Peltiérefektiin

Peltiérefektiin, often referred to as the Peltier effect, is a thermoelectric phenomenon. It occurs when an electric current is passed through a junction of two dissimilar conductors or semiconductors. In essence, it describes the absorption or liberation of heat at the junction of two different materials when an electric current flows through them. Specifically, if a direct current is applied, one junction will get cooler while the other gets warmer.

The magnitude of the temperature change is directly proportional to the current flowing through the junction and the properties of the materials used. This effect is reversible; reversing the direction of the current reverses the direction of heat flow, meaning the previously cold junction becomes hot and vice-versa. The Peltier effect is a key principle behind thermoelectric coolers, also known as Peltier devices. These solid-state devices have no moving parts and are used in a variety of applications, from cooling electronic components and beverages to specialized medical devices. The efficiency of Peltier devices is influenced by factors such as the electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient of the semiconductor materials.