Technology & Services

Thermoelectric Cooling Modules

a report by
G Gromov

RMT Ltd

Introduction contact temperature. The common way of

presenting the Peltier coefficient is the following:
Although thermoelectric (TE) phenomena were
discovered more than 150 years ago, thermoelectric P = α.T
devices (TE modules) have only been applied
commercially during recent decades. For some time, Here, α is the Seebeck coefficient defined by both
commercial TEs have been developing in parallel contacting materials, properties and their temperature.
with two mainstream directions of technical progress T is the junction temperature in Kelvins.
– electronics and photonics, particularly opto-
electronics and laser techniques. Thermoelectric Module Construction

Lately, a dramatic increase in the application of TE A TE module is a device composed of thermoelectric

solutions in optoelectronic devices has been couples (n and p-type semiconductor legs) that are
observed, such as diode lasers, photodetectors, solid- connected electrically in series, in parallel thermally
state pumped lasers, charge-coupled devices (CCDs) and, fixed by soldering, sandwiched between two
and others. ceramic plates. The latter form the hot and cold
thermoelectric cooler (TEC) sides. The configuration
The progress in applications is provided by advantages of TE modules is shown in Figures 2 and 3.
of TE modules – they are solid state, have no moving
parts and are miniature, highly reliable and flexible in Commonly, a TE module consists of the following
design to meet particular requirements. parts.

History • Regular matrix of TE elements – pellets. Usually,

such semiconductors as bismuth telluride,
The effect of heating or cooling at the junctions of antimony telluride or their solid solutions are
two different conductors exposed to the current was used. The semiconductors are the best among the
named in honour of the French watchmaker Jean known materials due to a complex optimal TE
Peltier (1785–1845) who discovered it in 1834. performance and technological properties.

It was found that if a current passes through the • Ceramic plates – cold and warm (and intermediate
contacts of two dissimilar conductors in a circuit, a for multi-stage modules) ceramic layers of a
temperature differential appears between them. module. The plates provide mechanical integrity
This briefly described phenomenon is the basis of of a TE module. They must satisfy strict
thermoelectricity and is applied actively requirements of electrical insulation from an
in the so-called thermoelectric cooling modules object to be cooled and the heat sink. The plates
(see Figure 1). must have good thermal conductance to provide
heat transfer with minimal resistance.
In contrast to the Joule heating, which is
proportional to the square of the current (Q=RI 2), The aluminum oxide (Al2O3) ceramics are used
the Peltier heat (Q p) varies as a linear function of the most widely due to the optimal cost/performance
current and changes its sign with it: ratio and developed processing technique. Other
ceramics, such as aluminium nitride (AlN) and
Q p= P . q beryllium oxide (BeO), are also used. They
have much better thermal conductance – five to
where q is the charge that passes through the junction seven times more than Al2O3 – but both are
(q=I·t); P is the Peltier coefficient, whose value more expensive. In addition, BeO technology
depends on the contacting materials’ nature and the is poisonous. 1

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Figure 1: Simplified Scheme of TE Module and the Temperature Differential • Electric conductors provide serial electric
Along It contacting of pellets with each other and contacts
to leading wires. For most of the low-power
modules, the conductors are made as thin films
(mutilayer structure containing copper (Cu) as a
conductor) deposited onto ceramic plates. For
high-power modules, they are made from Cu tabs
to reduce resistance.

• Solders provide assembling of the TE module.

The solders used include antimony-tin and lid-tin
alloys. The solders must provide good assembling
of the TE module. The melting point of a solder
is the limiting factor of operation temperature of
the module. For long lifetime module, operation
temperature must be lower than the solder’s
melting point as much as possible.

Figure 2: Single-stage Module Construction • Leading wires are connected to the ending
conductors and deliver power from a direct
current (DC) electrical source.

