Thermoelectric how does it work

The magnitude of the Seebeck coefficient S varies with material and temperature of operation. The Seebeck coefficient is thus defined as:. The negative sign comes from the negative charge of the electron, and the conventions of current flow.

A negative Seebeck coefficient results in electrons being the dominant charge carriers n-type , whereas holes are the dominant carrier p-type in materials with a positive Seebeck coefficient. The majority charge carriers are said to move away from the heated side toward the cooler side. Minority charge carriers move in the opposite direction, but at a slower rate due to phonon drag and charge carrier diffusion rates. Thus, both n-type and p-type materials are required to realize current flow in a device.

Things to remember about the Seebeck effect:. The Peltier effect was first discovered in by Jean C. Peltier , for whom it was named. Peltier discovered that whenever a circuit of two dissimilar materials passes current, heat is absorbed at one end of the junction and released at the other.

This is a linearly dependent and thermodynamically reversible process, unlike Joule heating which is irreversible and quadratic in nature mean. This process forms the basis for thermoelectric cooling and temperature control, these are currently the widest applications of thermoelectric devices.

However, applying a temperature differential the reverse process occurs, and current is caused to flow, thereby generating power. Thermoelectric coolers offer a myriad of benefits when traditional cooling methods are unsuited.

Additionally, thermoelectric coolers are environmentally safer than other cooling units in the market. Some benefits of using thermoelectric cooling in electronic devices include:. Additionally, coolers can dramatically improve customer electronic systems in the following problem areas:. Application 1 Thermocyclers One application of Thermocyclers is in aerospace and defense technologies.

Thermocyclers amplify segments of DNA by systematically raising and lowering the temperature of a block that holds the PCR reaction mixture. Custom Fit Car Mats. Corona Coolers. Michelin Coolers. Miller Lite Coolers. Molson Canadian Coolers. Home Bar Accessories. Pond Kits. Rain Barrels. Country CA UK. Thermoelectric cooling is not very efficient.

It is often only about 10 percent efficient, compared to normal refrigeration, which is in the 40 to 60 percent range. Normal refrigeration isn't practical for a cooler, since it is heavy, bulky and overpowered. But the thermoelectric cooler doesn't have to do that much.

The refrigerator is insulated, so not much heat leaks in. It is also quite small, so it takes much less energy to cool than a refrigerator.