Today’s Questions About Thermoelectric Cooling
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