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    Thermoelectric cooling: it's not great.

    Technology Connections

    3 HN recommenders · recommended in 3 months, 2025

    YouTube

    32:51 · 6.4M views · Sep 22, 2024

    Technology Connections explains in 33 minutes why thermoelectric (Peltier) cooling is far less efficient than compressor-based refrigeration.

    It is the standard link whenever a new Peltier or thermoelectric cooling breakthrough is posted.

    Earth, Energy & EnvironmentPower grid, heating & buildingsEveryday physics & science demosMechanical & precision engineering
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    5 comments from Hacker News

    1. @tommiegannertFeb 2025· in “New thermogalvanic tech paves way for more efficient fridges”

      > Did peltiers ever get efficient? Not compared to gas compression. For a relaxed take on it: this video (Thermoelectric cooling: it's not great) Though part of the complaints about the mini fridge is due to lack of insulation. But he compares it to his usual fridge, which has a similar power draw as this 60W mini fridge, and there's a 50x difference in volume to cool.

      RecommendsView on HN
    2. @joshstrangeJul 2025· in “Scientists identify culprit behind biggest-ever U.S. honey bee die-off”

      > though less efficient than other types IIRC they are _massively_ less efficient. Relevant Technology Connections video: this video

      RecommendsView on HN
    3. @otikikJul 2025· in “Staying cool without refrigerants: Next-generation Peltier cooling”

      Mandatory Technology Connections video about Peltier cooling, "Why Thermoelectric Cooling Is Inefficient": this video

      RecommendsView on HN
    4. @vintermannSep 2025· in “New thermoelectric cooling breakthrough nearly doubles efficiency”

      Doubles efficiency? From what I understand, the efficiency was pretty lousy to start with: this video Aren't there theoretical limits to this sort of cooling too? But, if this innovation causes Technology Connections to make yet another heat pumps video, I'm all for it.

      CitesView on HN
    5. @minimaxirJul 2025· in “Nano-engineered thermoelectrics enable scalable, compressor-free cooling”

      Obligatory video on the inefficiencies of thermoelectric cooling/Peltier elements from Techonology Connections: this video

      CitesView on HN