A review on thermoelectric cooling modules: Installation design, performance and efficiency
Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling module (TECM) is defined as a solid-state heat pump and present advantages \n(for example, no moving parts and no harmful gasses) over other refrigeration technologies. However, \nto optimally use TECMs as high efficient heat pumps it is crucial to understand the factors that \ninfluence the performance and efficiency of these modules during the installation design phase. This \npaper therefore provides a review on the installation design phase of TECMs together with the factors \nthat influence the performance and efficiency during this phase. Information and a discussion on the \nhot and cold surface calculations, power supply calculations and heat sink calculations are provided in \nthis work. The performance of the TECMs is influenced by the Joule heating effect, temperature \ndifference over the TECMs and thermal conductance between the p-n junctions. The efficiency of the \nTECMs is influenced by the coefficient of performance (COP) and the method and type of control of the \nTECMs. These factors are discussed in detail. It is shown that the factors related to the performance \nand efficiency of the TECMs cannot be disregarded and must be taken into account during the \ninstallation design phase of the TECMs
DOI: 10.5897/srex12.001
Authors: Rupert Gouws, Houston Eilers
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2124127206