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Peltier Cool Box - thermosyphon hot side mod
(Larry) wrote in message ...
Derek, I see you are from Oz and I don't think you have the stupid
restrictions against R-12 refridgerant we do here in the states.......
I'm unsure what restrictions there are here, but I know there are some
and my guess is they'd be similar to yours.
Thanks for your comments. I appreciate the wisdom of your advice. Were
I starting from scratch, I think I'd do as you suggest. As things are
however, I'll continue with the Peltier despite its woeful efficiency.
Stubborn perhaps, (think I'd have to grant that) but its interesting
trying to get the best possible from the Peltier.
Which leads to a couple of recent changes which hopefully may improve
things, if slightly.
Condensation has been forming on the cold fins inside the cold box.
This didn't happen previously with an internal fan, so I've just
(reluctantly) refitted a new internal fan. Its a 12 volt brushless
ball bearing unit, and with a 150 ohm series resistor it ticks along
soundlessly at a sedate but hopefully useful speed. With luck it'll
reduce condensation and last a long time.
I've noticed that the differential between ambient and cool box
temperature seems greater on days with some overcast.
In full sun the panels are capable of delivering some 6 amps at 16 or
so volts, and were driving the Peltier well past its optimum operating
point. I've just fitted a current regulator to limit the maximum
current delivered to the Peltier, and hopefully it'll eliminate the
overdriving.
Derek Weston
VK3BIJ
Talking Depth Sounder http://www.alphalink.com.au/~derekw/mit/apps.htm
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