Study of the Use of Quantum Well Thermoelectrics for Truck Air Conditioning

This project will investigate the use of quantum well thermoelectric technology to provide air conditioning for trucks. The use of quantum well films for thermoelectric cooling will provide a coefficient of performance (COP) that is equal to or greater than that of conventional vapor compression cooling systems. The approach involves the fabrication of some silicon/silicon germanium (Si/SiGe) quantum well film elements and the testing of these elements to determine thermoelectric properties. These properties will be used to design a module that can be used in an air conditioning system for a truck. The module then will serve as the basis for developing a truck cooling system. A cost for the entire system will be estimated. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Quantum well films for solid state cooling should find use in almost all refrigeration and air conditioning systems made today, because it does not require the use of any gaseous refrigerants. In addition, it may find use in personal cooling applications that may be needed by the armed forces to enable suits for situations such as biohazards. Another military application could involve the cooling of night vision systems.