Design of a compact air conditioning unit for elevators using CFD and thermoelectric coolers

The design of an air conditioning device using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is presented. Different constraints, such as limited installation area, efficient performance, short response time and noiseless operation, are considered. To overcome these constraints, instead of using a "traditional" heat pump, a more sophisticated principle was decided to be implemented, which is known as the Peltier effect. Using Thermo-Electric Coolers (TECs), it is possible to adjust the air temperature inside a cabin quickly and efficiently. The use of CFD software aims to determine the dimensions of the heat exchanger as well as the operational parameters such as cooling power and air velocity. The main aim is the construction of an elevator air conditioning system that is able to fit even in the smallest areas, and not being visible especially in cases, such as, a panoramic elevator. In parallel, the system should be efficient enough, compared to widely used air conditions, and energy saving. * This research was carried out as part of the project «Design and implementation of innovative lift's air-conditioning systems by using thermoelectric devices» (Project code: ΚΜΡ6-0074109) under the framework of the Action «Investment Plans of Innovation» of the Operational Program «Central Macedonia 2014 2020», that is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Greece.