Peltier Thermoelectric Cooler Modules Overview
Versatile Solid-State Heat Pumps for Cooling and Heating Applications
Peltier modules, also known as Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs), are solid-state devices that use the Peltier effect to transfer heat from one side of the module to the other when an electric current passes through. This allows them to create a temperature difference, making one side cold and the other hot, and reversing the polarity switches the hot and cold sides[citation:1][citation:5].
SolidState Operation No moving parts, vibration-free, and long lifespan (over 20 years) [citation:5]
Reversible Polarity - Can switch between cooling and heating by reversing current direction[citation:1]
Common Peltier Module Options and Specifications
Below is a list of common Peltier module models with their key specifications.
*TEC1-12706 (Popular Standard Model)*
- Size: 40x40x3.8mm
- Rated Voltage: 12V DC (Umax: 15V)
- Current (Imax): 5.8A
- Cooling Power (Qmax): 58-65W
- Max Temperature Difference (ΔTmax): >60-65°C[citation:6][citation:10]
*TEC1-12705*
- Description: Lower current version of the 12706 series[citation:7]
*TEC1-12715*
- Description: Higher power variant of the 12706 series[citation:7]
*MCTE119913LS*
- Size: 50x50x3.37mm
- Voltage: 24.1VDC
- Current (Imax): 13A
- Cooling Power: 200W
- ΔTmax: 68°C[citation:4]
*APH1611214E*
- Size: 40x40x3.7mm
- Voltage: 19.5VDC
- Current (Imax): 5.1A
- Cooling Power: 56.3W
- ΔTmax: 69°C[citation:12]
*TEC1-017 Series (Wellen Tech)[citation:3]*
| Model | Couples | Imax (A) | Umax (V) | Qcmax (W) | ΔTmax (°C) | Dimensions (mm) |
|---|
| TEC1-01703 | 017 | 3.2 | 2 | 3.81 | 66 | 15x15x5.2 |
| TEC1-01704 | 017 | 4 | 2 | 4.76 | 66 | 15x15x3.8 |
| TEC1-01706 | 017 | 6 | 2 | 7.2 | 66 | 15x15x3.8 |
| TEC1-01710 | 017 | 10 | 2 | 12.1 | 66 | 15x15x3.5 |
| TEC1-01720 | 017 | 20 | 2 | 24.2 | 66 | 20x20x3.4 |
| TEC1-01730 | 017 | 30 | 2 | 36.3 | 66 | 23x23x4.4 |
*ATE1 Series (Analog Technologies)[citation:11]*
| Model | Qmax (W) | Imax (A) | Vmax (V) | Size (mm) |
|---|
| ATE1171.9A | 2.8 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 9x9x3.8 |
| ATE1711.9A | 11.7 | 1.9 | 9 | 18x18x3.8 |
| ATE124110AS | 156 | 10 | 28.9 | 50x50x3.8 |
*Laird Thermal Systems PowerCool Series (Assemblies)[citation:8]*
- Range from 20W to 195W cooling capacity
- Voltage options: 12V, 24V, or 48V
- Compact form factors for enclosure cooling
*Ferrotec Modules[citation:9]*
- Customizable options available from ISO-certified manufacturer
- Used in medical, automotive, and industrial applications
Key Selection Considerations
The maximum current (Imax) influences module lifespan - higher currents can reduce lifetime due to thermal stress
For best efficiency, operate at approximately 50% of maximum voltage/current [citation:5]
Requires efficient heat dissipation - the hot side must be managed with a heat sink and fan, as total heat output = Qcmax + input power[citation:5]
Applications[citation:1][citation:5]
- Cooling electronics (CPU coolers, lasers)
- Portable refrigeration (mini-fridges, wine coolers)
- Medical and laboratory equipment (DNA amplification, diagnostic devices)
- Thermal imaging and sensors
- Wearable technology for body temperature regulation
- Energy harvesting as thermoelectric generators (Seebeck effect)
