ABSTRACT:

Thermoelectric refrigeration systems offer an eco-friendly and compact alternative to conventional vapor compression systems due to the absence of refrigerants and moving parts. However, their practical application is limited by low cooling efficiency, primarily caused by ineffective heat rejection at the hot side. In this work, a single-stage water-cooled thermoelectric refrigeration system is designed, fabricated, and experimentally evaluated for small-scale cooling applications. The system employs TEC1-12706 thermoelectric modules, an insulated cooling cabinet, and a water-based heat rejection arrangement. Experimental studies are conducted under different water level conditions to analyze their effect on cooling performance. The results demonstrate that higher water levels significantly reduce the cooling time, with the fully filled condition achieving the target temperature of 20 °C in 1 h 36 min, compared to 2 h 41 min and 3 h 30 min for half-filled and pump-level conditions, respectively. Thermal analysis indicates a total heat load of 74.244 W, while the system operates with a total power consumption of approximately 152 W, achieving a coefficient of performance of 0.884. Furthermore, the feasibility of operating the system using a solar-based DC power supply is evaluated, demonstrating its suitability for off-grid and sustainable refrigeration applications. The outcomes of this study highlight the importance of effective hot-side cooling and support the potential of water-cooled thermoelectric refrigeration systems for portable and eco-friendly cooling solutions.