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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Heat and work fluxes in thermoelectric coolers

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Abstract Thermodynamics considers heat and work as the observables of energy. Then, in a non-equilibrium process, the fluxes of heat, work and energy are related. The expressions for the heat and energy flux densities are well known; although several conventions have been adopted. The work flux density defined from the heat and energy flux densities can be very useful in describing the energy balance when chosen to emphasize observable quantities. This paper discusses the advantages of the use of the conduction heat flux density given by Fourier’s law and a work flux density defined from it. As a case study, heat and work fluxes are evaluated in the elements of a thermoelectric cooler using both the observable formalism and the electrochemical formalism. Two components, Thomson and Joule, are distinguished in the work rate of the semiconductors. In the p-type leg, absorption due to the Thomson effect of up to 33% of the electric power dissipated by Joule’s effect is observed. It is also concluded that the observable voltage drop is proportional to the electrical power consumed in the TEC and in its connectors, but not in the semiconductor legs and in the semiconductor/connector junctions.