Simulation and experimental test of a novel separately-configured thermoelectric cooler

The thermoelectric cooler (TEC), as a solid-state refrigerator, has applications in aerospace, electronics and other fields which have demands on thermal management. Compared with other refrigerators, TEC is gaining more and more attention due to its compact structure, having no liquid components, non-pollution operation and longer lifespan. This research paper has investigated a novel separately-configured thermoelectric cooler which splits the hot and cold sides of the micro-TECs using copper connecting wire between the two sides, and corresponding performance tests were conducted via experiment. As a result, the research will provide useful information for the TEC geometry optimization enabling achievement of the enhanced cooling performance of the TECs.