What is the best way to power and control a TEC?
Thermoelectric coolers require smooth dc current for optimum operation. A ripple factor of less than 10% will result in less than 1% degradation in delta T. Voltage or current limiting should be used in order to ensure that Imax for the TEC is not exceeded. A bipolar power supply is required for those applications requiring both heating and cooling. Pulse width modulation may be used at frequencies above 1 kHz. Linear proportional, PI or PID control can also be used. Marlow does not recommend ON/OFF control. While this is the simplest control technique, temperature cycling within the TEC as power is cycled from full ON to full OFF may result in premature failure.