A single-stage module consists of one matrix of pellets

and a pair of cold and warm sides (see Figure 2). A
multi-stage module can be viewed as two (see Figure 3)
or more single stages stacked on top of each other.1
The construction of a multi-stage module is usually of
a pyramidal type – each lower stage is bigger than the
upper stage. Once the top stage is used for cooling,
the lower stage requires greater cooling capacity to
pump heat that is dissipated from the upper stage.

Performance

TE modules can be characterised by maximal

performance parameters with a hot junction
temperature (T1). Usually, they are listed in standard
Figure 3: Two-stage Module Construction specifications of a module:

∆Tmax – maximal temperature difference along the

module at no heat load Q=0

Qmax – the cooling capacity corresponding to

∆Tmax =0

Imax – the device current at ∆Tmax

Umax – the terminal voltage for Imax with no heat

load

All of the performance parameters are in an

interdependent relationship with each other.

The correct analysis of a TEC operation in the real

application could be carried out using performance
plots, which are the results of the interdependence
between them.

2 1. L I Anatychuk, Thermoelements and Thermoelectrical Devices, p.151, Kiev, 1979.

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 Thermoelectric Cooling Modules
Figure 4: Example of Maximum Performance Plots

Maximum Performance Plots α2

Z = kR
The basic performance plots indicate the inter-
dependent relationship between Imax, Umax, Qmax and The parameter Z is usually referred to as figure-of-
–3 –1
∆Tmax. The typical examples are shown in Figure 4. merit. The typical value of Z is 2.5 to 3.0 10 K .
The known value of Z allows estimating of ∆Tmax
Optimal Performance Plots of a single-stage TEC by the simple formula:

1
∆Tmax = 2 Z .T0
2
They are characteristics of TEC operation in the
maximum coefficient of performance2 (COP) mode.
The COP is defined as cooling capacity Q divided by where T0 is the sold side temperature. The typical
the consumed electric power. Typical examples are temperature dependence of Z and ∆Tmax vs Z is
shown in Figure 5. shown in Figure 6.

Figure-of-merit Reliability

There are more performance parameters that are Commercial TE modules provide long operation
usually not presented in standard specifications of lifetime in the range of 100,000 to 200,000 hours. It
commercial TE modules, but that play an important is the result of a highly developed technology of
role in a module characterisation. manufacturing and high-quality raw materials. In
many applications, TEC is a critical component
These parameters are the properties of pellet because it affects the temperature of the whole device
material (thermal conductance (k), electrical and can have an influence on its correct operation, as
resistance (R) and the Seebeck coefficient) well as an impact on heat dissipation. That is why
combined1,2 as follows: severe reliability test procedures3 are required.

2. A L Vayner, Thermoelectric Coolers, Moscow, 1983, pp. 30–35.

3. L G Stokholm, “Reliability of thermoelectric cooling systems”, Proceedings of Xth International Conference on
Thermoelectrics, Cardiff, UK, 1991, p. 228. 3

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Figure 5: Example of Optimal Performance Plots

Reliability Test Standards Controlling both the criteria is achievable in the

method of Z-metering 4, which is fast and quite
For these purposes, there are many national and accurate, realised by the test device Z-Meter. The
international test standards. They are unified for latter provides the measurement of the figure-of-
a range of electronic and optoelectronic device merit Z and therefore the ∆Tmax and alternating
qualifications. In the international market, Bellcore current resistance (AC R) measurement.
standards are the most common, namely,
GP–468–CORE (Reliability Assurance for Parameters Z and AC R are extremely sensitive to
Optoelectronic Devices). the TEC quality and to any failure. Any slight
changes in a module – destruction of pellets,
The minimal standard set of the test methods is: junctions, ceramics and so on – immediately result in
the noticeable change of Z (decrease) and AC R
• the mechanical shock test; (raise) against initial fixed values.
• the vibration test;
• the shear force test; Selection of TE Module for
• the high-temperature storage test; and an Application
• the temperature cycle endurance test.
Every specific application where a TE module is
Failure Criteria required is characterised by a set of operation
parameters and restrictions, which dictate the
The suggested failure criteria that are in practice for necessity of accurate selection of the optimal TEC
reliability tests are the following: type among a wide range of single and multi-stage
TECs. These parameters are:
• a drop in TEC maximum cooling capacity ∆Tmax
of below its specified rating; and • ∆T – operating temperature difference (at known
ambient Ta/hot junction Th temperatures);
• an increase in TEC resistance, usually of 5%
or higher. • Q – operating cooling capacity;

