Utilizing Solid-State Cooling to Improve Workout Performance

Abstract

The project aims to integrate solid-state cooling via Peltier devices into a wearable device for use during hypertrophic exercise sets lasting 30 to 60 seconds. The device aims to prompt the nervous system to send signals to the brain to perceive a cooling sensation, thereby improving workout performance in suboptimal gym environments. Through experiments with various Peltier modules, heat sinks, fabrics, and supply voltages in a lab setting, the TEC1-12706 module, paired with an aluminum pin-fin heat sink featuring an integrated fan, polyester fabric, and a supply voltage of approximately 3.0V, provided the greatest cooling power. Quantitative evaluation using recorded temperature data showed that this configuration lowered skin temperature by 6°C, while analysis of the Coefficient of Performance and Fourier’s Law confirmed its optimal performance. According to qualitative feedback from the author, this configuration proved the most effective. The final design was incorporated into a wearable prototype made from thin polyester fabric, Velcro, and rechargeable portable power supplies, and tested on both the author and an athletic test subject. While both reported a cooling sensation, it was not as strong as in the earlier experiments, likely due to a pocket of air forming between the device and the skin. During the participant’s test, a modification was made to reduce this air gap, resulting in a significantly stronger cooling effect. Future iterations should focus on eliminating this air pocket to reduce insulation and enhance cooling efficiency. Future work should consider whether dispersing a moderate temperature difference across a larger skin area or concentrating a higher temperature difference on a smaller skin area leads to greater perceived cooling, carrying important implications for cost-effectiveness and efficient product design.