US20100132380A1 - Thermoelectric heat transferring unit - Google Patents
Thermoelectric heat transferring unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100132380A1 US20100132380A1 US12/292,992 US29299208A US2010132380A1 US 20100132380 A1 US20100132380 A1 US 20100132380A1 US 29299208 A US29299208 A US 29299208A US 2010132380 A1 US2010132380 A1 US 2010132380A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air flow
- flow chamber
- thermoelectric
- heat
- transferring unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
- F24F5/0042—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater characterised by the application of thermo-electric units or the Peltier effect
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00357—Air-conditioning arrangements specially adapted for particular vehicles
- B60H1/00378—Air-conditioning arrangements specially adapted for particular vehicles for tractor or load vehicle cabins
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00478—Air-conditioning devices using the Peltier effect
Abstract
A thermoelectric heat transferring unit for transferring heat between an enclosed space and outside of the enclosed space includes a thermoelectric module, a control module, an air intake duct, and an air return duct. The thermoelectric module includes an upper air flow chamber arranged on the enclosed-space side, a lower air flow chamber arranged on the external side, and at least one array of thermoelectric chips sandwiched directly between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. Each of the chambers has a heat sink with heat sink fins and is connected to the thermoelectric chips. The control module controls the heat to be transferred from the upper chamber via the thermoelectric chips to the lower chamber in a cooling mode, and controls the heat to be transferred from the lower chamber via the thermoelectric chips to the upper chamber in a heating mode.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention generally relates to a thermoelectric heat transferring unit configured to cool or heat an enclosed space without using liquid as medium or compressor. In particular, the unit uses peltier chips for air to air cooling for a tractor or the like to cool a sleeping space therein when the tractor engine is idle/off.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- A tractor is a truck portion of a semi-tractor-trailer unit or train which is designed to pull a semitrailer by means of a fifth wheel mounted over the rear axle(s). A tractor is also called a truck tractor, highway tractor, semi, semi-tractor, or tractor-trailer. There are various designs of such a sleeping space, including a living quarter in an over-the-road truck, etc. As more and more states passed laws imposing fines for leaving a tractor in idle while the driver is sleeping or waiting for a pickup, there is a demand for improved cooling unit for the sleeping pace inside a tractor which can operate without turning on the tractor engine.
- A thermoelectric effect directly converts temperature differences to electric voltage and vice versa. A thermoelectric device creates a voltage when there is a different temperature between both sides. Conversely, when a voltage is applied to the device, it creates a temperature difference. This effect can be used to generate electricity, to measure temperature, to cool or heat objects, etc. A Peltier-effect cooler/heater or thermoelectric heat pump is a solid-state active heat pump which transfers heat from one side of the device to the other. Peltier cooling is one form of thermoelectric cooling (TEC).
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,089 provides a two-stage cooling system employing thermoelectric modules. The two-stage system only cools but does not heat a target component 50 (such as an integrated circuit chip). In addition, the system requires two cooling stages, one of which requires a liquid reservoir. A second
stage cooling apparatus 400 has two arrays of thermoelectric modules 422 sandwiching a liquid-cooled plate 424, and two sets of air-cooled heat sinks 426, 428 respectively connected to one of the modules 422. The first stage cooling apparatus 410 is aligned with the same axis as second stage cooling apparatus 420 so that air generated by fan 412 passes through both first stage cooling apparatus 410 and second stage cooling apparatus 420, especially across heat sinks 426, 428. In particular, the heat is transferred from the target component 50 to the cooling liquid, then the liquid-cooled plate 424, the thermoelectric modules 422 and finally the heat sinks 426, 428. - The present invention applies peltier chips to solve the above-mentioned problem without using liquid as medium or any compressor.
- It is a purpose of this invention to provide a thermoelectric heat transferring unit without using liquid or hazardous medium like Freon, i.e., a suffocation hazard, that can leak in a confined space.
- It is another purpose of this invention to provide a thermoelectric heat transferring unit with minimum moving parts for easy operation and maintenance.
- It is another purpose of this invention to provide a thermoelectric heat transferring unit that is self contained and easily installed in a sleeper cab of a tractor.
- It is another purpose of this invention to provide a thermoelectric heat transferring unit performing both cooling and heating without using additional connections or fuel sources.
- It is still another purpose of this invention to answer persistent requests for a thermoelectric heat transferring unit to cool and heat the sleeping space in a tractor.
