How does a TEC work?
Very simply, a TEC consists of a number of p- and n-type pairs (couples) connected electrically in series and sandwiched between two ceramic plates. When connected to a DC power source, current causes heat to move from one side of the TEC to the other. Naturally, this creates a hot side and a cold side on the TEC. A typical application exposes the cold side of the TEC to the object or substance to be cooled and the hot side to a heatsink which dissapates the heat to the environment. A heat exchanger with forced air or liquid may be required. (As clever as TECs are, they can’t eat heat – only move it!
