Peltierelementti

Peltierelementti, also known as a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) or Peltier module, is a solid-state electronic device that transfers heat from one side to the other when an electric current is applied. This phenomenon is known as the Peltier effect, discovered by Jean Charles Athanase Peltier in 1834. The element consists of two different semiconductor materials, typically bismuth telluride, joined by conductive interconnects. When a DC current flows through the device, one side becomes cold and the other side becomes hot. The direction of heat transfer can be reversed by reversing the current.

Peltierelementit are commonly used for small-scale cooling applications. They are found in portable refrigerators, car coolers, electronic component cooling, wine coolers, and scientific instruments. Their advantages include no moving parts, compact size, and precise temperature control. However, they are generally less energy-efficient than traditional compressor-based cooling systems and have limitations in their cooling capacity. The efficiency of a Peltier element depends on the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides, the current applied, and the physical properties of the element. Heat dissipation from the hot side is crucial for effective cooling, often requiring a heatsink and fan.