Characterization of the Thermoelectric Coolers and Fatty Acid as a Phase Change Material of the Portable Box Cooler

The utilization of portable box coolers (PBC) for traditional fishermen is quite popular in Indonesia. However, pure water's cooling medium still limited to ice. With the development PCM technology, fatty acids began be used. Likewise, use thermoelectric (TEC) directly on PBCs has also been widely developed. In this study, a combination based acids, namely lauric acid, myristic and stearic acid carried out with addition TEC PBC. concentration each water was 5 mg/L, tested as comparison. PBC design developed research given load watts lamps test. study two stages, firstly, without TEC, second which added TEC. results showed that using solution able maintain air temperature longer than only water. produces best performance can seen from time it takes longest reach initial temperature, 1,160 minutes, followed 1,120 while 1080 minutes. This caused by melting point being higher acid. these show they are better water, 900 minutes Adding could extend about 40 These indicate media work significantly thermal energy storage.