DIY Peltier Chiller
A homemade Peltier chiller is a great way of keeping your beverages and food cool, especially on hot summer days. At the heart of this device is the Peltier element, commonly used for cooling computer processors and other electronic components. These elements rely on the thermoelectric effect to transfer heat, leaving one side of the element cool while the other side becomes hot. Do-it-yourselfers can use the cold side of the Peltier element to chill their drinks and other foodstuffs in a suitable container.
Things You'll Need
- Peltier element
- Copper plate
- Thermal adhesive
- Male USB cable
- Wire cutter and stripper
- Soldering iron
- Foam cooler box
- Knife
- Epoxy
- Digital thermometer
Instructions
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1
Run an electric current through a 40-by-40 mm Peltier element to identify the hot and cold sides of the device. Place your hands on the device briefly to determine which side is which. When placed on the cooler, the hot side should face down when the chiller rests on a flat surface, so that the heat sink can direct heat away from the device.
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2
Place a small amount of thermal adhesive on the heat sink in the area where the Peltier element is to be mounted. Place the module on top of the heat sink. Apply thermal adhesive to the top side of the element and place a 40-by-40 mm copper on top.
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3
Cut one end of the male USB cable and strip away the insulation to expose the black and red wiring. Connect the black and red wiring from the Peltier element to the black and red power leads from the male USB cable with a soldering iron, then use heat shrink tape to cover the soldered wiring.
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4
Cut a hole approximately the size of the heat sink through the bottom of the foam cooler box with a knife, then insert the Peltier element and heat sink partially through the cooler. Secure the heat sink to the foam cooler box with epoxy.
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5
Connect the USB cable to your laptop or any other device that supplies power via USB port. Test the Peltier chiller by measuring the ambient temperature of the foam cooler box with a digital thermometer over a 10-minute period. The ideal temperature for the chiller should be below 10 degrees Celsius.
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