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Purpose of the Project
The purpose of this project was to develop a targeted cooling device for managing post-surgery swelling, addressing the limitations of traditional ice packs that are impractical and difficult to use.
Description of the Project
This project involved researching thermoelectric effects, specifically the Peltier Effect and the Thomson Effect, to create a cooling device. Comparative tests were designed to assess the cooling capabilities of both effects under varying voltage conditions. While the Peltier cooler proved to be more effective, it presented risks of overheating and needed a transfer system to safely convey cooling to the target area. Material testing involved analysing the thermal conductivities of copper and brass plates, and insulating techniques were applied to enhance performance. An Arduino-based control system was developed to monitor temperatures throughout the process.
Data
Initial trials indicated that applying heat sinks and fans significantly reduced the temperatures on the Peltier cold plate, achieving a 50% reduction relative to ambient temperatures. Tests on material conductivity revealed the necessity of insulation to prevent the cold plates from acting as radiators, and the application of a silicone insulator increased heat transfer efficiency through copper cables.
Conclusions
The project concluded that the Peltier Effect is the most suitable technology for targeted cooling applications post-surgery. The development of a prototype heat pump demonstrated proof of concept, leading to what I currently have today for this submission.
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