Thermoelectric cooling of high power extremely localized heat sources: system aspects

Abstract

A generalized approach to the cooling of localized high power heat sources is given. A system is considered, which consists of a heat source and a cooling unit including a cascade thermoelectric cooler (TEC) and a finned heat exchanger with a fan. The method of optimal integration of a TEC into the cooling system, which provides minimal input power is described. The cooling unit destined to maintain a concentrated (0.8/spl times/2.5 mm) 8 W heat source at 25/spl deg/C, the ambient temperature being of 70/spl deg/C, is fabricated and tested.