Solid-State Cooling: Cheaper than Thermoelectric?

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In summary, the opposite effect does not take place when electrons pass from a poor conductor to a better conductor. The lower resistance region will simply dissipate less energy. However, there may be potential for solid-state cooling using two conductors with different levels of disorder in electron motion. Ideas such as combining resistance with a transverse magnetic field or using a conductor with a gradient of admixture are worth exploring for potential cooling methods.
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Stanley514
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If electric current passes from relatively good conductor to a much worse conductor (resistance), electrons start to loose energy and dissipate it as heat. Does opposite effect take place? I mean, when electrons pass from some poor conductor to a much better conductor, will they absorb energy and thus cool the good conductor?
I thought on some relatively inexpensive solid-state cooling which is cheaper than regular thermoelectric.
 
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Stanley514 said:
If electric current passes from relatively good conductor to a much worse conductor (resistance), electrons start to loose energy and dissipate it as heat. Does opposite effect take place? I mean, when electrons pass from some poor conductor to a much better conductor, will they absorb energy and thus cool the good conductor?
I thought on some relatively inexpensive solid-state cooling which is cheaper than regular thermoelectric.

No, the lower resistance region will just dissipate less energy, not absorb it.

Keep asking good questions though! :-)
 
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Maybe my mistake, but it seems that when motion of some particles turn from more chaotic to more orderly it could be associated with cooling. Could we do the same thing with a two conductors? For example in one of them electrons do not follow a straight paths even if they flow in general in some direction, whereas in other conductor they move more straight and thus orderly? Will they start to absorb heat when pass from one to another?
Also there could be such ideas as to combine a resistance with a transverse magnetic field or to have a conductor with a gradient of admixture which will cause gradual change of a work function in relation to a certain quantity of a charge along its length. What do you think about it?
 

Related to Solid-State Cooling: Cheaper than Thermoelectric?

1. How does solid-state cooling work?

Solid-state cooling involves using thermoelectric materials, which are materials that can generate a cooling effect when an electric current is applied to them. These materials have a unique property called the Peltier effect, which causes one side of the material to cool down while the other side heats up. By placing these materials in a specific arrangement, a solid-state cooler can be created.

2. Is solid-state cooling cheaper than traditional cooling methods?

In general, solid-state cooling is cheaper than traditional cooling methods such as refrigeration and air conditioning. This is because solid-state coolers have no moving parts, which reduces maintenance and repair costs. They also require less energy to operate, making them more cost-effective in the long run.

3. What are the advantages of using solid-state cooling?

There are several advantages to using solid-state cooling, including its compact size, quiet operation, and lack of harmful refrigerants. Solid-state coolers are also more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional cooling methods.

4. Are there any limitations to solid-state cooling?

One limitation of solid-state cooling is its relatively low cooling capacity compared to traditional methods. This makes it more suitable for smaller cooling applications rather than large-scale cooling needs. Additionally, solid-state coolers may not be able to reach extremely low temperatures, which could be a limitation for some industries.

5. What are some potential applications of solid-state cooling?

Solid-state cooling has a wide range of potential applications, including cooling electronic devices, food and beverage refrigeration, and medical equipment cooling. It can also be used for temperature control in industrial processes and in commercial buildings for air conditioning. With ongoing advancements in solid-state cooling technology, the possibilities for its applications continue to expand.

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