�����
Thermoelectric (TE) systems present a distinct advantage in that they do not use moving parts or CFC-based refrigerants to transfer heat, and emit no noise or vibration. By combining the two systems, heat from the TE cooling system that is normally rejected to the environment can serve as a heat source to drive the absorption cycle. Also, the considerable amounts of low grade heat rejected from the absorber and condenser can be recovered.
Heat pipes are employed as the heat exchanger to the TE module as they have excellent heat transfer ability. The absorption cycle uses LiBr/H2O solution as the working pair for its good thermodynamic and cycle performance properties.
������������������������������������
����������������������������������
In this research, the investigation is focused on using heat generated from TE modules to drive a singleeffect absorption cycle in a small scale cooling system. The TE module, used as a heat source to drive the absorption cycle, is sandwiched between the generator and absorber cylinder end plates. Power supply to TE modules appears as heat at the TE/generator interface. ����������������������������������
A mathematical model was developed to theoretically investigate the performance of the novel absorption-thermoelectric system for cooling in order to provide design data for an experimental prototype system. Theoretical overall COP was found to be almost as high as a doubleeffect absorption refrigeration system, which is around 1.0-1.2. A prototype system was constructed and tested. Although the experimental results showed a lower overall COP than the theoretical prediction, the overall agreement was reasonable. Further improvement in the system COP may be possible through improving absorber and evaporator performance, TE module contactresistance and heat exchangers. PUBLICATIONS 1. SUPASUTEEKUL A., Integrated thermoelectric-absorption system for cooling. In: 6th IIR Gustav Lorentzen Natural Working Fluids Conference, Glasgow, UK, August 29-September 1, 2004. 2. BOUKHANOUF R. and SUPASUTEEKUL A., Theoretical analysis of an integrated thermoelectric-absorption cooling system. International Journal of Low Carbon Technologies, 2(1), 2007 52-64.
Ajaree Supasuteekul
�������������������� �������������� �������������������������� ��������
Growing international concern about global warming and ozone depletion has encouraged more research and development of energy efficient and environmental friendly refrigeration and airconditioning systems to be undertaken. Absorption refrigeration systems, based on a heat-operated refrigeration cycle, have the potential to address such concerns. They offer an alternative to electrically driven vapour compression systems using thermal power as the driving force. In principle, any type of thermal energy can served as a heat source for these systems.
Course Title:
IBT/ISET (Engineering) (Science)
Course Status:
Writing up, year 4
Project Title:
An absorption-thermoelectric system for cooling 1st Supervisor:
Professor S.B. Riffat, 0.5 2nd Supervisor:
Dr. R. Boukhanouf, 0.5
103 <