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

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

Full Length Research Paper

Solar Powered Air Conditioning by Aid of TEC for Mina Tents Application
Wael A. Salah1, Soib Taib2, Anwar Al-Mofleh3, Hamza A. Ghulman4
1
Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Jalan Multimedia, 63100 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia
2
School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal,
Penang, Malaysia
3
Faculty of Engineering Technology, Al-Balqa’ Applied University, Marka Ashamalia, Amman, Jordan
4
College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudia Arabia.
*
Corresponding author: Email: wael_sal@yahoo.com, waelsalah.dr@gmail.com; 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 element (n-type) to a lower energy level element (p-
type). The n-p elements array is assembled so that it is
The advancements in computer technology have been electrically connected in series and thermally
made possible by the ongoing developments in the connected in parallel, then it affixed to two ceramic
packaging density of electronics. In order to ensure substrates, one on each side of the elements as shown
satisfactory electrical circuit operation, limitation on in Fig.1.
the chip temperature is imposed to prevent it to rise One face will be cooled while the opposite module
above the ambient coolant temperature (Simons and face is heated simultaneously. At the cold junction
Chu, 2010). In many cases, special allocations with heat is absorbed by electrons as they pass from a low
specific temperature for some electrical equipments energy level in the p-type semiconductor element to a
has been implemented for safe and efficient operation. higher energy level in the n-type semiconductor
The traditional cooling techniques have several element. Heat is absorbed at the cold side of the n-
problems such as noises and vibrations, and the usage and p- type elements. The absorbed heat at the cold
of cooling gas has disastrous effect on the junction is pumped to the hot junction at a rate
environment, not to mention the regular services for proportional to current passing through the circuit and
compressors. the number of p-n junctions. With a suitable system
A thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is a semiconductor- design, the TEC device will operate as an effective
based electronic component that functions as a small heating and cooling source (Thermoelectric
heat pump. A thermoelectric device is a completely Handbook, 2007; Magaland Technology Inc, 2002)
solid-state heat pump that is operated based on Peltier (Figure 1).
effect in which electrons carry energy to transfer heat Commercially, the thermoelectric cooling (TEC)
from hot to cold junction, the heat will be moved modules are widely available thus making them a
through the module from one side to the other as a potential candidate to be used in the thermal
low voltage DC power source applied to a TE module management of electronics applications (Moores et
(Lau et al., 1994; The Technology Inc, 2006). al., 1999). The typical cooling technique for
The energy required for the electrons movement Electronics systems is by the forced air flow using
through the system is provided by the power supply, axial fans or centrifugal blowers. When the heat loads
this energy is expelled to a heat sink at the hot are small and relatively diffuse, thermal conduction
junction as electrons move from a high energy level through aluminum plates is sufficient to spread the

25

Salah et al.

heat into finned heat sinks for convection from the is used to circulate the fluid in a closed loop. The
fins into the air flow stream (Dubourdieu and Tribou, overall system is integrated using assembly methods
1997). Liquid cooling system that can cool single or and materials that enable very low fluid permeation
multiple heat sources is an adoptive solution in some for long life (Kang et al., 2007).
current applications. A highly reliable compact pump

Fig. 1: TEC module

Fig. 2: TEC module with the heat sink

Temp

Amps

Fig. 3: TEC direct measured temperature at cold side

2. FEATURES OF TEC MODULES because of no moving parts and are virtually
maintenance free due to the useless of
Thermoelectric systems are highly reliable provided chlorofluorocarbon gas. They can be operated in any
they are installed and used in an appropriate manner. orientation; also they are ideal for cooling applications
Thermoelectric modules are at steady state and have a that may be sensitive to mechanical vibration. The
high mean time between failures (The Technology ability to heat and cool lends to applications where
Inc, 2006). Thermoelectric modules are noisy free both heating and cooling is necessary or where precise
26


temperature control is critical (Optimizing TEC Drive The thermoelectric cooling system is triggered by
Current, 2006). Although the environmental electricity, thus eliminating the emissions of CFCs.
legislation is getting tougher, the usage of Another benefit is that, it needs no refill compared to
thermoelectric as cooling system needs not to worry conventional systems (Supercool, 2012; Salah et al.,
due to its non-negative impact on the environment. 2010).

