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How does TECA rate their units?
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TECA defines its rating point as the amount of heat
removed when the enclosure temperature equals the ambient temperature, or
at 0 delta T. This is the preferred industry method.
Because of the differing performances at various ambients, we often state
this as a range. Since there is no industry standards other manufacturers
may choose different definitions; such as rating performance at 20° above
ambient. It is important for a user to understand these subtleties to
ensure they are "comparing apples to apples."
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What process does Teca use to arrive at their
published performance curves?
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Our curves are a result of testing. The curves are a
linear line fit to the results of the testing. The values used are the
total load being removed by the air conditioner VS the average enclosure
temperature (the average enclosure temperature in our test apparatus
conforms very nicely with the return air to the air conditioner.)
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How does this process differ from those used by other
manufacturers?
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Some companies define the delta T
portion of the curve based on an average between the air conditioner
supply air and the return air, while others use only the supply air
temperature. We feel that the average enclosure temperature or return air
temperature is a much better, accurate and repeatable method.
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Why doesn’t TECA recommend or offer filters?
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TECA has been building and selling standard
thermoelectric air conditioners since the 1970s. In that time we have
learned that, unfortunately, filters that do not get changed or cleaned
with regularity breed problems. The result is a clogged filter and an
overheated air conditioner. TECA units will not foul as fast nor as often
as a filter.
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Can I heat as well as cool with TECA’s thermoelectric
units?
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Yes; many models have a heat option. These are
designated by an HC suffix in the model number. To extend the life of the
modules and to avoid the potential hazards which can result from misuse
of the reverse polarity heating feature of the modules TECA often employs
resistive heaters built into its heat/cool systems. Other times the
reverse polarity effect is employed.
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What are the advantages of a TECA unit over a
compressor system?
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TECA units do not have any moving mechanical parts, except
the fans. This makes them extremely reliable, as they do not require
regular maintenance. They have a compact, simple structure and can be
easily adapted and mounted to your enclosure. They do not contain any
pollutants such as CFCs or other gases.
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What are the voltage requirements for TECA units?
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We have DC-powered units that run on 12/24/48VDC. We
have AC-powered units that run on 110-230 VAC. 208 volt and 50/60/400 Hz
are available as well.
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Do any TECA units have UL, CSA, or CE approval?
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Yes, some units have been tested to UL and CSA
standards by ETL labs, when appropriate, others when appropriate carry CE
mark. See the UL/CSA/CE
page of this site for products that meet these standards.
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How long will a typical TECA unit
last?
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The life expectancy of TECA modules is high due to the
durability of solid state construction. Service life of our air
conditioners is typically in excess of five years under normal
conditions.
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Can thermoelectrics be used to cool/heat by direct
contact?
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Yes, this can be done with our Cold Plate Series. We
have both air-cooled and liquid cooled versions.
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Can TECA units be used for human comfort air conditioning?
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Yes, within limits. While one of our units would be
perfect for a personal comfort item such as a cooling vest, it would take
multiple units to cool residential or other larger spaces. Our largest
unit is rated at 1,500 BTU/hr, while a typical house requires 30,000
to 60,000 BTU/hr.
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In what types of environments are TECA units used?
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We have units for indoor use, which are rated Nema-12. Nema-12
units are designed to protect against dust, falling dirt, and dripping,
non-corrosive liquids. We also have units for indoor and outdoor use,
which are rated Nema-4X.
Nema-4X units are designed to protect against corrosion, windblown dust
and rain, splashing water, and hose-directed water.
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Can I use any of TECA’s units for cooling a laser?
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Yes, TECA makes a series of Liquid Chillers for
these types of applications.
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Are any TECA units explosion-proof?
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Yes. TECA’s XP
Series is designed for Class 1, Division 2 hazardous environments.
This series is also rated Nema-4X.
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What do I need to know to select an air conditioner?
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You should know the maximum ambient
temperature, the maximum allowable internal
temperature and the total heat load.
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Do I have to mount TECA air
conditioners in a certain position?
