Peltier Effect
The absorption or emission of heat at the junction of two dissimilar electrical conductors when an electric current flows across it.
Governing formula
Q_rate = Π_AB I = (S_A - S_B) T I
SI unit
W (Cooling / Heating Rate)
In depth
The thermodynamic inverse of the Seebeck effect. Driving current across a p-n semiconductor junction forces charge carriers to absorb or release thermal energy as they transition between different Seebeck coefficient energy states.
Examples in the real world
Solid-state thermoelectric Peltier coolers used in portable electronic refrigerators and CPU spot coolers.