Peltier cooling

Thermoelectric Peltier elements are used as heat pumps for cooling and precise temperature regulation in many industries. In the consumer goods sector, thermoelectric heat pumps are traditionally found in niche products such as camping or wine coolers. However, they are also used for energy-efficient temperature regulation in car seats and for intelligent, individualized interior climate control. Peltier elements regulate the temperature of sensitive electronic components such as lasers, LEDs or CPUs and are widely used in medical and biotechnology, for example for the amplification of DNA (PCR).

The technology is characterized by short response times, high temperature stability and a wide temperature range, making it interesting for applications such as local mold cooling. Peltier elements are maintenance-free, operate noiselessly and without vibration. To make optimum use of the modules, thermal coupling within the system plays a decisive role.

We have been conducting research in the field of thermoelectric generators and Peltier elements for more than 20 years. Our research focuses on material and module development, measurement technology for thermoelectric systems and simulation-based component design. For our customers, we develop, build, and characterize specific system solutions – from prototype to implementation.

In various projects, the broad use of Peltier-based systems in the consumer products and industrial sectors could be demonstrated. Furthermore, concepts for various applications have been developed and partly set up as demonstrator systems:

  • Modeling and construction of a thermoelectric refrigerator
  • Peltier elements for precise temperature control in industrial plants
  • Use of Peltier elements in mobile applications
  • Precise temperature control of pipes

Project

Spin-TEC

Thermoelectric temperature control for motor spindle in high-precision machine tools

Project

HochPerForm

Extremely compact and fast actuators based on shape-memory alloys

Expertise

Peltier systems

Fraunhofer IPM draws on over 20 years of experience in the field of thermoelectric generators and Peltier elements.