“A fridge is a piece of kitchen equipment used to preserve food. It uses cold air to reduce the growth rate of bacteria and slow down the chemical changes happening inside the food, keeping it fresh for longer.
Big household fridges utilize a process that involves the compression and depressurization of a refrigerant, that in turn transfers the heat from inside the fridge to the outside, via the cycles of evaporation and condensation.
However, mini-fridges usually work with electricity, making them far less effective than big freezers. But in turn, they are much simpler to make at home, as all you need is insulation foam and a small electronic module.
On my recent trip to Paris, I had the opportunity to experience the luxury of having a small fridge in my hotel room. It was such a neat concept, that back home, I wanted to try out building something similar with my limited tools and supplies.
So in this Instructable, we will be making a concept mini fridge. It can be used to cool down drinks and smaller food items in locations where a big fridge can’t be brought to - for example when camping. Also, this project will allow us to experiment with the concept of creating cold air with electricity.
Without any further ado, let’s get started!
Supplies
- 1 x 40x40mm Peltier Module
- 1 x CPU heat sink with its 12v fan
- 1 x Raspberry style mini heat sink with its 12v fan
- 1 x 20cm LED strip
- 1 x 9 mm DC jack
- 1 x On/Off toggle switch
- 1 x SPDT Micro switch
- 2 x zip ties
- Thermo paste
- Hot glue
- A hinge for the door - can be 3D printed
- Rectangular or square-sectioned wood sticks
- Craft foam or XPS insulation foam
- Acrylic or Styrene sheets”