Date 02/07/2016

Ferrotecs Thermoelectric Technical

Reference Guide
A thermoelectric (TE) cooler, also known as thermoelectric module or Peltier cooler,
functions as a small heat pump. Applying low voltage DC power source to TE module,
heat will move from one side to the other. One module face will be heated simultaneously
while the other one will be cooled.

A thermoelectric module is suitable for temperature control applications as it is used for

both cooling and heating. An example will be helpful in order to offer the new user with
the general concept of thermoelectric coolers capabilities. In a situation where a singlestage thermoelectric was maintained at room temperature and then, was placed on a heat
sink, and the module was either connected with a battery or DC power source, then the
cold side would cool down to -40C approx. The module would be pumping no heat at
this point. The same fundamental laws of thermodynamics govern both mechanical
refrigerators and thermoelectric coolers. Both refrigeration systems function in
accordance with the same principles. In mechanical refrigeration unit, the pressure of a
liquid is raised by a compressor and the refrigerant circulates through the system.

In a freezer area, the refrigerator boils and absorbs heat which further causes the freezer
to become cold. Then, the absorbed heat moves to the condenser and transferred to the
environment. In a thermoelectric cooling system, condenser is replaced by finned heat
sink, the liquid refrigerant is replaced by doped semiconductor, and DC power source
takes the place of the compressor.

DC power application to the thermoelectric module results in electrons to move via

semiconductor material.

Heat is absorbed, moved and expelled by the electron movement, at freezer side of
semiconductor material. The heat is passed to the heat sink and transferred to the
environment, as hot end of material is attached to a heat sink. Physical principles on
which thermoelectric coolers are based date back to 1800s, even though commercial TE
modules were unavailable until 1960.In 1821 German scientist, Thomas Seebeck,
discovered that an electric current would continuously flow in a closed circuit made of two

unlike metals if the junctions of the metals were controlled at two distinct temperatures.
He did not comprehend the scientific basis for his finding and assumed that the same
effect was produced by flowing heat as flowing electric current. While investigating the
Seebeck Effect, in 1834, Jean Peltier, found that there was an opposite phenomenon,
when an electric current flowed in the closed circuit, thermal energy could be absorbed
at one and released at the other junction.

20 years later, William Thomson gave a comprehensive description of the Seebeck

and Peltier Element. He explained their interrelationship. However, these phenomenons
at this point of time were still considered to be simple lab curiosities without practical
application. Russian scientists started studying in 1930s some earlier thermoelectric work
to build power generators at remote locations all over the country. This Russian interest
caught the attention of the world and inspired the practical thermoelectric modules
development. Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson Effects, with various other phenomena,
create the functional thermoelectric modules basis.Forfurther information visit
@ http://ferrotec-nord.com

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