120W Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller Core (12V Peltier Water Cooling DIY KIT)

Specifications

• Power Rating: 120W (Max)
• Operating Voltage: 12V DC
• Peltier module: 1 x TEC1-12710
• Operating Current: 10A (Recommended Power Supply: 12V 15A)
• Module Type: High-Power Single Head Thermoelectric Cooler
• Water block Nozzle size: 5mm (ID),9.3mm(OD)

      Cooling Method:

• Hot Side: Active Air Cooling (Large Aluminum Heatsink + High-RPM Fan)
• Cold Side: Liquid Cooling (Integrated Aluminum Water Block)

• Fan Voltage: 12V DC
• Max water flow rate: 160LPH
• Applicable Volume:10-15Litres
• Assembly: Pre-assembled and thermal paste applied
• Material: Plastic + Metal

Applications

• DIY Aquarium Chiller: Perfect for maintaining cool water temperatures in nano-reefs or Axolotl tanks.
• CPU/Battery Test Bench: Active cooling for testing high-discharge batteries or overclocked processors.
• Portable Refrigeration: Build a high-performance car fridge or camping cooler box.
• Scientific Instruments: Precise temperature control for chemical mixing or fermentation chambers.

Features:

• Kit includes everything required to build your Peltier Refrigeration system.
• All are designed to be used together and users need not source them separately and make alterations to use them together. 
• Use this kit to get started and understand the Refrigeration system. 

Project Evolution

      Level 2: The Thermal Engineer

• Prerequisites: You should understand basic DC circuits and have experience with standard cooling fans.
• The Upgrade: This kit unlocks the ability to manipulate liquid temperatures rapidly. While air coolers just blow ambient air, this system actively pumps heat away, allowing you to achieve sub-ambient temperatures.
• Effort Level: Intermediate (Requires proper plumbing and high-current power management).
• Minimum Hardware: You MUST have a 12V 10A+ Power Supply and a Water Pump with tubing.

⚠️ Virtual Technician: Wiring & Safety

• Power Warning: This beast draws up to 10 Amps. Do NOT use standard 1A or 2A wall adapters; they will shut down or burn out. Use a dedicated SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply) rated for at least 15A.
• Hot Side Danger: Never run the Peltier module without the fan spinning. The hot side can reach temperatures capable of melting components within seconds if active cooling fails.
• Wiring: Connect Red to +12V and Black to GND. To switch from Cooling to Heating, simply reverse the polarity (swap Red and Black)

Package Includes:

• 1 x 120W Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller Core (12V Peltier Water Cooling DIY KIT)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can I use a 12V 2A adapter to run this?
  A: No. This is a 120W unit that draws up to 10A. A 2A adapter will not provide enough power and may be damaged. We recommend a 12V 15A or 20A SMPS.
• Q: Does this kit cool the air or water?
  A: This specific "Single Head" design has a Water Block on one side and a Fan/Heatsink on the other. It is primarily designed to cool (or heat) water circulating through the block while the fan dissipates the waste heat.
• Q: Can I use this to make an air conditioner?
  A: While possible, this specific unit is optimized for liquid cooling. For air conditioning, you would typically need a radiator connected to the water loop to transfer the cold to the air.
• Q: What happens if I reverse the red and black wires?
  A: The Peltier effect is reversible. If you swap the polarity, the cold side will become hot and the hot side will become cold. This allows the unit to be used as a water heater.
• Q: Does it come with the pump and pipes?
  A: No, this is the core Peltier assembly only. You will need to purchase a water pump and silicone tubing separately to complete the loop.
• Q: How cold can the water get?
  A: This depends on the volume of water and insulation. For small volumes (1-2 Liters) in an insulated container, it can approach freezing. For larger volumes, it will maintain a steady drop below ambient.
• Q: Is the fan noisy?
  A: The fan is an industrial-grade high-RPM unit necessary to dissipate ~120W of heat. It will be audible, similar to a high-performance desktop PC fan.
• Q: Can I control the temperature with an Arduino?
  A: You cannot power this directly from an Arduino. You must use a relay module or a high-power MOSFET/Motor Driver to switch the 12V 10A power on and off via the Arduino.
• Q: Is thermal paste already applied?
  A: Yes, Probots™ QC-Pass ensures the unit comes pre-assembled with thermal compound correctly applied between the module and heatsinks.
• Q: What is the inner diameter of the water block nozzles?
  A: The nozzles fit standard 6mm to 8mm internal diameter silicone tubing.
• Q: Why is the heatsink so large?
  A: Peltier modules are heat pumps; they move heat plus generate their own waste heat. The 120W rating means the heatsink must dissipate a significant thermal load to keep the cold side efficient.
• Q: Can I run this 24/7?
  A: Yes, provided the fan is running and the power supply is stable. Ensure the heatsink does not get clogged with dust over time.
• Q: Will this work for laser cooling?
  A: Yes, it is excellent for cooling CO2 laser tubes or diode lasers, provided the heat load of the laser does not exceed the cooling capacity of the kit (approx 120W).
• Q: What is the maximum pressure for the water block?
  A: The water block is designed for low-pressure circulation pumps (aquarium/diaphragm pumps). Do not connect it directly to high-pressure mains water.
• Q: How do I mount this?
  A: The unit is self-contained. You usually mount it by securing the large fan/heatsink assembly to your chassis or enclosure wall, ensuring the fan has access to fresh air.
• Q: Can I chain two of these together?
  A: Yes, you can plumb them in series to cool the water faster, or in parallel to cool a larger volume. Just ensure your power supply can handle the combined current (e.g., 20A for two units).
• Q: Does it have a thermostat?
  A: No, this is a manual component. For automatic temperature control, pair it with a W1209 Temperature Controller or an Arduino-based thermostat.
• Q: Why isn't it getting cold?
  A: Check your power supply amperage. If the PSU is weak, the voltage will drop, and the fan will spin slowly, causing the heat to soak back into the cold side.
• Q: Is this suitable for a camper van fridge?
  A: Yes, it works well on 12V car battery systems. However, be mindful of the battery drain (10A) if the engine is not running.