 A
Brief Introduction to Thermoelectrics
Thermoelectric coolers (TECs) are solid-state heat pumps
that utilize the Peltier effect. During operation, DC current
flows through the TEC, resulting in heat being transferred
from one side of the TEC to the other, creating a cold and
hot side. A single-stage TEC can achieve temperature differences
up to 70°C, or can transfer heat at a rate of 138W.
To achieve greater temperature differences (up to 131°C)
select a multistage (cascade) TEC. To increase the amount
of heat transferred, the TEC’s modular design allows
the use of multiple TECs mounted side-by-side.
Benefits of MELCOR TECs
The special combination of benefits attained by TECs makes
them the only effective solution for certain applications:
• Precision temperature control capability
• Quick and economical cooling to below ambient
• Reduced space, size and weight
• Reliable solid-state operation – no sound
or vibration (lifetimes of more than 200,000 hours!)
• Virtually no electrical noise
• DC operation
• Heating or cooling by changing direction of current
flow
• Multistage cascades to below -100°C, standard
or designed to specifications
• Patented ThermaTEC™ cools at +225°C!
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In
1959, scientists from the world-famous RCA (Sarnoff) Research
Laboratories founded Materials Electronics Products Corporation,
now known as MELCOR. They were pioneers in developing the
first commercially available thermoelectric cooler. Today,
Melcor offers a broad range of thermoelectric products and
solutions. We specialize in quality, cost-effective standard
products and custom system designs. Melcor’s products
are prominent in Telecom, Military, Medical, Photonics and
Commercial applications.
