9
About Thermoelectric Cooling
(How It Works)
Thermoelectric technology uses an instrument called a Peltier device or
a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) to create a heat flux between the junction
of two different types of materials. A Peltier cooler or thermoelectric
heat pump is a solid-state active heat pump which transfers heat
from one side of the device to the other side against the temperature
gradient with consumption of electrical energy. As such, the Peltier
device as employed in this Petite Fridge
™
is used for cooling.
Perhaps you’ve already come across this technology if you are a
camper, as the Coleman
®
company sells such a device that you can
plug into a cigarette lighter in your vehicle. Such units are actually set
up to both heat and cool.
Health Care Logistics incorporated this thermoelectric technology
into the Petite Fridge
™
which incorporates a special preset internal
solid-state temperature switch set at 37.4ºF (3ºC). This solid-state
temperature switch works thermostatically to maintain the optimum
temperature range as prescribed by the USP Standard for Controlled
Cold Temperature of 36ºF to 46ºF. The user cannot change or select
the desired temperature.
Instead of plugging the unit into your vehicle, HCL built the unit to
utilize a UL-approved Medical Grade power supply that connects to
a wall socket. The unit has only one moving part with a trouble-free
life expectancy of up to 60,000 working hours, or over 6
1
⁄
2
years of
continuous operation.
Thermoelectric technology is used by HCL here, because it has many
advantages over refrigerant-based systems. It is of solid-state design
with an integrated preset chip. It employs no hazardous gases and is
virtually silent when running – no louder than a common computer.
It doesn’t need to employ a bulky compressor unit, and as such,
can be miniaturized to fit desktop or wall mount nurse server type
applications. Also, with its low-voltage design, it has the advantage of
reduced power consumption and energy savings, and makes a positive
contribution to green living.
Note:
Coleman
®
is a registered trademark of The Coleman Company, Inc.