4. H H Woodbury, L M Levinson and R S Lewandowski, “Z-Meters”, CRC Handbook of Thermoelectrics, CRC

4 Press, Inc., 1995, pp. 181–189.

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 Thermoelectric Cooling Modules

• I – applied or available current; modelling of a concrete TE module behaviour in

particular operating conditions.
• U – terminal voltage; and
Examples of such software are now advised, for
• dimensional restrictions and others. example, by the firms Melcor, Kryotherm and RMT.

A user can make a rough but fast estimation of Application Tips

operating temperature difference and cooling
capacity as: In practice, the performance and operational lifetime
of TE modules depends considerably on many factors
∆T Q
Q = Qmax (1 – ∆Tmax ) and ∆T = ∆Tmax (1 – Q ) as follows.
max

A detailed analysis must be carried out with the help Mounting

of performance plots.
Mounting is the first procedure before any application
In Table 1, a list of typical commercial TE modules of a TE module (see Figure 8). The mounting method
is shown. A user can find that, concerning the and applied materials must provide good thermal
required temperature difference, the single-stage
TE modules provide ∆Tmax in a range of 65K to Figure 6: ∆T max as a Function of Figure-of-merit Z
72K, and two and more stage types can give more
(see Figure 7).

Among each group (single and multi-stage types),

there are modules with different cooling capacity Q.
When more power is required, the bigger
dimensions of the TE module can provide the
necessary heat pump.

If also considering the usual restrictions in the power

supply, the correct selection can become rather a
complicated task.

In order to accelerate and optimise this procedure,

most of the suppliers advise a kind of assistance. In
addition, some of them advise users about software
that allows them to search among TECs and decide
on the optimal choice using computer database
analysis of existing TE module types with detailed

Figure 7: Maximum Performance Parameters of Commercial TE Modules of RMT

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Figure 8: TE Module Mounted onto TO8 Header contacts and minimum heat resistance.

• Mechanical mounting – the TE module is placed

between two heat exchangers. This sandwich is
fixed by screws or in another mechanical way.

The advantage of fixing by screws lies in the

possibility to make a fast and easy disassembling if
required. It is suitable for large modules, for
example, with external surfaces measuring 30 x
30mm or more. Miniature types require different
assembling methods.

