Development of a prototype mini-refrigerator based on thermoelectric cooling technology and determination of its technical specifications.

This study presents a systematic design and experimental investigation of a prototype thermoelectric cooler based on the Peltier effect. A TEC1-12706 thermoelectric module was used as the primary cooling element, while a heat sink and 12 V fan were employed to dissipate heat from the hot side of the module. The cold side was connected to an aluminum cold plate located inside a thermally insulated Penoplex enclosure. A 12 V battery was used as the power source, allowing the prototype to operate independently of a stationary power supply and making it suitable for use in locations where grid electricity is unavailable. The experimental study evaluated the cooling performance of the prototype under different operating conditions by measuring the temperature of the cooled chamber, ambient temperature, voltage, current, and electrical power consumption. The temperature difference between the cooled chamber and the surrounding environment was determined to assess the cooling capability of the system. The obtained results demonstrate the practical applicability of Peltier-based cooling technology for the development of compact and portable refrigeration systems. The study also identifies the main factors affecting cooling performance, including heat dissipation from the hot side, thermal insulation of the chamber, electrical power supplied to the Peltier module, and operating conditions. The developed prototype provides a basis for further optimization of the cooling system and improvement of its energy efficiency.