Thermoelectric Cooling Application and Optimization: A Review

Abstract

Thermoelectric cooling is a type of solid-state, environmentally friendly cooling technology based on thermoelectric phenomenon. The thermoelectric cooling system has advantages over other refrigeration methods including small volume, simple structure, high reliability, rapid cooling, and simple operation. This study reviewed recent advances in thermoelectric cooling from two main aspects: thermoelectric cooling applications and performance optimization. In this study, developmental history, principle, characteristics, and research direction of thermoelectric cooling were briefly introduced. Next, thermoelectric cooling applications were summarized, including the application of thermoelectric refrigerators, thermoelectric air conditioning, heat dissipation of electronic devices, and a composite system,particularly for thermoelectric cooling using solar energy and other cooling systems in the composite system. Finally, to improve a thermoelectric cooling system’s performance, many optimization methods have been described, including the structure of a thermoelectric cooler, working parameters, and hot end heat exchangers. In addition, the research progress of pulse currents has been added to working parameters. It is expected that this study will be beneficial to thermoelectric cooling system application and optimization.

Keywords

• thermoelectric cooling
• performance optimization
• composite system
• heat dissipation
• pulse current