Thermoelectric coolers

A thermoelectric (TE) module, also called a thermoelectric cooler or Peltier cooler, is a semiconductor-based electronic component that functions as a small heat pump. By applying a low voltage DC power to a TE module, heat will be moved through the module from one side to the other. One module face, therefore, will be cooled while the opposite face is simultaneously heated. It is important to note that this phenomenon may be reversed whereby a change in the polarity (plus and minus) of the applied DC voltage will cause heat to be moved in the opposite direction. Consequently, a thermoelectric module may be used for both heating and cooling therefore making it highly suitable for precise temperature control applications. A thermoelectric module can also be used for power generation. In this mode, a temperature differential applied across the module will generate a current.