DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A SOLAR POWERED COOLER FOR ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN REFRIGERATION APPLICATION
PUBLISHED IN AD SAPIENTIAM VOLUME XI 2018, COPYRIGHT: ISSN 2012-290X
ISABELO L. GANABA, JR., FERNANDO P. EMNACE AND JEREMIAH DEARBORN F. GANGOSO
ABSTRACT
This study developed a prototype solar-powered cooler as an outcome based-education learning resource for mechanical engineering students. The developed solar-powered cooler used fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) walls with polyurethane foam known for its excellent insulating property that increases the cooling effect. The prototype of the Solar Powered Cooler was completed, tested and evaluated based on the accepted parameters after several months of intense work. Design calculations for the different components of the cooler with a refrigeration system were based on the following design requirements, namely: (a) Designed Cooling Capacity – 200 Watts; (b) Compressor Power Supply Voltage – 220 Volts; (c) Cooler Size Capacity – 1.34 ft³; (d) Inverter Capacity – 500 Watts and (f) Battery Supply Voltage- 12 Volts. The Solar-Powered Portable Cooler was made using FRP with polyurethane foam in between for better insulation and metal cabinet tailored to suit various refrigeration components. The results of the tests revealed that the respondents are very satisfied (strongly agree) with the use of the device or prototype based on the validated acceptability criteria on its design, fabrication, material and cost, performance and social acceptability, and as a teaching-learning resource. The developed prototype solar-powered cooler is a cost-saving device, by Php. 16.00 per hour, when solar energy is fully utilized to be the source of power for the cooler. As a teaching-learning resource, the device has a payback period in the investment for the prototype of 4.34 years.