Pro-Range TEC1-12720 50x50mm Thermoelectric Cooler 20A Peltier Module - 15.8V, 172W Cooling Capacity

The TEC1-12720 is rated for a nominal 15.8V DC. The operating current at this voltage is 20A. Exceeding these ratings, especially with overvoltage, can cause permanent damage to the semiconductor junctions and lead to premature failure. Always use a power supply capable of delivering the required current with stable voltage regulation.

For optimal performance, the module must be clamped evenly between two heatsinks. Apply a thin layer of thermal paste on both ceramic faces to ensure good thermal contact. The hot side must be attached to a heatsink capable of dissipating the combined heat pumped and the module's own electrical waste heat. Uneven pressure or inadequate cooling on the hot side will drastically reduce efficiency and can crack the ceramic substrate.

The 172W cooling capacity (Qmax) is the maximum amount of heat the module can pump from the cold side to the hot side when there is zero temperature difference (ΔT=0°C) between its faces. In real-world use, as the ΔT increases, the effective cooling power decreases. The module's performance is characterized by its voltage-current (V-I) and heat pumping (Q-ΔT) curves, which should be consulted for system design.

Yes. A Peltier module's function is reversible. By reversing the polarity of the applied DC voltage, the direction of heat flow is reversed, turning the cold side into the hot side and vice versa. This makes it excellent for applications requiring both precise heating and cooling from a single device, such as in thermal cyclers or climate chambers.