- The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 shows a thermoelectric heat transferring unit of the invention in a tractor; -
FIG. 2 is a top exploratory view of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit shown inFIG. 1 in conjunction with batteries and an alternator; -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the thermoelectric cooling andheating module 100 of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIGS. 5A-B show the air flows inside the thermoelectric cooling andheating module 100 of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit shown inFIG. 2 ,FIGS. 5C-D show the air flows inside another embodiment of the thermoelectric cooling andheating module 100 of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit; -
FIGS. 6A-B are perspective views of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is an operation flow chart of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of the thermoelectric cooling and heating module and an electronic control and power module of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit; and -
FIGS. 9A-B are voltage supply diagrams of from the electronic control and power module to the thermoelectric cooling and heating module. - With reference to the figures, like reference characters will be used to indicate like elements throughout the embodiments and views thereof. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit 1000 (interchangeably, a Thermoelectric Cabin™ (TEC) unit) as shown in
FIG. 1 is installed in abunk storage space 40 in a sleeping and living space 30 (an area to be cooled or heated by the TEC unit) of thetractor 10. Thespace 30 is usually separated from the seating area of thetractor 10 by acurtain 20 or the like. For example, to cool thespace 30 in a sleeper cab for the person 5 sleeping therein, theTEC unit 1000 intakesexternal air flow 36 thereinto, processes theairflow 36 and then sends the cooledair flow 34 into thespace 30. Concurrently, theTEC unit 1000 intakeswarm air flow 32 from thespace 30 thereinto, processes thewarm airflow 32 and then exhausts thewarm air flow 38 outside thetractor 10. -
FIG. 2 is a top exploratory view of theTEC unit 1000 shown inFIG. 1 . TheTEC unit 1000 includes: (A) a thermoelectric cooling and heating module 100 (interchangeably, a TEC module) enclosed in an insulated ducting area, (B) an electronic control andpower module 200 housed in protective area with ventilation slots, (C) power cables 300 to theTEC module 100 and fans, (D) a cabin side intake duct andfan assembly 400, (E) a cabin side return duct andfan assembly 450, (F) a wire 600 to a hand heldcontroller 950, (G) apower plug 700 for 12 v input power frombatteries 2000, and (H) a mainpower circuit breaker 750. TheTEC unit 1000 provides 120 CFM (cubic feet per minute) air to the sleeper cab of a size about 440 cubit foot. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit shown inFIG. 1 in conjunction with batteries and an alternator. The TEC unit (the central processing unit of the system) is connected via two cables to, for example, eight 100 amp/hour batteries 2000. Thebatteries 2000 are connected via another two cables to a 270amp alternator 3000 that recharges the batteries. Anexternal fan 4000 is added to the TEC unit to balance the air flow and improve efficiency. The model and the total number of thebatteries 2000 as well as the model of thealternator 3000 can be varied based upon the required cooling capability. Thehand controller 950 may be a custom-made or commercially available unit that allows the user to control heating and cooling by selecting at least operation Mode, Intensity, and Fan Speed as discussed below. -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the thermoelectric cooling andheating module 100 of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit shown inFIG. 2 . TheTEC module 100 includes at least one array ofthermoelectric chips 110 sandwiched between an upper (cabin side)air flow chamber 140 and a lower (external side)air flow chamber 130. Each of thechambers heat sink 150/120 (with heat sink fins 160) connected to the array ofthermoelectric chips 110. Thechambers thermoelectric chips 110 that transfer heat from one side to the other. The air flows in the two chambers do not mix. Athermal insulation material 170 is filled in the void spaces around theTEC module 100 to prevent thermal backflows from one heat sink to the other, as well as to absorb noise. Thethermal insulation material 170 may be any commercially available material, such as cellulose, fiberglass, rock wool, polystyrene, urethane foam, vermiculite, etc. Thethermoelectric chips 110 transfer heat from one side to the other, depending on the modes of operation to be explained later. -
FIGS. 5A-B show the air flows inside theTEC module 100 of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit shown inFIG. 3 .FIG. 5A is a top exploratory view of theTEC module 100 showing theupper chamber 140 divided into right and left sides by adivider 145. thedivider 145 is a center ridge ¾ the size of themodule 100 to separate the air flow. The intake air is blown across cool side heat sinks at 200 CFM on one-half of the upper chamber (left side) by an intake fan, and exhausted out by an exhaust fan on the other half of the upper chamber (right side). Thisdivider 145 allowed themodule 100 to keep the cool air in the chamber longer. - The air flow in the
