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The influence of the Thomson effect on the performance of a thermoelectric cooler.

Author(s) : HUANG M. J., YEN R. H., WANG A. B.

Type of article: Article

Summary

The temperature distribution of a thermoelectric cooler under the influence of the Thomson effect, Joule heating, Fourier's heat conduction, and the radiation and convective heat transfer was derived. The influence of the Thomson effect on the temperature profiles, on the fraction of Joule heat that flows back to the low-temperature side, and consequently on the maximum attainable temperature difference and the maximum allowable heat load are emphasized and explored. The results suggest that the cooling efficiency of a thermoelectric cooler can be improved not only by increasing the figure of merit of the thermoelectric materials but also by taking advantage of the Thomson effect. A possible development direction for the thermoelectric material is thus given.

Details

  • Original title: The influence of the Thomson effect on the performance of a thermoelectric cooler.
  • Record ID : 2005-1859
  • Languages: English
  • Source: International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer - vol. 48 - n. 2
  • Publication date: 2005/01

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