Evaluation of the TEC1-12706 device's performance for the development of a portable Peltier thermoelectric cooler box.
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT This study examines the operating performance of a Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) device by analysing critical relationships, including current, cooling power, coefficient of performance, and thermal management. Experimental data highlight major trade-offs associated with TEC technology. The Coefficient of Performance (COP) has a fast, inverse relationship with current, decreasing from its peak (over 2.1) at low currents (≈ 1.0 A) due to the quadratic dominance of Joule heating in the input power. While cooling power (QC) grows with current, the rate of increase slows, indicating that QC is approaching its maximum capacity as the linear Peltier effect is progressively negated by nonlinear resistive losses. To achieve the maximum temperature difference (ΔT = 40 °C), a large increase in current flowed through the device, as well as robust hot-side thermal management, as indicated by the rise in TH corresponding to a lower TC. This device can be utilised in a portable cooler box for solid state refrigeration due to its high temperature difference and cold side temperature being below zero degrees. Keywords: Thermoelectric cooler (TEC), cooling power, Peltier effect, coefficient of performance (COP), LiFePO4.
Author: Collins Ebiyibo Ouserigha, Godwin E. Ogobiri and Ayoro Ebimobowei Lucky
Institution: Niger Delta University
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7107861087