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■About Peltier Modules
Peltier modules are semi-conductor elements which allow cooling, heating and temperature regulation through direct current electricity. By putting a direct current through a peltier module, the following capabilities are achieved: |
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●A temperature difference develops on the sides of the unit.
●The low temperature side absorbs heat, and the high temperature side radiates heat, transferring heat from the low to the high temperature side of the peltier module. In other words, it serves as a heat pump.
●By simply changing the polarity of the current, the direction of heat flow can be changed, and further, by altering the size of the current it is possible to change the amount of heat transfer.
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This is a simple method of cooling, heating and temperature control.
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■Evolution of Peltier Modules.
The Peltier Effect was discovered more than 170 years ago, (1834) and was established theoretically in the early 1900's, but since metal was used for materials, the efficiency of heat transfer was low, and had almost no practical applications. It came to be applied to thermoelectronic cooling in the late 1950's after semi-conductors were used as materials, and the provision of high electrical conductivity with low heat conductivity from thermoelectric cooling devices became possible. |
■The Principles of Peltier Modules:
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■Features of Thermoelectric Cooling
Compared with standard designs using refrigeration cycles with compressors and cooling mediums (such as CFC's), thermoelectric cooling possesses the following traits: |
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●There is no environmental damage since no cooling medium such as CFC's is used.
●Small and lightweight.
●Free choice of configuration.
●By simply changing the current polarity, heating is possible in addition to cooling.
●Since cooling and heating are both possible, it is also possible to regulate tempuratures close to room temperature.
●Good responsiveness to heat. (Quickly heats or cools.)
●Since there are no moving parts, there is no vibration or noise.
●Since there are no fatiguing or breaking machine parts it is the most long-lasting, reliable method of cooling.
●With only a power cord, it is easy to handle.
●There is no worry of coolant gas leakage or corrosive gas leakage, meaning that maintenance is easy. |
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