[ Technical Papers ]

Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Technology Engineers - Vol. 33, No. 3, pp.141-146

ISSN: 2508-5107 (Online)

Print publication date 15 Jun 2024

Received 03 Jun 2024 Revised 12 Jun 2024 Accepted 14 Jun 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7735/ksmte.2024.33.3.141

소형 정수기 냉수통의 전자냉각을 위한 열전소자 유닛화 설계

조영태^a^{, *}

Unitized Design of Thermoelectric Element for Electronic Cooling of Cold Water Tank in Small Water Purifiers

Young-Tae Cho^a^{, *}

aDepartment of Basic Science, School of Engineering, Jeonju University

Correspondence to: ^*Tel.: +82-63-220-2981 E-mail address: choyt@jj.ac.kr (Young-Tae Cho).

Abstract

Compressor-refrigerant systems are typically used in water purifiers. However, there is a growing interest in using electric cooling techniques with thermoelectric elements. Although thermoelectric elements have a lower cooling efficiency than compressors, they have several advantages, such as compactness, eco-friendliness, and semi-permanent usability. To meet miniaturization and slim design requirements, home water purifier development has shifted toward incorporating thermoelectric elements for the direct cooling of cold- water tanks. Unlike the conventional method of integrating thermoelectric elements into a cooling block, this new method aims to improve product aesthetics and functionality. However, the durability of thermoelectric elements poses a challenge, resulting in frequent defects while in operation. Therefore, this study focuses on unitizing thermoelectric elements to improve product durability. Unitization enables applications in confined spaces without altering the current product configuration, improving thermoelectric element durability and showcasing superior cooling performance (effectively maintaining the desired temperature of 10℃).

Keywords:

Thermoelectric module(TEM), Thermoelectric element unitization, Cooling device, AL heat sink, Heat dissipation, Water purifier

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Young-Tae Cho

An Associate Professor at the Dept. of Basic Science, College of Engineering, Jeonju University. He is interested in Product and Mechanical Design, Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation using Infrared Thermography.

E-mail: choyt@jj.ac.kr