Thermoelectric Basics: a thermoelectric effect is the direct conversion of temperature differences to electric voltage and vice versa across the hot and cold sides of a semiconductor material. This effect can be used to generate electricity (Seebeck Thermopower) or to actively cool objects (Peltier Cooling). Because the direction of heating and cooling is determined by the sign of the applied voltage, thermoelectric devices make very convenient temperature controllers that are quiet, have no moving parts or emissions, and are highly reliable.
Seebeck Thermopower: is the direct conversion of a thermal gradient into electricity.
Peltier Cooling: provides active cooling and refrigeration when an electrical current is applied to the thermoelectric device in the presence of a heat source; when the current is made to flow through the circuit, heat is removed from the hot side and rejected at the cold side.
