A Review of Thermoelectric Devices for Cooling Applications

Thermoelectric devices are solid-state devices. Semi-conductor thermoelectric power generation, based on the Seebeck effect, and semi-conductor thermoelectric cooling, based on the Peltier effect, have interesting capabilities compared to conventional power generation and cooling systems. The absence of moving components results in increase in reliability, a reduction in maintenance, and an increase of system life; the modularity allows for application in wide range without significant losses in performance; the absence of working fluid avoids environmental dangerous leakages; and the noise reduction appears also to be an important feature. With the rapid development of techniques to make excellent semi-conductor materials the practical applications and theoretical investigations of the thermoelectric devices have come into focus. This article begins with a brief overview of thermoelectric technology, thermoelectric materials, thermoelectric module construction and operation. A review of recent developments in research, commercial development, and typical applications of thermoelectric devices is made. The article draws conclusions on the development and potential application of thermoelectric devices suitable for thermoelectric cooling.