Portable Ice Maker
Team Members Heading link
- Kiro Bakheet
- Ivan Majdandzic
- Danny O’Donnell
Project Description Heading link
Our group was tasked with providing a solution to the issue of not having easy access to ice in remote areas. The sponsor and faculty advisor for this project is Dr. Michael A. Brown. The goal of this project is to design and construct a prototype ice making device that is capable of operating with off-grid power. Additionally, the device must remain portable and light for easy transportation to and from remote areas; like a camping trip. The solution explored in this report is a portable ice making device using a thermoelectric cooling device (TEC). A TEC uses the Peltier effect where the junction between two metals produces a hot and cold side while electrical power is supplied. Our design focuses on surrounding the cold side of the TEC device in an insulated housing that holds aluminum ice cube molds to freeze water. The solution was to power the TEC device using rechargeable batteries. This decision was made after thorough research into other areas of renewable energy such as solar or thermal power. The criteria governing the ice maker includes the ability to produce 6-8 standard sized ice cubes (0.5 fluid ounces each) in one hour, having a weight of 5 pounds or less to remain easily portable, and having the capability to operate solely off of battery power. These three limitations are in place to ensure the overall goal of the project is met to develop a portable ice making device for off-grid use.