Step 4

Project Overview

Our capstone project, PortAC, is a solar-powered portable cooler. We built it using a reused Coleman cooler and added Peltier thermoelectric modules to cool the inside. PortAC is designed to be an eco-friendly option instead of regular ice-filled or plug-in coolers. It’s made for people like campers, field workers, or travelers who need a way to keep things cool without using gas or electricity from a wall outlet.

Design Evolution

At first, we planned to create a portable AC unit that could be used in a car. But we realized it would be too big, would only work with vehicles, and wouldn't be very convenient. So, we changed our plan and decided to make a self-powered, solar cooler that’s easy to carry and can be used anywhere.

Progress So Far

✅ First Prototype Built – We used a recycled Coleman cooler, two TEC1-12706 Peltier modules, CPU heat sinks, fans, and insulation.

✅ Solar Power System Added – A solar panel connected to a rechargeable 12V battery now powers the cooler without needing to plug it in.

✅ Initial Testing Done – We tested how fast the cooler gets cold and how well it keeps the cold inside.

✅ Design Visuals Completed – We made an infographic and technical drawings to show how it works and support our environmental research.

✅ Technical Poster Made – A poster was designed to explain the system and share our test results.

Experiments Conducted

1. Cooling Rate Test:
We tested how much the inside temperature of the cooler dropped in one hour with both Peltier modules running. Across three tests, the average drop was about 5.3°C.

2. Insulation Test:
We checked how long the cooler could stay cold with and without extra foam insulation. The extra insulation helped it stay cool 25 minutes longer, showing it really helps keep the cold in.

Design Questions We Solved

• How well does the cooler get rid of heat?
  
  

• How much does insulation help keep things cold?
  
  

• Can solar power and batteries run the cooler reliably?