| Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) | Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) |
| Work on Peltier Effect ( generate ΔT by input DC current) | Work on Seebeck Effect ( Generate DC current/voltage difference by applied ΔT) |
| Used as heat pump ( Heating) / refrigerator (Cooling) applications | Used for Power generation applications |
| Generate ΔT by input DC
Efficiency around 10–15% of Reversed Carnot Cycle, whereas conventional vapor compression systems have efficiency around 40–60% of Reversed Carnot Cycle (as of now in general) High COP ( Coefficient of Performance) semi conductor materials (higher “figure of merit”) are still not used globally and are in development |
Reverse is not same, Generated DC current/voltage difference by applied ΔT is far less than that applied in case of TEC Low conversion efficiency from thermal (low grade energy) to Electrical (high grade energy)- Only about 5-8% ( as of now in general) |
| Both may look same | To achieve more current output, TEG is subjected to higher temperature difference, hence TEG is manufactured with components with higher temperature/thermal stresses ratings |
| Generally smaller element (pellet ) size for less power | Element size considerably larger |
| Relatively lower solder melt temperature | High Solder melt temperature to sustain higher temperature differentials |
| Wire leads generally insulated with RTV Silicone/PVC (rated 90°C) which is less stiff | Wire leads generally insulated with Teflon (rated 250°C) which is relatively stiff |
| Leads attached to hot side ( If attached to cold side, can reduce efficiency by heat getting conducted via copper leads to the cold side) | Leads attached to cold side for extra protection of leads solder connection from higher temperatures |
| Conductor leads thicker for more current | Conductor leads relatively thinner for less current |
| Slitting ceramic not required | Slitting ceramic done on either side or both. Slitting is done to distress the module, so that module can last longer.Floating ceramic plate on hot side, so slitting not required here. |
Note:
Generally, COP is used in those applications where output can be greater than input, and efficiency is used where output is generally less than input.So, we use COP for TEC, as a high grade energy (electrical) can be converted completely to low grade energy ( heat).
Likewise, we use COP for refrigerator or heat pump, and efficiency for heat engine.
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