Philippine E-Journals

Design and Fabrication of Ironing Board with Thermoelectric Generator

Maria Abelyn A. Padilla | Bryan F. Morales | Ruel Roesmard V. Lit

 

Abstract:

Ironing board receives heat directly from the electrically-powered iron that removes wrinkles and folds from clothes, but not 100% of the heat is absorbed and used. Most of the heat remains on the board after ironing and gradually cools down without being used, but the heat that sticks on the ironing board could be a source of electricity. Absorbing excess heat from the ironing board and taking advantage of its ability to generate power can be a good idea to fully benefit from the electricity consumed when ironing. It would be possible only with the aid of thermoelectric generators. Wasted heat is wasted opportunity to do useful work; it equates to wasted money as well. If there is heat wasted from the various appliances used to finish chores at home, like ironing, then it results to inefficient electric consumption. That is why thermoelectric generators exist. Thermoelectric Generators, also called Seebeck Generators, are devices that work by collecting thermal energy and transforming it to a new form of reusable energy—electrical energy. There are many kinds of thermoelectric generators but in this study, the researchers used Peltier Module. This main objective of this study was to find out if it would be possible to transform the excess heat left in the ironing board into useful electricity using thermoelectric generator and if it would be effective to power simple appliances and gadgets. Adopting an experimental method, the study set the standards for the temperature needed and number of modules required. The total project cost amounted to Php 10, 264.1 based on the design considerations of the study and the savings annually in the electricity consumption using the prototype would be Php 453.71. Future researchers can further improve the prototype by: 1) canvassing for peltier modules with higher possible voltage output available in the market in order to achieve a more efficient system; 2) using a different cooling medium, aside from water, which are also affordable for a more responsive and secure; 3) modifying the top cover design of the project so that the peltier would receive a more sufficient amount of heat as it requires and secures a more efficient heat sink especially on the cooler side of the ironing board so that the low temperature will be evenly and effectively spread throughout the modules.