Performance prediction modeling of a premature baby incubator having modular thermoelectric heat pump system

Abstract

In this study, a comprehensive mathematical model of a thermoelectric infant incubator operating with modular thermoelectric heat pump system (MTEHPS) was developed. All heat and mass exchange processes of the thermoelectric infant incubator system with both the premature infant and the surrounding atmosphere were determined and modeled. For that, the system was divided into 8 sub-compartments. Mass and energy conservation equations were applied to these sub-systems explaining the interactions among them. Moreover, the PID (Proportional integral derivative) coefficients (K-P, K-I and K-D) required for the experimental automatic control of the proposed system were found out by simulating the created mathematical model in MATLAB(R)/Simulink environment. By integrating the proposed MTEHPS into a commercial neonatal incubator, experimental results were obtained. Accuracy of the model developed was analyzed by comparing its results with the experimental results and the data from literature. The results clearly demonstrated that the data obtained from the model are in good agreement with the data obtained from the real system and literature.