The Reliability of Thermoelectric Coolers

Time : Jun 15 2015Source :analogtechnologies Author : Analog Click :
Since the TEC module structure is constructed in a solid state, it's common to regard it as having high reliability. In most applications, TECs can provide long term fault-free services. At present, in many practical applications, the service life of TECs exceeds 20 years, longer than other relative devices. However, failure rate is closely related to the application environment, so it's difficult to achieve detailed reliability of TEC modules. For some stable cooling applications, a stable and continuous power supply is connected to TEC modules, in which condition the reliability of TECs will be very high. MTBFs are less than 2000,000 hours, which is seen as industrial standard. On the other hand, in the application of thermal cycling, MTBFs will be largely shortened, especially when the TEC increases to a high temperature in thermal cycling process. 

Generally, it's hard to publish the reliability data of TEC modules, that's because in practical application, many application conditions and operation parameters will affect final result. Therefore, reliability data is effective for the applications similar the testing condition, and not for other applications. It will largely affect failure rate, such as installation and soldering techniques, power supply and temperature control system and relative technology, temperature control, when combined with external environment. 

To be continued...

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