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TEC Cooling

Tech_Junkie

Tech_Junkie

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Trying to search for TEC info but all that comes up is posts with my name in it LOL. Anyone have links for power settings, do I need a driver, what voltage should I use, ect.

Tanx in advance.
 





You don't necessarily need a driver. Most are rated for 12v, but you can run them at any voltage depending on what temperature you want. The simplest drive circuit is an LM317 driver, but for any real precision you need an active TEC controller.
 
I did a Google search and found info on tons of different types. I don't know what type I have. It has a small board on the neg wire. Could this be a driver?
 
Tech_Junkie said:
I did a Google search and found info on tons of different types. I don't know what type I have. It has a small board on the neg wire. Could this be a driver?
Click to expand...

Is it one from the swap box? If it is that's just a thermal cutout for the hot side. You can either use a real temperature regulator or just give it a fixed current or voltage and it should do what you want.

Voltage/current will depend on the TEC and how much cooling you need.
 
Cool Mario thank you. Yes, its from the box. I took one to experiment with. I need to cool a PHR so temp setting is not really crucial. I figured I'd start of low and keep adding batteries till it kept it cool. I just needed to know if I had to have a driver.
 
I once posted on LPF to help a guy with TECs. I also added some links to very helpful FAQs. I don't know where the heck it is right now but if you look in the right place you'll find it (@ LPF).
 
Depending on how big your TEC is..
it can pull quite a few amps under power..
I have a 40mm X 40mm and the specs say
Max Voltage = 15Vdc
Max Current = 10Amps
Watts=110W
Part # CPI-12710

[EDIT]
@Niko... yeah.. too bad we can't search for stuff like
TEC...DDL...PHR...DIY...LPM...etc..on the Forum...:cryyy:


Jerry
 
Last edited:
Believe me, I googled, searched, and poked around the forum before posting this question. Find me your post and any other links to info about TECs and I'll add it to the DIY group. This way they will all be in one place. Or not. I already have my answer.

Edit: The one I have is about 2 inch squared.
 
contact robin at die4laser.com he makes awesome tec drivers at very good prices to.
 
What current should those TECs be ran at? I think I have the same one as Teck Junkie

I want to hook mine up to my USB port to cool a drink. I think at max my Mobo can only put out 500mA through the USB port @ 5 volts....so will the tec automaticly just run at the ammount of power given or will it try to draw to much power from my MOBO
 
iskor12 said:
What current should those TECs be ran at? I think I have the same one as Teck Junkie
Click to expand...

It's VERY unlikely that you will be able to cool a drink with the meager current provided by a USB port. To get any kind of real cooling you'll need up to a few amps of current at 12V. Also, you need to mount the hot side of the TEC on a large heatsink.

The current and voltage depend on how cold you want the TEC to get.
 
Hmm....then how do all of those USB drink chillers work? How are they getting enough power?
 
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