Abstract:

Recently, the implementation of the teaching protocol corresponding to a specific subject was presented at ICERI 2008, where a study about the experiences regarding the implementation of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) over this subject in the field of thermal engineering, corresponding to the degree of Industrial Engineer at the High School of Engineering, University of the Basque Country in Spain. Later at INTED 2009 the results of the survey from the student’s perceptions for this matter were also presented following the implementation of the teaching protocol. In this way, one of the most relevant conclusions directly derived was the lack of practical modules in the subject, so in this work, the implementation of a leading technology in the teaching protocol of this subject was carefully discussed.
Thus, in this context, the application of the “Peltier effect” operating with real equipment was deeply analysed, which would allow the students to take into account the real possibilities that are offered nowadays, completing this way the theoretical background acquired. A compact thermoelectric chamber of stainless, isolated by means of injected polyurethane and provided with an external framework of plate, endowed of thermoelectric equipment, thermometers and fans will be used. The thermoelectric equipment is basically composed by the following elements: two cells of Peltier effect of about 53 W power each, and a set of heat sinks. On one hand, thermometers can show simultaneously the following temperatures: External and internal heat sinks and internal environment respectively. On the other hand, external fans are placed in order to dissipate the heat from the external heat sinks whereas an internal ventilator has the commitment of getting a forced convection, if desirable, inside the chamber.
In this way a complete laboratory handbook will be achieved through the use of this complete and last generation equipment, including a review of the theoretical background, allowing the pupil to demonstrate the relationship between electrical current and heat transfer as well as to observe the dual operating mode as a refrigerator or heater, depending on the terminals polarization. Finally the practical results directly obtained from the experimentation will be carefully analysed and discussed so the student could extract the pertinent conclusions in the ECTS learning context.



References:
[1] J. Blanco; F. Mendía; L. Martín and F. Peña, Implementing new experiences in ECTS for higher education procedures at the University of the Basque Country according to the Bologna declaration, ICERI 2008, Nov. 2008, Madrid, Spain.
[2] Buist R.J. Marlow R y Nelson J.L., 1982, System Aspects of Thermoelectric Coolers for Hand Held Thermal Viewers. En Fourth International Conference on Thermoelectric Energy Conversion. The University of Texas at Arlington. March 10-12.
[3] Domínguez M. Pinillos J.M. y Gutiérrez P., Contribution to Peltier effect in cooling. Refrigeración-Frial 19, pp. 47-54, 1991.
[4] Noriega F.G., Air Conditioning for Automotion by Thermoelectric Systems. Termoelectricidad. 2, pp.7-15, 1995.
[5] Stockholm J.G., 1990, Modern Thermoelectric Cooling Technology. Proceedings of the IX Internacional Conference on Thermoelectrics (USA). California Institute of Technology. March 19-21.

Keywords:

thermoelectricity, peltier and seebeck effects, teaching laboratories, ects.