Contents
Why is a heat sink important in a thermoelectric system?
A heat sink is an integral part of a thermoelectric cooling system and its importance to total system performance must be emphasized. Since all operational characteristics of TE devices are related to heat sink temperature, heat sink selection and design should be considered carefully.
What should the temperature of a heat sink be?
A heat sink temperature rise of 5 to 15°C above ambient (or cooling fluid) is typical for many thermoelectric applications. Several types of heat sinks are available including natural convection, forced convection, and liquid-cooled.
How is a thermoelectric cooler a heat pump?
5.1 Rather than being a heat absorber that consumes heat by magic, a thermoelectric cooler is a heat pump which moves heat from one location to another. When electric power is applied to a TE module, one face becomes cold while the other is heated.
Do you have to take heat loss into account when using a heat sink?
Note that when combining thermoelectric cooling modules and heat sinks into a total thermal system, it normally is NOT necessary to take into account heat loss or temperature rise at the module to heat sink junctions.
Most performance graphs are standardized at a heat sink temperature (Th) of +50°C and the resultant data is usable over a range of approximately 40°C to 60°C with only a slight error. Upon request, we can supply module performance graphs referenced to any temperature within a range of -80°C to +200°C.
How to choose a module for a thermoelectric?
To begin the design process we must first evaluate the heat sink and make an estimate of the worst-case module hot side temperature (Th). For the TE cooler chosen, the maximum input power (Pin) can be determined from Figure (9.5) at point A.
How to calculate the output of a thermoelectric generator?
While you know that there must be errors in your method, there are two result that make this clear. Power in = 5.29V x 0.93 A ~= 5 Watts but calculated output = 71 Watts. So you have a ‘COP’of 71/5 = 14+. Nice if you manage it. But, alas, you can’t.