upper chamber 140 is channeled so that it flows over the heat sink fins in line with thefins 160, and the air is not allowed to flow above or around the heat sink fins. As such, the air in theupper chamber 140 is drawn from thecabin space 30 and returned back into the conditionedspace 30. Using the same example depicted inFIG. 1 , to cool thespace 30, theTEC module 100 intakes thewarm air flow 32 from thecabin space 30 via the intake duct/fan assembly 400 into theupper chamber 140 to pass the back of theupper chamber 140 and then exhaust out of theupper chamber 140 back to thespace 30 via the return duct/fan assembly 450 as the cooledair flow 34. For example, the duct has a diameter of four inches, and the fans have a diameter of 120 mm and produce 175 CFM air. -
FIG. 5B is a side view of theTEC module 100 showing only the right side of theupper chamber 140 in conjunction with thelower chamber 150. The air flow in thelower chamber 150 is similarly channeled across the heat sink fins from the external environment. For example, theTEC module 100 intakes theexternal air flow 36 via an external side intake duct/fan assembly 500 (FIG. 6B ) into thelower chamber 150 and then exhausts thewarm air flow 38 via an external side exhaust duct/fan assembly 550 outside thetractor 10. -
FIGS. 5C-D show the air flows inside another embodiment of the thermoelectric cooling andheating module 100 of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit. In this embodiment, there is still adivider 145, but the air flows in and out via two opposite sides of theupper chamber 140, rather the same side as the embodiment depicted inFIG. 5A . TheTEC module 100 intakes thewarm air flow 32 from thecabin space 30 from one side of theupper chamber 140 and then exhaust out of theupper chamber 140 back to thespace 30 via the return duct/fan assembly 450 at the other side of thechamber 140 as the cooledair flow 34. -
FIGS. 6A-B are perspective views of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit shown inFIG. 1 .FIG. 6A shows the intake duct/fan assembly 400, the return duct/fan assembly 450, thepower plug 700, the mainpower circuit breaker 750, anouter casting 900, and the hand heldcontroller 950. Theouter casting 900 may be made of aluminum or steel with dimensions approximately 36 inches long by 36 inches wide and 10 inches deep, for example. TheTEC module 100 has dimensions of 18.25 inches long by 6.0 inches wide and 5 inches deep.FIG. 6B shows the bottom of theouter casting 900 with a pair of the external side intake duct/fan assemblies 500 and a pair of the external side exhaust duct/fan assemblies 550. -
FIG. 7 is an operation flow chart of the thermoelectric heat transferring unit shown inFIG. 1 . The user turns on the TEC Unit 1000 (Step 701), so theunit 1000 can start in the same mode/setting as at shutdown last time: cooling/heating intensity (intense-mild) and fan (hi or low) (Step 702). Thereafter or alternatively, the user is invited to change settings using the hand held control 950 (Step 703). Once the unit is switched on, the user can set operation Mode, Intensity, and Fan Speed. - For example, the operation Mode can be Cooling or Heating. A control switch on the hand held
controller 950 determines which direction the unit is transferring heat. In the Cooling Mode, thechips 110 transfer heat from thetop heat sink 150 to thebottom heat sink 120, thus removing heat from the cabin side air flow and making thespace 30 cooler. In the Heating Mode, thechips 110 transfer heat from thebottom heat sink 120 to thetop heat sink 150, thus adding heat to thecabin space 30 and making it warmer. - For example, the operation Intensity can be set at least as Mild or Intense. A variable intensity control on the hand held
controller 950 determines how much electrical current is applied through thethermoelectric chips 110, thus determining how intensely thechips 110 transfer heat from one side to the other. In the Mild setting, the current is reduced (low duty cycle). In the Intense setting, the current is transferred continuously (100% duty cycle). - For example, the Fan Speed can be Low or High. A control switch on the hand held
controller 950 determines the speed of the cabin side fans. The switch can be incremental. At the Low end, the current to fans is reduced using a lower duty cycle. At the High end, the current to fans is increased using a higher duty cycle (up to 100%). - The
unit 1000 then checks a battery voltage to ensure there is enough power to run the last-time or designated mode of operation (Step 704). Theunit 1000 turns on the external side fans and applies power to thethermoelectric module 100, and turns on the cabin side fans (Step 705). TheUnit 1000 regulates temperature until shutdown by the user or until the battery voltage reaches a low voltage set-point (Step 706). - The electronic control and
power module 200 is built on a PCB board. This is a multiple-layer PCB. The minimal traces in the internal two layers are power and ground. The line widths may vary following the industry practice to keep the lines the same width for all forks of the same line. -
FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of theTEC module 100 and an electronic control andpower module 200 of the thermoelectricheat transferring unit 1000. As shown inFIG. 8 , the electronic control andpower module 200 uses anCPU 210 and an H-bridge circuit (including 4 transistors) to control (1) the direction of current flow through each of the TEC chips 110 based on an operating mode, and (2) a pulse-width duty cycle controls the current level based on intensity setting. The higher the output of the TEC chips 110, the higher the cooling capability of theTEC unit 1000. The output of the TEC chips 110 can be increased by increasing the driving voltage. Therefore, additional boost power supply may be provided to supply a higher drive voltage. - An H-bridge is an electronic circuit which enables a voltage to be applied across a load in either direction. The
CPU 210 is a free scale semiconductor microcontroller with on-chip peripherals including two serial interfaces, an I2C interface, a keyboard interface, a 10 bit AID converter, two timers which can be configured to provide PWM signals, and 32 k EEPROM. This device also includes a BDM for debugging software. - On the right side of
FIG. 8 , four high-current power transistors, constituting the H-bridge, are operated in pairs depending on mode (cooling or heating). The transistors A1, A2 turn “ON” (while B1, B2 “OFF”) to make current flow from (+) connection to (−) connection of the TEC chips (cooling mode). The transistors B1, B2 turn “ON” (while A1, A2 “OFF”) to make current flow in the opposite direction through the TEC chips (heating mode). Besides controlling the mode of heating or cooling, the H-bridge is used to perform pulse width modulation so as to control intensity. The amount of current is determined by how long the transistors are switched on.FIGS. 9A-B are voltage supply diagrams from the electronic control andpower module 200 to theTEC module 100. When set at “low intensity”, the transistors are “off” for most of the duty cycle (FIG. 9A ). When set at “high/full intensity”, the transistors are switched on nearly 100% (FIG. 9B ). The transistor has an internal Schottky diode to handle inductive loads (although the Peltier device is effectively a resistive load). - A firmware/software was developed to drive the printed circuit board which utilized H Bridges and sensors to provide cooling and heating by utilizing fans and heat sinks, via hardware monitoring, real-time clock, etc, thereby implementing the flow chart depicted in
FIG. 7 . - The firmware source code may be provided as assembly language with minimal comments (over 60 pages of assembly code with numerous entry points in the code to support branch operations and subroutines). The critical timing loops were to identify and extract timing such that a good assessment of the H bridge turn-on and turn-off timing margins could be made. The firm source code includes two files. The first file is HCSO8 assembly code and includes the main routine and numerous subroutines. The second file is an included file sourced by the first file at compilation, and it includes general-purpose register definitions (register addresses and configuration settings).
- The first file contains memory map equates, variable definitions, text strings (message headers), interrupt vector table, the main routine and numerous subroutines. The main routine initializes the port registers (sets ports to be inputs or outputs), initializes the CPU configuration registers, and configures the serial communications interface (SCI). The file contains routines to configure and use Timer 1 Channel 0 (T1 CO), the internal analog-to-digital converter (ADC), serial port (SCI) and various I/O ports. The code uses the Computer Operating Properly (COP) timer. The COP timer ensures that the CPU will reset itself if the routine gets hung in infinite loop or unknown state.
- The code defines a number of “heat” and “cool” subroutines that setup the timer (T1 CO) and set the I/O pins associated with LEDs on the hand held
controller 950. There are routines identified as “heat_loop” and “cool_loop” that implement heating and cooling functions by applying current pulses to the Peltier device. Heating or cooling is determined by the direction of the current flow through the Peltier device, which is determined by the configuration of the H-Bridge. There are also routines associated with turning fans on and off and adjusting the speed of the fans. - The advantages of the
TEC unit 1000 over conventional refrigeration cycle units at least include that (1) such a solid state system has no liquids that can leak, like Freon (which can be a suffocation hazard in a confined space), (2) very few moving parts—the only moving parts are the fans required to circulate air through the heat transfer module, (3) self contained (because the unit is one piece it can be easily installed in a standard sleeper cab), and (4) providing both cooling and heating without using additional connections or fuel sources. - The components of the present invention may be conveniently implemented using a conventional general purpose or a specialized component according to the teachings of the present disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Appropriate software coding can readily be prepared by skilled programmers based on the teachings of the present disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the software art. The invention may also be implemented by the preparation of application specific integrated circuits or by interconnecting conventional component circuits, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
- The principles, preferred embodiments, and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments described herein are illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, be embraced thereby.