• Soldering – this is a universal method for most of

the miniature TE modules. This method involves
preparation of the TE module with metal-covered
Table 1: Typical Commercial TE modules (of RMT Ltd) outside surfaces (cold and warm sides). During
Model ∆Tmax ,K Qmax ,W Imax ,A Umax ,V soldering, a TE cooler is heated for a short time,
Single Stage but up to a high temperature. Therefore:
1MT 03-004-13 67 0.10 0.40 0.45
1MT 03-008-13 67 0.19 0.40 0.90 – the melting point of the outside solder must
1MT 03-012-13 67 0.29 0.40 1.35 always be lower than the internal solder of the
1MC 04-004-05 68 0.44 1.60 0.50 module; and
1MC 04-018-15 68 0.53 0.40 2.20
1MC 04-032-15 68 0.94 0.40 4.00 – soldering duration needs to be as short as
1MT 04-128-12 65 6.20 0.80 14.50 possible to reduce overheating time.
1MT 05-004-13 67 0.26 1.10 0.45
1MT 05-008-13 67 0.52 1.10 0.90 We do not recommend applying soldering for
1MT 05-032-13 67 2.10 1.10 3.60 TECs with linear dimensions of sides measuring
1MT 05-128-13 67 8.45 1.10 14.50 more than 15mm because of thermal stress.
1MC 06-008-15 73 0.72 1.30 1.00
1MC 06-012-15 73 1.08 1.30 1.50 • Gluing is used widely due to simplicity. Usually,
1MC 06-018-15 73 1.63 1.30 2.20 epoxy compounds filled with thermoconductive
1MC 06-032-15 73 2.89 1.30 3.90 material, such as graphite powder, silver, silicon
1MC 06-032-05 68 7.71 3.60 3.90 nitride (SiN) and others, are used.
1MC 06-060-05 68 14.40 3.60 7.30
1MT 06-128-13 67 12.50 1.60 14.50 However, there are general restrictions as follows.
1MT 07-004-13 67 0.50 2.00 0.45
Two Stage • Some epoxies have low operation temperatures,
2MC 06-015-15 98 0.38 1.00 1.30 making them unsuitable for high-temperature
2MC 06-039-15 102 0.85 1.10 3.60 TE modules.
2MC 06-077-15 100 1.82 1.10 7.00
2MC 06-077-05 93 4.80 2.90 7.00 • It is not a proper method for high-vacuum
2MC 10-009-15 101 0.58 3.00 0.80 applications because epoxy involves problems
2MC 10-019-20 103 0.90 2.30 1.80 with outgassing.
2MC 10-037-20 102 1.78 2.30 1.80
2MC 10-041-20 96 2.26 2.10 3.50 Power Supply
2MC 10-075-20 101 3.80 2.20 3.50
Three Stage The TE module is a DC device. Specified TE module
3MC 10-038-20 122 0.51 2.10 3.30 performance is valid if a DC power supply is used.
3MC 10-078-20 123 1.05 2.10 6.60
3MC 10-095-20 109 2.23 1.70 6.60 • Rippled DC power – in many cases, actual DC
3MC 06-046-15 115 0.42 0.90 3.50 power supply has a rippled output. This AC
3MC 06-080-15 122 0.50 1.00 6.70 component is detrimental. Degradation of TEC
3MC 06-080-05 114 1.31 2.60 6.70 performance due to the ripple (see Figure 9) can be
Four Stage approximated by:
4MC 06-105-15 125 0.43 0.80 6.80
4MC 10-089-20 132 0.52 1.80 6.50
∆T' max 1
∆Tmax = 1+ N 2 2
6 4MC 10-097-20 125 0.89 1.60 6.50

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 Thermoelectric Cooling Modules

