Point Loma HS

Project Overview: After cooking food at home, there are often leftovers we store in the pots they were cooked in. Before storing the food in a refrigerator, the food and pot should not be hot. We wanted to create a device to accelerate this transition, and bring other convenient uses to the kitchen.

Project Initiation: Our initial brainstorm for ways to better control temperatures of food began with temperature controlled containers (butter keeper that would warm). We first pivoted to a heated and cooled bowl that would be much more versatile for other foods, much like that of an ember mug. After considering constraints, we thought a larger plate would be much easier to work with, and more effective with larger items, such as hot pots which need to be cooled prior to being placed in the fridge.

Project Exploration & Development: We began our project sourcing ten 30W peltiers, assuming this would be enough to control the temperature of a 16x16in aluminum plate. We decided on a 600W 24V power supply, wiring up peltiers in both series and parallel. We proceeded, adding a water block to each peltier and plumbing them using a radiator and a pump. Our first power draw was underwhelming for us, only peeking around 300W. While the plate did cool, it took significant time to do so, and when tested, was marginally effective at cooling a standard-sized pot when compared to a room temperature control. We then realized higher-powered peltiers were needed along with other revisions to the plate.

Project Revision & Exhibition: An increase in peltier power will increase the heat energy transferred, so we sourced higer power modules. Using four of these new peltiers, we observed a much higher power draw and increased performance. The higher power draw from a more dense source caused issued, such as thermal transfer and dissipation limitations, which we have remedied. We are cleaning up the device and are making it more feasible for convenient use.

Teachers: Mr. Tritchler - Engineering Design and Development

Industry Sector: Engineering and Architecture