Thermoelectric cooler (TEC)
GlossaryDefinition
A thermoelectric cooler (TEC), also known as a Peltier cooler, is a semiconductor device that uses the Peltier effect to create a temperature difference when electric current passes through it. One side becomes cold while the other becomes hot, enabling precise, solid-state cooling without compressors or refrigerants.
Context
At Vikinor, TEC technology is applied in compact and maintenance-free cooling solutions for telecom and industrial enclosures. TECs are ideal for sealed environments where traditional air conditioners or fans are impractical.
They deliver silent, reliable cooling and can operate directly on DC power, aligning with Vikinor’s focus on energy-efficient, sustainable systems for harsh or remote conditions.
Technical insight
Thermoelectric coolers are built from pairs of n-type and p-type semiconductor elements connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel. When DC voltage is applied:
- Heat is absorbed from one side (creating the cooling surface).
- Heat is released from the opposite side (the hot side).
Vikinor engineers optimize TEC-based systems for:
- 48V DC operation, compatible with telecom power systems
- Low vibration and zero refrigerant emissions
- Compact integration within sealed or fanless enclosures
- Precise temperature control using intelligent feedback sensors
Key advantages
- No moving parts — silent and maintenance-free
- Environmentally friendly (no refrigerants)
- Operates directly on DC power
- Compact design suited for sealed enclosures
- High reliability under vibration or dust exposure
Applications
- Small outdoor or wall-mounted cabinets
- Battery enclosures and power distribution units
- Remote electronic monitoring systems
- Defense and transportation electronics
- Hybrid cooling systems with low maintenance requirements
FAQ
TECs provide solid-state cooling without compressors or refrigerants, offering quiet, reliable, and low-maintenance operation — ideal for sealed or compact environments.
No. TEC systems have no moving parts and require virtually no maintenance over their service life.
While TECs are less efficient for large-scale cooling, they excel in targeted, low-power applications, delivering dependable performance where conventional systems are unsuitable.
