Can I Use a 60amp Power Supply for a 24V Thermoelectric Cooler?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the compatibility of a 60 amp power supply with a 24V thermoelectric cooler (TEC), specifically the LC200 model. Participants explore the electrical specifications, potential modifications, and operational characteristics of the TEC and power supply.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of using a 60 amp power supply that outputs a maximum of 15V with a TEC that requires 24V and 16.8 amps.
  • Another participant explains that the current produced by a power supply depends on the load's impedance and reiterates that the power supply's voltage is insufficient for the TEC.
  • There is a suggestion that if the TEC has multiple cooling modules wired in series, it might be possible to modify the wiring to accommodate a lower voltage system.
  • One participant emphasizes that while the TEC can technically operate at 12V, it would not perform at its maximum potential and suggests checking for a performance curve from the manufacturer.
  • Another participant notes that individual peltier devices may have lower voltage requirements and hints at the possibility of rewiring if the internal configuration allows for it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of using a lower voltage power supply with the TEC. There is no consensus on whether modification is advisable or how it would affect performance.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of understanding the wiring configuration of the TEC and the implications of running it at a lower voltage, but do not resolve the specifics of these configurations or their effects on performance.

blckonyxx
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Ok guys...I don't profess to fully grasp the Amps to Voltage correlation...so this may be a painfully easy and silly question...but here it goes.

Is there a reasonable way to test this:
tetech.com
LC200 thermoelectric cooler
Spec:
200 Watt
24VDC
16.8 Amp
FAN: 24V@0.85 Amp


...with this Tenma HD 60amp
Specifications:
•Output Voltage: 1~15VDC
•Output Current: 60A
•Load regulation: 0.1% +5mV
•Line regulation: 0.05% +3mV
•Ripple and noise: 40mV (p-p)
•Efficiency: 85%
•Meter accuracy: ±1% +1 count
•Power requirements: 120VAC, 60Hz

If not, can I convert it or rewire it? Thanks.

Jesse
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.

Power supplies are listed showing their maximum current.
The current they produce in operation is dependent on the impedance of the load.
E=IR is the relationship.

In this case the LC200 doc says it needs 24V.
Your power supply only produces a maximum potential of 15V.
So it's not going to work.

http://www.tetech.com/docs/LC-200.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank you for the welcome.

I can appreciate that...but as I look at this TEC and fan it appears to be nothing more than a massive aluminum heat sink, block, a fan, a shroud, and wires. No processor or anything special. Can I modify the wiring to use a 12v system?
 
If it has multiple cooling modules wired in series then it should be doable.
Not having one of these units, I can't tell you how it is wired.
 
blckonyxx said:
I can appreciate that...but as I look at this TEC and fan it appears to be nothing more than a massive aluminum heat sink, block, a fan, a shroud, and wires. No processor or anything special. Can I modify the wiring to use a 12v system?
A TEC is a semiconductor device that has specific performance properties. Think of it the same way as you would think about an electric heater: If it is rated for 24V, it really does need 24V to make it work at its maximum potential. You can certainly run it at 12V, though - just at a lower output.

Perhaps the manufacturer has a performance curve they can provide you with. Check their website. Example: http://www.overclockers.com/tips45/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
russ_watters said:
A TEC is a semiconductor device that has specific performance properties. Think of it the same way as you would think about an electric heater: If it is rated for 24V, it really does need 24V to make it work at its maximum potential. You can certainly run it at 12V, though - just at a lower output.

Perhaps the manufacturer has a performance curve they can provide you with. Check their website. Example: http://www.overclockers.com/tips45/
True.
But the individual peltier devices I've seen have a substantially lower voltage requirement.
So chances are there are several wired in series.
If that is indeed the case (and you can get inside) then rewiring the unit would be an option.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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