thermoelectric module

Thermoelectric technology has developed as a substitute for existing refrigerants in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration(HVAC&R) system applications for building decarbonization. Hydraulic thermoelectric radiant cooling panel operated based on the Peltier effect is one of the best way to alternate conventional cooling panels using a chiller with refrigerators. However, there are limitations to apply to building energy simulation and performance evaluation because there are few guidelines and no standard model of a water-cooled thermoelectric radiant cooling panel.

This paper investigates the performance of a new attic ventilation concept using low-cost thermoelectric (TE) modules. Incident solar radiation heats up roof tiles thus creating a temperature difference between tiles and attic. By making use of this temperature difference, laboratory made low-cost thermoelectric modules, assimilated as roof tiles, could produce an electric current to drive a fan for attic ventilation. First, a low-cost TE module consisting of 7 couples of N and P type Bi-Sb-Te materials was fabricated on a 2x2 cm² aluminium substrate.