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Background
Background: News
Peltier Modules are thermocouples which are semiconductor-based electronic components that function as a small heat pump. By applying a DC Voltage to the module, heat will move through the module forcing one side to absorb heat and the other to expel heat. This process is called the Peltier Effect. The side of the module where heat is absorbed can record temperatures as low as -10C, while the side that expelled heat is very hot and should not be operated without a proper heat sink. The temperature of the hot side can reach up to 200F or 98C. When switching the polarity of the device, the heat pump traits will switch between both sides. To properly absorb heat from the Peltier module, a heat sink needs to be placed on the side that expelled heat. The max temperature difference between both the heat expelled and absorbed side is 65F. If two heat sinks with fans are attached to both sides of a powered Peltier module, then the Peltier module can disperse heat by allowing one fan to blow cool air on the hot side heat sink to help cool the module, and the other fan to disperse the cool temperature on the cold side heat sink into the desired area
Peltier Modules are cheaper compared to mechanical refrigeration systems but are not as advantageous. The system can be found in many Peltier Drink Coolers (non-dispensing coolers used to hold canned drinks or beers). These coolers can keep drinks colder than regular coolers by electrically pumping heat outside the box, while contemporary coolers try to hold its internal temperature as long as possible as the heat in the room attempts to seep in. Many YouTubers also have attempted to build “Mini-Fridges” using Styrofoam and one singular thermocouple setup. The internal temperature of some of these fridges can reach up to 32F. Regular active heat sink cooling (a heat sink with a fan to push heat out) can reach cold temperatures of 6C for Peltier module, but if one wanted to reach the max potential of heat expulsion, one could use a liquid cooling system to expel heat. Liquid cooling is a heat management system that uses a water block, radiator, fans in unison to achieve maximum cooling. Water is used in this cooling system because liquids absorb more heat than air. Using liquid cooling also allows for thin heat expelling systems and allow the heat to be dispersed in a separate location from the module.
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