Thermoelectric modules are becoming more and more popular nowadays again as their prices are going down and the new potential applications have appeared due to recent developments in microelectronic and wireless technology. Not so long ago Peltier modules were mainly used as thermoelectric coolers TECs, for example in thermal image generator (De Baetselier et al., 1995a), thermoelectrically coo...

Nosocomial infections acquired during the course of cardiac surgery and hospitalization can have devastating patient consequences. The source of these infections is often difficult to determine which complicates eradication efforts. Recently it has become apparent that the heater-cooler devices used in conjunction with cardiopulmonary bypass may become contaminated with bacteria that are normal...

V-VI thermoelectric compounds like Bi2Te3-based alloys are well known for room temperature applications like Peltier coolers or thermogenerators. Their anisotropic physical properties and mechanical weakness are a problem for the manufacturing. To overcome the mechanical problem Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) was used. 2 inch Wafers of polycrystalline bismuth telluride based n-type and p-type the...

Thermoacoustic heat engines provide a practical solution to the problem of heat management in microcircuits where they can be used to pump heat or produce spot cooling of specific circuit elements. There are basically two types of thermoacoustic engines, a prime mover where heat is converted to acoustic energy, and a heat pump or cooler where sound can pump heat up a temperature gradient. Such ...

This paper reviews studies of the patterns of alcohol use and consumption in Africa. It highlights the findings that alcohol consumption has currently been on the increase with the underage and young persons (ages 10 to 25 years) of both sexes predominating. It was also noted that marketing played a critical role in the globalization of patterns of alcohol use among young people with the produc...