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The Medi-Fridge Micro-Refrigerator and the Mini-Refrigerator utilize technology based on the principles of Thermoelectrics. Thermoelectrics can convert thermal energy into electrical energy or use electrical energy to move heat. Refrigeration is the process of pumping heat energy out of an insulated chamber in order to reduce the temperature of the chamber below that of the surrounding air. Thermoelectric refrigeration uses a principle called the "PELTIER" effect to pump heat electronically. The Peltier effect is named after a French scientist who discovered it in 1834.
In 1834, a French watchmaker and part time physicist, Jean Charles Athanase Peltier found that an electrical current would produce heating or cooling at the junction of two dissimilar metals. In 1838 Lenz showed that depending on the direction of current flow, heat could be either removed from a junction to freeze water into ice, or by reversing the current, heat can be generated to melt ice. The heat absorbed or created at the junction is proportional to the electrical current. The proportionality constant is known as the Peltier coefficient.
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A thermoelectric converter consists of a number of alternate n- and p- type semiconductor thermoelements, which are connected electrically in series by metal interconnects, sandwiched between two electrically insulating but thermally conducting ceramic plates to form a module. Provided a temperature difference is maintained across the module, electrical power will be delivered to an external load and the device will operate as a generator. Conversely, when an electric current is passed through the module, heat is absorbed at one face of the module and rejected at the other face; thus, the device operates as a refrigerator.
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Jean Peltier noted that when an electrical current is applied across the junction of two dissimilar metals, heat is removed from one of the metals and transferred to the other. This is the basis of thermoelectric refrigeration. Thermoelectric modules are constructed from a series of tiny metal cubes of dissimilar exotic metals which are physically bonded together and connected electrically. When electrical current passes through the cube junctions, heat is transferred from one metal to the other. Solid-state thermoelectric modules are capable of transferring large quantities of heat when connected to a heat absorbing device on one side and a heat dissipating device on the other. Medi-Fridge utilizes internal aluminium cold plate fins which absorb heat from the contents, and the thermoelectric modules transfer it to heat dissipating fins under the control panel. Here, a small fan helps to disperse the heat into the air. The system is totally environmentally friendly and contains no hazardous gases, nor pipes nor coils and no compressor. The only moving part is the small 12-volt fan. Thermoelectric modules are ideally suited to specializedl applications because they are lightweight, compact, insensitive to motion or tilting, have no moving parts, and can operate directly from a 12-volt power source or from 110V-240V power source.
Q. Can I travel with the Medi-Fridge?
A. Yes, in fact travel is the main reason Medi-Fridge was developed. Using the 12V DC connector or the 110V AC adapter will allow you to keep your medicine at a safe temperature in almost any situation. As long as there is a power source your medicine can be protected. The Medi-Fridge unit will continue to refrigerate the medicines for up to 10 hours after being disconnected from a power source, depending on the environmental conditions the unit is exposed to.
Q. How cold will the Medi-Fridge get?
A. The environment where the Medi-Fridge is used has some influence on how much cooling it will do. Just like the
refrigerator in your house, it will be less efficient when exposed to*extreme conditions.Under normal circumstances, the Medi-Fridge will cool 40°F to 50°F below ambient temperature. The unit will not operate below 40°F.
Q. Will the Medi-Fridge protect my medicine from freezing?
A. The Medi-Fridge has a built in switch that will shut off when the refrigerated area reaches 40°F. However, if the temperature in the area where the Medi-Fridge is located falls to a freezing temperature, the medicine in the Medi-Fridge will eventually freeze as well.
Q. Where should I keep my Medi-Fridge when I fly?
A. You should keep your medicine with you at all times; carry the unit in your “carry-on” or personal item luggage. NEVER STORE YOUR MEDICINES IN LUGGAGE THAT WILL BE CHECKED INTO THE AIRPLANE CARGO STORAGE! Whenever possible, you may wish to connect the unit to a power source and refrigerate your medicines during the trip to the airport, while at the terminal, or while traveling to your destination from the airport when you arrive. Many airplanes have a 12V DC (auto socket) power port located near each seat. You may wish to connect the unit to the port during the flight (remember to always follow the flight crew instructions concerning when you can and cannot use electronic devices).Once cool, the unit can be unplugged and packed in your carry-on and will keep your medicine at a safe temperature for up to 10 hours, under normal conditions.*
Q. Can I use the Medi-Fridge for medicines other than insulin?
A. If the medicines have similar vial or pen sizes, the Medi-Fridge unit can be used for most injectibles.
Q. Can I place my Medi-Fridge in a cabinet?
A. Just like a normal refrigerator, the Medi-Fridge cools by removing heat. Heat needs to dissipate. Do not use the Medi-Fridge in an area where there is little or no air exchange**.
Q. How much power does the Medi-Fridge use? Will it drain my car battery?
A. The Medi-Fridge uses 4.5 amps of 12V DC power, about the same as a single headlight. The unit should not drain or damage
a full-charged battery when used while the engine is running. Every vehicle and battery is unique; ask your dealership or reputable mechanic about using the battery to operate any electric equipment when the vehicle is not running.
Q. Does my Medi-Fridge come with a warranty?
A. Yes a copy of the warranty was included in the original packaging in the last section of the Use and Care Manual. You can download a PDF copy of it here.
*Not in direct sunlight or in areas where ambient temperatures exceed 90ºF of fall below 32ºF. Medi-Fridge™ stops cooling automatically when its contents fall below 40ºF. However, it will not prevent medicine from freezing if used in areas where ambient temperatures fall below 32ºF.
**When connected to a power source the Medi-Fridge™ must have air to circulate through its cooling fins. Do not connect the Medi-Fridge™ to a power source when it is in a closed area such as packed luggage or a desk drawer. |