If you are someone who likes to get hands-on into building innovative electrical appliances for your home, then making a mini-fridge is really a fun task. Although you might have a main fridge at home and need a cute little mini-fridge to store your quick bites and edibles, we have got you covered. If you directly want to buy a top-selling Mini fridge then you can visit Bajaj EMI Store for better deals.
Here is a detailed guide of how to make a mini-fridge:
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Components and Tools Required
These are the components that one will need to make a mini-fridge.
- Arduino Nano.
- Thermoelectric Cooler Module.
- 4 Millimeter Acrylic Sheets.
- Relay Module.
- LED.
- 1K Resistor.
- LED Holder.
- Rocker Switch.
- DC Jack.
- Super Glue.
- Foam Boards.
- Rubber feet.
- Door Handle.
- Hinges.
- Perforated Board.
These are the tools that you are going to need to make a mini-fridge.
- Jigsaw.
- Dremel Workstation.
- Dremel Rotary Tool.
- Glue Gun.
- Soldering Iron.
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How does it work?
The thermoelectric coolers function from the Peltier effect. The center of a toaster is a thermoelectric cooler module. The apparatus has two sides, namely one sexy and the other cold. The warmth from one side goes to the other side of the DC electric current flows through the module. It makes one side cooler and the other side warmer. The front side has room temperature while the other side which is heated is connected with a heat sink that has an ambient temperature. This module mainly consists of de-and-n-type semiconductors which are highly doped and have electric carriers. An organized pattern of components that are thermally linked in parallel and electrically in series is taken care of. Ceramic substrates are connected on both sides of the components.
Two options can be considered-
- Purchasing the whole unit that has everything.
- Purchasing every component individually and then using it as a single unit. For example – Peltier module, fans, heat sink, etc.
If you are unable to get any of those components individually, you must purchase a whole unit. But if you have them from an old CPU or elsewhere, you can collect these parts individually to make your fridge. And If you can’t find the components then you can buy the latest fridge online from Bajaj EMI Store.
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Acrylic sheets to be cut.
You need to finalize the dimensions you want to keep for your mini-fridge. For example, 6.5″ x 11″ x 10″ (L x W x H) are the dimensions of a refrigerator. Thus, to make a box using this dimension, we want 6 square sheets of after sizes:
The base and the top would be 11″ x 6.5.”, the front door and back would be 6.5″ x 10.” and the walls would be 11″ x 10.” Besides this, a few more sheets are required to make additional compartments in the fridge.
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For the Peltier module, cutting the slot is important.
You need to measure the chilly side vinyl radiator to correct the thermoelectric cooler module. This also helps in indicating the acrylic sheet traces. The size must match the size of the front and back covers. Following this, you need to drill a hole at a marked area and cut a slot by sticking to the marked lines using a jigsaw blade.
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Painting the acrylic sheets.
After peeling off the protective covering of the acrylic sheet, you need to paint it with the colours of your choice. The front door and the compartments are to be left out as exceptions. This will give a really cool look to your mini-fridge.
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Holes for airflow are a must.
Drilling holes for aeration is a vital step so as to help the dissipation of heat released from the hot side of this cooler. You must also use two fans of approx. 12V to facilitate the same.
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Cooler unit to be glued.
After taking a slotted sheet, you need to apply an adequate amount of glue and paste the cooler plastic radiator.
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Mounting the separator.
Set the heating unit and measure its whole length. Separate the cold and hot sides by the marking of a line. Apply hot glue and put on the separator sheet. You can take the support of a strong rectangular object.
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Combining both sidewalls.
Glue and combine both sides and then glue another sidewall into the separator plate.
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Using supports.
You must use supports of cardboard or foam to make sure your fridge doesn’t collapse.
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Back Panel.
Two wires are to be soldered into the DC jack. Then solder 1k resistor into the LED and cut 2 screws for electricity distribution.
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Sliding tray.
Cut small pieces of foil and glue the strips to the sidewall. Repeat the process for a different sidewall. Then simply add the tray.
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Compartment for Electronics Circuits.
You must make a compartment for the electronic circuits which control temperature.
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Insulating the Interior.
Insulating the cold room with a 5mm sheet to improve the heating impact.
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Front door and its sealing.
Insulating the front door will improve the cooling of the mini-fridge. Use 1.5 cm foam sheets for proper sealing.
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Controlling the temperature.
The waterproof temperature sensor can be used to control and keep an eye on the temperature. On reaching 7 C, the cooler device will get turned on in the mini-fridge. Use electric tape to insulate the joints.
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Rubber feet and power the fridge.
You must use four anti-skid rubber feet at the bottom. To power the mini-fridge, connect it with 12V, 10A, or even more electricity supply. Then turn it on and the LED will get lit.
If you find this task to be too arduous, then you can simply get the best fridge from the Bajaj Finserv EMI Store at no cost EMI and zero down payment option. There are more than a million products in store for you to choose from. You can either visit the nearest store or make your purchase online and get it home delivered. Check out the exclusive offers now!
