Temperature Control by Means of the Peltier Effect: Increased Reliability and Stability for Electronic Components Which Are Thermostatically Controlled

A major potential application of the Peltier effect is the thermostating of electronic equipment, modules and individual components. Limitations of size and weight rule out mechanical refrigeration for small cooling units. However, Peltier cooling devices are size‐independent in their efficiency and in miniaturized form may be. incorporated into heat‐generating circuit components. Peltier units can remove heat directly from the source rather than from an external surface, and in addition, these thermodynamically reversible devices permit both heating and cooling. Electronics may thus be thermostated at or below ambient temperature to provide increased reliability and stability. The authors discuss specific applications of Peltier thermostating under development.