Fig. 4: Mini Cooler/ heater

In addition, the installation of TEC is quite simple cooling applications. Such application with small area
and easy, with the caring of the conduction of TEC is away-connected with the use solar energy as power
with the cooling object and the conduction of the hot source. The use of TEC in refrigeration application
side with the heat sink in order to insure the right will be highlighted. The practical application of TEC
operation of TEC modules. is presented for potential commercialization.
Air-conditioning is an important issue for Mina is the largest membrane project in the world
providence of the necessity of human comfort. It is of every year; more than three millions pilgrims perform
great importance and would provide for the Hajj, the pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in
environmental comfort to pilgrims during the Hajj Makkah. The Mina Valley is one of the Hajj stations
performance, especially in times of summer. and hosts the pilgrims for three days and nights.
Therefore, there is an essential requirement in the During the 1997 Hajj season, a disastrous fire
direction of creating the design that helps increase destroyed tens of thousands of cotton tents. The Saudi
cooling service to be longer in life and reduce the use Authorities decided to re-build this vast city of tents
of energy consumed. For this purpose, the design is by installing 40,000 durable fireproof tents. The only
developed for this effect by using air conditioner fabric that met these requirements was PTFE coated
accompanied by bands capture solar energy and use in fiberglass.
to supply the process of Thermo- Electric Cooler It is obvious that any climate has corresponding
(TEC) plate, which provides additional cooling to air-conditioning, in order to deal with the
occupied zone (tent).The essential search will be taken environmental conditions to provide the necessary
more focus in the design of cooling plate that attached human comfort. A high-quality design should be
with TE. required to accomplish this function. The issue of
In the last few years, many researchers made effort providing occupied zone (tent) in the Mina, and walls
to find out solution for hot and humid climate. This between Safa and Marwa air conditioning system of
research is emphasizing to find out the appropriate air pressing issues is of great importance and would
cooling develop solution that can work under any provide for environmental comfort to pilgrims during
climate. Thermoelectric cooling (TEC) is a viable the Hajj performance, especially in times of summer.
alternative for today’s traditional cooling techniques Therefore, there is an essential requirement in the
which have problems such as noise and vibration, direction of creating the design which helps increase
more over the use of cooling gas and effect on the cooling service to be longer in life and reduce the use
environment, and regular services for compressor. The of energy consumed.
aim of this paper is to discuss the possibility of
making use of the TEC-Thermo Electric Coolers

27

Salah et al.

3. TEC COOLING DESIGN element geometry, number of couples, and material
properties (Thermoelectric Handbook, 2007).
The heat pumping capacity of a module is
proportional to the current and is dependent on the

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 although good thermal isolation between heat and
cold side will give better performance. Figure 3 shows
The proper fit between the heat side of TEC and the the temperature measured directly from TEC cold
heat sink affect the performance of TEC. Good side, this shows two states of measurements, one
thermal conduction will lead to better performance, shows the data measured good thermal conduction of

