TEC Terms

Qc_max = Maximum amount of heat that can be absorbed at the cold side. This occurrs at I = Imax and when DT = 0. (in Watts)

Qc = Amount of heat that can be absorbed at the cold side face of the TEC (in watts)

I_max = Input Amps that produce the maximum DT [DTmax] (in Amps) Do not Exceed this Amperage!

I = Input Amps to the TEC (in Amps)

V_max= Voltage at I = Imax (in Volts)

DT_max = Maximum difference in temperature a TEC can achieve between the hot side (T_h) and the cold side (T_c). This occurrs at I = Imax and when Qc = 0. (in °C)

DT = Difference in temperature between the hot side (T_h) and the cold side (T_c). dT = T_h-T_c (in °C)

T_max = The maximum temperature the TEC can be exposed to, either operating or idle.

T_h= Temperature of the hot side face of the TEC (in °C)

T_c= Temperature of the cold side face of the TEC (in °C)

ACR= A measurement of the TECs internal resistance using a 1000Hz AC input signal. TECs resistance can only be measured using an LCR meter or other specialized equipment (in ohms). Typical handheld multimeters are NOT capable of properly measuring this resistance.

N= The number of couples within the TEC.  Each couple is one P type pellet and one N type pellet.

TEG Terms

TEG = Acronym for Thermo Electric Generator. Also known as a Seebeck generator

Pg₃₀₀ = Power generated (in watts) by the TEG with a hot side of 300°C and a cold side of 30°C and at load matched condition.

Ig₃₀₀ = Amps generated by the TEG with a hot side of 300°C and a cold side of 30°C and at load matched condition.

Vg₃₀₀ = Volts generated by the TEG with a hot side of 300°C and a cold side of 30°C and at load matched condition.

Pg_max = The maximum power that can be generated (in watts) by the TEG at load matched condition.

Ig_max = The maximum amperage that can be generated (in amps) by the TEG at load matched condition.

Vg_max = The maximum voltage that can be generated (in volts) by the TEG at load matched condition.

V_OC@30 = Open Circuit Volts generated by the TEG with a delta T of 30°C.

I_SC@30 = Short Circuit Amps generated by the TEG with a delta T of 30°C.

P_ML@30 = Power generated (in watts) by the TEG with a delta T of 30°C and at load matched condition.

R_Int = Internal Resistance.  This is the same as ACR and TEG Resistance below. The resistance of the TEG is measured with a special sinusoidal input device such as an LCR or AC milliommeter. Typical handheld multimeters are NOT capable of properly measuring this resistance.

T_max = The maximum temperature the TEG can be exposed to, either generating or idle.

ACR = Acronym for AC Resistance.  This is the same as TEG Resistance below. The resistance of the TEG is measured with a special sinusoidal input device such as an LCR or AC milliommeter. Typical handheld multimeters are NOT capable of properly measuring this resistance.

Watts output = Amount of power generated by the TEG at load matched condition. Typically shown in a graph at various hot side and cold side temperatures (in Watts)

Volts output = Amount of voltage generated by the TEG at load matched condition. Typically shown in a graph at various hot side and cold side temperatures (in Volts)

Open Circuit Volts output = Amount of voltage generated by the TEG with NO load connected. Typically shown in a graph at various hot side and cold side temperatures (in Volts)

Amps output = Amount of amperage generated by the TEG at load matched condition. Typically shown in a graph at various hot side and cold side temperatures (in Amps)

TEG Resistance = A measurement of the TEGs internal resistance. The TEG resistance will increase as the TEG temperature increases. Typically shown in a graph at various hot side and cold side temperatures (in ohms)

Load Matched = TEGs will deliver the maximum Power output (Volts x Amps) when the load resistance equals the TEGs internal resistance. This is called load matching or impedance matching

Load = A “Load” is any device that is connected to the TEG that will consume power generated by the TEG. It can be many things such as a motor, LED, light bulb, electronics, a battery (being charged), etc.

N= The number of couples within the TEG.  Each couple is one P type pellet and one N type pellet.