Peltierkomponentissa

Peltierkomponentissa, also known as a thermoelectric cooler or Peltier device, is a solid-state active heat pump which transfers heat from one side of the device to the other, with consumption of electrical energy. It can be used either for heating or for cooling, although in practice the main application is cooling. The device was discovered by French physicist Jean Peltier in 1834.

The Peltier effect is based on the principle that when a voltage is applied to two different types of metals or semiconductors, heat is absorbed or released at the junction. In a Peltier device, this effect is used to create a temperature difference between the two sides of the device. The hot side of the device absorbs heat, while the cold side releases heat.

Peltier devices are typically made from bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) or lead telluride (PbTe) semiconductors, which have high thermoelectric figures of merit. The efficiency of a Peltier device is determined by its figure of merit, which is a measure of the device's ability to convert electrical energy into heat transfer. The higher the figure of merit, the more efficient the device.

Peltier devices are used in a variety of applications, including refrigeration, temperature control, and power generation. They are particularly useful in applications where a small, lightweight, and reliable heat pump is required. However, they are generally less efficient than traditional refrigeration systems, and their use is often limited by the high cost of the materials used in their construction.