Claims (18)
1. A thermoelectric heat transferring unit for transferring heat between an enclosed space and outside of the enclosed space, comprising:
an outer casting;
a power supply;
a thermoelectric cooling and heating module;
an electronic control and power module;
fans;
an air intake duct facing towards an external side; and
an air return duct facing towards the external side,
wherein the thermoelectric cooling and heating module includes an upper air flow chamber arranged on the enclosed-space side, a lower air flow chamber arranged on the external side, and at least one array of thermoelectric chips sandwiched directly between the upper air flow chamber and the lower air flow chamber,
said upper air flow chamber has an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the enclosed space, and said lower air flow chamber is connected with the air intake duct and the air return duct,
each of the chambers has a heat sink with heat sink fins and is connected to the array of thermoelectric chips, and
the electronic control and power module controls the heat to be transferred from said upper air flow chamber via the array of thermoelectric chips to said lower air flow chamber in a cooling mode, and controls the heat to be transferred from said lower air flow chamber via the array of thermoelectric chips to said upper air flow chamber in a heating mode.
2. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a power circuit breaker for the power supply.
3. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a thermal insulation material filled, in void spaces around the thermoelectric cooling and heating module.
4. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a user controller.
5. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply consists of batteries.
6. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 5 , further comprising an alternator that recharges the batteries.
7. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 1 , wherein the enclosed space is inside a sleeping area of a tractor.
8. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 1 , wherein the upper air flow chamber includes a divider which divides the upper air flow chamber into right and left sides.
9. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 8 , wherein the divider is a center ridge ¾ a length of the upper air flow chamber.
10. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 1 , wherein the air inlet and the air outlet of the upper air flow chamber are arranged on the same side surface of the upper air flow chamber.
11. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 1 , wherein the air inlet and the air outlet of the upper air flow chamber are arranged on two opposite side surfaces of the upper air flow chamber.
12. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a thermal insulation material filled in spaces in and around the thermoelectric cooling and heating module.
13. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic control and power module includes a microprocessor and an H-bridge circuit.
14. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 13 , wherein an H-bridge circuit includes four transistors, and the H-bridge circuit is configured to control selection of the heating mode or the cooling mode and to perform pulse width modulation for adjusting heating or cooling intensity.
15. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 1 , wherein one of the fans is provided on each of the air inlet and the air outlet of the upper air flow chamber, and
one of the fans is provided at where said lower air flow chamber is connected with the air intake duct and at where said lower air flow chamber is connected with the air return duct.
16. The thermoelectric heat transferring unit according to claim 15 , wherein the electronic control and power module controls speeds of the fans.
17. A thermoelectric heat transferring unit for transferring heat between an enclosed space and outside of the enclosed space, comprising:
a thermoelectric cooling and heating module;
an electronic control and power module;
an air intake duct facing towards an external side; and
an air return duct facing towards the external side,
wherein the thermoelectric cooling and heating module includes an upper air flow chamber arranged on the enclosed-space side, a lower air flow chamber arranged on the external side, and at least one array of thermoelectric chips sandwiched directly between the upper air flow chamber and the lower air flow chamber,
said upper air flow chamber has an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the enclosed space, and said lower air flow chamber is connected with the air intake duct and the air return duct,
each of the chambers has a heat sink with heat sink fins and is connected to the array of thermoelectric chips, and
the electronic control and power module controls the heat to be transferred from said upper air flow chamber via the array of thermoelectric chips to said lower air flow chamber in a cooling mode, and controls the heat to be transferred from said lower air flow chamber via the array of thermoelectric chips to said upper air flow chamber in a heating mode.
