Theoretical studies on the efficiency of air conditioner based on permeable thermoelectric converter

This study presented the thermoelectric air conditioner unit based on permeable cooling thermoelements. In the thermoelectric air conditioner unit the air flow is cooled due to a combined action of thermoelectric effects and the Joule-Thomson effect. On the basis of the optimal control theory the method of designing permeabler thermoelement is described, which makes it possible to determine the optimal structural and thermophysical parameters, including the applied electrical current and the heat carrier velocity in the channels of thermoelements in the mode of maximum coefficient of performance (COP). Methods for calculation of temperature distribution, cooling capacity, determination of power conversion energy characteristics and thermoelement design in maximum COP mode when thermoelectric materials based on solid solutions of Bi2Te3 are given. Results of computer studies for the case of thermoelement legs based on Bi2Te3 material have shown the possibility of COP increase by a factor of 1.6–1.7 as compared to conventional thermoelectric systems.