Thermoelectric cooling: it's not great.
Technology Connections3 HN recommenders · recommended in 2 months, 2025–2025
explainer · general · evergreen · 2025–2025 on HN
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.
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5 comments from Hacker News
> though less efficient than other types IIRC they are _massively_ less efficient. Relevant Technology Connections video: ▶ this video
Mandatory Technology Connections video about Peltier cooling, "Why Thermoelectric Cooling Is Inefficient": ▶ this video
> 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.
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.
Obligatory video on the inefficiencies of thermoelectric cooling/Peltier elements from Techonology Connections: ▶ this video