Background

PelTech Heat Pumps

Thermoelectric Conversion Systems Ltd (TCS) is a UK-based clean tech company pioneering the next generation of heat pumps using solid-state thermoelectric technology. TCS has developed the Hummingbird a compact, refrigerant-free heat pump that delivers both heating and cooling without the need for outdoor units or moving parts. Designed for hard-to-decarbonise properties like flats and historic buildings, the Hummingbird offers a low-impact, low-noise alternative for homes and commercial spaces where conventional heat pumps aren't viable.

A Thermoelectric Heat Pump (TeHP) utilises the Peltier effect in semiconductors to create a temperature difference between the faces of the device using a DC electrical current.

The direction of temperature difference depends on the polarity of the electrical supply and the amplitude of the temperature difference depends on the magnitude of the DC voltage.

The number of Peltier devices required for a given heat flow depends on a number of factors, including the operating current, temperature difference, and the manner in which the voltage is applied to the device.

The Coefficient of Performance (CoP) of the heat engine is determined by the same factors. The Peltier module physical parameters are also a critical factor for performant designs.

Performance, Technology & Integration

The Peltech TeHP is fabricated using Peltier modules and heat exchangers manufactured to TCS’ specifications.

The Peltech ‘Optidrive’™ controller uses a sophisticated digital control regime to ensure the TeHP heat engine is working at the optimum point for the prevailing thermal conditions.

It also incorporates a variety of additional user-selectable operating modes to optimise for CoP, accumulator recovery rate or to achieve a specific temperature at a specific time.

Control optimisation techniques will be made available under the EAP.

Performance

During development we have tested many different heat engine applications including:

an MVHR system running in our meeting room with an average CoP of > 5.
an ASHP system heating a 200L hot water tank with an average CoP of > 5.
a grey water WSHP heating a 200L hot water tank with an average CoP of > 6.

All have peak CoPs of 10+. A 3kW heat engine is about the size of an A4 box file, including pumps. The unit shown in the photograph above is only 80mm high.

Technology

IP filed in 2023.
Peltier modules and heat exchangers are manufactured to TCS’ specification.
The heat engine is fully reversible – it can be used for heating or cooling.
Fluid loops are used to transport thermal energy to / from the core heat engine.
The air source and water source thermoelectric heat engines are optimised differently.
The algorithm implemented in the controller is the key to achieving a high system CoP.
The highest CoPs are obtained when the heat engine is used with energy storage (water tanks, concrete slabs, etc.) or waste energy recovery from fluids and air.
The heat engine works equally well with both direct and indirect heating systems.
Scalable from <100W to 10’s of kW.

Integration

The heat engine has been designed for use with 12V, 24V or 48V DC. This makes it particularly well suited to use with PV electrical battery supply voltages.

Flexibility in the physical construction of the heat engine means it is easily adaptable to many different form factors – e.g., standard boiler casings, under-sink units, in-duct, etc.

Application areas

Fridges, Freezers, Tumble Dryers.
Hot tub & swimming pool heaters.
MVHR units.
Air-conn and air heaters (fixed & stand-alone).
Recuperators.
Energy recyclers (e.g. grey water).
Traditional heat pumps.
Micro heat pumps – e.g. water & drinks coolers.
EV cabin heating, cooling & battery thermal management.
Pre-heaters for hot water systems.

TCS’ thermoelectric heat pump technology benefits

A TeHP uses the Peltier effect in semiconductors to transport thermal energy through a temperature difference using DC electrical energy. The direction of heat transport is determined by the polarity of the electrical supply
No refrigerants – negative GWP. Displaces large carbon footprint. Not remotely flammable.
No external pipework insulation required.
High Coefficient of Performance.
Low power consumption:
Low starting current – 5kW system can run from a 13A plug.
Mains supply power factor correction (PFC) for commercial / industrial use where kVA, not kW is billed.
Optimised for use with 12V / 24V / 48V DC PV systems.
Thermal output scalable to many 10’s of kW(th).
Low cost.
Physically robust.
No vibration.
Infinitely variable output modulation between 0% and > 100%. Unlimited stop / start.
Compact and lightweight (approx 5kg per kW(th)).
Quiet.
Efficient (recovers internal system losses).
High temperature range (< -30°C→> +70°C) – Legionella “safe”.
Flexible installation options (including for retrofit).
Reliable (MTTF will be > 300K hrs / 30 years):
Heat engine can tolerate Peltier module failure with small impact to performance.

Contact Us

If you are interested to learn more then we would be happy to give you more details.

Contact Sales@TEConversion.com for more information of fill out the form below.