Afshin We had a great time exhibiting TECA Corporation’s solutions for automation controls cooling! AUTOMATE is the largest robotics and automation show in North America.
Read here for FAQs direct from the show!
Fresh off of exhibiting at a trade show, the team at TECA is thinking about the most common questions the attendees asked.
1. Can thermoelectric cooling be used for data centers?
Generally, no. While it would be technically possible, a data center is physically too large and it would require so many thermoelectric coolers as to be cost prohibitive. Thermoelectric coolers are best utilized in smaller applications such as I/O cabinets for example.
2. What cooling range will thermoelectric coolers offer?
TECA’s air conditioners start at 90 BTU/HR and range up to 6,000 BTU/HR. Typically, TECA coolers are configured to cool an enclosure to 95F (35C), although this can be customized.
3. What is the power draw on a thermoelectric cooler?
This will vary depending on the product but our most popular product is 120 VAC, 4.5 amps. There are two ways in which we keep power consumption as low as possible:
1. The ECO-Mode temperature controller feature works as a heat exchanger in low demand times, drawing 1 amp or less. Because it is cooling passively, very little power is used and the time in active cooling is reduced.
2. Thermoelectric modules have improved in construction and the best available on the market are more efficient than ever before. TECA sources high-quality components.
4. Where are thermoelectric air conditioners used? Commonly, TECA products are used in automation applications to cool control cabinets or other heat-sensitive electronics. TECA air conditioners are designed to be used in a closed-loop system and can maintain NEMA-4X cabinet ratings (as well as many other environmental ratings, including CID2!) Because thermoelectric air conditioners do not use a compressor, there is virtually no maintenance. This makes TECA coolers ideal for installation in hard-to-access areas.
5. Can thermoelectric coolers be used outdoors? Yes! TECA air conditioners utilize thermoelectric technology which excels in high ambient temperatures. TECA’s products are highly customizable and can be configured for outdoors, wash-down, and even for shipboard or explosion proof environments. Many TECA coolers are ETL Listed to UL standards.
6. I am familiar with thermoelectric coolers offered by enclosure manufacturers. What makes TECA’s coolers different?
TECA products are made in the USA (Chicago) and we offer the broadest, and highest quality product line anywhere.
TECA was the first to introduce the thermoelectric air conditioner to the market. We have been designing and building thermoelectric air conditioners in Chicago for over 4 decades. Our experience is unsurpassed. TECA is able to offer more sizes, variety, and customization options because we specialize exclusively in thermoelectric cooling.
These were the questions we heard the most often. If you have a question unanswered, please call or email us today! We would love to hear from you.
Phone (773) 342-4900
Email teca@thermoelectric.com
A top company in the energy industry uses TECA’s Model AHP-1801XP Thermoelectric Air Conditioner (suitable for CID2) in a continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS). The reliability of Peltier cooling protects analyzer components from overheating in the field. The only moving parts in a thermoelectric panel cooler, like the AHP-1801XP, are the fans. This means there is virtually no maintenance required. Thermoelectric cooling offers long, low-cost service life which is ideal for hard-to-access field applications. Contact TECA today to learn more about our CID2 products, as well as Peltier coolers that are suitable for NEMA-12, NEMA-4/4X, and IP66. We look forward to hearing from you.
TECA has improved the design of the TLC-700 Model Thermoelectric Recirculating Liquid Chiller. Utilizing high density extruded heat sinks for 
durability, the TLC-700 now has an upgraded temperature controller. Offered with Bluetooth Communication and RS-485 Communication as standard, the integral PID temperature controller can be conveniently controlled from your phone.
TECA’s solid-state Recirculating Liquid Chillers for bench top use offer versatility, reliability and performance. The solid-state (Peltier) construction is the perfect low-maintenance solution. There are no filters to change and no moving parts except for the fans. Our Peltier coolers use robust thermoelectric modules and boast a long service life.
Contact TECA today for a quote. We look forward to hearing from you!
Shown here is a prototype cooling solution for an outdoor payment device. Located in a desert environment, overheating is a big issue in the summer months. TECA’s AHP-270XE serves the requirement nicely. The energy saving “ECO mode” control feature means that passive cooling is utilized as temperatures rise. Only in the highest demand time does the active cooling component turn on. The AHP-270XE’s small size is ideal, leaving enough room inside the enclosure for other components. Thermoelectric technology means a reliable, low maintenance cooling solution with virtually no maintenance costs. The customer can expect years of trouble-free, reliable cooling. The customer reports, “Our cooling solution has been very successful so far this summer.”
Contact TECA today to discuss your cooling requirements. We look forward to assisting you
TECA’s legacy product, Model AHP-1800XPHC has been installed in over a dozen (to date) specialty cabinets by a process safety engineering firm.
Our customer shared with us:
“We asked a client for a preferred vendors for the thermo electric coolers and TECA was given to us. We have been pleased with the products and service your company has given.”
Our customer serves refineries and chemical plants, implementing critical safety control systems. With both outdoor and indoor needs, TECA Model AHP-1800XPHC can be used in either environment, and it can maintain a cabinet rated for CID2 explosion-proof. Among the sensitive equipment TECA’s enclosure cooler protects is a group of programmable logic controllers (PLC). The PLCs need to be reliable, safety certified, and able to withstand rugged conditions. The stakes are high in this application. The CID2 “Hazardous Location” enclosure coolers offered by TECA include safety certification, mil-grade external fan, and a decades-long track record with customer like this one.
Please browse our CID2 solutions here and contact us here to discuss your unique cooling needs.
Ph: 773.342.4900
A university researcher uses jellyfish to study nervous system evolution, development, regeneration, and function. A black anodized cold plate surface was required to ensure the quality of video recordings during research. The TECA ERGO-900 can reach both cold an hot temperatures, and includes communications software. The researcher has the ability to remote program ramp/soak cycles to support research efforts.
A chemical analysis service provider used TECA’s thermoelectric air conditioner as part of a larger system. The end user required copper heat sinks instead of aluminum heat sinks. TECA provided this modification to a standard product, the AHP-270XE. This is one example of modifications TECA can accommodate, including black anodizing of aluminum parts, using 316 stainless steel instead of 304, and much more. Please contact TECA to discuss your requirements. teca@thermoelectric.com
The AHP-1200MS22 is TECA’s latest innovation in laboratory cold plate technology. Similar to TECA’s Magnetic Stirring Cold Plate model AHP-1200MSP, the AHP-1200MS22 includes a stirring function plus a cascaded cold plate. The cascade feature allows for temperatures below -20°C.
Our cold plate offers precise temperature control, featuring an integral PWM temperature controller. The AHP-1200MS22 ensures accurate and stable temperature management. Its compact, bench-top design and stainless-steel construction provide durability and ease of use, while the adjustable magnetic stirring capability enhances versatility and temperature uniformity.
Key Features of the AHP-1200MS22:
TECA Model AHP-1802-Series air conditioners are mounted on long-range and precision radar equipment. The long service life of thermoelectric cooling products and the low maintenance requirements contribute to the radar system’s low cost of ownership. The life expectancy of a thermoelectric device is exceptionally high due to its solid-state construction. Service life typically exceeds five years under normal conditions. For individual modules, Mean time between failure of 200,000 to 300,000 hours at room temperature and 100,000 hours at elevated ambient temperatures of 80degC have been calculated. The reduced need for maintenance and replacement parts are a significant part of the value added to using thermoelectric technology. Contact TECA today to discuss your cooling requirements. 773-342-4900
