How to transfer cold energy instead of heat?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of transferring "cold" energy, particularly in the context of using a Peltier thermoelectric module. Participants explore the feasibility of using heatsinks to radiate cold air, similar to heat dissipation methods, and the efficiency of such systems in cooling enclosed spaces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a heatsink on the cold side of a Peltier module can effectively dissipate cold air, similar to how it dissipates heat.
  • Another participant suggests that while a heatsink can transfer cold to passing air, radiation of cold is not possible as cold is defined as a lack of heat.
  • A participant describes a proposed system where cold air is blown through the cold side heatsink into an enclosure, while hot air is expelled through the hot side heatsink, questioning the efficiency of this method.
  • It is mentioned that the principle behind the proposed idea resembles how air conditioning units operate, where air is cooled by passing over coils that absorb heat.
  • Some participants express confidence in the proposed setup, suggesting that cycling cold air back into the enclosure may enhance efficiency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the conceptual framework of using heatsinks to manage temperature, but there is disagreement regarding the nature of cold and its transfer mechanisms. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most efficient methods for achieving the desired cooling effect.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that cold is not a quantity in itself but rather a lack of heat, which complicates the discussion of radiating cold. There are also uncertainties regarding the efficiency of air transfer over cold heatsinks and the overall effectiveness of the proposed cooling system.

nution
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How to transfer "cold" energy instead of heat?

My question is pretty basic. I am looking to radiate cold with the same concept of heat dissipation. For example on a peltier thermoelectric module gets hot on one side and cold on the other. A heatsink will help dissipate the heat from the hot side, but could I also add a heatsink to the cold side, blow air over it and feel a cold breeze? Or does cold not work through a heatsink the same way? I'm sure it does to some effect but is that the most efficient way u think? Any help would be greatly appreciated
 
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The heat sink could transfer the cold temp to the passing air cooling it down and warming your cold surface through conduction. However radiation only works one way, it reduces the temperature by radiating the energy away in EM waves.
 


I have a little enclosure that I need to drop the inside temperature of somewhat considerably. My idea is to blow this cold air through the heatsink on the cold side into the enclosure and pull cycle the inside air out of the inclosure and through the hot side heatsink to dissipate the heat coming off the hot side and out into the open air. Like an exhaust. Just trying to make sure the cold side heatsink would actually transmit that cold through it and transfer it by blowing air through it. I just didn't know for sure if air over a cold heatsink would actually transfer efficiently. Or if there was some other more efficient way of pulling the "cold" coming off the flat surface of the peltier chip and into the enclosure.
 


Other than cold simply being a lack of heat and not a quantity in itself, meaning you cannot "radiate" cold like you can heat, your idea is sound. It is exactly how any AC unit works. The blower sends air over the coils which are much cooler than the air and absorb heat, cooling the air and hence your house or car or whatever.
 


nution said:
I have a little enclosure that I need to drop the inside temperature of somewhat considerably. My idea is to blow this cold air through the heatsink on the cold side into the enclosure and pull cycle the inside air out of the inclosure and through the hot side heatsink to dissipate the heat coming off the hot side and out into the open air. Like an exhaust. Just trying to make sure the cold side heatsink would actually transmit that cold through it and transfer it by blowing air through it. I just didn't know for sure if air over a cold heatsink would actually transfer efficiently. Or if there was some other more efficient way of pulling the "cold" coming off the flat surface of the peltier chip and into the enclosure.

It might be more efficient to continually cycle the cold air into the enclosure, back to the cold side heat sink, and then back into the enclosure.
 


That's more or less how I have it in my head so I'm glad you said it.

I appreciate you guys weighing in. Hopefully this little setup can get the desired results. I guess all I'm making in the end is a tiny airconditioner :)
 


nution said:
That's more or less how I have it in my head so I'm glad you said it.

I appreciate you guys weighing in. Hopefully this little setup can get the desired results. I guess all I'm making in the end is a tiny airconditioner :)

Yep!
 

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