■Summary
Peltier elements require a heat dissipation structure on the heat dissipation side to take full advantage of their performance. Peltier devices are known as "electronic cooling devices." It's not a mistake, but if you want to accurately describe its specifications, it might be better to call it a "thermal transfer plate."
In other words, it's the same kind of thing as a "heat pipe." However, by using a temperature sensor to control the temperature by turning the voltage ON/OFF and maintaining a desired temperature, and by reversing the polarity of the applied voltage (plus, minus), you can change the direction of movement, that is, the surface to be heated. It has the feature that the cooling surface can be reversed.
When using it for the first time, please be aware of the essence of this "heat transfer". In other words, the amount of heat of the element itself is "±0" (excluding the Joule heat of the element itself), and the amount of heat is not converted into other energy. Since it only moves heat, the transferred heat must be radiated away from the element by some method (heat sink and fan motor, water cooling, etc.). Therefore, in terms of efficiency, they are not very suitable as substitutes for heat sinks or fan motors.
■What are the best situations for using Peltier elements?
・When you want to hold the target at a desired temperature with high precision
・If you want to make the target temperature below (or above) the ambient temperature.
・When the response speed during heat cycle (cold→heat→cold...) is important. I think it will be etc.
■In addition, what is necessary to bring out the performance of the element at this time is
・The element and object are in surface contact.
・A power supply for driving the element is available. .
- There is space for the heat dissipation structure of the element. (If heat dissipation is neglected, the element may be damaged.) There are three points. After understanding the above points, please select the optimal element size when using a Peltier element.
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