Computer controlled thermoelectric performance analysis system

In this thesis, a new with computer controlled thermoelectric performance analysis system (TEPAS) has been designed and developed in order to analyze performances of thermoelectric (TE) modules and systems. The fundamental of TEPAS is established on a new method based on the measurements of current pulled by TE module, voltage across the terminals of it, thermoemf it produces and temperature on any surface of it. Traditional method assumes parameters of semiconductors either constant or only temperature dependent. That?s why; calculation and evaluation of performance of TE modules are misleading. On the other hand, with utilization of experimental parameters attained via direct measurements on an operating module enables the new method to take into account the total effects of all internal and external factors over the module. The basis of hardware of TEPAS is constituted with the multifunctional USB based data acquisition and control module (DA&C) as well as the adjustment circuitries for temperature, current and voltage measurements and for the system control. Under computer-control measurements are stored on the database via DA&C module and necessary control signals are generated. In the system, 24V output of SMPS can be adjusted within 20% to 100% range with computer control. Hence, via H-Bridge method, it is possible to drive TE at a desired power in both of the directions. In this study, various algorithms are developed to acquire temperature balance, experimental parameters and output parameters. The control and user-interface of the system is developed in Delphi Visual environment. So as to determine the performance of TEPAS, a standard TE module of MELCOR CP1.0-12705L has been utilized in the experimental studies. Furthermore, with a prototype of TE cooling system and Rat Hypothermia System developed in R&D Laboratory are analyzed in performance aspect with TEPAS. The experimental results attained show that with TEPAS, determination of parameters of TE systems and modules can be achieved easily, fast and in reliance.