How to select a proper TEC in thermal system

To select a proper TEC module in a specified application, we need to evaluate the whole system, including electronics, mechanics and other requirements.

Before selecting thermoelectric cooler, the designer needs to answer the following questions:

1. What's the target temperature that the object is expected to keep?

2. How much heat will be transferred from the object.

3. Is thermal response time important for you? If so, how long will the object temperature change after DC power is on?

4. What's the expected ambient temperature? Will the ambient temperature have obvious changes when the device is running?

5. How much heat will be lost through conduction, convection and radiation?

6. How much space will be provided for the TECs and heat sink?

7. What type of power supply will be used in the system?

8. Does it need to control the temperature of the object? If so, what's the control accuracy?

9. When the device is running, what's the appoximate temperature of the heat sink? If the ambient temperature changes, will the heat sink temperature change with it obviously?

For sure, every application comes with specific requirements, with different importance. Since many threshold requirements cannot be changed, the designers shall select proper components and operation parameters so that a fully reliable cooling system can be achieved.

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