Thermic fluid coolers, also known as thermoelectric coolers or TECs, are solid-state devices that use the Peltier effect to transfer heat from one side to the other. They operate by passing a direct current (DC) through a material, which causes one side to become cooler and the other side to become hotter.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Peltier Effect:
The Peltier effect is a thermoelectric phenomenon where the flow of electric current through a material causes one side to absorb heat and become colder, while the other side emits heat and becomes hotter.
Thermoelectric Module:
A thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is typically made up of multiple thermoelectric modules connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel.
Operation:
When a DC current flows through the TEC, heat is transferred from one side (the cold side) to the other (the hot side).
Applications:
Thermoelectric coolers are used in various applications, including portable coolers, electronic cooling, and temperature regulation in small instruments.
Efficiency:
Thermoelectric coolers are known for their relatively low efficiency compared to traditional refrigeration systems, but their solid-state nature makes them suitable for applications where reliability and portability are important.
Key points about thermic fluid coolers:
No moving parts:
They consist of solid-state materials and do not have any moving parts like compressors or fans.
Solid-state:
This makes them reliable and durable.
Low efficiency:
They are not as efficient as traditional refrigeration systems but are suitable for specific applications.
Versatile applications:
They can be used for cooling, heating, and temperature regulation in various contexts.
Thermoelectric coolers are used for applications that require heat removal ranging from milliwatts to several thousand watts. They can be made for applications as small as a beverage cooler or as large as a submarine or railroad car.
An air cooler is a device that uses water and air to cool down a room or an area. It works on the principle of evaporation, which is the process of converting liquid water into vapor. When water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air and lowers its temperature.