Introduction: Tabletop Heater

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About: In my spare time, I fly RC airplanes and enjoy sharing my passion for learning how things work through my own instructional videos.

In this project, we are going to build a Tabletop Heater using Peltier’s thermoelectric principle. Circuit Specialisthappens to carry these Peltier modules. These modules can be used in devices where heating or cooling is desired. In this project, I wanted to develop a simple application for the Peltier modules that would also have some functionality. So I came up with the Tabletop Heater project. We learned a lot during the project and I’ll share some of the lessons learned at the end.

Supplies

  1. Peltier thermoelectric modules. (we used 4 of these connected in series)
  2. Cooling fan.AC-DC Power Supply.
  3. Project box.
  4. Switch, double-pole double-throw (DPDT).
  5. Power cable.
  6. Thermal adhesive a small tube.
  7. 2200 uF capacitor

Step 1: History of Peltier

First, a brief history of Peltier modules and the Peltier effect…Jean Charles Athanase Peltier was 13 years old, and although he came from a poorly educated family in rural France, people began to notice he was gifted. It wasn’t until 1834, after a separate career dealing with watches, that Peltier found that when he caused an electrical current to flow through a circuit made from two different conductors, a phenomenon happened. Depending on the direction of the current flow, one junction got hot and the other grew cold. This is now known as the Peltier effect.

Step 2: Prepare the Enclosure

  1. Drill a hole to fit the stem of the DPDT switch in the center of your project box.
  2. Drill a hole on the side to run the power supply cable.

  3. Run the power supply cable through the hole and wire accordingly.

Step 3: Prepare the Thermoelectric Module

  1. I use heavy-duty double side tape to glue the thermoelectric modules one atop the enclosure.
  2. Make sure to use some silicone heat transfer compound.

  3. After gluing down the thermoelectric, drill 2 holes for the wires.

Step 4: Prepare the Switch.

  1. Wiring the switch according to the schematic below.
  2. Drill a hole for the switch then solder the power and the thermoelectric module to the switch.

Step 5: Fan,Sticker and Reassemble

  1. Install the fan on top of the power supply to make sure everything stays cool.
  2. Reassemble the enclosure using the provided screws.
  3. Print sticker for the switch.

Step 6: Conclusion

The device can be improved in many places. For instance, a larger power supply can give a higher maximum temperature. Some heat sinks installed from the inside of the enclosure would also help increase the max temperature and lower the min temperature when cooling.

Furthermore, a capacitor can really help with stabilizing the power. However, at Circuit Specialists, we want to make sure the project is safe for all ages so we keep the temperature around 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

This heater is perfect for heating essential Oil or tattoo ointment.