Experimental study of the energy characteristics of thermoelectric modules for optoelectronic device cooling

Аuthors

Vorobyov D. V., D. ^*

Moscow Power Engineering Institute (National Research University), 14, Krasnokazarmennaja St., Moscow, 111250, Russia

*e-mail: MakarovPG@mpei.ru

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the energy characteristics of thermoelectric modules (TEMs) with different maximum cooling capacities (Qmax) and various ceramic substrate configurations. The research focuses on evaluating the coefficient of performance (COP) of TEMs under various operating conditions and thermal loads, which are critical for thermal stabilization of optoelectronic devices. The influence of ceramic substrate material (Al₂O₃ and AlN) and its thickness on the thermal resistance and energy efficiency of the modules is investigated.

The first part of the study examines the dependence of COP on the temperature difference across the TEM (ΔT) at a fixed thermal load. It is shown that modules with a higher Qmax demonstrate greater COP at small ΔT due to lower operating currents and, consequently, lower Joule losses. However, as the temperature difference increases, the COP of these modules decreases due to rising conductive and Joule losses. In contrast, TEMs with lower Qmax operate more efficiently at higher ΔT values, where their working point approaches optimal load conditions. Therefore, selecting a TEM whose Qc/Qmax ratio matches the intended ΔT is crucial for maximizing COP.

In the second part of the study, the COP was evaluated as a function of the applied thermal load at a fixed ΔT. It was found that TEMs with lower Qmax have higher COP at low heat loads but cannot maintain performance at high loads due to thermal saturation. Conversely, modules with higher Qmax maintain cooling capacity at larger thermal loads, albeit with reduced COP.

Further experiments focused on the impact of the ceramic substrates. Thermoelectric modules using thin AlN ceramic plates, characterized by high thermal conductivity, exhibited the best COP values and stable operation across a wide range of ΔT and heat loads. Modules with thick Al₂O₃ substrates showed significantly higher thermal resistance, resulting in lower COP and, in some cases, inability to maintain the desired cooling performance.

The study highlights that optimal COP can be achieved only through comprehensive optimization of Qmax selection, ceramic substrate design, and operating conditions. The results form the basis for practical recommendations for selecting TEMs in optoelectronic cooling systems, where compactness, thermal stability, and energy efficiency are critical.

Keywords:

Peltier effect, Peltier element, thermoelectric module, coefficient of performance, thermal resistance

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