Peltierefekti

The Peltier effect is a thermoelectric phenomenon discovered by Jean Charles Athanase Peltier in 1834. It describes the phenomenon where a temperature change occurs when an electric current is passed through the junction of two different conductors. Specifically, if an electric current flows in one direction across the junction, heat is absorbed, causing cooling. If the current is reversed, heat is released, causing warming. This is in contrast to the Seebeck effect, which generates an electric current from a temperature difference.

The magnitude of the heating or cooling effect depends on the current, the properties of the materials forming the junction, and the duration of the current flow. This effect is based on the movement of charge carriers (electrons or holes) in the materials. When current flows, these carriers either gain or lose energy at the junction, leading to heat transfer. The materials used in Peltier devices are typically semiconductors, chosen for their thermoelectric properties.

Practical applications of the Peltier effect are found in thermoelectric coolers (TECs), also known as Peltier devices. These solid-state devices are used for refrigeration and temperature control in various applications, including portable coolers, small refrigerators, electronic cooling systems, and scientific instruments. They are valued for their lack of moving parts, compact size, and precise temperature control capabilities, although their efficiency can be lower than traditional refrigeration systems for large-scale cooling.