Researchers at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) have developed a new method to create thermoelectric cooling devices using 3D printing technology. The study, published in Science, demonstrates a manufacturing process that reduces production costs while maintaining performance comparable to traditional methods.
The team, led by Professor Maria Ibáñez, produced thermoelectric materials through an extrusion-based 3D printing technique. The printed devices achieved a cooling effect of 50 degrees in air, matching the performance of conventionally manufactured thermoelectric coolers that require more expensive and wasteful production methods.
The innovation lies in the specially designed ink formulation that creates effective atomic bonds between material grains as the carrier solvent evaporates. This process results in improved charge transfer between grains, enabling the printed materials to achieve performance levels similar to traditional ingot-based devices while using less material and energy.
Thermoelectric coolers, also known as solid-state refrigerators, offer advantages over conventional cooling systems due to their lack of moving parts, resistance to leaks, and customizable shapes. These characteristics make them particularly suitable for electronics cooling applications, where localized temperature management is essential.
The technology shows potential for various applications beyond electronic cooling, including medical uses such as burn treatment and muscle strain relief. The researchers suggest their ink formulation method could be adapted for high-temperature thermoelectric generators, potentially expanding their use in waste energy harvesting systems.
Source: ist.ac.at