Thermoelectric coolers as thermal management systems for medical applications: Design, optimization, and advancement

Abstract

Compared with traditional cooling techniques, thermoelectric coolers have drawn massive attention for small- scale cooling applications, particularly in medical practices. Thermoelectric coolers offer the benefits of having more environmentally friendly systems, a silent and robust structure, and reliable temperature control. Considering the recent rapid developments in this field, this article comprehensively reviews thermoelectric refrigerators for thermal management systems in medical practices, such as cooling carriers and wearable medical devices. Thermal optimization of thermoelectric coolers is assessed according to the available mechanisms, namely 1) using efficient thermoelectric materials, 2) designing efficient heat sink and absorption - especially applying phase change materials, and heat pipes, and 3) production methods for flexible thermoelectric devices, such as printing techniques. In the end, we point out that novel thermoelectric cooler technologies have gradually replaced traditional refrigerators due to their advantages of small size, flexibility, and pollution-free characteristics for medical applications, alongside wearable technologies.