Hello everyone, I am currently setting up a measurement platform to evaluate the pyroelectric properties of thin-film materials using a dynamic AC method and need some advice on selecting the right Thermoelectric Cooler (Peltier module). I recently purchased a few standard generic modules from a local electronics store, specifically the TEC1-12708, TEC1-12706, and TEC1-7103, which you can see in the attached photo of the packaging. I am driving these modules with a 0.1 Hz sine wave at a 10V amplitude using a signal generator paired with a power amplifier. However, under this specific AC driving condition, the observed temperature amplitude only fluctuates by about 1 to 3 degrees Celsius, which I suspect is due to the large thermal mass and steady-state cooling design of these standard modules causing a severe lag in thermal response. My goal is to find a TEC module that can achieve a rapid temperature amplitude of 10 degrees Celsius or more under a 0.1 Hz AC sine wave drive, exactly like the ideal temperature fluctuation shown in the top half of my second attached reference image. I would like to know if DigiKey carries specific lines of TECs designed for rapid thermal cycling, such as micro-TECs or PCR-style modules with very low thermal mass, and if there are any specific brands or part numbers you would recommend for this type of dynamic temperature modulation application. Thank you in advance for your time and help.
Greetings,
Purpose-specific optimizations of a given component series are difficult to identify in this area; manufacturers’ sites may make reference to such things but details about the substance of those claims is often lacking. That said, some items said to be designed with cycling applications in mind should be referenced here.
It should be appreciated that the thermal conductivity and mass properties of the materials used in a TEC form what amounts to a low-pass filter; there’s a limit to the frequency at which one can expect electrical signals to translate into thermal signals, and I suspect that 0.1 Hz is pushing the boundaries of what is practical.
Also, understand that the thermoelectric device and assembly are not entirely linear, meaning the temperature at the node of interest within the system will not directly track an electrical input. Use of an additional control system to compensate for this may be needful, depending on your application requirements.
The posts referenced below may offer additional information of value.
Thread closed due to double posting. Further dialog can be conducted in the other thread.