- #1
Mk
- 2,040
- 4
I have a peltier junction rated at 12V and when ran both sides become hot, what's wrong?
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the operation and performance of a Peltier junction, specifically addressing issues related to heating and cooling. Participants explore the conditions under which the junction operates effectively, including the necessity of heat sinks and the effects of voltage adjustments.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant reports that their Peltier junction becomes hot on both sides when powered, indicating a potential issue with heat dissipation.
- Another participant suggests that a heat sink is necessary to manage heat on the hot side, sharing their experience of using heat sinks with fans to improve performance.
- A participant inquires about the possibility of feeling the coolness of one side by reducing the voltage and asks how to identify which side will be hot or cold.
- It is mentioned that without a heat sink, one must touch both sides immediately upon power application to discern temperature differences.
- Questions arise regarding the maximum heat output of the junction and whether it is safe to exceed the rated voltage of 12V.
- A response indicates that many Peltier junctions have a thermal switch that activates at 150 degrees F and that exceeding 12V is possible for some models, with a maximum input voltage of 15.2V noted.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the necessity of using a heat sink for effective operation, but there are varying opinions on the effects of voltage adjustments and the specifics of maximum voltage limits. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal voltage settings and their impact on performance.
Contextual Notes
Participants have not fully explored the implications of exceeding voltage ratings or the specific thermal characteristics of different Peltier junction models. The discussion lacks detailed specifications on the performance metrics of the junctions in question.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in the practical applications of Peltier junctions, particularly in cooling systems, as well as those exploring DIY electronics projects involving thermal management.
- #2
Physics_wiz
- 227
- 0
I suggest that you post this here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=102
Might also want to read the thread called "Newbee question" by me
I became interested in pelteirs myself and I might start using them to cool parts of my computer down.
https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=102
Might also want to read the thread called "Newbee question" by me
I became interested in pelteirs myself and I might start using them to cool parts of my computer down.
- #3
russ_watters
Mentor
- 23,876
- 11,344
You need to strap a heat sink to it, otherwise there is nowhere for the heat on the hot side to go except over to the cold side. I bought one a couple of months ago to play with and I got two heat sinks with fans and rubber banded them together with the peltier in the middle.Mk said:
- #4
Mk
- 2,040
- 4
Ahh, thanks guys. Yeah, I have a heat sink already from my gutted Pentium 2. If I turn down the voltage, can I feel the coolness of one side? How can you tell which side will be hot, and which will be cold?
- #5
russ_watters
Mentor
- 23,876
- 11,344
Without a heat-sink, you'll need to be touching both sides the moment the power is applied to tell the difference. But it should work (with a heatsink) at 5V - I used a computer power supply to run mine for testing.Mk said:
Unless its marked, you have to turn it on to find out - and trust me, you'll know. It takes less than a second for it to cool 50+ degrees.
- #6
Mk
- 2,040
- 4
Is there a maximum heat output? Can I turn the voltage up past 12V?
- #7
mecj5
- 1
- 0
Mk said:
Most put a thermal switch in that cuts out at 150 degrees F. yes you can go past 12 volt NOT ALL but most 12 volt pelter junctions have a absolute max voltage input of 15.2 volts
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