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No, our Solid State Air
Conditioners will work in any position. Where there is a choice, side
orientation is preferred by most users. Wherever the units are placed,
the fans and fins need to be free of obstructions so that airflow is not
impeded. Mounting upside-down is not recommended.
More information
about mounting.
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Can
TECA liquid chillers be used to cool potable water?
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Not directly. They can be used to chill the container
in which water will be stored. The internal parts are not designed to
come in contact with potable water.
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What is "delta T"?
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"Delta T" refers to temperature
differential. We caution our customers to make sure what delta T refers
to in each individual calculation. In our performance curves and
equations, it can represent several things. For air cooled air
conditioners, it can indicate the temperature difference between ambient
and enclosure temperatures or the temperature difference between ambient
and the cold sink (cold sideheat exchanger). For liquid cooled air
conditioners, it can refer tothe temperature difference between cooling
fluid and enclosure temperatures or the temperature difference between
cooling fluid and the cold sink (cold side heat exchanger). For cold
plates, it represents the temperature difference between ambient and cold
plate temperature when using air cooled cold plates or the temperature
difference between the cooling fluid and the cold plate.
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What is "ambient
temperature"?
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The ambient temperature is the temperature of the air surrounding
the enclosure to be cooled. Typically, the room temperature.
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What is meant by "maximum allowable internal
temperature"?
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It is the highest temperature the electronics or other
equipment in the enclosure can safely operate.
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What is an "active load"?
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By "active load" we refer to the amount of
heat generated within the enclosure. Typically this can be thought of as
the "Volts times Amps equals Watts" type of heat generated by
the electronics. In determining this value, one must be careful to
calculate the amount of heat which remains in the enclosure. For example,
an enclosure may contain a power supply, relays and control system which
control some function outside of the enclosure. The "active
load" can be quickly estimated by measuring the "Volt times
Amps" which enter and leave the enclosure. The difference can be
assumed to remain in the enclosure.
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If I can’t calculate my "active load" how
can I determine it?
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If you can’t calculate it by summing the heat
dissipation of the components, try subtracting the total energy leaving
the enclosure from the total energy entering the enclosure, an energy
balance. Another option is to remove any means of cooling the enclosure,
run the components at full power and measure the delta T from enclosure
to ambient and use the size of the enclosure with the TECA ® Sizing Software
to "back" an answer out.
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What is a "passive load"?
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By "passive load" we refer to two types of
loads: any solar or radiant load and the load through the walls of the
enclosure to the delta T from ambient to enclosure. For solar loads, a
good estimate is 15 watts per square foot of surface area. For the load
through the enclosure walls, we recommend TECA ® Sizing Software.
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What is the "total heat load"?
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"Total heat load" is the total amount of heat
(in watts or Btu/hr) that the air conditioner must remove. Typically this
consists of the sum of the active and passive loads.
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What is meant by "built for remote temperature
control"?
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When a TECA unit is "built for remote temperature
control," it is set up to be controlled by an external yet hardwired
controller. We build the relays (DC drive) into the unit and include a
cable, which will provide power to the controller and to drive the
relays. Units built for remote control are often used with TECA TC3300
temperature controllers.
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What is meant by "integral controller"?
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An "integral controller" is a controller
that is built into the unit.
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Does TECA build custom units?
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Yes. We are happy to work with our customers to meet
their cooling/heating requirements any way that we can. Custom assemblies
are a substantial part of our business. Contact us for information about
custom units. Do you have distributors?
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How can I purchase your product?
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We are a factory-direct company. Call 888-TECA-USA or
(773) 342-4900 between 8:00am - 4:30pm Central Time to order. You
can reach us 24 hours a day via fax or e-mail at Fax: (773) 342-0191
E-mail:sales@thermoelectric.com
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Can I place a blanket orderto get a better price?
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Yes. A purchase order with total quantity and
scheduled release dates would be required. Contact us for more details.
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What are your credit terms?
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Terms of payment are Net 30 days after shipment,
subject to approved credit. New accounts must furnish necessary credit
references. Until credit has been established, payment in full with
order, L.O.C., or C.O.D. may be requested.
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