TEC hot and cold cup holders have recently become a favorite among many office workers and car owners: place a coffee cup on it, and it starts heating at a constant temperature; put in a water bottle, switch to cooling mode, and you can have a cold drink in minutes. Its ability to both cool and heat isn't due to a complex mechanical structure, but rather a seemingly inconspicuous thermoelectric cooling element. This article will explain the principle of thermoelectric cooling, showing you how TEC hot and cold cup holders bring convenience to daily life and in which scenarios they are suitable for use.

I.Working principle of TEC hot and cold cup holders

The working principle of TEC (Thermoelectric Cooling) hot and cold cup holders is based on the Peltier effect: when a direct current passes through a thermocouple composed of P-type and N-type semiconductor materials, one side absorbs heat (cold end) and the other side releases heat (hot end). By changing the direction of the current, the hot and cold ends switch between each other, thus achieving free switching between heating and cooling modes.

TEC hot and cold cup holders don't actively "generate cold air" like refrigerators. They are essentially "heat transporters"—when the cooling mode is activated, the cold end of the thermoelectric cooling element is pressed against the bottom of the cup, drawing heat out of the cup; while the hot end dissipates the heat into the air through a radiator (usually paired with a small fan). When switching to heating mode, the current flows in the reverse direction, turning the cold end into the hot end, transferring heat to the bottom of the cup for gentle heating.

II. Three Temperature Control Modes of TEC Hot and Cold Cup Holders

Taking the commonly available TEC hot and cold cup holder (60W) as an example, its actual performance at standard room temperature (25℃) is as follows:

☑️ Cooling: It can cool 300 ml of room temperature water to 12~15℃ in about 15 minutes. It has a noticeable cooling sensation when you drink it, but it will not irritate your stomach. It is suitable for people who want a gentle cooling effect.

☑️ Heating: It takes about 15 minutes to heat the liquid to 50~60℃, which is the most palatable drinking temperature for hot drinks such as coffee and tea: warm but not hot.

☑️Constant temperature: Mid-to-high-end models typically support multiple temperature settings or digital temperature control, which can keep temperature fluctuations within ±1~2℃, allowing beverages to maintain their ideal taste for a long time.

The strength of TEC cup holders lies not in pursuing extreme cooling/heating, but in controlling the temperature within the comfortable drinking range (10~60℃) and achieving precise regulation. They don't aim for rapid cooling or heating, nor for low temperature drops or high temperatures; they pursue the ease and comfort of "just the right temperature."

*TEC hot and cold cup holders are only suitable for cups with good thermal conductivity (such as glass, ceramic, and metal). Vacuum insulated cups and plastic cups, due to their strong insulation properties, can hardly transfer heat effectively, and their performance will be greatly reduced.

III. Common Application Scenarios of TEC Hot and Cold Cup Holders

1. Office setting: work partners

Halfway through a meeting, your coffee gets cold? The TEC hot and cold cup holder can help you maintain a stable temperature of around 50℃ for your hot drinks. Plus, it operates extremely quietly (usually below 30 decibels), making it virtually inaudible on your desk and unlikely to disrupt your work.

2. In-vehicle scenario: Avoid distractions

Most in-car TEC cup holders feature a universal cup size design, are powered by the cigarette lighter, and are easily compatible with mugs, cans, bottled water, and other cups. With both the cup and holder within easy reach of the driver, it's convenient to grab a drink whenever thirsty, minimizing distraction and improving driving safety. However, it's important to note that the cooling effect of TEC cup holders is limited due to the high temperatures inside a car during summer. Additionally, it's best to incorporate a non-slip design on the cup holder surface to prevent the cup from tipping over during sudden braking.

3. Home setting: Reading companion

Unlike traditional thermos cups, the TEC cup holder can both heat and cool, and the temperature can be adjusted as needed. Place it by your bedside before bed so you don't have to get up to boil water if you're thirsty in the middle of the night; place it on your desk while studying or working so you can always have a perfectly hot or cold drink with you.

As a leading global supplier of thermoelectric cooling devices, FerroTec provides high-performance thermoelectric cooling chips for various consumer electronics products, including heated and cooled cup holders. Power, materials, and appearance can all be customized. For product details or to obtain solutions, please contact us at 0571-89712612.