Portable Drink Cooler 3D Print , Diy, Stl,

Mini Cooler by peltier module

Original make.

License: cc0 public free usage without attribution requirements

Imagine enjoying a refreshing drink under the scorching sun during your next camping trip or sports event. With this portable water cooler powered by a Thermoelectric Peltier Cooler module, you can do just that! Follow this instructable to create your own compact cooler, perfect for keeping your water, drinks, and even chocolates relatively cool while you’re on the go.

The primary ingredients I used to make this are:

3d printer or printing service nearby

TEC1 12706 Thermoelectric cooling peltier module https://www.amazon.com/ESUMIC-Thermoelectric-Refrigeration-Semiconductor-Conduction/dp/B07YV3JQSL

EPDM Seal tape: https://www.amazon.com/Tintvent-Rubber-Self-Adhesive-Weather-Stripping/dp/B0BX22SLLC

Acrylic sheet for display 60mmx 130mmx 5mm thick preferred. The example in the link is of 3mm which is also okay. https://www.amazon.com/Acrylic-Plexiglass-Perfect-Calligraphy-Painting/dp/B0B134CQF1

Electric saw https://www.amazon.com/Avid-Power-Grinder-Grinding-Auxiliary/dp/B07P5D6M4V

Wood cutting blade (To cut the acrylic sheet for the display) https://www.amazon.com/Circular-Carbide-General-Purpose-Cutting/dp/B08XMR82YD

Lipo battery 12 V 5000mAh (or more mAh) https://www.amazon.com/Spektrum-11-1V-5000mAh-Hardcase-SPMX50003S100H5/dp/B07QD64DGK

Lipo Charger https://www.amazon.com/SUPULSE-Battery-Charger-7-4-11-1V-B3V2/dp/B099K8XFG6

Thin Aluminum Sheet from hardware store(400mmx300mm).

Screws: 2 numbers of M3x50 screws, 2 numbers of M3x35.

Misc items like Pliers, small hacksaw, Screwdriver, Double sided foam tape, Transparent tape, Wires, Wire cutter.

By printing the cooler body with a low infill density, ideally around 5%, the print creates big air pockets within the structure. These pockets of air act as excellent insulators, much like the vacuum insulation in a thermos flask. This means that the cooler can keep things cold just as effectively as it can keep them warm.

With this idea in mind, I set out to 3D print the body of my portable cooler. The flexibility of 3D printing allowed me to easily customize the design to meet my specific needs, and to ensure that everything fit together perfectly.

To make the printing process more efficient, I designed all the geometry so that no additional supports were needed during printing. For instance, I added a spring-like bend to the hook, which helps clamp the door tightly shut without the need for extra materials.

The current design fits within a 220mm x 220mm printer bed, as shown in the second picture. It comfortably accommodates drinks up to 170mm in height and 80mm in diameter. Although I’d need a larger printer to make a bigger case, this design could theoretically hold up to 500 ml of water without any issues.

By using 3D printing, I created a cooler that is not only functional and efficient but also easy to modify whenever needed. This innovative approach ensures my cooler is lightweight, portable, and perfectly suited for outdoor adventures.

To achieve the best print quality, I carefully arranged the parts on the print bed as shown in the diagram.

I printed the "back" and "front" sections with a 5% infill to maximize insulation and reduce weight. The other parts were printed with 15% or more infill to provide extra strength and stability.

I also included a "meter" section designed to hold a temperature gauge. While this part is optional, I find it useful for monitoring the internal temperature of the cooler.

The Thermoelectric Peltier module is the heart of this cooler. When electricity flows through it, one side becomes cold while the other side heats up. The effectiveness of this cooling process relies heavily on how well the heat and cold are managed.

Proper installation is crucial to ensure optimal performance. Even something as small as a misaligned plastic washer can significantly reduce the module's efficiency. Make sure to consult the manual that comes with the module for guidance. I've also made a few modifications to enhance its performance.

Installation Steps:

Prepare the Heatsink:

• Begin by placing the white insulation pad onto the heatsink, ensuring the adhesive side is firmly attached. This helps in maintaining the temperature balance.

Apply Thermal Paste:

• Use the thermal paste provided with the module to cover the surface of the heatsink. Spread it evenly using a plastic tool or the back of a spoon. This paste improves the heat transfer between the components.

Position the Peltier Chip:

• Place the Peltier chip on the heatsink with the text side facing upwards. To confirm the orientation, connect the chip to a 12V LiPo battery temporarily and observe which side gets cold. This side should face upwards. Ensure that the wires are connected correctly, matching the positive and negative terminals to prevent damaging the chip.

By following these steps carefully, you’ll ensure that the Peltier module operates at maximum efficiency, providing effective cooling for your portable cooler.

