ThermalLM

This calculator helps engineers and researchers evaluate the performance of thermoelectric coolers (TECs) using fundamental input parameters. By entering technical specifications such as the maximum achievable temperature difference (ΔTₘₐₓ), current (Iₘₐₓ), and voltage (Vₘₐₓ) at ΔTₘₐₓ, users can compute the physical characteristics of the TEC module, including Seebeck coefficient, thermal resistance, and figure of merit (Z).

Once the TEC’s characteristics are defined, the tool allows you to:

• Set desired hot and cold side temperatures (Tₕ, T꜀),
• Input real-world operating conditions (ambient temperature, operating current),
• Automatically calculate key performance indicators such as cooling capacity (Q꜀), heat rejection (Qₕ), voltage, input power, COP (Coefficient of Performance), and effective heat sink resistance (θₕₐ).

It also includes operating point suggestions for maximum cooling capacity and maximum efficiency (COP).

This intuitive tool is ideal for quick feasibility checks, design iteration, and optimization of TEC-based cooling systems.

Formulae Used :

Generalized Chart of COP vs Current Ratio for a Single-Stage Thermoelectric Module, ZTc = 1

 

Generalized Chart of Cooling Capacity Ratio vs. Current Ratio for a Single-Stage Thermoelectric Module (independent of ZTc)

 

Universal Chart of Voltage Ratio vs. Temperature Difference Ratio for a Single-Stage Thermoelectric module, ZTc = 1

 

Generalized Charts for a single stage Peltier module. ZTc = 1

 

Generalized charts for a single stage Peltier module, ZTc = 1

(Source of Graphs : “Thermal Design” Book by HoSung Lee)