In the heart of Indonesia, researchers have developed a innovative solution that could revolutionize the way we think about refrigeration and energy efficiency in the construction and agriculture sectors. Fauzan Amri, a lecturer at the Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology department of Politeknik Negeri Indramayu in West Java, has led a team that designed a thermoelectric coolbox system with an ice pack modification, all controlled via the Internet of Things (IoT). The implications for the energy sector and cold chain logistics are substantial.
The system, detailed in a recent study published in the journal Logic, leverages the Peltier effect to create a temperature difference using electrical current. This thermoelectric technology converts thermal energy into electrical energy and vice versa, offering a more efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional refrigeration methods. “The Peltier effect allows us to generate a temperature difference between two sides of the material, which is crucial for creating an effective cooling system,” Amri explains.
The coolbox system, designed specifically for mango storage, achieved a cabin temperature of 12.6°C within just 60 minutes, well within the ideal storage range of 12-15°C for mangoes. The addition of an ice pack significantly accelerated the temperature reduction, while the cold sink and heatsink components effectively absorbed and released heat to the environment. The system demonstrated a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 0.60 with an efficiency of 60%, making it a promising candidate for commercial applications.
One of the most exciting aspects of this research is its integration with IoT technology. Through the Blynk application, users can monitor temperature and humidity in real-time via an internet-connected smartphone. This real-time monitoring allows for precise control of storage conditions, ensuring optimal preservation of perishable goods like mangoes. “The integration with IoT technology provides users with unprecedented control and monitoring capabilities,” Amri notes. “This can lead to significant improvements in cold chain logistics and reduce food waste.”
The potential commercial impacts of this technology are vast. In the energy sector, thermoelectric systems offer a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional refrigeration methods. This could lead to reduced energy consumption and lower carbon emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. In the agriculture sector, the ability to precisely control storage conditions can extend the shelf life of perishable goods, reducing food waste and improving supply chain efficiency.
Moreover, the integration of IoT technology opens up new possibilities for remote monitoring and control, which could be particularly beneficial in regions with limited infrastructure. This could lead to the development of smart cold storage solutions that are both efficient and accessible, further driving innovation in the agriculture and energy sectors.
As we look to the future, the research conducted by Amri and his team at Politeknik Negeri Indramayu could pave the way for new developments in thermoelectric technology and IoT integration. The study, published in Logic, which translates to ‘Reason’ in English, underscores the importance of logical reasoning and scientific innovation in addressing real-world challenges. The potential applications of this technology are vast, and its impact on the energy and agriculture sectors could be transformative. As we continue to explore the possibilities of thermoelectric systems and IoT integration, we may find new and innovative solutions to some of our most pressing challenges.