Table 2: Manufacturers and Suppliers of Thermoelectric Cooling Modules

Fandis Italy Markets TE modules, heatsinks and fans and manufactures TE air conditioners. http://www.fandis-tm.com
Ferrotec America US Manufactures thermoelectric modules. Single and multi-stage units and http://www.ferrotec-america.com
silicone edge seal available.
HiTech Technologies US Manufactures thermoelectric modules. Temperature ranges from http://www.hitechtec.com
-150°C to +200°C.
Huayu China Manufactures thermoelectric modules. http://www.huayutec.com
Hui Mao Cooling China Manufactures thermoelectric modules, temperature ranges to +250°C and http://www.huimao.com
Equipment power to 200W.
Komatsu Electronics Japan Manufactures thermoelectric modules, controllers http://www.komatsu-electronics.co.jp
and cold and hot plates.
Kryotherm Russia Manufactures Peltier modules. Temperature range is -150°C to +80°C. http://www.kryotherm.spb.ru
Osterm Russia Manufactures thermoelectric modules. http://www.zts.com/osterm
Qinhuangdao Fulianjing China Manufactures TE modules. http://www.fulianjing.com
Electronic
RMT Ltd Russia Manufacturer of TE coolers, thermoelectric assemblies and test devices. http://www.rmtltd.ru
SCTB NORD Russia Manufacturer of TE coolers. http://www.sctbnord.com
SIREC srl Italy Manufactures thermoelectric modules. http://www.sirec-it.com
Supercool AB Sweden Markets TE modules. Manufactures thermoelectric assemblies, http://www.supercool.se
systems and temperature controllers.
Thermion Ukraine Manufactures thermoelectric cooler modules. http://www.zts.com/thermion
Marlow Industries US Manufactures single and multi-stage thermoelectric modules. http://www.marlow.com
Melcor US Single and multi-stage TE coolers (to 200°C), power supplies and http://www.melcor.com
temperature controllers.
Taihuaxing Trading/ China Manufacturer of thermoelectric cooling and power- http://www.sitechina.com/thermoelectric/home.html
Thermonamic Electronics generating modules.
TE Technology US Manufactures thermoelectric cooler modules, assemblies, http://www.tetech.com
temperature controllers and TE module test systems.
Tellurex US Manufactures thermoelectric heating and cooling modules. http://www.tellurex.com
ThermoElectric US Thermoelectric cooling for electronic enclosures, air conditioners, http://www.thermoelectric.com
Cooling America cold plates, liquid chillers and temperature controllers for Peltier devices.
ThermoLyte US Manufactures TE modules. http://shore.net/~temodule/tlyte.htm

where N = ripple amplitude around the average known American companies (Melcor and Marlow,
current. for example) who have been in the market for many
years and have maintained leading positions.
• Power modulation – in practice, pulse wide
modulation (PWM) is used widely. This method Another group consists of the Commonwealth of
is particularly unsuitable for a TEC as a power Independent States (CIS) companies – mainly Russian
source. It leads to degradation of TEC and Ukrainian. Most of them are young and started
performance (see Figure 10). only a decade ago but are based on a high TE
technology level and scientific basis from the former
∆T' max (1 + N ( 2 Q – 1))2 5–7
CIS’s TE scientific school , which started from Ioffe’s
∆Tmax = 1+ 2 N ( 2 Q – 1)+N 2
investigations. Most of the companies are experienced
Q, N = duty cycle and amplitude of modulation. in high-performance modules, such as miniature and
multi-stage, which meet the current photonics needs.
Manufacturers and Prices
Chinese companies are also relatively young. They
Although we have observed a fast rise in commercial have demonstrated a fast expansion in the TE market
applications of TE modules, only few tens of and dominate in low-cost types.
manufacturers operate in the world market. An
approximate list is shown in Table 2. Production of TE modules is also developing
rapidly in Japan and Europe. Some of these
Among the manufacturers and suppliers, we can companies are involved in co-operation with other
mention the very strong positions of a few well- leading manufacturers.

5. A F Ioffe, Semiconductor Materials, Moscow, 1960.

6. L S Stilbans, Semiconductor Thermocoolers, Leningrad, 1967.
7. G N Dulnev, Thermal Exchange in the Radioelectrical Devices, Leningrad, 1963. 7

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Figure 9: ∆T max as Function of Rippled Figure 10: ∆T max in Case of PWM Power Supply
Power Supply

It is very difficult to detail the prices of commercial TE

modules. Only powered modules, such as 40 x
40mm2 and 30 x 30mm2, are standard and produced Contact Information
by many manufacturers, so their prices can be
compared. However, there is a large nomenclature of RMT Ltd
TE modules for photonics. Every specialised supplier 53 Leninskij prosp.
advises a list of hundreds of types. For example, only Moscow 119991
RMT offers more than 400 standard TEC types. Russia

The leading manufacturing companies have been Tel: 095-132-6817

making great efforts to reduce the cost of TE Fax: 095-132-5870
modules during recent years. Further reductions of e-Mail: [email protected]
prices are predicted for the near future due to the Web: http://www.rmtltd.ru
increasing number of commercial TECs on the
market, as well as stronger competition. ■

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