Laird Thermal Systems Adds New Models to Tunnel Series Thermoelectric Assembly Product Line

Laird’s space-saving thermoelectric assemblies offer compact cooling performance for analytical and medical instrumentation…

November 7, 2017 — Global technology leader Laird (LRD: London) has expanded its thermoelectric assembly (TEA) product offering to include a higher capacity range for critical medical equipment. Previously, the Tunnel Series TEAs offered cooling for capacities up to 39 watts. The new boosted Tunnel Series now offers cooling capacities exceeding 100 Watts to support a wider range of cooling applications. Available in standard and custom configurations, the boosted Tunnel Series thermoelectric assemblies offer a compact form factor that fits inside analytical and medical instrumentation with tight space constraints.

Laird’s Tunnel Series use either air-to-air or direct-to-air heat transfer mechanisms designed with optimized thermoelectric modules (TEMs) for high efficiency and brand names fans for low noise and improved reliability. Additional design features include improved sealing to prevent moisture intrusion when running in dew point conditions and reduced number of airflow paths required to operate more efficiently compared to traditional impingement flow TEAs.

Depending on the cooling capacity requirements, the thermoelectric assemblies can utilize one or more thermoelectric modules. In addition, when combined with an advanced SR-54 Series temperature controller, the assembly offers temperature control to within +/- 1 degree C. The SR-54 temperature controller also provides monitoring and alarm functionality, including identification of a problematic fan, thermoelectric module, over-temperature thermostat and temperature sensor failure — all of which are critical to maximizing medical equipment uptime. The controller requires minimal programming and can be easily adhered to a TEA or system enclosure. The controller also lowers operational noise, as fan speeds can be lowered once the specified temperature has been reached.

“Our thermal management systems are used to provide temperature stability and condensation protection. The advantages of thermoelectric assemblies over other types of technologies are precise temperature control, compactness, faster temperature ramp rates, better efficiency and lower noise,” said Anders Kottenauer, Senior Vice President of Laird’s Thermal Systems Business. “With extensive temperature control experience, a diverse product portfolio, and a global footprint, Laird’s new boosted Tunnel Series TEAs meet the stringent temperature control requirements and mean time before failure demands of sensitive medical equipment.”