28


heat sink and hot side of TEC and the other one with capable of functioning in both cooling and heating
bad thermal conduction. operation. The unit takes about 30 min to reach the
Figure 2 shows a single TEC module with the heat minimum temperature of 180C within the
side attached to a heat sink and the cool side is free to compartment (Figure 4).
air. The proper fit of TEC will improve its
performance, especially when heat sink compound is 4.2. Water and Thermoelectric Cooling
added.
The efficient cooling system uses service water to
3.2. Thermal Isolation cool the modules, a feature contributing to the
converter’s compact design. An air-to-water heat
To ensure the best performance to be achieved from exchanger is included, which cools the internal
TEC module the importance of good thermal isolation enclosure and is connected to the same cooling circuit
between hot and cold sides are huge due to its as the power parts (ABB Schweiz AG, 2006; Melcor,
sensitivity and the distance between the two sides is 2000).
so small. To overcome such problem the attached heat Fig.5 shows the TEC module attached to heat-sink,
sink is extended which it increases the distance from instead of attaching a fan, the heat-sink is been drown
the heat sink plate to the cold sink plate. This allows in the water. From this technique it has been observed
for thicker insulation and longer assembly bolts. As a that the performance of TEC cooling system improved
result, heat conducting from the heat sink plate back by an average of 3oC, this effect is shown in Fig.6. If
to the cold sink plate is reduced (Figures 2 and 3). the supply is connected to solar module then the
Appropriate air cooling solution that can work cooling system produces zero CO2 emission.
under any climate is a solution for hot and humid As the trend towards higher power dissipation and
climate. For this purpose, by using air conditioner more concentrated heat sources continues, a more
accompanied by bands capture solar energy and use in attractive solution is to use closed liquid cooling loops
to supply the process of Thermo- Electric Cooler to efficiently spread heat to finned surfaces that can be
(TEC) plate, this provides additional cooling to the situated almost anywhere within the electronics
tent. The aim is to determine the optimum operating system. These closed loops may be two-phase
parameters by the meaning if the comfort parameters capillary pumped systems such as loop heat pipes or
in the occupied zone were within the range of single or two-phase mechanically pumped systems.
acceptable comfort standards, and also to investigate The closed loop cooling systems function only as
the range of temperatures under varying space load efficient heat spreaders internally within the
conditions which was ranged between (23- 25°C) for electronics system enclosure by the closed loop liquid
the purpose of predicting and studying its effects in cooling systems, the need for high speed fans is
the functioning as well as its performance. mitigated and the noise levels can be significantly
lowered (ABB Schweiz AG, 2006; Tellurex
4. APPLICATIONS Corporation, 2001) (Figures 5 and 6).
For under water application, the water cooling
TEC size and simplicity make it easy to be applied for arrangements will be much easier as it will be open
cooling application where size and simplicity are loop cooling, so there will be elimination of the heat
required. One main application that can be under exchanger and also the need for high speed fan is
consideration is the cooling of away connected mitigated.
electronics, such as in the telecommunication
cabinets. This cooling arrangement can be easily 4.3. Underwater Thermoelectric Generator
supplied from a PV panel with a DC converter.
Thermoelectric refrigeration is thought to be one of Thermoelectric Generation could be done when
the alternative technologies that would help to reduce thermoelectric modules are placed between hot and
the rate of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants cold plates, then voltage and power could be obtained
emission to the atmosphere, as this do not employ (Optimizing TEC Drive Current, 2006). Proposed
working fluids that are harmful to the environment. application could utilize the underwater environment
(Lertsatitthanakorn, 2003). that is, the use of Thermoelectric Generator where the
water will present the cold side, and the heat
4.1. Solar Fridge generated by power components will present the hot
side. This prospective application is expected to
A sample of fridge prototype unit is developed using 4 utilize the cold temperature of water and the heat
TEC as shown in Fig.4. The prototype with a 12 in x 8 generated by power components.
in x 6 dimension using solar module of 70 W is
29

Salah et al.

4.4. Air Cooling Medium for Various Applications side to produce lower temperature. Thus, for this
reason, a 12-Volt fan is attached at the heat sink end
The nature of TEC is exploited by sticking the cold to provide greater heat dissipation.
side to material which the air is to be flowed against. Heat transfer mechanisms of conduction and
Insulation between hot and cold side is very important radiation are practiced for this type of application.
than ever, in order for both; a) heat transfer Figure 7 is a related diagram that further explains the
mechanism to work well, and (b) TEC cooling concept of air cooling system and cooler performance
mechanism working to maximum effect. It has been for high power electronic packages.
known that dissipation of heat will ensure the cold

Fig. 8: Mina Tent Campus

Fig. 9: Proposed design of TEC tent

The thermoelectric cooler (TEC) performance conductor is gold, the material is very expensive in
could be conducted for high power electronic cost and also unpractical in mass productions. Copper
packages such as processors. In (Zhang et al., 2012; represent a much logical and practical option and is
Bierschen and Gilley, 2006; Hasan and Kok Chuan, rated second behind gold. In short, for such
2007), two cooling scenarios, the processor test and application to reach maximum potential, a good heat
the processor cooling under end-user conditions, are transferable material is essential so that the heat
analyzed based on the present analysis models for two transfer mechanism occur effortlessly.
commercial TECs with high cooling power capacities
nominal. The analytical results show that significant 4.5. Air Conditioning by Aid of TEC for Tents
thermal enhancements are achievable based on Cooling Application
optimized currents and cooling configurations (Figure
7). It is obvious that climate has corresponding air-
The material to be used for heat transfer needs a conditioning, in order to deal with the environmental
very thorough examination. While the best heat conditions to provide the necessary human comfort.

