Using SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation with Peltier Devices (Thermoelectric Coolers / TECs)

Discussion regarding Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) and using Solidworks Flow Simulation to create a Digital Twin of AWG Test Platform used in my AWG research and eventual successful thesis defense as part of my Masters Degree in Engineering at Texas State University

[@viveksilwal]

Thanks Mark for the analysis and lucid explanation. Wanted to check if you also have any analysis done for the comparison between PWM and linear based thermoelectric controllers. I think manfacturers publish graph from linear current testing. PWM reduces efficiency even at high frequencies as compared to linear ones, but still most of the products use PWM only because of size and cost.

[@MarkSummersCAD]

Vivek, thanks for the kind words. Your question is a good one, and my short answer is "no". Like you, I have not seen performance data from manufacturer's Laird in particular) regarding time varying supplied current to TECs. I did try some testing during my thesis work where I would turn off half of the TECs mounted to my condensation plate for a couple minutes to save electrical power, but the results were not good for generating AWG since the condensation plates quickly warmed up and prevented water generation. Although Solidworks Flow Simulation provided transient (time-dependent) analysis options, I don't know of any way to simulate a time varying PWM power input to the TEC elements.

[@viveksilwal]

@@MarkSummersCAD Thanks Mark for info

[@victorflores429]

Thank you for the lessons

[@MarkSummersCAD]

You are welcome, glad you find them useful!

[@j.p.6920]

Great. Could you please make a video about voltage transformer monitor? In this case, how to assemble it in a suitcase to be used in the field. Thanks.

[@02jackal]

Given that TEC's Transfer heat from one surface to another would it not be advantageous to utilise the heat output of the peltier module to heat water and use this heat to preheat the air going into your system? I was looking at your solidworks image for reference. You could place radiators over the intake fans thus raising the efficiency of your unit. I'm a little new to thermodynamics as it relates to condensing water out of the air so I may be missing something here??? Would appreciate your input... Oh Bruce is the name, Cheers...

[@MarkSummersCAD]

Agreed. In most designs we discard waste heat that could be used for productive purposes as you suggest. Bottom line, you need to keep the :hot": side of the Peltier device cold to keep the cold side even colder.

[@johnathonmalac9016]

Where did you find the library of TEC models?

[@MarkSummersCAD]

There is a built-in library of TEC modules in the Solidworks Flow Simulation database. Choose TOOLS - FLOW SIMULATION - INSERT - THERMOELECTRIC COOLER. There are several built-in TEC part numbers, and you can also create your custom TEC using the manufacturer's datasheet.

[@InkandFrames]

can i get hose cfd and solidwork files

[@MarkSummersCAD]

Sorry, but the design project is part of an ongoing project that I eventually plan to monatize, so I can't share the actual design files due to the nature of the IP. If you are interested in the Ada Fruit assembly (check the 30:00 point in the video), send me an e-mail request.