DIRECT SOLAR ELECTRIC ICE PRODUCTION
Appropriate Technologies for the World's People
California Polytechnic State University
OUR PROJECT
Spring 2019
Building on the research from Cal Poly's Summer 2018 Solid State Solar Ice Project, our group takes on the challenge to make a directly solar-powered thermoelectric cooler (TEC) capable of constant ice production (Solar Ice) for use in rural Ghana. This project is currently under research by Cal Poly Physic students Casey Smith and Nathan Heston, who have worked closely with: Solar Ice Production and The Social Ice Cream Co.'s Solar Ice Cream Truck. We plan to assist their research in testing TEC design via the use of Peltier modules and to preform research on phase change materials to fill the freezer with to aid in efficient heat transfer for ice production.
Our mission is to build a sustainable, ethical, and low maintenance device that will improve the lives of many people.
WHY IS SOLAR ICE IMPORTANT FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES?
WHY IS SOLAR IMPORTANT?
Solar technology is a unique way to bring electricity to rural communities without the need to connect them to a far off electricity grid or to build a new electricity grid. Solar is also an affordable and clean source of energy, producing no greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the collective dependence peoples have on fossil fuels.
WHY IS ICE IMPORTANT?
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Ice is such a valuable commodity because it keeps food fresh for longer. Ice can be used in coolers which is a much more affordable option when compared to constantly running a fridge or freezer.
WHAT'S THE CHALLENGE?
The problem is forming this ice with minimal electricity, and creating it without a traditional freezer or ice maker. It needs to be affordable and low maintenance for long term use for communities.
SOLAR ICE PROTOTYPE
June 2019
