Peltier cells as temperature control elements: Experimental characterization and modeling

• Simplified modeling of heat transfer dynamics in Peltier cells.
• Coupled macroscopic and microscopic approach.
• Experimental apparatus: temperature control of a sample vial.
• Both modeling approaches predict accurately the transient and steady state sample temperature.

The use of Peltier cells to realize compact and precise temperature controlled devices is under continuous extension in recent years. In order to support the design of temperature control systems, a simplified modeling of heat transfer dynamics for thermoelectric devices is presented. By following a macroscopic approach, the heat flux removed at the cold side of Peltier cell can be expressed as Q˙c=γ(Tc−Tceq), where γ is a coefficient dependent on the electric current, Tc and Tceq are the actual and steady state cold side temperature, respectively. On the other hand, a microscopic modeling approach was pursued via finite element analysis software packages. To validate the models, an experimental apparatus was designed and build-up, consisting in a sample vial with the surfaces in direct contact with Peltier cells. Both modeling approaches led to reliable prediction of transient and steady state sample temperature.