18. A method for transferring heat between an enclosed space and outside of the enclosed space, comprising:
providing a thermoelectric heat transferring unit including a thermoelectric cooling and heating module, an electronic control and power module, an air intake duct facing towards an external side, and an air return duct facing towards the external side, the thermoelectric cooling and heating module having an upper air flow chamber arranged on the enclosed-space side, a lower air flow chamber arranged on the external side, and at least one array of thermoelectric chips sandwiched directly between the upper air flow chamber and the lower air flow chamber, said upper air flow chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the enclosed space, and said lower air flow chamber being connected with the air intake duct and the air return duct, each of the chambers having a heat sink with heat sink fins and is connected to the array of thermoelectric chips;
transferring the heat from said upper air flow chamber via the array of thermoelectric chips to said lower air flow chamber in a cooling mode; and
transferring the heat from said lower air flow chamber via the array of thermoelectric chips to said upper air flow chamber in a heating mode.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/292,992 US20100132380A1 (en) | 2008-12-02 | 2008-12-02 | Thermoelectric heat transferring unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/292,992 US20100132380A1 (en) | 2008-12-02 | 2008-12-02 | Thermoelectric heat transferring unit |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100132380A1 true US20100132380A1 (en) | 2010-06-03 |
Family
ID=42221557
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/292,992 Abandoned US20100132380A1 (en) | 2008-12-02 | 2008-12-02 | Thermoelectric heat transferring unit |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100132380A1 (en) |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130206852A1 (en) * | 2012-02-10 | 2013-08-15 | Gentherm Incorporated | Moisture abatement in heating operation of climate controlled systems |
US9622588B2 (en) | 2008-07-18 | 2017-04-18 | Gentherm Incorporated | Environmentally-conditioned bed |
US9651279B2 (en) | 2008-02-01 | 2017-05-16 | Gentherm Incorporated | Condensation and humidity sensors for thermoelectric devices |
US9662962B2 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2017-05-30 | Gentherm Incorporated | Vehicle headliner assembly for zonal comfort |
US9685599B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2017-06-20 | Gentherm Incorporated | Method and system for controlling an operation of a thermoelectric device |
EP3107423A4 (en) * | 2014-02-17 | 2017-10-25 | Marlow Industries, Inc. | System for over-molded pcb sealing ring for tec heat exchangers |
US9857107B2 (en) | 2006-10-12 | 2018-01-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device with internal sensor |
US10005337B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2018-06-26 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling systems for seating assemblies |
US10405667B2 (en) | 2007-09-10 | 2019-09-10 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate controlled beds and methods of operating the same |
US10991869B2 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2021-04-27 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device having a plurality of sealing materials |
US11033058B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2021-06-15 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies |
US11152557B2 (en) | 2019-02-20 | 2021-10-19 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric module with integrated printed circuit board |
US11240883B2 (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2022-02-01 | Gentherm Incorporated | Conductive convective climate controlled seat |
WO2023060282A1 (en) * | 2021-10-08 | 2023-04-13 | Paccar Inc | Thermoelectric cooling system for a vehicle cabin |
US11639816B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2023-05-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies including temperature regulating pad wrap and technologies with liquid system |
US11857004B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2024-01-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies |
Citations (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3077080A (en) * | 1961-12-12 | 1963-02-12 | Gen Electric | Thermoelectric air conditioning apparatus |
US3302414A (en) * | 1965-07-14 | 1967-02-07 | Gustav H Sudmeier | Thermo-electric air conditioner for automobiles |
US3552133A (en) * | 1968-02-20 | 1971-01-05 | Sergei Meerovich Lukomsky | Heating and cooling unit |
US3726100A (en) * | 1967-10-31 | 1973-04-10 | Asea Ab | Thermoelectric apparatus composed of p-type and n-type semiconductor elements |
US4065936A (en) * | 1976-06-16 | 1978-01-03 | Borg-Warner Corporation | Counter-flow thermoelectric heat pump with discrete sections |
US4120527A (en) * | 1977-04-15 | 1978-10-17 | Caterpillar Tractor Co. | Cab design |
US4463569A (en) * | 1982-09-27 | 1984-08-07 | Mclarty Gerald E | Solid-state heating and cooling apparatus |
US5890371A (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 1999-04-06 | Thermotek, Inc. | Hybrid air conditioning system and a method therefor |
