Physical principles of microminiaturization in thermoelectricity

Abstract

Factors, which promote microminiaturization of cooling modules have been considered. Results of thermoelectric cooler investigations are presented taking into account all classical factors: electrical and heat resistance of a commutation, contact resistance, heat resistance of heat transfers, all kinds of thermoelectric effects, temperature dependencies of material properties, etc. The influence of all factors on cooling efficiency is analyzed. New factors, which can have influence on a module work, namely strong electric field, large temperature gradient, size effects, and diffusion processes are considered. The influence on microminiaturization and conditions for these factors actions are analyzed. A common analysis for microminiaturization limits and a prognosis of thermoelectric modules development is presented.