Tranformers in series

I'm a newbie electronics guy and have a question for you. I'm building a powersupply to fit into a 3.5" slot in my computer case. It's to run a Peltier (TEC) to cool my processor. Since the peltier has a max rating of 15.2 @ 24A, it is clear to see that I would either need a HUGE transformer (wouldn't fit in drive bay) or multipler smaller ones. I was wondering how I would connect these in order to get the correct voltage and current. Series or parallel. Lets use 12V @ 4A as an example. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

Posted by John Syrinek on 25/07/2003, at 16:06 GMT

Don't try to combine transformers

For your own safety please don't try to connect transformers together in series or parallel! There is a great risk of overheating and fire as well as electric shock.

I don't know much about peltier devices but I think you need a low voltage, high current DC supply - so you will need a rectifier as well as a transformer. Smoothing may not be required. Remember that transformers and rectifiers generate heat so air must be able to freely circulate around them.

For more information on peltier devices (and maybe their power supplies?) you could try: www.peltier-info.com

Posted by John Hewes on 04/08/2003, at 13:48 GMT