US6196308B1 (en) * | 1995-10-31 | 2001-03-06 | Denso International America, Inc. | Automotive vehicle climate control system |
US6453678B1 (en) * | 2000-09-05 | 2002-09-24 | Kabin Komfort Inc | Direct current mini air conditioning system |
US6580025B2 (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2003-06-17 | The Boeing Company | Apparatus and methods for thermoelectric heating and cooling |
US6584128B2 (en) * | 2001-01-05 | 2003-06-24 | Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. | Thermoelectric cooler driver utilizing unipolar pulse width modulated synchronous rectifiers |
US6705089B2 (en) * | 2002-04-04 | 2004-03-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Two stage cooling system employing thermoelectric modules |
US6805623B2 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2004-10-19 | Thermo Fan Llc | Apparatus for providing air flow within a vehicle |
US20060032238A1 (en) * | 2004-07-30 | 2006-02-16 | Kenichiro Uchida | Optical transmitter with forward controlled peltier device |
US20060075758A1 (en) * | 2004-10-07 | 2006-04-13 | Tigerone Development, Llc; | Air-conditioning and heating system utilizing thermo-electric solid state devices |
US7111465B2 (en) * | 2001-02-09 | 2006-09-26 | Bsst Llc | Thermoelectrics utilizing thermal isolation |
US20060248907A1 (en) * | 2005-05-04 | 2006-11-09 | Dometic Corporation | DC-powered HVAC system |
US20060288709A1 (en) * | 2003-04-16 | 2006-12-28 | Reidy James J | Thermoelectric, high-efficiency, water generating device |
US20070204628A1 (en) * | 2006-03-06 | 2007-09-06 | Channel Well Technology Co., Ltd. | Thermoelectric cooling apparatus |
-
2008
- 2008-12-02 US US12/292,992 patent/US20100132380A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3077080A (en) * | 1961-12-12 | 1963-02-12 | Gen Electric | Thermoelectric air conditioning apparatus |
US3302414A (en) * | 1965-07-14 | 1967-02-07 | Gustav H Sudmeier | Thermo-electric air conditioner for automobiles |
US3726100A (en) * | 1967-10-31 | 1973-04-10 | Asea Ab | Thermoelectric apparatus composed of p-type and n-type semiconductor elements |
US3552133A (en) * | 1968-02-20 | 1971-01-05 | Sergei Meerovich Lukomsky | Heating and cooling unit |
US4065936A (en) * | 1976-06-16 | 1978-01-03 | Borg-Warner Corporation | Counter-flow thermoelectric heat pump with discrete sections |
US4120527A (en) * | 1977-04-15 | 1978-10-17 | Caterpillar Tractor Co. | Cab design |
US4463569A (en) * | 1982-09-27 | 1984-08-07 | Mclarty Gerald E | Solid-state heating and cooling apparatus |
US6196308B1 (en) * | 1995-10-31 | 2001-03-06 | Denso International America, Inc. | Automotive vehicle climate control system |
US5890371A (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 1999-04-06 | Thermotek, Inc. | Hybrid air conditioning system and a method therefor |
US6453678B1 (en) * | 2000-09-05 | 2002-09-24 | Kabin Komfort Inc | Direct current mini air conditioning system |
US6584128B2 (en) * | 2001-01-05 | 2003-06-24 | Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. | Thermoelectric cooler driver utilizing unipolar pulse width modulated synchronous rectifiers |
US7111465B2 (en) * | 2001-02-09 | 2006-09-26 | Bsst Llc | Thermoelectrics utilizing thermal isolation |
US6580025B2 (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2003-06-17 | The Boeing Company | Apparatus and methods for thermoelectric heating and cooling |
US6705089B2 (en) * | 2002-04-04 | 2004-03-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Two stage cooling system employing thermoelectric modules |
US6805623B2 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2004-10-19 | Thermo Fan Llc | Apparatus for providing air flow within a vehicle |
US20060288709A1 (en) * | 2003-04-16 | 2006-12-28 | Reidy James J | Thermoelectric, high-efficiency, water generating device |
US20060032238A1 (en) * | 2004-07-30 | 2006-02-16 | Kenichiro Uchida | Optical transmitter with forward controlled peltier device |
US20060075758A1 (en) * | 2004-10-07 | 2006-04-13 | Tigerone Development, Llc; | Air-conditioning and heating system utilizing thermo-electric solid state devices |
US20060248907A1 (en) * | 2005-05-04 | 2006-11-09 | Dometic Corporation | DC-powered HVAC system |
US20070204628A1 (en) * | 2006-03-06 | 2007-09-06 | Channel Well Technology Co., Ltd. | Thermoelectric cooling apparatus |
Cited By (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10005337B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2018-06-26 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling systems for seating assemblies |
US9857107B2 (en) | 2006-10-12 | 2018-01-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device with internal sensor |
US10405667B2 (en) | 2007-09-10 | 2019-09-10 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate controlled beds and methods of operating the same |
US10228166B2 (en) | 2008-02-01 | 2019-03-12 | Gentherm Incorporated | Condensation and humidity sensors for thermoelectric devices |
US9651279B2 (en) | 2008-02-01 | 2017-05-16 | Gentherm Incorporated | Condensation and humidity sensors for thermoelectric devices |
US11297953B2 (en) | 2008-07-18 | 2022-04-12 | Sleep Number Corporation | Environmentally-conditioned bed |
US9622588B2 (en) | 2008-07-18 | 2017-04-18 | Gentherm Incorporated | Environmentally-conditioned bed |
