This week, the group had set upon developing a prototype. Ian created a CAD model for the cooling device prototype so that the design could be easier visualized and presented. This is shown below. It should be noted that tubing is not included in this model. The model showcases the basic components and operation of the prototype. On the right, a DC pump and reservoir are used to drive water through the water cooling block. This cools the hot side of the TEC1-12706 Peltier module which is sandwiched between the cooling block and a heat sink. The TEC1-12706 pumps heat from one side to the other, so the side connected to the heat sink becomes colder than ambient temperatures. The small 40mm fan connected to this heat sink then transfers the cold air surrounding the heatsink to other parts of the vehicle's interior. The water exiting the water cooling block is pumped to the radiator located at the back of the assembly. A larger DC fan is used to flow air across the radiator to cool the water in it. The cooler water then returns to the pump, where it is sent back to the water cooling block to repeat the process.
Attempting to track down the optimal Peltier module for the device, Ian reached out to Geoff Coldwell; a Valencia College Electrical & Computer Engineering graduate who has prior experience with Peltier modules. Geoff responded quickly and was happy to help. The proposed idea was discussed with Geoff. He posed that the TEC1-12706 was a solid choice for cooling at the price point. After discussion of the viability of the idea it was determined that three Peltier modules may not be able to provide enough cooling, and further testing would be necessary. Geoff proposed an alternative power generation method for the project using specialized Peltier modules to generate electricity by placing them on or near the car's hot engine. Creating a heat differential across the two sides of a Peltier device can produce a voltage, and Geoff had successfully used this property to do so in the past. If enough power could be generated to justify the cost, this method could increase the power budget and more cooling modules could potentially be used.
Later in the week, Ian created and filled out a rough draft of the Engineering Requirements and Engineering Specifications spreadsheets and published them to the website. Without any testing data, the requirements had to be kept unspecific. After prototype testing is complete, the results will be used to refine the requirements and specifications.
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