How to Cool Thermoelectric Cooling Modules

Thermoelectric modules utilize the Peltier effect to generate a heat differential between the two plates of the module when direct current (DC) is passed between them. With one side of the module becoming hot and the other cold, no moving parts and only a small amount of current required, these modules have found uses in many areas. The hotter one side of the module gets, the colder the other gets. The faster you can remove the heat generated on the hot side, the more efficient and colder the opposite side becomes.

Thermoelctric cooling module
DC power supply
Neoprene padded sheet
Scissors
Fan
Copper bottom pot and water
Aluminum heat sink

Instructions

- 1
  Mount the module with the cold side placed against the surface that requires cooling.
- 2
  Cut out a sheet of neoprene padding to fit snugly around the module. This will help to insulate and isolate the two temperatures from negatively affecting each other. The padding should be flush with the surfaces of the module without contacting either flat side.
- 3
  Connect the DC power supply matching the module's design parameters.
- 4
  Mount an aluminum heat sink to the hot side of the module with the fins radiating outward. Turn a separate electric fan on. Direct the airflow over the hot side of the module. The fan will remove heat through convection over the fins of the heat sink, lowering its temperature and therefore maintaining the temperature differential. This will further lower the temperature of the cooling side.
- 5
  Place a pot of water over the hot side. If the module is oriented so that the hot side is directed upward, place a pot made of a good conducting material (such as copper) filled with cool water over it. The heat generated from the TEC (Thermo Electric Cooler) will be dissipated into the water. This also will remove heat in the same fashion as the fan but without further electrical expenditure.

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