Open Access

ARTICLE

Improving the Performance of Thermoelectric Systems for Air Conditioning Using Different Configurations

Hind Abdulrahman Mahmood, Ameer Abed Jaddoa^*, Mohammed K. Al-Saadi

Electromechanical Engineering Department, University of Technology, Baghdad, 0096, Iraq

* Corresponding Author: Ameer Abed Jaddoa. Email:

Frontiers in Heat and Mass Transfer 2025, 23(4), 1281-1302. https://doi.org/10.32604/fhmt.2025.066075

Received 28 March 2025; Accepted 27 May 2025; Issue published 29 August 2025

Abstract

Thermoelectric air conditioning systems based on the Peltier effect had two modes: heating and cooling. In this work, the proposed design provides continuous improvement in COP from the first minute of operation. In cooling mode, the coefficient of performance (COP) was 1.176 due to the techniques used in this device, and it increased to 1.24 in the last minute of operation. Concerning the steady-state scenario, from the first minute, the Q_c was larger than the W for the entire duration of the operation. The output temperature reaches 18.97°C, and the temperature on the cold side reaches 4.96°C in the fifteen minutes of operation. The cooling mood was checked in Iraq/Baghdad in October with a temperature of 31°C. Furthermore, the heating mode was checked in December with a temperature of 22°C. Due to the size of the component on the cold side being small compared with the size of the component on the heat side, it reached a steady state in 13 min. This means the COP in heating mode reached 1.01 in 14 min. Furthermore, due to the presence of a thermal insulator made inside the device to separate the cold side and the hot side, the difference in temperature causes a noticeable little ascent. This is why the COP increased because it kept the degree differences low. Performance enhancements were achieved by optimizing the behavior of thermoelectric materials. The device contains 3 Peltier elements, a water-cooled system with one Peltier, a heat sink, and a fan. The design of the dehumidification system addresses the humidity issue commonly associated with thermoelectric air conditioners. In this context, the results indicate that the humidity rates had decreased and the cooling rate had increased with these innovative techniques, and thus, excellent performance can be achieved even if the Seebeck coefficient is not at its highest based on the condition of providing the Peltier elements’ reliability and optimal thermal performance for various applications requiring both cooling and heating functions. The insulation plays a critical role in maintaining the efficiency of the system, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring long-term functionality. The proposed system is valuable for devices or environments that demand precise and dual thermal control with minimal energy wastage.

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Keywords

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