Peltier systems

Peltier elements

Thermoelectric Peltier elements are used as heat pumps for cooling and precise temperature regulation in many industrial sectors, as this technology is characterized by rapid response times, high temperature stability and a wide temperature range. The maintenance-free Peltier elements also operate noiselessly and without vibrations. Properly applied, they can offer a major advantage over other technologies.

From materials to moduls

Fraunhofer IPM draws on over 30 years of experience in the field of thermoelectric generators and Peltier elements, from material and module development to measurement technology, simulation methods and system construction.

We manufacture small series of free-form Peltier modules on our in-house semi-automatic module production line, tailored to our clients' specific requirements. As a customer, you benefit from our comprehensive expertise in the field of thermoelectric materials as well as our extensive experience in the assembly and connection technology of modules and systems, which we are continuously developing further.

With a clear focus on innovation and quality, we manufacture reliable thermoelectric modules and systems for application in challenging environments such as aerospace.

Processing bulk materials and thin films

Our expertise covers a wide range of material processing methods for bulk material and thin films:

• Sawing, polishing, lapping
• Annealing
• Electroplating and physical vapor deposition

Application of diffusion barriers

Diffusion barriers are applied in order to prevent undesired electrical contacts and the thermoelectric materials from chemical degradation. Fraunhofer IPM utilizes several techniques for the application of diffusion barriers optimized for the specific material classes.

Physical vapor deposition (e.g. sputtering)

• Typical diffusion barrier materials such as Ni, Ti, Au
• Homogenity of layer thickness of +/- 2 % possible for diameters of up to 145 mm

Electroplating

• Deposition of metal layers and even thermoelectric layers such as bismuth telluride and bismuth antimon telluride are possible

Module characterization and long-term testing at our own measuring stations

We can test specific products as well as commercially available modules and have of a range of different measuring setups for precisely characterizing the thermoelectric properties and long-term stability of modules and utilized materials. On behalf of our customers, we carry out non-destructive analyses using 3D computer tomography as well as composition analyses using a scanning electron microscope, including the preparation of micrographs.

Specific system solutions

Aside from the production and characterization of individual modules, we develop, build and characterize customer and project-specific system solutions, from prototype to implementation. We use suitable simulation tools to specifically match individual system components to each other, building on many years of experience in the construction and thermal coupling of the modules.

We cover the entire production chain, from the design and preparation of basic components to a complete, quality-assured thermoelectric system.

Our offer

• Optimization and processing of functional materials
• Development of diffusion barriers and contact technologies
• Material and module characterization
• Fabrication of custom-tailored
  thermoelectric components
• Development of prototype Peltier cooling systems
• Feasibility studies