can we use peltier coolers on our robots?
thanks
Don’t see why not, but why don’t you just use the fans supplied?
Follow the flowchart (last page of Section 8 of the Game Manual. If it violates any of the rules, you cannot use it.
(The reason I give this response is that I am not exactly sure what a Peltier cooler is, or what the Peltier effect is. I have heard of both.)
I would assume one would be able to, but they do AFAIK, consume huge amounts of power. Also, like a/c units, they don’t create cold,they simply move heat. Where do you plan on geting a small cold plate? I’ve seen small (3x4 maybe) that are used in CPU and GPU coolers.
What i would like to know is how/why you found a need for such a device on a FIRST robot? There isn’t any part i can think of that would require a surface to be cooled.
I don’t know why on Earth you’d need a peltier…but just keep in mind that a peltier is essentially a “cold” plate on one side and a “hot” plate on the other. You’re still going to need quite a fan in order to dissipate the heat from the hot side.
Although these cells do appear to make it through the flow chart, your inspector will need to know a few things before allowing them in the inspection process. For instance, I would want to know the full ratings of the device you are using, what you used to attach the device (adhesive, thermal conducting grease etc.) how it is controlled (if it is) and what the maximum temp the “hot” side will achieve during operation.
When considering cooling devices for an FRC robot, it would seem that the low temperature achieved in a two minute match would not be useful for any cooling needs you might have. For those devices that are capable of a 200 degree max temp during operation, I would think that would cross the boundary into unsafe territory for the participants.
The GDC has the final say on these issues, so I must recommend you post to the Q&A for a ruling.