MIE.11 – Portable Ice Maker

The project is based around designing and implementing a Portable Ice Maker that would be fully functional and usable on a camping trip. Outdoor camping in remote areas has become an outing for families that require a small amount of ice. Depending on the location and the means to travel to the campsite (backpacking) it is not practical to carry ice. The sponsor is interested in a portable ice maker that is durable, light weight and a functional ice cube maker that can produce at least 10 ice cubes per hour. The sponsor also seeks for the product to a decent amount of energy conversion using a solar panel. The basis will be made of Styrofoam as that allows the best overall material for the chosen design. The pump system will be a Peltier and the ventilation system a hybrid system of mechanical and natural components. The general design will be decided moving forward based on the design decisions made over the semester. Going forward, the next phases will begin regarding the mathematical determinations as well as the acquisition of the various supplies needed to complete the construction of the device. Overall, there is a stark confidence in the design given the inspiration taken from patent devices as well as the advancement of general systems technologies since the last time that this project was undertaken. Resultantly, the success of this project is at a much greater chance overall and with the overflowing support, the device is shaping to be in full working order in time.