Optimising Saltwater Coolants in Peltier-Based Systems for Enhanced Fever Management and Energy Efficiency

Fever management in paediatric care requires efficient and reliable cooling systems; however, traditional methods often fail to meet these demands due to discomfort and maintenance challenges. This study investigates the effectiveness of different saltwater concentrations (5%, 10%, and 20%) as coolants in a Peltier-based cooling system designed to enhance cooling efficiency for paediatric fever management. The research aims to identify the optimal salt concentration that maximises cooling performance and energy efficiency. An experimental setup was used to compare the cooling performance of the three saltwater solutions against pure water, with temperature data collected at one-minute intervals over a 60-minute period. Key parameters measured included temperature reduction and energy consumption. The results demonstrated that the 10% saltwater solution achieved the greatest temperature reduction and energy efficiency, significantly outperforming both the higher (20%) and lower (5%) salt concentrations, as well as pure water. In contrast, the 20% saltwater solution initially exhibited a temperature increase, likely due to its higher viscosity, which hindered heat dissipation. The 5% saltwater solution provided only marginal improvements over pure water, indicating the necessity of an optimal salt concentration for effective cooling. These findings suggest that optimising salt concentration in coolants is critical for enhancing the performance of Peltier-based cooling systems, particularly in medical applications requiring precise temperature control. The study provides valuable insights for developing more efficient and reliable fever management systems, with broader implications for various medical and industrial cooling applications.