The TEC1-12706 is a versatile device with a range of applications, such as cooling CPUs, generating alternative power sources, and creating custom vehicle beverage warmers/coolers. It can quickly become ice-cold or reach boiling temperatures by simply switching the polarity. Despite its simple and compact design, which consists of semiconductor material sandwiched between ceramic plates, it must be used in combination with a heatsink to avoid burning and comes with insulated leads for safety.

Package Includes:

• 1 x Thermoelectric Cooler Peltier TEC1-12706

Features:

• It can be used for various applications such as cooling CPUs, generating alternative power sources, and even creating custom vehicle drink warmers/coolers.
• It has the ability to cool quickly to sub-zero temperatures or heat to boiling point by simply inverting the polarity.
• As it contains no moving parts and is made mainly of semiconductor material sandwiched between ceramic plates, it is durable and reliable.
• It is equipped with insulated leads to prevent burning and must be used in conjunction with a heatsink to ensure safe operation.
• It has a maximum power rating of 55W.

Description:

A Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC), also known as a Peltier module, is a solid-state active heat pump that is used for temperature control in various applications. The TEC1-12706 specifically is a TEC module with a maximum cooling power of 55 watts and operates at 12 volts DC. It is commonly used in applications where precise temperature control is needed, such as in cooling systems for electronics, refrigeration, and thermal management in medical equipment. Unlike traditional mechanical cooling systems, TECs have no moving parts, making them more reliable and efficient. The TEC1-12706 has two sides, one hot and one cold, and the temperature difference between the two sides is controlled by the electrical current flowing through the module. The module's performance is also dependent on the heat sink and cooling fan used in the system.

Principle of Work:

The TEC1-12706 works on the Peltier effect, which is a phenomenon that occurs when a voltage is applied across two dissimilar conductors, resulting in a temperature difference between the two sides. The Peltier effect can be used to cool or heat an object by applying a voltage across two conductors and circulating a heat transfer fluid between them. In the case of the TEC1-12706, the two conductors are made of semiconductor material sandwiched between ceramic plates, and the heat transfer fluid is typically air. When a voltage is applied across the two conductors, electrons flow from the hot side to the cold side, causing a transfer of heat energy. In order to prevent burning, a heatsink must be used in conjunction with the TEC1-12706 to dissipate the heat generated during the cooling process. The TEC1-12706 can get ice cold in minutes or heat to boiling by simply inverting the polarity of the voltage applied across the two conductors.

Pinout of the Module:

• The TEC1-12706 Peltier module typically has two pins: a positive pin and a negative pin. The positive pin is used to supply power to the module, and the negative pin is used as the return path for the current. By applying a voltage to the positive and negative pins of the module, a flow of electrical current is established, which causes a transfer of heat from one side of the module to the other. This transfer of heat is due to the Peltier effect, which is the phenomenon of heat transfer between two materials that are in contact and have different temperatures. In order to ensure efficient heat transfer and prevent overheating, it is recommended to use a heatsink in conjunction with the TEC1-12706 Peltier module.

Applications: 

• Cooling electronics: TECs can be used to cool electronics such as CPUs and power amplifiers, making them ideal for use in high-heat applications.
• Alternative power sources: TECs can be used to generate electricity through the Seebeck effect, making them useful in remote or off-grid applications.
• Temperature control: TECs can be used to control temperatures in various applications, including medical devices, scientific instruments, and more.
• Custom vehicles: TECs can be used to create a custom drink warmer/cooler for your vehicle, allowing you to enjoy your favorite beverage at the ideal temperature.
• Environmental control: TECs can be used to control temperatures in greenhouses, aquariums, and other environments, helping to maintain the ideal temperature for plants and animals.

Circuit:

• Peltier or Thermoelectric coolers are devices that can transfer heat from one side to another when a current is applied.
• They can function as a heater or cooler.
• This specific Peltier device can handle a maximum voltage of 15.4V and a current of 7A.
• To control the Peltier with an Arduino, you will require an N-channel Mosfet and a 10K resistor.
• To control the current, we will use a PWM port. We are going to use pin 3.

Library:

No need to install Library.

Code:  

The code is an Arduino sketch that displays "Hello!!!!"

int peltier = 3; //The N-Channel MOSFET is on digital pin 3
int power = 0; //Power level fro 0 to 99%
int peltier_level = map(power, 0, 99, 0, 255); //This is a value from 0 to 255 that actually controls the MOSFET

void setup(){
Serial.begin(9600);

//pinMode(peltier, OUTPUT);
}

void loop(){
char option;

if(Serial.available() > 0)
{
option = Serial.read();
if(option == 'a') 
power += 5;
else if(option == 'z')
power -= 5;

if(power > 99) power = 99;
if(power < 0) power = 0;

peltier_level = map(power, 0, 99, 0, 255);
}

Serial.print("Power=");
Serial.print(power);
Serial.print(" PLevel=");
Serial.println(peltier_level);

analogWrite(peltier, peltier_level); //Write this new value out to the port

}

the N-channel Mosfet and 10K resistor are used to control the current applied to the Peltier. The setup function initializes the pins for these components as outputs. The loop function turns on the Mosfet, applies the current to the Peltier, and turns on the resistor for a delay of 1000 milliseconds, then turns everything off.

 

Technical Details:

• Module name: TEC1-12706
• External dimensions: 40*40*3.75mm
• Internal resistance: 2.1 ~ 2.4Ω (ambient temperature of 23 ± 1 "C, 1kHZ Ac test)
• The maximum temperature difference: Tmax (Qc=0) about 59"C.
• Working current: Imax = 4.3-4.6A (rated at 12V)
• Rated voltage: 12V (Vmax: 15V starting current 5.8A)
• Cooling power: Qcmax 55W
• Working environment: temperature range -55" C ~ 83'C (high ambient temperature drop directly on the cooling efficiency)

Resources:

• Tutorial

Comparisons:

The TEC1-12706 and TEC1-12705 are both thermoelectric coolers (Peltier devices) that can transfer heat from one side to another when a current is applied. However, they have some differences in their specifications:

1. Dimensions: The TEC1-12706 is slightly larger in size compared to the TEC1-12705.

2. Maximum Current: The TEC1-12706 has a higher maximum current rating of 7 Amps compared to the TEC1-12705, which is rated at 6 Amps.

3. Maximum Voltage: The TEC1-12706 has a higher maximum voltage rating of 15.4 Volts compared to the TEC1-12705, which is rated at 15.2 Volts.