Peltier-Powered Drink Cooler!

desktop-sized can cooler

From the “Something that Should be Made Department” comes this drink cooler. Ever since seeing peltier devices for sale I have wanted to put one to a cool use, and this is it. 🙂 The heart of the device is of course the peltier module.

photo is from ebay auction for my peltier)

I got the peltier I used (pictured above) off of ebay for about $20 after shipping and such. It was in new condition when received. If you are going to make this project or use a peltier in anything make sure it is new. A used peltier may have water damage, and may not function at all or inadequately. Also, the device should have a perimeter seal to prevent moisture getting inside. This unit has an RTV seal. Specs on my unit are:Peltier Powered Drink Cooler

Size: 50mm*50mm*3.9mm
Imax = 12 Amps (maxium allowable device current)
Qmax = 102 Watts (maximum heat pumping capability (at 0 degree temp. differential)
Vmax = 15.2 Volts (theoretical maximum pumping efficiency occurs at this voltage)
DTmax = 69 degrees C (theoertical maximum differential temp (occurs at no heat load)

To use a peltier, it must be mounted on a (large!) heatsink. Running a peltier without a heatsink on the hot side will cause it to overheat and fail nearly instantly. The device generates TWO forms of heat which are transferred to the heatsink: the actual wattage of the power used, (the peltier appears as a purely resistive load) and the heat pumped from the cold side. OK, enough peltier theory. Onto the project.

This is the peltier block I constructed for the device. I had some aluminum scraps laying around, and happened to have some 2″ wide bar stock with 4 holes drilled in it in favorable positions. I used a larger drill bit to “over-drill” the two holes I used so that the heads fo the bolts would be flush with the top surface. I then drilled 2 holes in the heatsink and tapped them for the 10-24 bolts. Then, I greased the peltier with some white thermal grease and installed the aluminum bar over the top, being very careful not to crush the peltier! (this is very easy to do if pressure isn’t even on both bolts). There were 2 threaded mounting holes in the side of the bar, so I filled one full of epoxy and stuck an LM335 on wire leads (soldered wires to the leads and heatshrunk them indivually, then put shrink over that) into the hole. The end result is a very rugged and water-proof temperature sensor that will track the “cold” side very well. The black and blue wires coming off the bar are visible at the bottom left of the pic.Peltier Powered Drink Cooler schematic

This side view shows the cold side temp sensor pretty well and the RTV seal on the peltier.

Bottom of the heatsink- The “hot” side temp sensor can be seen in the middle. It is another LM335 clamped to the underside of where the peltier mounts. This should track it pretty well. I drilled a hole through all the heatsink fins to pass the black and yellow wires through so that they exit with the blue and black (cold side) wires. The red wire near the top is for the positive connection to the peltier. The heatsink was used and there were a shitload of pre-existing holes. Ideally the sink should be clean and new, but I don’t think the holes will reduce efficiency enough to matter.

 

 

For more detail: Peltier-Powered Drink Cooler!

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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