PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heat exchanger and a driving method of a Peltier element used in the same, capable of bringing out the heating/cooling efficiency of the Peltier element to the maximum, and shortening the time to heat/cool a temperature controlled-object to a target temperature. SOLUTION: The Peltier element (thermo module) 10 is connected to an output terminal of a constant power circuit 11 through lead wires 107, 108, and the constant power circuit 11 is connected to an element driving power source 12. The constant power circuit 11 supplies the constant power to the thermo module 10 from the element driving power source 12 for heating/cooling drive of the thermo module 10. By driving the thermo module 10 on the basis of the constant power control, the heating/cooling performance of the Peltier element can be brought out to the maximum by effective utilization of a power area which can not be outputted by the constant current control and the constant voltage control. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI
