Thermoelectric Refrigeration Principles

Abstract

This chapter recalls the general principles and main formulations useful in the study of thermoelectric coolers. Starting from the general heat diffusion equation, analytical expressions are introduced for the determination of cooling capacity and rate of heat rejection in steady-state conditions. When dealing with the whole refrigeration system, the limits of the steady-state analysis of the individual thermoelectric elements are pointed out, indicating the need for transient analysis supported by experimental evaluations. Then, the energy indicators are illustrated by considering the electrical power consumption, the thermal performance described by the dimensionless figure of merit, as well as the coefficient of performance. Furthermore, the main methods to enhance the thermoelectric cooler performance in refrigeration units are highlighted, with reference to highperformance materials, design aspects and temperature control systems. Finally, indications are reported on some applications of various thermoelectric refrigeration solutions, considering the technical aspects of the performance of these systems.

Thermoelectric cooler performance enhancement using thermoelectric generators and their use as a single model to improve the performance of thermal battery management systems for electric vehicles

“…where rT = dT/dx is the temperature gradient along the conductor, AB is the Thomson coefficient in V/K, I is the voltage-supplied electric flow that is flowing across the circuit, and μ AB is the Thomson coefficient. The Thomson F I G U R E 3 Thermocouple's schematic for the Peltier and Thomson effects 29 coefficient's sign convention for heat absorption (conductor A) and heat loss (conductor B) is positive in Figure 3.…”

“…The cold side of TEC employs HPs to maintain T c at a consistent value during periods of peak and off-electricity demand. Two thermoelectric refrigerator prototypes are discussed in Reference [29], in one, a finned heat sink is present, and in the other, phase shift is caused by it being enclosed in an alloy thermosiphon. The thermosiphon is propelled as a result of the particular latent heat produced during the phase change from the condition of vapor to that of liquid, which is utilized to effectively disperse heat into the environment.…”

Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting: Basic Principles and Applications

“…• When the electrical energy is converted into thermal energy, the phenomenon is known as the Peltier effect, with applications in cooling and heating. The device used in such applications is called thermoelectric cooler (TEC) [11][12][13].…”

The status of refrigeration techniques for vaccine storage and transportation in low-income settings

“…The thermoelectric effect relies on heat transfer due to DC current going through an electrical junction [83]. While electrical junctions are made of two materials, conductors or semiconductors, semiconductors which form p-n type junctions exhibit a very strong thermoelectric effect.…”

“…While thermoelectric devices are mostly available in the market for niche applications [83], several prototypes have been built and studied for vaccine storage. For instance, Ohara et al [90] present the prototype of a small thermoelectric vaccine storage and transportation device, based on a modeling approach computing the optimum current and geometry.…”