What is Peltier?
A Peltier element is an electrical component that creates a temperature difference through the application of a voltage - one side gets warm; the other side gets cold. The so-called Peltier effect was discovered in 1834 by the physicist Jean Peltier, who was the first to generate cold using electric current. By applying DC voltage to differently doped semiconductors, heat is transported from the negatively charged side to the positively charged side. A Peltier element consists of many semiconductor elements, installed between two heat-conducting ceramic components to enhance the effect. By simply reversing the current direction, the cold and warm sides can be reversed.
Structure of a Thermoelectric Cooler
A Thermocooler consists of one or more Peltier elements, specially arranged between two finned heat sinks. In order to effectively dissipate the cold or heat, temperature reducers are required on both sides of the sandwich module. In an air-to-air thermocooler, axial fans are installed on both sides while water-cooled systems are another possibility for custom solutions. The larger heat sink thereby dissipates the heat to the environment, while the smaller heat sink cools the interior of, for example, switch cabinets. The more heat is dissipated from the warm side, the more effective is the cooling on the cold side and vice versa.
65k
Temperature Difference
200
Watts
24
Volt DC
★
Custom solutions
Peliter Characteristics
Mobile Cooling
Compared to conventional compressor and absorber cooling systems, Peltier Thermoelectric Cooler do not require any coolant or fluid and therefore do not need to rest before being put into operation. They are mobile and can be installed in any mounting position.
Durable, Low maintenance
Peltier Thermoelectric Cooler have no mechanically moving parts, which results in low wear and tear and minimal maintenance. The durable modules can operate under the most adverse environmental conditions, as they are insensitive to vibration, shock, high ambient temperatures, polluted ambient air and strong accelerations.
Control Accuracy
The temperature of a Thermoelectric Cooler is electrically adjustable and can be set very precisely, which is not possible with compressor cooling.
Simply reversible
Due to the Peltier effect, the Thermoelectric Cooler can be used as a heater or cooler by simply reversing the direction of the current.
Cooling in the smallest space
Peltier elements can be designed in different sizes, making them a flexible cooling solution for even the smallest components. They are suitable up to a cooling capacity of max. 500W and are used in applications with acceleration or limited installation space, where compressor cooling systems would not fit or would fail.
DC Operation
Peltier Thermoelectric Coolers can only be operated with direct current.
Customer application testing
When using Peltier Thermoelectric Coolers, we always recommend to run several application tests in order to confirm the correct and reliable function of the cooler using appropriate measurements.
Peltier Application examples
Air conditioning of electronic components
In summer, natural convection and forced air are often not sufficient to cool down the temperature in electrical enclosures. To protect the installed electronic components from overheating and failure, compact Peltier Thermoelectric Coolers are used in control cabinets.
Mobile heating and cooling in catering
For the distribution of food in hospitals, retirement homes, cafeterias or restaurants, food and beverages must be kept at a mobile temperature. Thermoelectric Coolers are therefore used in food transport trolleys, where they heat or cool the interior as required.
Cooling in the smallest space - from medicine to aviation
Peltier elements are used anywhere where conventional cooling systems cannot fit. Applications range from the cooling of the smallest sensors and switching elements, to the temperature control of laboratory and medical equipment, to the air conditioning of spacecraft and satellites.