This document discusses key parameters of thermoelectric coolers (TECs) such as maximum temperature difference (dTmax), maximum heat pumping rate (Qmax), and how they are regulated by applied electrical current. TECs operate as heat pumps that transfer heat from a cold to a hot side. The maximum performance specifications are obtained without any external heat load, while in applications the operating point is between maximums depending on the heat load and percent of maximum current supplied.

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How does It work - TE Cooler Key Parameters
TE Cooler operates as a Heatpump. It transfers the Heat from Cold side to Hot Side and provides dT if required
P
P
P
P
P
P P
Thot
Tcold
Heat Absorbed
Heatsink
Heat dissipated
Object to be
cooled
dTmax Qmax Imax Umax
Max possible temperature
difference between Tcold and Thot
Max amount of Heat TEC
can pump from Cold Side
Power Supply Parameters
to get Max Performance values

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Understanding TE Cooler General Parameters, dTmax and Qmax
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Qmax
dTmax
TemperatureDifferencedT,K
0
Operating point
Application Heatload
dTmax for TEC is specified without Heatload. Qmax is specified at dT=0. The application point is in between.
Sample performance chart for a single-stage TEC type

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TEC is DC Current regulated Device
TEC Cold Side Temperature and Cooling Capacity in Application are regulated by applied electrical DC Current
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Application Heatload
Required dT 100% Imax
80% Imax
60% Imax
40% Imax
Temperature
DifferencedT,K
Qmax
Example values for 1-stage TEC in room conditions
dTmax