1. Auto AC
ENGR-4020
Presenters:
Seth Bowman, Carson Camp, Elizabeth Clarke, Nicholas Tate
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2. Project Faculty
Dr. O. Hayden Griffin
Project Sponsor
Faculty Advisor
Additional Assistance Provided By
Dr. Tarek Abdel-Salam - Reference
East Carolina University - Funding
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3. What is the problem with Auto AC?
Problem Statement:
Current automotive air conditioners are
complicated and take up space within the car.
Description:
This project will produce a new automotive
air conditioner that reduces complexity and
does not use an engine run compressor.
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4. Key EDS Factors
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Functional Performance
Remove 18000 BTU’s of heat
Human Factors
All moving parts self-contained within unit to mitigate dangers
Economic
Should match estimated market price of $1,500
Maintenance, Repair, and Retirement
No less than 25% professionally replaceable/repairable parts
Able to be disposed of without special handling needs
Pollution
Will not exceed GWP of 1430

5. Decision Matrix
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6. Thermoelectric Materials
Governed by the Peltier Effect
Typically Made of Bismuth Telluride and Copper
Utilize N and P Type Semiconductors
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7. Small Scale
Lab Model
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8. Thermoelectric Testing
Procedure:
3 minute test of Current
Results:
60 Watts
75 BTU of heat removal
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9. Car Testing
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Test Vehicle: 2012 Chevy Sonic
Test Software: HPTuners VCMScanner
Test Procedure:
2x 3 minute idle tests
2x 3 minute driving tests

10. Car Testing - Data
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11. Comparison of Data
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Assumptions:
• Compressor Power Increases Linearly with
RPM
• Fuel to electric conversion efficiency of 21%
(engine 40%, belt 98%, alternator 55%)
• Manufacturer specified 72W max power
consumption for thermoelectric

12. Data Comparison - Compressor vs TE
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13. Development of System
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Design Philosophy- Minimize cost and complexity by reusing existing
components wherever possible.

14. Thermoelectric Implementation
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Components:
1x Aluminum mounting block
2x Tellurex SL1210 TE Units
(170 BTU, 120W)
1x Stainless Cooling Pipe

15. Thermoelectric Assembly
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16. System Plumbing
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Heater Core Inlet
Heater Core Outlet
Components
TE Assembly (1)
1 Quart Reservoir (2)
Electric Fluid Pump (3)
Cooling fluid (Water or
Water/Glycol)
(1)
(2)
(3)

17. System Wiring
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Vehicle Switched 12V
Components
TE Assembly (1)
Switch (2)
Electric Fluid Pump (3)
Fuse Block (4)
2x 15 amp for TE
1x 10 amp for
pump
(1)
(2)
(3)
Vehicle 12V from Relay
Relay
(4)

18. Economic Analysis
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19. Recommendations
Install the system in a car currently lacking AC
Use the bill of materials and provided drawings
Not recommended to replace compressors
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20. Conclusions
Good alternative for cars without an air conditioning system
Thermoelectrics suitable for mild cooling
Too large for most vehicles
Could have more applications as technology advances
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21. Questions?
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