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Terms and definitions

Term Definition, if necessary Symbol Unit
TE module (also Peltier module, TE cooler, TEC) A thermoelectric (TE) device based on the Peltier effect. This device consists of n-type and p-type semiconductor couples (pellets) sandwiched between ceramic substrates
TE module system A TE module mounted on a header and, possibly, a heat sink
Ambient temperature T a К
Cold side temperature Temperature of a TE module cold substrate external surface T cold K
Hot side temperature Temperature of a TE module (TE module system) hot substrate external surface T hot K
Temperature difference The difference of the values Thot and T cold for a TE module (TE module system) at the specified Thot ΔT К
Cooling capacity A heat amount possible to be pumped from a TE module cold side per time unit. Q W
Heat load A heat amount supposed to be pumped by a TE module per time unit. It should equal Q.
Active heat load A heat load to be pumped directly from the object to be cooled Q a W
Passive heat load A heat load due to the heat interchange with the ambient, thermal radiation and thermal conduction accompanying processes Q pas W
TE module electric current I A
TE module electric voltage U V
TE module electric power Electric power consumed by a TE module P W
Heat to be rejected A heat amount to be transferred from the hot side of a TE module (TE module system) Qhot W
Coefficient of Performance TE module cooling efficiency in the operation mode. It is calculated as the cooling capacity Q divided by the power input P. COP 1
TE module electric resistance AC resistance at a specified temperature Ta R Ohm
Maximum temperature difference Maximal achievable TE module (TE module system) temperature difference at the zero TE module heat load Q=0. ΔTmax K
Maximum electric current Current at which ΔTmax is achieved. Imax A
Maximum cooling capacity Maximal possible TE module cooling capacity at the zero TE module (TE module system) temperature difference ΔT=0 and I=Imax. Qmax W
Maximum voltage TE module voltage at ΔT=ΔTmax and I=Imax. Umax V
Time constant of TE module The time during which TE module temperature difference ΔT grows from 0 to 0.63 ΔTst (ΔTst is steady state ΔT value) at electric current turned on. τ s
Optimal mode TE module mode of achieving a needed ΔT at which COP is at maximum (power consumption is minimal)
Optimal current TE module current in the optimal mode Iopt А
Optimal voltage TE module voltage in the optimal mode Uopt V
Optimal power TE module electric power in the optimal mode Popt W
Optimal cooling capacity TE module cooling capacity in the optimal mode Qopt W
TE module height H mm
TE module cold surface AxB mm2
TE module hot surface CxD mm2
Header (also package) A design interface between the TE module hot side and heat sink providing a housing for the module and pin-out.
Thermal resistance The value characterizing temperature gradient on an interface due to the heat flux Q and equals this gradient divided by Q. Rt K/W
Reliability of TE module The property of a TE module to maintain the values of all the parameters over time, characterizing the ability of the TE module to perform the required functions in specified modes, conditions of use, technical maintenance, storage and transportation.