/I have got a Russian thermocouple, ones used on their space
/craft and there is a respectable amount of power coming out
/of it. When I reverse the proces (power input instead of
/output) i get one surface very hot and the other freezing
/(ice builds up) You need a lot of temperature diffrential
/to achieve useful outputs.
The device you're refering to is a Peltier junction device
and they are now quite common here in the US for solid-state
refrigerators and food warmers in recreational vehicles. As
you've noted, they transfer heat energy from one surface to
the other depending on direction of electron flow. Sporting
good stores here offer coolers that will run from an automotive
electrical system. They're good for about 40 degrees F differential.
So, on a 100F degree ambient situation, your foodstuffs will
rise to 60F . . . not terrribly useful but okay if your
ambient doesn't go above 80F.
The thermocouples we've been discussing exhibit the Seebeck
effect . . . generate a very tiny but predictable voltage
between the junction of two different metals. These devices
are used in many industrial and commercial applications
for temperature measurement.
Regards,
Bob . . .
AeroElectric Connection
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