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Thermoelectric cooling: it's not great.

Technology Connections · 6.4M views · 2024-09-22 · 32:51

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Overview

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

On Hacker News

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

Recommended by 3 HN people across 2 months · HN mentions 2025–2025

Topics

Power grid, heating & buildingsEveryday physics & science demosMechanical & precision engineering
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peltierrefrigerationefficiencyheat pumpstechnology connections

What people said

joshstrange · 2025-07 · Recommendation

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

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otikik · 2025-07 · Recommendation

Mandatory Technology Connections video about Peltier cooling, "Why Thermoelectric Cooling Is Inefficient": [VIDEO]

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tommiegannert · 2025-02 · Recommendation

> Did peltiers ever get efficient? Not compared to gas compression. For a relaxed take on it: [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.

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Sources

Video by Technology Connections, played through YouTube.

Data and selection notes

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HN Library: HackerTube export (2026-10-31) and open-index/hacker-news. Upstream summaries and classifications may contain AI errors.

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