Evaluating the Use of a Thermoelectric Module Cooling to Increase the Power Density of Power Converters

This paper starts by analysing the equivalent circuit model of a Thermoelectric Module (TEM) with PLECS simulation by using the PLECS thermal block-set. The approach enables the evaluation of power-module losses when mounted on a sandwich assembly of a TEM, heatsink, and cooling fan. An experimental setup was first built using power resistors for controlled heat generation to be absorbed by the cooling system and validated with the simulation model. Experimental investigations were then carried out on a DC/DC converter under four cooling conditions: natural convection and forced convection without a TEM and then natural convection and forced convection with a TEM. The experimental results are validated using PLECS Software (version 4.8). This result demonstrates a reduction in the power-module junction temperature of the DC/DC converter when employing forced convection with a TEM compared to forced convection without a TEM. Furthermore, the results indicate about 32% potential weight and size reduction of the converter magnetic components, along with improved power density, through the integration of TEM-based cooling.