CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDY

This chapter presents the review of literatures and studies found to have

bearing in the present study which were taken out from books, articles and other

related research studies. It also includes the Synthesis of the State-of-the-Art,

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework.

Related Literature

Solar power is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity using

photovoltaics (PV) directly or using concentrated solar power indirectly. It can also

be a combination of both. Most of the consumers are familiar with the so-called

photovoltaic cells, or solar panels, found on rooftops, spacecraft, and handheld

calculators. PV cells are made of semiconductor materials like those found in

computer chips.1

PV cells are made from layers of semi-conducting material, usually silicon.

When light shines on the cell, it creates an electric field across the layers. The

stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is produced. A panel is composed group

of cells mounted together. It can either be placed on the roof or on the ground. The

power of a PV cell is measured in kilowatts peak (kWp), the rate at which it

generates energy at peak performance in full direct sunlight during the summer.

These cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes.2

Philippines has been on reliant on fossil fuels, and with the growing industry

of renewable energy, it has now met over a third of its energy needs. In the last
couple of years, over 1100 megawatts of renewable energy was installed through

wind and solar spaces. The country’s aim towards a cleaner energy continues and

it is expected that the market will grow by about 20 times in the next ten years.

Thermoelectric coolers operate according to the Peltier effect. The effect

creates a temperature difference by transferring heat between two electrical

junctions. A voltage is applied across joined conductors to create an electric

current. When the current flows through the junctions of the two conductors, heat

is removed at one junction and cooling occurs. Heat is deposited at the other

junction. The main application of the Peltier effect is cooling. However the Peltier

effect can also be used for heating or control of temperature. In every case, a DC

voltage is required.3

This technology is far less commonly applied to refrigeration than vapor-

compression refrigeration is. The primary advantages of a Peltier cooler compared

to a vapor-compression refrigerator are its lack of moving parts or circulating liquid,

very long life, invulnerability to leaks, small size, and flexible shape. Its main

disadvantages are high cost and poor power efficiency. Many researchers and

companies are trying to develop Peltier coolers that are cheap and efficient.

A Peltier cooler can also be used as a thermoelectric generator. When

operated as a cooler, a voltage is applied across the device, and as a result, a

difference in temperature will build up between the two sides.[3] When operated

as a generator, one side of the device is heated to a temperature greater than the

other side, and as a result, a difference in voltage will build up between the two

sides (the Seebeck effect). However, a well-designed Peltier cooler will be a

mediocre thermoelectric generator and vice versa, due to different design and

packaging requirements.4

Synthesis of the State of the Art

The review of related literature and studies incorporates various concepts

that will help the researchers in the development of the study. The studies that

were reviewed are those similar to the present research that the researchers are

conducting. They aim to construct a device that will make use of the sources

present in the related studies and also introduce a new one through the

developments in the field, making the new device cost-efficient, durable and

beneficial to the consumers. The design shall be based on existing materials.

Methods of construction of coolers and multipurpose kits shall also be used.

Through the data gathered, the researchers shall introduce a device that will utilize

renewable energy.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework explains the processes in conducting the study.

It is composed of the input, throughput and output, including the feedback and

recommendations.

The inputs of the study shall come from raw sources such as; internet, books,

journals, undergraduate theses, etc. The fundamental principles from where the

study is being anchored are also included.

 The throughput contains the production process of the device. These are

certain stages that will serve as a guide in the present study.

The output is the completion of the device. It shall undergo testing to assess

its performance and durability. In this stage, the researchers shall gather feedback

and recommendation for further development of the study.

\
INPUT

I. Raw Souces THORUGHTPUT

- Internet OUTPUT
- Books
- Journals 1. Data Gathering
- Undergraduate 2. Conceptualization
Theses of Design Solar Powered
3. Construction of Cooler &
II. Concepts the Device Multipurpose Kit
- Solar Power 4. Testing
- Thermoelectric
Cooling

RECOMMENDATIONS

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

Theoretical Framework

The fundamental principles from where the study is being anchored are

shown in Figure 2. These ideas shall lead to the development and construction of

the Solar Powered Cooler and Multipurpose Kit.

Solar Power Peltier Cooler

SOLAR POWERED COOLER &

MULTIPURPOSE KIT

Thermoelectric Effect

Figure 2. Theoretical Framework

 ENDNOTES
1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power
2http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewable-energy/electricity/solar-panels

3https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_cooling

4https://www.marlow.com/how-do-thermoelectric-coolers-tecs-work