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Figure 6 shows a low-voltage solid-state thermoelectric cooling element - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 6
Question 4
Figure 6 shows a low-voltage solid-state thermoelectric cooling element. The element is a square of side 40 mm and is 4 mm thick. Figure 7 shows how the element is ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 6 shows a low-voltage solid-state thermoelectric cooling element - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 6
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Suggest why a small value of the COP might be acceptable for this particular application of a thermoelectric element.
Answer
A small value of COP might be acceptable in this context for several reasons:
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Compact Size: Thermoelectric coolers are typically small and lightweight, making them suitable for portable applications, which is a major advantage.
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No Moving Parts: They have no moving parts, leading to greater reliability and lower maintenance compared to traditional cooling methods.
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Low Power Requirements: Given that the power supply is merely 28 W for cooling 65 W, it is relatively efficient given its size compared to larger refrigeration systems.
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Specific Use Case: In situations where only a small amount of cooling is required (such as for keeping medicine cool), the thermoelectric element's features may outweigh the drawbacks of a low COP.
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Cost-Effectiveness: The application may justify the energy cost when considering safety and reliability in sensitive environments.