6.4M views · Sep 22, 2024 · 32:51 · 3 HN recommenders · 5 mentions · discussed 2025
Technology Connections explains in 33 minutes why thermoelectric (Peltier) cooling is far less efficient than compressor-based refrigeration.
Why Hacker News points people here: It is the standard link whenever a new Peltier or thermoelectric cooling breakthrough is posted.
“they are _massively_ less efficient.”HN comment, 2025
“there's a 50x difference in volume to cool.”
Relaxed explanation of why Peltier cooling is inefficient.
> Did peltiers ever get efficient? Not compared to gas compression. For a relaxed take on it: this video (Thermoelectric cooling: it's not great) Though part of the complaints about the mini fridge is due to lack of insulation. But he compares it to his usual fridge, which has a similar power draw as this 60W mini fridge, and there's a 50x difference in volume to cool.
“they are _massively_ less efficient.”
Shows Peltier devices are far less efficient than compressors.
> though less efficient than other types IIRC they are _massively_ less efficient. Relevant Technology Connections video: this video
“Mandatory Technology Connections video about Peltier cooling”
Explains why thermoelectric cooling is inefficient.
Mandatory Technology Connections video about Peltier cooling, "Why Thermoelectric Cooling Is Inefficient": this video
“Obligatory video on the inefficiencies of thermoelectric cooling/Peltier elements”
Standard video on Peltier cooling inefficiency.
Obligatory video on the inefficiencies of thermoelectric cooling/Peltier elements from Techonology Connections: this video
“the efficiency was pretty lousy to start with”
Shows thermoelectric cooling efficiency started out poor.
Doubles efficiency? From what I understand, the efficiency was pretty lousy to start with: this video Aren't there theoretical limits to this sort of cooling too? But, if this innovation causes Technology Connections to make yet another heat pumps video, I'm all for it.
