| This paper systemically expounds the basic principles of thermoelectric effects and thermoelectric cooler (TEC), and lists the formulas for engineering design. Then the temperature field in the element of the TEC is obtained on the base of non-equilibrium thermodynamics and a more applicable formula for TEC is proposed. Furthermore, the effect of the inside structure on the refrigeration performance of multi-stage TEC is studied and an optimized method for design is brought forward. Finally, experiment on multi-stage TEC is carried out to validate the correctness of the theory analytic.On theory, major achievements include the following research:1. Establishing the one dimension model of steady heat transfer about semiconductor elements, the result show that the temperature distribution of both n-type and p-type semiconductor are similar and approximately have the linear shape due to small temperature difference and current intensity.2. Putting forward a more applicable formula for TEC design, pointing out the defects of some references, and making out that Thomson effect have important effects and the equivalent Thomson heat should not be neglected.3. Studying on the effect of the inside structure on the refrigeration performance of multi-stage TEC by comparing the two level thermoelectric cooler made in series and parallel connection, then obtain the optimal work current and ratio of the number of elements of different stage.In experiment, major achievements include the following research:1. Designing and building the experimental station about multi-stage TEC, many groups of experiments with the highest refrigeration temperature difference at different situation have been finished, and obtaining some reliable experimental data.2. Validating the numerical model for thermoelectric cooler established in theory research by comparing the numerical results with the experimental data and pointing out that Thomson effect must be taken into account in multi-stage TEC.
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