What does a thermoelectric system offer over a compressor?
Thermoelectric coolers are solid state heat pumps which have no moving parts and do not require the use of harmful CFCs. Because they have no moving parts they are inherently reliable and require little or no maintenance. They are ideal for cooling devices that may be sensitive to mechanical vibration. Their compact size makes them well suited for applications that are space or weight limited such as portable or airborne equipment. The ability to use TECs to heat as well as cool is great for applications requiring temperature stabilization of a device over a wide ambient temperature range such as laser diodes.
