Laird releases thermoelectrics application note

This application note is the second in a series of notes describing the role of Thermal Management in numerous market segments.

It compares and contrasts the two cooling technologies in order to provide the best solution for a climate-controlled enclosure application.

Comparisons of efficiency, reliability, control accuracy, as well as installation and maintenance, demonstrate that a thermoelectric solution has significant advantages over conventional compressors.

Air conditioners utilising Thermoelectric Assemblies (TEAs) are often considered as an alternative to conventional vapour-compression systems for enclosure cooling.

However, there is an inherent reluctance to choose the thermoelectric system due to preconceptions about energy efficiency and unfamiliarity with the technology.

A Thermoelectric Assembly (TEA) has considerable advantages over a comparably-sized, compressor-based solution in climate-controlled electronic enclosures.

It both cools and heats, offering more precise temperature control than a compressor-based unit, and it is more energy efficient throughout the temperature range of the application, by 25 to 95 per cent in cooling and up to 400 per cent in heating.

The TEA's solid-state construction provides advantages in reliability, installation, vibration, and maintenance.

Additionally, it's smaller size and weight allows easier mounting and occupies less space than a compressor-based unit.

Because it operates on DC power, a TEA can be used globally regardless of available AC line voltage and frequency.