Application of the thermoelectric cooling system in making a cooling belt: A case of heat stress control measure device

BACKGROUND: Climate change and global warming are emerging as new challenges worldwide. The World Meteorological Organization has reported that the temperature is expected to rise by an average of 1.2 degrees C between 2021-2025. This increase in temperature will expose more and more workers to extreme heat. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the possibility of using thermoelectric coolers for cooling the water circulation circuit of a cooling belt, which can be used for extended periods in high-temperature environments. METHODS: A cooling belt was designed using thermoelectric coolers (TEC) and two blowers. The TECs were equipped with heat sinks and heat exchange block made of aluminum at hot and cold sides to exchange heat effectively. RESULTS: The experiment was conducted under actual environmental temperature conditions during three different time periods, with mean temperatures of 31, 48, and 41 degrees C. The mean temperature of the belt section was recorded as 20.73, 24.52, and 21.38 degrees C, respectively. The maximum average difference between the inlet air temperature and the inside cooling belt temperature was 40.45 degrees C. CONCLUSION: The experiment revealed that the cooling performance of the designed prototype remained within an acceptable range (18 degrees C) despite the increase in ambient temperature. Moreover, the cooling system can be utilized in high-heat environments to reduce thermal stress.