Apply Thermal Paste to the Peltier Chip:

• Spread a layer of thermal paste over the top of the Peltier chip, just as you did with the heatsink. This ensures optimal thermal conductivity between the chip and the next component.

Position the Cooling Fins:

• Place the cooling fins on top of the Peltier chip. These fins help dissipate heat more effectively, enhancing the cooling performance.

Install Plastic Washers:

• Use plastic washers on both the cold side and the hot side of the assembly. It's crucial that the screws do not come into direct contact with the aluminum heatsink or the cooling fins, as this could compromise the module's efficiency.

Attach the Fans:

• Secure the fans on top of the cooling fins using four or two screws, as shown in the diagram. The fans will help remove heat from the heatsink, maintaining a consistent cooling effect.

Remove Support Bars:

• Use a small hacksaw to cut away the bars marked in blue in the first picture. These bars were originally included as support structures during 3D printing to prevent layer sagging. Carefully removing them ensures a clean and functional design.

Place the Peltier Module:

• Position the Peltier module as shown in the diagram, with the cooling fins parallel to the viewing direction. This orientation is crucial for optimal airflow and cooling performance.

Constructing the Inner Aluminum Chamber

Cut and Shape the Aluminum Sheet:

• To enhance heat distribution, we’ll create an inner aluminum chamber. Cut an aluminum sheet to fit snugly inside the cooler chamber. Fold the sheet as shown in the diagram, ensuring it forms a tight and secure enclosure.

Align and Secure the Chamber:

• Make sure the aluminum chamber has two precisely positioned holes directly beneath the Peltier screws. Accurate measurements are key for a proper fit. Once aligned, tighten the nuts securely to hold the chamber in place.

Prepare the Acrylic Sheet:

• Cut an acrylic sheet to dimensions of approximately 5mm thickness and 60mm x 130mm. This sheet will serve as the window for your cooler's door. Insert the sheet into the groove designed for the screen, as shown in the second picture. While a double-sheet configuration with an air gap is ideal for insulation, a single sheet is sufficient for this compact cooler.

Attach the Hook:

• Use two M3x50 screws to securely attach the hook to the door. This will ensure that the door closes tightly, maintaining the cooler's internal temperature.

Mount the Door:

• Use two M3x35 screws to attach the door to the cooler's body. Make sure the door is aligned properly to ensure a good seal when closed.

Seal the Gap with Insulation Tape:

• There is a 5mm gap between the cooler body and the door when the door is shut. To prevent air leakage, apply EPDM thermal insulation tape with an adhesive backing along this gap. Fix it as shown in the diagram to ensure that the cooler is airtight when closed, enhancing its cooling efficiency.

Attach the Sensor Module:

• Place double-sided adhesive foam tape on the back of the W1209 module to securely attach it to the top of the door. This placement ensures easy access to the display for quick temperature checks.

Connect the Wires:

• Connect the sensor’s wires according to the diagram: connect the red wire to the 12-volt power source and the black wire to the ground point. Proper connections are essential for accurate temperature readings.

Secure the Module Cover:

• Apply two more pieces of foam tape to the corners of the module. These will hold the protective cover in place, ensuring that the module remains securely attached and protected.

Check the Temperature:

• Once the module is in place, power it on to check the temperature display. This will give you a real-time readout of the cooler's internal temperature, eliminating any guesswork.

Solder the Battery Connector:

• Begin by soldering the battery connector to the wires. Group all positive wires (red) together and solder them to the positive terminal of the battery. Similarly, connect all negative wires to the negative terminal. Ensure that the soldering is clean and secure to prevent any loose connections.

Attach the Battery:

• Apply foam tape to the back of the battery to secure it. Then, firmly stick the battery to the back of the mini fridge. This will keep the battery in place and ensure it remains connected properly.

After running the cooler for about 15 minutes, the walls of the cooler were approximately 5-7 degrees Celsius cooler than the surrounding environment. The cooling fins achieved a temperature that was around 13 degrees Celsius lower than the ambient temperature. This temperature drop is evident from the dew forming inside the cooler, as shown in the third picture.

It's worth noting that my local Peltier module did not include an internal fan, which could have further improved its cooling efficiency. Adding an internal fan could enhance air circulation and potentially lower temperatures even more.

Mega Tip: I only have a 12706 module without cooling side fan. it takes 6 amp with 50-70 watt cooling. however you can go for a 12712 module with fan, with 12 amp input and 102 watt cooling which will give better results I believe. The last two digits are I think the amp consumption like 6 amp for 12706. So buy accordingly

And that wraps up the experiments! Now it’s time to unpack the contents and put your newly crafted cooler to the test. Enjoy your adventures with a perfectly chilled refreshment by your side. See you on the next journey!