What is a hot and cold transistor? Structure and application principle of Peltier chip

Hot and cold clams is one of the important parts in household electrical appliances, especially cooling or heating devices. However, not everyone clearly understands its function and operating principles. So What is hot and cold clam?? What role does it play in temperature regulation? Let's find out Tan Long Read on for a comprehensive look at this tiny but essential device.

What is a hot and cold transistor? Structure and application principle of Peltier chip
What is a hot and cold transistor? Structure and application principle of Peltier chip

Find out what hot and cold clams are?

What is hot and cold clam? A Peltier chip, or hot-cold transistor, is a semiconductor device that can cool one side and heat the other. The chip absorbs heat from the side marked with the symbol and releases it from the other side. The amount of heat released is equal to the amount of heat absorbed plus the heat from the power source.

In refrigeration applications, if the heat dissipation is good for the hot side, the cold side can go down. 0°C. If the heat dissipation is not sufficient when the voltage is large, the chip may be damaged due to overheating.

Hot and cold standard specifications

  • Size: 4cm x 4cm
  • Electric current: 5 A – 10 A (tested with 10 A and cools very fast)
  • Voltage: 3 V – 15.4 V (DC current)
  • Cooling power capacity: 50W, 90W, 120W
  • Temperature difference between two sides: ~67°C (good heat dissipation for the hot side helps the cold side reach a lower temperature)
  • Maximum cooling temperature: –6°C (with good heat dissipation)

What is the structure and operating principle of hot and cold switch?

The hot and cold transistor has two sides, hot and cold, and two power cords. The hot side has a heat sink for stable operation.

Operating principle: When powered, the transistor transfers heat from the hot side to the cold side, allowing the device to heat or cool depending on usage needs.

Classify

Hot and cold clams What is has been answered above the article, next is the classification of this device. There are many types hot and cold clams with different capacities, including:

  • TEC1-12705: 50W
  • TEC1-12706: 60W
  • TEC1-12708: 80W
  • TEC1-12710: 100W
  • TEC1-12715: 150W
 There are many types of hot and cold switches with different power levels.
What is a hot and cold switch? There are many types of hot and cold switches with different power levels.

Applications of hot and cold shells in water heaters and air conditioners

Water heater

In a water heater, two sides of the Peltier transistor are applied to two tanks: one tank on the cold side to create cold water and the other tank on the hot side to dissipate heat and create hot water, without the need for additional heat dissipation.

Air-conditioner

Hot and cold clams can be used in mini air conditioning projects for aquariums, animal cages, etc.

Other applications

Peltier Clam Peltier is also used in refrigeration equipment such as refrigerators, minibars, hot-cold water dispensers, beer coolers, fish tank coolers, CPU coolers, etc. When you apply the hot side to a heat-generating object (such as a motorbike engine, a roof at noon) and the cold side to a cool object (such as an aluminum heat sink), you can create a voltage between the two ends of the Peltier to power LED lights, electronic clocks, mini electric fans, etc.

> Reference:

How to check if the hot and cold switch is still working

Method 1: Using a multimeter

  • Place the cold clams in the freezer for about 1 hour.
  • Use a multimeter to measure at the X1 resistance scale.
  • Observe the results:
  • If the clock does not move, the cold transistor is broken.

If the watch moves, leave the cold transistor at room temperature for another 15 minutes and then measure again. If the watch still moves, the cold transistor is stuck in contact and is broken. If the watch does not move, the cold transistor is still working properly.

Method 2: Observe the outside

If you don't have a multimeter, you can check the cold transistor by observing from the outside. If you see water inside, the cold transistor has stuck contacts.

In addition, you can use a refrigerant gas can to spray on the cold transistor for a quick check. To determine if the refrigerator's defroster is working properly, check other components such as the defrost resistor and timer.

What is hot and cold clam? Check hot and cold clam by observing the outside
What is hot and cold clam? Check hot and cold clam by observing the outside

How to fix a broken refrigerator with a hot and cold switch causing ice buildup

A faulty refrigeration unit causes ice build-up, jamming the evaporator and fan. To repair it, you can follow these steps:

  • Clean the freezer: Take out the food.
  • Check cold clams: Remove the condenser cover, use a meter to measure continuity.
  • No circuit: Cold shell spoiled.
  • There is a circuit: Error due to other parts.
  • Ice Handling: Remove or let the ice melt naturally, wipe the freezer dry.
  • Replace components: Replace compatible cold shell, check again with meter and reassemble the case.
  • Check the operation: After 15 minutes, check the freezer.

Some multimeters to test hot and cold transistors

To check hot and cold clams For fast and accurate measurements, you should use a quality multimeter from reputable brands such as Kyoritsu, Hioki, Sanwa, and Fluke.

Notes for effective use of hot and cold clams

To use hot and cold clams safe and effective, note the following points:

  • Choose the right shell: Choose the type of hot and cold switch suitable for the device capacity to maximize efficiency.
  • Increase capacity: Multiple transistors can be installed in series to increase capacity, but not in parallel because it will reduce efficiency.
  • Cooling system: Heatsinks are required, at least for the hot side of the transistor, to avoid overheating and damage.
Notes for effective use of hot and cold clams
Notes for effective use of hot and cold clams

Conclude

Clearly understand What is hot and cold clam? not only helps you have a more detailed look at home appliances but also helps you grasp how modern cooling and heating technology works. From recognizing the structure, operating principles to the application of hot and cold shells, understanding clearly What is hot and cold clam? will help you gain more knowledge to maintain and effectively use electrical appliances in your home, while optimizing energy efficiency.

Contact consultant

Tan Long's customers