US10226134B2 (en) | 2008-07-18 | 2019-03-12 | Gentherm Incorporated | Environmentally-conditioned bed |
US10208990B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2019-02-19 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device controls and methods |
US9685599B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2017-06-20 | Gentherm Incorporated | Method and system for controlling an operation of a thermoelectric device |
US9989267B2 (en) * | 2012-02-10 | 2018-06-05 | Gentherm Incorporated | Moisture abatement in heating operation of climate controlled systems |
US20130206852A1 (en) * | 2012-02-10 | 2013-08-15 | Gentherm Incorporated | Moisture abatement in heating operation of climate controlled systems |
US10495322B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2019-12-03 | Gentherm Incorporated | Moisture abatement in heating operation of climate controlled systems |
US10266031B2 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2019-04-23 | Gentherm Incorporated | Vehicle headliner assembly for zonal comfort |
US9662962B2 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2017-05-30 | Gentherm Incorporated | Vehicle headliner assembly for zonal comfort |
US11240883B2 (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2022-02-01 | Gentherm Incorporated | Conductive convective climate controlled seat |
US11240882B2 (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2022-02-01 | Gentherm Incorporated | Conductive convective climate controlled seat |
US10161642B2 (en) | 2014-02-17 | 2018-12-25 | Marlow Industries, Inc. | System for over-molded PCB sealing ring for TEC heat exchangers |
EP3107423A4 (en) * | 2014-02-17 | 2017-10-25 | Marlow Industries, Inc. | System for over-molded pcb sealing ring for tec heat exchangers |
US11033058B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2021-06-15 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies |
US11639816B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2023-05-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies including temperature regulating pad wrap and technologies with liquid system |
US11857004B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2024-01-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies |
US11075331B2 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2021-07-27 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device having circuitry with structural rigidity |
US11223004B2 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2022-01-11 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device having a polymeric coating |
US10991869B2 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2021-04-27 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device having a plurality of sealing materials |
US11152557B2 (en) | 2019-02-20 | 2021-10-19 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric module with integrated printed circuit board |
WO2023060282A1 (en) * | 2021-10-08 | 2023-04-13 | Paccar Inc | Thermoelectric cooling system for a vehicle cabin |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20100132380A1 (en) | Thermoelectric heat transferring unit | |
JP3414004B2 (en) | Electric vehicle battery temperature controller | |
JP4762699B2 (en) | Electronic component cooling apparatus, temperature control method thereof, and temperature control program thereof | |
CN101652896B (en) | Battery temperature controller for electric vehicle using thermoelectric semiconductor | |
WO2001078479A3 (en) | Cooling system and method for high density electronics enclosure | |
JPH06245542A (en) | Integrated inverter device for vehicle | |
JP2012239344A (en) | Warm-up device of electric vehicle | |
CN105465027B (en) | Device for intelligently controlling linear rotating speed of cooling fan | |
BRPI0514948B1 (en) | COOLING SYSTEM IN A VEHICLE ENGINE | |
CN207096756U (en) | A kind of intelligent constant-temperature electric bicycle saddle | |
US6297608B1 (en) | Drive circuit for a speed automatically adjusted fan | |
JP2005006413A (en) | Blower motor control unit for air conditioning | |
CN207365980U (en) | A kind of dust-proof automatic navigator | |
JPH0538985U (en) | Amplifier cooling system | |
KR101706362B1 (en) | Vehicle heating apparatus | |
KR20070000770A (en) | Speed controlling device of blower motor | |
CN111316456B (en) | Electric module cooling by waste heat recovery | |
US20060028797A1 (en) | Computer facility having fan control device | |
JP2001309690A (en) | Drive device of electric load | |
CN203130573U (en) | Electrodeless speed regulating system of automobile air conditioner air blower | |
Islam et al. | Design, Construction & Performance Test of an Automotive Water Cooling System of Engine. | |
KR100405455B1 (en) | Cool-accumulated air conditioner structure for automobile | |
RU2083382C1 (en) | Vehicle | |
CN2664255Y (en) | Liquid cooling facility of power supply | |
JP2000125416A (en) | Battery-driven electric vehicle |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DIRECT EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS GP, LLC,TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ROBINSON II, BRUCE F.;REEL/FRAME:021959/0906 Effective date: 20081128 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |