Open Source Peltier Refrigerator

Introduction

• 4x less efficient than compression-based refrigerators, but may be worth it for reasons of higher simplicity or where DC only is available - [1]
• DOE publication evaluating refrigeration types - [2]
• This is made up for by using a chest-style refrigerator. How many times more efficient is a top opening vs front opening fridge?

• 10-20x - [3]
• 10x - [4]
• 12x + easy part list - [5]

• Insulation approaches max quickly after 2" of thickness for foam - see graph at bottom of - [6]

OS Projects

• OS project, stalled? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEG6UkFyRxo&feature=youtu.be
• Hackaday build - http://hackaday.com/2015/04/03/building-your-own-mini-fridge/
• The Survivalist Blog - [7] - includes part list; converts a cooler.

Commercial

• $600, 60W, 1.7 cu ft, 12v - [8]
• 1.7 cu ft, $200 - [9]

Super Efficient (Not Peltier)

• Sundanzer - $1020 for 5.8 cu ft - Danfoss DC compressor - 4" insulation - [10]

• Power draw - 185 Whr per day
• Compare to 7 cu ft conversion abobe - 8 watt average - or 192 Whr per day. Same performance, about 1/5 the price.

Links

• How to build a big walk-in freezer - [11]. Uses 4" of insulation. By Forrest Pritchard.