Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: ScientificSorcerer on 01/07/2014 07:58:51
-
OK this is my idea, Basically get a few "Peltier" Thermoelectric squares and infuse the plates into the clothes in a comfortable way.
if you are unfamiliar with thermoelectric technology here is a simple animated video, intro into peltiar squares.
(https://www.ghielectronics.com/uploads/forum/img/4755_IMG_20120621_101016_large.jpg)
These squares can be quite small and cheap I was thinking about "quilting" the squares into clothes, to make something that would look a bit like what this fellow is wearing below.
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gentlemansgazette.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F02%2FDouble-quilted-jacket-in-wool.jpg&hash=9ecaab6edf074cf127dfd0e0d99d103d)
The squares would basically be woven into the fabric quilt pattern and wired to batteries, which would be in your pocket or whatever.
The squares would use you as a "heat-sync" meaning that it would pump heat OFF OF you or ONTO you depending on the polarity of the device's input current. this means that as long as you supply power to the squares you can have your own heater or air conditioner BUILT IN to your clothes!
on top of all that the device can charge it's self! as long as it's cold outside. Because if the outside of the device is cold while you heat it with your body from the inside then the peltiar squares will produce electricity! which would slowly charge your AC/heater.
let me be clear, these devices displace heat making half of the device hot while the other side gets cold, it doesn't "blow air on you" like some other noisy alternatives which don't even work,
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.telegraph.co.uk%2Fmultimedia%2Farchive%2F01949%2FairConJackets2_1949834c.jpg&hash=58e4a80069c9802010c4bc9012ae4c97)
trust me I tried these fan shirts, they just don't work very well. Plus you look all "puffed up" and silly when you wear it. It wasn't strong enough to combat this Texas heat.
My device would make no noise, function as both a heater and cooler as well as a mini power source. what do you guys think do you think I should make it?
-
Thank you for commenting northernbeach, I try [^]
-
If you can design it, Kickstarter can help you make it. I want one.
-
use you as a "heat-sink" meaning that it would pump heat OFF OF you or ONTO you
So you would have:
- The temperature on the inside of the jacket (next to the body) being around 25-27C (ie a bit below body core temperature).
- On hot days (say 33C), the outside would be a few degrees warmer than ambient temperature (say 38C).
- On cold days (say 5C), the outside would be a few degrees cooler than ambient temperature (say 0C).
- Your body dissipates around 150-200W when awake (a bit less when asleep, a bit more when exercising vigourously)
- To deliver 200W across a temperature differential of just 5C requires a thermal impedance of <0.025 C/W
- To achieve this low thermal impedance, you will almost certainly need a ribbed heatsink on the the Peltier junctions and a fan
the device can charge it's self
I understand that Peltier devices need a fairly high thermal resistance between the hot and cold surface (otherwise they "short" themselves out, thermally). This means that the wearer would overheat, unless it was very cold outside. For moderately cold days, you would still need to pump electricity into the device to prevent the user from overheating.
It is also important to work out the battery capacity needed to power the device with realistic thermoelectric devices. I expect that pumping 200W continuously for several hours would take a high capacity battery.
For moderately cold days, it may be better to take off the Peltier shirt, and just wear an ordinary shirt?
-
For heating, you'd probably be better off with simple resistance heating like an electric blanket, or, of course, just simply putting on more layers of clothing. One of the biggest problems I have with the cold is getting cold hands, and not wanting bulky gloves. This device wouldn't solve that problem.
As far as air conditioning, it sounds like an interesting idea, if you could design the system to radiate excess heat into the environment. You may do well with an external cooler device, and pumping cold liquid through the system. Nonetheless that would mean carrying around the cooler, as well as a power source, and having the added complexity of pumps.
-
The electrical-current in clothing (https://www.google.com/search?q=peltier+current+draw) means flame-retardant fabric is a must ...