Cohesion Italy 21-27 Calabria — Co-funded by the European Union
OPRACELL
Optimisation of Refrigerating Panels for small Environments using Peltier CELLs
Modular, efficient and sustainable thermoelectric cooling systems
Project progress
—of time elapsed
Next SAL deadline
SAL I · 03/05/2026
03/11/2025SAL I
03/05/2026SAL II
03/11/2026SAL III
03/05/2027Final balance
31/10/2027
- Start
- 03/11/2025
- Duration
- 24 months
- End
- 31/10/2027
- Lead partner
- Z Lab S.r.l. (lead partner)
The project at a glance
The project aims to develop and refine an innovative thermoelectric cooling system, offering efficient, flexible and sustainable solutions where conventional technologies are inadequate. Through a structured research and development path, it will create a modular and adaptable system for both mobile environments, such as vehicles and means of transport, and static spaces with structural constraints or specific air-conditioning needs.
A prototype multifunction panel has already been successfully tested in a controlled environment, showing good cooling capacity and operational stability. The project starts with a comparative analysis of the latest Peltier cells on the market, in order to select those that outperform the traditional models used in the existing prototype. The selected cells will then be experimentally characterised under different operating conditions.
Read the full descriptionManagers
Eng. Giuseppe Camarca
Project manager
Prof. Natale Arcuri
Scientific manager
General objectives
- Develop a tailor-made solution: A flexible thermoelectric cooling system, easily adaptable to mobile applications, small spaces and settings where air cooling cannot be used; highly scalable and easy to install and extend.
- Maximise efficiency: A target of +20% energy efficiency compared with the current product thanks to the new devices, and a final target of +25% through innovative monitoring and control systems that cool only where strictly required.
- Ensure reliability and durability: Efficient operation even in adverse environmental conditions and with high recirculating air flows.
- Simplify installation and maintenance: A practical and convenient solution for a wide range of applications.
- Environmental sustainability: A low-impact cooling system that minimises the use of natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions.
Seven lines of activity
Study of the state of the art and of the characteristics of the Peltier cells available on the market
Industrial Research · November – January · Lead: University of Calabria
WP2Experimental characterisation of Peltier cells and performance analysis
Experimental Development · January – April · Lead: Z Lab S.r.l.
WP3Integrated design of the refrigerating panels and of the data acquisition and control system
Industrial Research · March – August · Lead: Z Lab S.r.l. (Company)
WP4Thermodynamic analysis of case studies using Peltier-cell refrigerated panels
Industrial Research · July – December · Lead: University of Calabria
WP5Construction of prototypes using the designed refrigerating panels and implementation of the data acquisition and control system
Industrial Research – Experimental Development · November – June · Lead: Z Lab S.r.l.
WP6Analysis of the experimental results obtained to optimise the technical solutions adopted, and their implementation
Experimental Development · May – October · Lead: Z Lab S.r.l.
WP7Dissemination and communication activities
Experimental Development · November 2025 – October 2027 · Lead: University of Calabria