In the heart of Indonesia, at the Politeknik Negeri Indramayu in Jawa Barat, a team led by Fauzan Amri, an expert in Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology, has cooked up a clever solution for keeping mangoes fresh at sea. They’ve developed a thermoelectric coolbox system that’s not only smart but also eco-friendly, and it’s got the maritime industry buzzing with potential.
So, what’s the big deal? Well, imagine this: a coolbox that uses the Peltier effect to create a temperature difference, keeping your mangoes chilled just right, between 12 to 15°C. That’s the sweet spot for mango storage, and Amri’s team has nailed it. They’ve even thrown in an ice pack to speed up the cooling process. “The addition of an ice pack plays a significant role in accelerating the temperature reduction inside the cabin,” Amri explains. It’s like having a little ice factory right there in your coolbox.
But here’s where it gets really interesting. This isn’t just any old coolbox. It’s a thermoelectric coolbox, which means it converts thermal energy into electrical energy and vice versa. No more relying on noisy, fuel-guzzling compressors. Plus, it’s integrated with IoT technology, so you can monitor the temperature and humidity in real-time via your smartphone. Talk about high-tech mango storage!
Now, you might be thinking, “That’s all well and good, but what does this mean for the maritime industry?” Well, let me tell you, the opportunities are ripe for the picking. For starters, this coolbox could revolutionize the way we transport perishable goods at sea. No more worrying about your cargo going off because of a faulty fridge. With this system, you’ve got real-time monitoring and control at your fingertips.
And it’s not just about mangoes. This technology could be applied to a whole range of perishable goods, from fruits and vegetables to pharmaceuticals. Plus, think about the environmental benefits. Fewer emissions, less noise, and a smaller carbon footprint. It’s a win-win situation.
The system achieved a COP of 0.60 with an efficiency of 60%. That’s impressive, but Amri and his team aren’t stopping there. They’re already looking into ways to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of the system. And with the maritime industry always on the lookout for innovative solutions, this could be just the ticket.
So, keep an eye on this space. The future of maritime refrigeration might just be thermoelectric, and it’s looking pretty sweet. The research was published in ‘Logic’ which is a journal of science and technology.