Comparison between two-stage and three-stage Peltier thermoelectric coolers driven by pulse width modulation

Abstract

Thermoelectric device is one of electronic devices commonly used as temperature sensors, electrical generators, and cooling devices. Peltier thermoelectric cooler as a promising device offers greater performance in terms of electronic cooler, especially for computer components. However, the performance of single-stage thermoelectric cooler is limited. For certain optoelectronic devices, it cannot achieve a desired temperature to pump heat from the devices. In addition, to drive temperature of the thermoelectric coolers, a complex interface circuit should be made. In this research, two-stage and three-stage cascaded Thermoelectric Coolers driven by Pulse Width Modulation using Arduino and H-bridge Motor Driver were examined. The three-stage Peltier thermoelectric cooler showed better performance than the two-stage, where it achieved higher temperature difference between hot and cold. Both cascaded thermoelectric coolers had distinct temperatures in each interstage connection, with increasing values from near cold side to near hot side.