30


Air-conditioning is an important issue to provide Bierschenk J, Gilley M (2006). Assessment of TEC
comfortable condition for human. TEC application Thermal and Reliability Requirements for
will enable adequate solutions for temporary usage of Thermoelectrically Enhanced Heat Sinks for
mobile tents where for example during the summer in CPU Cooling Applications. in Thermoelectrics,
the most Middle East countries, the heat is almost ICT '06. 25th International Conference.
unbearable. An obvious applicable example is The Dubourdieu P, Tribou G (1997). Thermoelectric
Mina Valley which is one of the Hajj stations and generator for underwater wellhead. The 16th
hosts the pilgrims for three days and nights as shown International Conference on Thermoelectrics.
in Fig.8. Implementation of TEC on traditional Hasan MH, Kok Chuan T (2007). Optimization of a
cooling system is absolutely important in order to Thermoelectric Cooler-Heat Sink Combination
conserve energy and the fact that TEC utilizes natural for Active Processor Cooling. in Electronics
source of solar, any system with the aid of TEC will Packaging Technology Conference, EPTC. 9th.
be working fine at anywhere as the sunlight permits Jin W, Ke Z, Friend J (2009). Minimum power loss
(Figure 8). control thermoelectric technology in power
The essential required in the direction of creating electronics cooling. in Energy Conversion
the design helps increase cooling service to be longer Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2009. IEEE.
in life and reduce the use of energy consumed. An Kang S, Miller D, Cennamo J (2007). Closed Loop
appropriate air cooling solution that can work under Liquid Cooling For High Performance
any climate is a solution for hot and humid climate. Computer Systems Proceedings of IPACK2007,
For this purpose, by using air conditioner ASME Inter PACK, Vancouver, CANADA.
accompanied by bands capture solar energy and use in Lau PG, Ritzer TM, Buist RJ (1994). Thermodynamic
to supply the process of Thermo- Electric Cooler Optimization of Heat/Cold Sink Extenders in
(TEC) plate, this provides additional cooling to the Thermoelectric Cooling Assemblies. TE
tent. A future application of the system can be applied Technology Inc., Michigan, USA.
to tents as shown in (Figure 9). Lertsatitthanakorn C (2003). Cooling Performance of
Thermoelectric Water Cooler. Naresuan
5. CONCLUSION University Journal, 11(2): 1-9.
Magaland Technology Inc (2012). Thermoelectric
The TEC cooling technique is found to be free of Cooling Modules Application Note. Available
some problems attached to traditional cooling at: www.magaland.com.
techniques such as noise, size and vibration. In Melcor (2000). Avilable at: www.melcor.com.
addition, it has no side effect on the environment Moores KA, Joshi YK, Miller G (1999). Performance
where there is zero emission of CO2 gas. With their assessment of thermoelectric coolers for use in
small size, efficiency, reliability, and environmental high temperature electronics applications. 18th
friendliness, TECs are becoming widely accepted as International Conference on Thermoelectrics,
the most effective cooling source for many 31- 34.
applications. The paper had discussed the use of the Optimizing TEC Drive Current (2006). Application
TEC-Thermo Electric Coolers in cooling away Note. Available at: www.ilxlightwave.com.
connected applications with the use of solar energy as Salah W, Taib S, Al-Mofleh A (2010). Development
power source. The prototype TEC fridge has the of Multistage Converter for Outdoor Thermal
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service water to cool the converter modules Journal of Mechanical and Industrial
contributing to compact an efficient design. The TEC Engineering (JJMIE), 4(1): 15 – 20.
system had improved the temperature by an average Simons RE, Chu RC (2000). Application of
of 3oC when water is used for direct cooling, therefore Thermoelectric Cooling to Electronic
this technique become an alternative solution for Equipment: A Review and Analysis. Sixteenth
underwater cooling. TEC could be an effective IEEE SEMI-THERM Symposium,
heating and cooling source with a proper design of TE Poughkcepsie, NY, USA.
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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.

33

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

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