Thermoelectric module protection circuit and thermoelectric device comprising same

A thermoelectric device including:

• a thermoelectric module having a first surface providing a thermal stimulus to a user and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and including an N-type semiconductor and a P-type semiconductor disposed between the first surface and the second surface and an electrode configured to electrically connect the N-type semiconductor and the P-type semiconductor, and
• a control module configured to control power supplied to the thermoelectric module,
• wherein the control module configured to:
• output a predetermined current applied to the thermoelectric module to cause the thermoelectric module to perform a thermoelectric operation including an endothermic operation and an exothermic operation so that the thermal stimulus is provided through the first surface,
• monitor an output voltage of the thermoelectric module, wherein the output voltage reflects a temperature difference between the first surface and the second surface, compares the output voltage and a reference voltage,
• output an application control signal which instructs whether to apply the power to the thermoelectric module to stop supplying the power to the thermoelectric module when the temperature difference is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and
• adjust whether to apply the power to the thermoelectric module based on the application control signal.

A thermoelectric device including:

• a thermoelectric module having a first surface providing a thermal stimulus to a user and a second surface to opposite the first surface, and including an N-type semiconductor and a P-type semiconductor disposed between the first surface and the second surface and an electrode configured to electrically connect the N-type semiconductor and the P-type semiconductor, and
• a control module configured to control power supplied to the thermoelectric module,
• wherein the control module configured to
• output a predetermined current applied to the thermoelectric module to cause the thermoelectric module to perform a thermoelectric operation including an endothermic operation and an exothermic operation so that the thermal stimulus is provided through the first surface,
• monitor an output voltage of the thermoelectric module, and
• adjust whether to apply the power to the thermoelectric module by comparing the output voltage and a reference voltage.