Examination of the Cooling Performance of a Two-Stage Thermoelectric Cooler Considering the Thomson Effect

Abstract

The cooling performance of two-stage thermoelectric coolers test modules for different types (serial, parallel, and separate) are examined in this study. Thomson heat is taken into account in order to discuss its effect on temperature prediction and the internal heat transfer mechanism. Three different Seebeck coefficient models (constant Seebeck model, quadratic polynomial Seebeck model, and log-linear Seebeck model) are examined through experimental investigation and numerical simulation for suitability and accuracy. Results show that the best Seebeck coefficient model is the quadratic polynomial Seebeck model (PSM). Thomson heat can enhance the cooling performance of thermoelectric cooler under specific conditions.

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the support of the National Science Council of Taiwan (project number NSC 98-2221-E-006-172).

Notes

*.

c ₀, c ₁, and c ₂ are constants.