Design and build of an air-conditioned helmet using thermoelectric devices

Design and build of an air-conditioned helmet using thermoelectric devices

Maziar Arjomandi

Sean Paul Bartlett and Lachlan William Skuse

(Commenced: 01-Jan-2007,Concluded: 12-Dec-2007)

Maziar Arjomandi

Sean Paul Bartlett

Lachlan William Skuse

With the cost of transportation becoming an ever greater burden and traffic densities continuously rising, the option of motorcycle (or scooter) riding is an increasingly popular means of commuting and recreational travel. However this form of transport exposes the rider to all the elements. The requirement for a rider to wear a helmet in any conditions can result in discomfort through overheating even in relatively mild conditions.

From a technical perspective, the task of cooling a rider during transit is complicated by the choice of power sources as well as space, weight and safety restrictions. This project will seek to address each of these issues in the attempt to design and build a thermoelectrically cooled motorcycle helmet.

The primary goal of this project was to design and build an air conditioned motorcycle helmet using a thermoelectric module capable of cooling the internal temperature of a motorcycle helmet to 25°C during everyday commuting.

This goal was attempted using a number of mechanical and electrical systems. Most significant among these is a temperature control mechanism which will allow the rider to determine the desired temperature inside the helmet. The rider is able to select a set point temperature and the controller responds by supplying current to the module until the set point temperature is reached.

The research and development detailed in the report is based around a motorcycle helmet used for standard road riding. To this date there is a hole in the consumer market for such a product and with temperatures at the height of summer often peaking in excess of 40°C there is a desire for an affordable helmet cooling solution to be developed.

The potential for development in other areas is vast with many industries required to wear helmets a large percentage of the time regardless of the heat. Others areas that could make use of an air conditioned helmet include the racing, military, mining, medical and construction industries.

Project Deliverables

Final report

Poster

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