1 Answer
The principle of the Peltier device is based on the **Peltier effect**, which is the phenomenon where heat is either absorbed or released when an electric current passes through the junction of two different conductors or semiconductors.
Here’s how it works:
1. **Current Flow**: When an electric current flows through the junction of two different materials (usually two semiconductors like n-type and p-type), one side of the junction absorbs heat, while the other side releases heat.
2. **Absorption and Release of Heat**: The side where heat is absorbed becomes cooler, and the side where heat is released becomes hotter. This creates a temperature difference between the two sides of the device.
3. **Cooling Effect**: The cool side can be used for refrigeration or cooling purposes, and the hot side needs to be dissipated to prevent the device from overheating.
The Peltier device is commonly used in small-scale cooling applications, like cooling electronic components or in portable coolers. The key to its function is the transfer of heat between the two materials due to the current, creating a cooling effect on one side and heating on the other.
Here’s how it works:
1. **Current Flow**: When an electric current flows through the junction of two different materials (usually two semiconductors like n-type and p-type), one side of the junction absorbs heat, while the other side releases heat.
2. **Absorption and Release of Heat**: The side where heat is absorbed becomes cooler, and the side where heat is released becomes hotter. This creates a temperature difference between the two sides of the device.
3. **Cooling Effect**: The cool side can be used for refrigeration or cooling purposes, and the hot side needs to be dissipated to prevent the device from overheating.
The Peltier device is commonly used in small-scale cooling applications, like cooling electronic components or in portable coolers. The key to its function is the transfer of heat between the two materials due to the current, creating a cooling effect on one side and heating on the other.