An Introduction To Thermo-Electric Cooling Modules
Thermo-Electric technology is an active thermal management technique based on the Peltier effect. It was discovered by J.C.A Peltier in 1834. This phenomenon involves the heating or cooling of the junction of two Thermo-Electric materials (bismuth and telluride) by passing an electrical current through the junction. During this operation, direct current flows through the Thermo-Electric module causing heat to be transferred from one side to the other, which creates a cold and hot side. If the direction of the current is reversed, the cold and hot sides are changed. The cooling power also can be adjusted by changing its operating current. A typical single stage cooler (Figure. 1) consists of two ceramic plates with p and n-type semiconductor materials (bismuth, telluride) between the ceramic plates. The elements of semiconductor material are connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel.
Today, because of its low weight, small size or capacity and low cost, Thermo-Electric cooling is widely used in medical and pharmaceutical equipment, aviation, aerospace, military, spectroscopy systems, and numerous commercial products (such as hot & cold water dispensers, portable refrigerators, car coolers, etc.).
Five Special Characteristics of the Thermo-Electric Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion
The creative design of the patent-protected Thermo-Electric Seat Cushion is perfect for the auto, home or office. There are five important aspects of its function:
1 . Superior cooling capacity
As every driver knows, during the hot summer months, and after several hours under direct sunlight, the inside of the car gets unbearable and the seats are burning hot. There is plenty of evidence that shows most of the traffic accidents occur during the hot summer months. Studies also show that the human body will easily feel tired when in an unbearable environment, especially in vehicles with no air conditioning system. The Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion can help solve this problem by making people feel cool and comfortable. It works great to eliminate a sweaty back and bottom while commuting around town. The cooling function can also be used as therapy for lower back pain. The coils inside the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion cool to an average of 40 F below the ambient temperature. The seat cushion is designed to transfer heat away from your body first and then you will start feeling the coolness. It works great in a vehicle, in an office or home chair, or even outside on the patio.
2. Special heating function
Since the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion is developed with thermo-electric technology, you can easily choose between heating or cooling by flipping the switch. Thermo-electric technology provides 150% efficient heating capacity compared to normal heating methods. When the ambient temperature is just 30 F the seat cushion can reach 86 F. The Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion makes people feel nice and warm throughout the cold winter months.
3. Outstanding energy saving functions
By using the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion, drivers have the potential to lower their gas usage by using the vehicle's air conditioner less often. Studies show that using a vehicle's air conditioning system can substantially lower your vehicle's miles per gallon performance. By using the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion instead of the air conditioning system, these losses can be recouped. This creates a win-win situation for the environment and your pocketbook. Over time, the gas savings can even cover the cost of purchasing the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion.
The advanced thermo-electric technology in the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion Power Unit/Pump ensures sufficient cooling capacity. This product provides high cooling efficiency and economical low power consumption. Inside the cushion there is rubber tubing embedded in the foam padded material. 1/3 of the tubing can be felt when the weight of the human body presses on the surface and you can immediately start feeling cool or warm.
The power consumption of the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion Thermo-Electric Power Unit/Pump is only 30W. Working continually for 33 hours will consume only 1 kilowatt of electricity. When using it in a running vehicle, there is an extremely slim amount of electricity consumed. Since the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion uses very little power, it can be left on for short periods when the vehicle is not running. It's great when running errands on hot or cold days. It is recommended to switch the unit to the off position and unplug the adaptor when turning the car off for more than an hour. The unit also comes with an AC Wall Outlet Adaptor so it can be used in the office, at home, or out on the patio. Many people use them in their office chairs all day long when they do not have control over the office thermostat.
4. Credible safety system
The Thermo-Electric Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion works in low 12V voltage in both it's cool and warm functions. The liquid filled tubing in the seat cushion can bear 330lbs of pressure. There is also a pump inside the power box that transfers cooled or heated fluid to the seat cushion surface through the rubber tubing. The electrical power system is separated from the seat cushion itself and therefore accidental liquid spills on the cushion will not cause an electrical shock. All if the materials are fire resistant to ensure safety. The circulatory system is airproof and there is no probability of leakage.
5. Environmentally friendly
The Thermo-Electric Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion totally abandons the Freon-based air conditioning systems that do great harm to our atmosphere. The Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion is the newest contribution to protecting the environment. The patent-protected thermo-electric system design provides cooling and heating in small dimensions so that anyone can use it conveniently.
Tips To Maximize the Coolness of your Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion
Thermo-Electric technology is based on the ambient temperature. To maximize the efficiency of the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion in your vehicle on extremely hot days, when you first get into your vehicle, switch the A/C to FLOOR/PANEL for a few minutes. This gets cooler air to the Thermo-Electric power-pump unit which will maximize its cooling efficiency. On really hot days, you will start to feel the coolness of the seat cushion in about 10-20 minutes and then it will continue to cool you down depending on the ambient temperature in the vehicle. Keep in mind, that the seat cushion is designed to transfer heat away from your back and bottom first. So, during the first 10-20 minutes, although you might not feel a lot of coolness yet, you will notice that you are not sweating. This is due to the transfer of heat away from your body.
The coils inside the seat cushion are pressure activated. The longer you sit, the cooler it gets. If you get up for a few minutes and leave the system on it will only take a few minutes for it to return to the maximum coolness. If you leave the system on in your car while running a quick errand, it takes approximately 4-5 minutes for it to cool. Please remember to shut off and unplug your unit when not in use.
If you have the lumbar function on the vehicle's seat, it helps to have it extended out as far as it will go. This will extend the cooling areas of the seat cushion into your back which will maximize the coolness feeling. Please only do so if this if it is comfortable for you.
