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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. |
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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
Email: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. |
