What is Thermoelectric Cooling?
Thermoelectric cooling (TEC) is the external temperature effect caused by current flowing through two distinct circuits or transistors; heat is released at one junction and a cooling effect at the other, resulting in a thermal gradient. This may be used to move heat from one medium to another.
Uses of Thermoelectric Coolers:
The most common use is small wine cooler freezers, 12V coolers, electronics for CPU cooling, and thermoelectric fridges. We find this technology in laboratories to cool biological analysis solutions or hospitals to transport organs; for example, other more specialized fields use the Peltier effect, such as aeronautics, astronomy, and space to cool cameras onboard electronic systems.
The military industry widely uses this type of cooling, particularly for infrared guidance systems for missiles.
This space-saving and quiet cooling method find many practical applications in the chemical and food industry. Thanks to good insulation, food, and drinks can be stored in a thermoelectric cool box without any problems and are kept cool for a few hours even when the electronics are not running.
Due to its comparatively small size, the thermoelectric cool box is a perfect travel cool box. Very high-quality models create a temperature difference of up to 30 degrees below the outside temperature. Absorption and compressor coolers are more suitable for long-term and stable operation, as they have a much higher filling volume and run quieter.
Is Thermoelectric Cooling Good for You?
To answer this question, here are some pros and cons of thermoelectric cooling:
Advantages of a Thermoelectric Cooling System:
- Compact and economical.
- No refrigerant required, environmentally friendly.
- No vibrations. This is very important for wine preservation.
- After the move, the wine refrigerator can be connected after a few moments.
- Low maintenance and long service life.
- It can cool and heat, and it is convenient to keep food warm.
- Sturdy and can take a lot.
- Has a 230 volt and a 12-volt connection. Therefore, it can be connected at the campsite and home and in the car.
- Well insulated. When you switch off your cooler, the drinks and food stay cold (or warm) for a long time.
- Small and light, which makes the cool box easy to carry.
- The purchase price is relatively cheap.
- Depending on the model, a thermoelectric cooler can achieve a cooling capacity of up to 30 degrees below the ambient temperature, with most only cooling up to 20°C.
Disadvantages of a Thermoelectric Cooling System:
- Consumes slightly more energy than compressor cooling;
- Cools max. 15-18 degrees relative to ambient temperature.
- Not suitable for installation. The substructure is possible with sufficient ventilation.
- Not practical in warm countries, as the cool box can only cool to about 20 degrees below the ambient temperature.
- Does not cool quickly, so it is advisable to pre-chill drinks.
- Not silent; you can hear the fan.
Final Thoughts:
A thermoelectric cooler is cheaper to buy and maintain than a compressor or absorber cooler and is ideal for occasional trips or short vacations.
In addition, thermoelectric coolers offer several advantages over other types of cool boxes: It is much more compact and therefore easy to transport, maintenance-free due to the lack of mechanical parts, they can be used in any position, and can be used with a 12 V connection in the car.
In light of the preceding discussion, thermoelectric coolers are generally considered good for us compared to alternative options.