This diagram of a MELCOR thermoelectric cooler (TEC) shows how our solid state air conditioners work, using the Peltier effect. The TEC is a series of P- and N-doped semiconductor material sandwiched between ceramic plates. The ceramic material adds rigidity and the necessary electrical insulation. The N-type material has a surplus of electrons, while the P-type has a deficit. The P-N pairs are arranged electrically in a series and thermally in parallel. As electrons move from P to N, the electrons absorb energy in the form of heat, creating a cold junction. As the electrons move from N to P, dropping to a lower energy state, they release the energy, creating a hot junction. This released heat, plus the Joule heat from the power supplied, is dissipated into the ambient environment by a heat sink.

This solid state heat pump effectively removes heat from electronics enclosures by a fan forcing the hot internal air (return air) through the TE cooled heat sinks, where the heat is removed, sending the cooled air (supply air) back into the cabinet. By reversing the polarity (direction of the current), the TE air conditioner can heat the enclosure when ambients are dangerously low. The benefits to you: reliable solid state operation, precision temperature control, simple installation and supply power flexibility – all in a compact design!