consumption was higher at 11.3 V and 3 A (33.9 W) for each TEC. This indicated the inefficiency and unavailability of genuine Peltier module TEC1- 12706. The SKHC-07106C module demonstrated the best cooling performance. For SKHC1-07106C, with 2.87 A current to TEC at 10°C and 20°C temperature differences, the cooling capacity was 12.34 W and 6.91 W and COP was 0.83 and 0.44 obtained respectively. It was observed that in order to obtain maximum cooling, temperature difference should be kept minimum between hotside of TEC and ambient air. This could be done by utilizing proper heatsink at hot sides of TEC module. Keywords:cooling capacity, COP, heat exchange analysis, peltier module,power consumption I. INTRODUCTION The thermoelectric effect is direct conversion of electricity into heat or generation of electricity from thermal gradient through thermocouple. Turning temperature differences directly into electricity is an efficient way of harnessing waste heat. The thermoelectric cooler working is based on the principles of the Peltier effect, briefly, pairs of n- and p-type semiconductor thermoelements, connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel, interconnected by copper strips, integrated thermally conducting ceramic plates on each side. The Peltier effect converts the input electric current into a temperature gradient, and heat transfer occurs from heat source to heat sink by electrons; thus, the system does not require any refrigerant (Daghigh and Khaledian, 2018).Theschematic illustrations of a thermoelectric module for power generation and refrigeration are shown in Fig. 1. Thermoelectricity alongwith PV generation is another renewable option which can be used for cooking, heating, cooling, refrigeration and to obtain comfort workplace environment. Some of the features of Peltier module includes noiseless operation, longer life expectancy, non-generation of harmful gases, compact in size, lightweight, portable, high reliability, low-cost production, less maintenance, viable for outdoor use combined with solar photovoltaic cells, and attractive to use as mini- refrigerator for preserving foods and drugs in small places (Chen et al., 2014 and Afshariet al., 2022). However, more efficient thermoelectric materials need to be identified, especially for low- temperature applications.