Peltier (thermoelectric) cooling modules · Heat pumped against temperature difference, heat-sink rejection, DC supply and ripple, temperature control, mounting pressure and reliability
A thermoelectric (Peltier) module is a solid-state heat pump of bismuth-telluride couples between two ceramic plates: DC current makes one face cold and the other hot. Settle three things before choosing one: the heat to remove, the cold-side temperature and the hot-side (heat-sink) temperature, which together set the module and current; the heat sink that must reject both pumped heat and electrical input; and the power supply, control, mounting and duty cycle that decide accuracy and life.
Single- and multi-stage thermoelectric cooling and heating modules and their mounting, for electronics, laser and detector cooling, small refrigerators and laboratory equipment. Thermoelectric generators, complete TE cooling assemblies sold as systems, compressor coolers and heat sinks sold alone are outside this page.
01
Ferrotec's thermoelectric reference guide says selection needs the cold-object temperature, heat to remove, response time, ambient and its variation, heat leaks, available space and power, control precision and the expected heat-sink temperature, and that the process is iterative. Module performance graphs are referenced to a hot-side temperature, standardized at Th = 50 °C and usable from about 40 to 60 °C. [1]
Its worked example cools a 15 W electronic box to 20 °C with a heat sink held at 50 °C, so ΔT = 30 °C. A 71-couple, 6 A module can pump about 18 W at that ΔT at 6 A, so the operating point for 15 W falls at about 4.0 A. [1]
Editorial note: heat pumping capacity falls as ΔT rises, so a module rated for its maximum heat or maximum ΔT cannot deliver both at once. Size from the curve at your actual ΔT and hot-side temperature, as in Ferrotec's example. [2]
Give the supplier the heat load and its variation, cold-side and hot-side temperatures, ambient range, heat-sink type, available DC voltage and current, control method and precision, dimensions and flatness limits, cycling profile, environment (humidity, sealing) and quantity.
02
Ferrotec explains that the hot face must be attached to a heat sink able to dissipate both the heat pumped and the Joule heat from the electrical input; that because heat-pumping capacity falls with ΔT, heat-sink temperature rise should be kept low, with “A heat sink temperature rise of 5 to 15°C above ambient (or cooling fluid) is typical for many thermoelectric applications”; and that heat-sink performance is specified as thermal resistance, (Ts − Ta) ÷ Q, in °C per watt. [2]
On power, it says modules present a resistive load with a positive resistance temperature coefficient of about 0.5% per °C, recommends power-supply ripple below 10% and preferably under 5% (under 2% for multistage modules seeking large ΔT), and states that a manually adjusted DC supply can hold about ±1 °C under steady load while closed-loop current or duty-cycle control reaches ±0.1 °C. [3]
On reliability, it says modules are strong in compression but weak in shear, should not be structural members, should be clamped where shock and vibration are severe, and have a maximum recommended compression load of 15 kg/cm² (200 psi). MTBF above 200,000 hours is described as an industry standard for steady-state duty, with significantly worse MTBF under thermal cycling, especially to high temperature. [4]
Editorial calculation: if the module in the example draws about 30 W of electrical input while pumping 15 W, the heat sink must reject about 45 W; holding it within 10 °C of ambient needs a thermal resistance of about 0.22 °C/W (10 ÷ 45). Read the actual input power from the module's voltage–current curve at your operating point.
03
Suppliers linked to this page list thermoelectric modules; each card links to the page reviewed.
The listings reviewed cover single-stage cooling modules, modules for power generation, thermoelectric ingots and assemblies; ask each for Qmax, ΔTmax, Imax and Vmax at a stated hot-side temperature, AC resistance, flatness and the performance curves.
04
This is a functional reference built from the sources cited; it is not one maker's specification.
| Part | Role | Fix in the order |
|---|---|---|
| Thermoelectric couples | Bi₂Te₃ pellets; number sets capacity. [3] [1] | Couples; current rating. |
| Ceramic plates | Electrical insulation, heat path. | Substrate; flatness. |
| Interconnects and solder | Join couples; temperature limit. | Solder grade. |
| Edge sealing | Moisture protection. | Seal type. |
| Heat sink and interface | Rejects pumped + electrical heat. [2] | Thermal resistance. |
| Mounting | Clamping in compression. [4] | Load; method. |
05
A thermoelectric module quotation needs values for your cooler. The table explains each field, gives published values where a reviewed source states them, and says what to obtain from the supplier.
| Field | What it means and published values | Ask the supplier for |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Temperature Difference (K) | At zero heat load; quoted at a hot-side temperature (Th 50 °C standard). [1] | ΔTmax at your Th. |
| Heat Pumping Capacity (W) | Example: about 18 W at ΔT 30 K, 6 A (71-couple). [1] | Qc at your ΔT. |
| Maximum Operating Current (A) | Example module rated 6 A. [1] | Imax. |
| Maximum Operating Voltage (V DC) | From the V–I curve. | Vmax. |
| AC Resistance (Ω) | Rises about 0.5%/°C. [3] | Value and tolerance. |
| Maximum Operating Temperature (°C) | Graphs available −80 to +200 °C on request. [1] | Hot-side limit. |
| Storage Temperature (°C) | Non-operating. | Range. |
| Humidity (% RH) | Condensation risk on cold side. | Sealing need. |
| Sealing | Edge seal type. | Material. |
| Ceramic Substrate | Plate material. | Material; flatness. |
| Solder Temperature (°C) | Internal solder limit. | Value. |
| Weight (g) | Per module. | Weight. |
06
Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.
Load: [watts; variation] Temperatures: [cold side; hot side; ambient] Heat sink: [air; liquid; thermal resistance] Power: [DC voltage; current; ripple] Control: [open loop; closed loop; precision] Mounting: [clamped; bonded; size] Duty: [steady; cycling] Quantity: [modules]
These companies list thermoelectric modules.
The Ferrotec group lists thermoelectric modules and assemblies among its materials and components.
Product scope checked 2026-10-11
Lists thermoelectric modules for cooling and power generation, thermoelectric ingots and systems.
Product scope checked 2026-10-11
Explore company information and manufacturing capabilities, then discuss the scope of your project with a relevant supplier.
Ferrotec sizes from heat load, required ΔT and hot-side temperature on the module's Qc–current curve. [1]
Ferrotec recommends below 10%, preferably under 5%, and under 2% for multistage modules. [3]
Ferrotec gives a maximum recommended compression load of 15 kg/cm² (200 psi). [4]
Ferrotec cites MTBF above 200,000 hours in steady service, with worse figures under thermal cycling. [4]
Sources checked 2026-10-12. Ferrotec publishes a thermoelectric reference guide covering selection, heat sinking, power supplies and reliability; Thermonamic is a linked maker.
Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.
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