Design and Performance Evaluation of a Portable DC Motor-Based Air Cooler for Energy-Efficient Local Cooling Applications

Abstract

The increasing demand for portable and energy-efficient cooling technologies has encouraged the development of alternative cooling systems that consume less electrical power while maintaining acceptable thermal comfort. Conventional air-conditioning systems generally require high energy consumption due to compressor-based refrigeration cycles, making them less suitable for portable and low-power applications. This study presents the design, fabrication, and experimental performance evaluation of a portable DC motor-based air cooler intended for localized cooling applications. The developed prototype integrates two 12 V DC cooling fans, a 3.7 V rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a DC step-up converter, an ice-based cooling chamber, and an alternative USB power supply into a compact and lightweight cooling device. The prototype was fabricated using low-cost electronic and mechanical components and evaluated through a series of laboratory experiments to assess its operational performance, airflow stability, cooling capability, electrical power consumption, and overall system reliability. Experimental results demonstrated that the developed air cooler operated consistently under both battery and USB power sources while producing stable airflow through the dual-fan configuration. The integration of an ice cooling chamber effectively reduced the outlet air temperature by facilitating heat transfer between ambient air and the cooling medium. The portable design, combined with low electrical power consumption, makes the system suitable for localized cooling in residential environments, offices, laboratories, and temporary workspaces. Furthermore, the simple mechanical construction, rechargeable power system, and compact dimensions improve system portability and operational flexibility compared with conventional cooling equipment. From an engineering perspective, the prototype also demonstrates the practical integration of thermodynamics, heat transfer, forced convection, electrical energy conversion, and mechanical system design into a single functional device. The findings indicate that the proposed portable air cooler represents a practical, low-cost, and energy-efficient alternative for localized cooling while providing an effective educational platform for engineering and physics learning related to sustainable cooling technologies