Hi:
I have an application with a 6" x 6" x .25" OR a 6 x 12" by 0.125" Aluminum plate at ambient 30 deg C that I need to chill down to -10 deg C. The space limitations indicate a Peltier approach.
I have some questions on the thermal loading calculations.
While I can calc the the energy required to do this using the Spec. Heat Cap of Al. I am not sure how to compensate for losses to atmospheric or thermal coupling due to the plate crossection.
The calcs deal with the Delta T and the AL mass, but what about the heat continually absorbed from the ambient environment?
1) How do I compensate for the area of the plate surface?
2) An equal mass of Al plate at .125" thickness will behave differently due to the amount of radiant surface and thinner cross-section (weaker thermal coupling).
How do I calculate for this app?
3) How do i compensate for the reduced energy requirements when frost is formed on the Aluminum, as this acts as an insulator to ambient etc.
I understand that the Peltier can move its rated power (168W) plus its dissipated power V* I at an optimum Delta T gradient. I am achieving the required 52 Deg C delta T with NO alum Plate attached, with a heatsink temp of 42 deg C.
Thanks much.