Thermoelectric Modules—Devices
The Peltier effect is
the basis for many modern day TE refrigeration devices
and the Seebeck effect is
the basis for TE power generation devices
(see Thermoelectric
Devices: Refrigeration and Power Generations With No Moving Parts). The versatility of TE materials is
illustrated in Fig. which
shows a diagram of a thermoelectric couple
composed of an n-type
(negative thermopower and electron carriers) and a p-type (positive thermopower
and hole carriers) semiconductor
material connected through metallic electrical contact pads.
Both refrigeration and power generation may be accomplished using the same
module as shown in Fig.
A TE module or device is built up of an array
of these couples, which are arranged electrically in series and thermally in
parallel. Thermoelectric energy
conversion utilizes the Peltier heat generated when an electric current is
passed through a thermoelectric material to provide a temperature
gradient with heat being absorbed on the cold side, transferred
through (or pumped by) the thermoelectric
materials and rejected at the sink, thus providing a
refrigeration capability. The advantages of TE solid state energy conversion
are compactness, quietness (no moving parts), and localized heating or cooling.
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