Regarding TEC life, in my experience, what wrecks them the most is
cooling applications where the cold side is below the dew point, and
water condenses out onto and into the TEC Peltier array. This eventually
rots the elements from corrosion and electrolysis, until something craps
out. If the TEC will be exposed to ambient air, and run below or even
near the expected dew point, the sides should be sealed up with silicone
goop for longer life. Even then, it's not foolproof, since it will never
be a perfect seal.
If the TEC is in a closed, benign environment or vacuum, then it should
last indefinitely, unless abused power-dissipation-wise, or mechanically
by thermal stress. When the temperature cycles, the whole part must be
allowed to change dimensions slightly, so the mounting needs to have
some compliance.
Ed
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