Thermoelectric cooling devices: thermodynamic modelling and their application in adsorption cooling cycles

Abstract

On the basis of the Boltzmann Transport Equation, the thesis presents a universal thermodynamic framework for modeling the solid state cooling devices namely thermoelectric cooler, the pulsed thermoelectric cooler, thin film thermoelectric device, and an electro-adsorption chiller (EAC) such that their performances can be analyzed and understood. Using the thermodynamic modeling and Gibbs law, the temperature-entropy formulations for both the macro and micro-scale solid state cooling devices have been described. The author investigates experimentally the adsorption isotherms and kinetics, and develops the thermodynamic property fields of adsorbate-adsorbent systems to model an electro-adsorption chiller. Based on the EAC modelling, a bench-scale electro-adsorption chiller is designed, fabricated and tested experimentally for its performances and the results are verified with theoretical modelling. Infra-red heaters with a tapered kaleidoscope emulate uniform heat input (similar to CPUs) at the evaporator. A pool boiling investigation at low heat flux and vacuum pressure is also presented and a modified Rohsenow correlation is proposed.