US 5,522,216 AGranted

Thermoelectric refrigerator

AssigneesMarlow Industries, Inc., Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, Oceaneering International, Inc.

InventorsBrian V. Park, Malcolm C. Smith, Jr., Ralph D. McGrath, Michael D. Gilley, Lance Criscuolo, John L. Nelson

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Abstract

A refrigerator is provided which combines the benefits of superinsulation materials with thermoelectric devices and phase change materials to provide an environmentally benign system that is energy efficient and can maintain relatively uniform temperatures for extended periods of time with relatively low electrical power requirements. The refrigerator includes a thermoelectric assembly having a thermoelectric device with a hot sink and a cold sink. The superinsulation materials include a plurality of vacuum panels. The refrigerator is formed from an enclosed structure having a door. The vacuum panels may be contained within the walls of the enclosed structure and the door. By mounting the thermoelectric assembly on the door, the manufacturer of the enclosed structure is simplified and the overall R rating of the refrigerator increased. Also an electrical motor and propellers may be mounted on the door to assist in the circulation of air to improve the efficiency of the cold sink and the hot sink. A propeller and/or impeller is preferably mounted within the refrigerator to assist in establishing the desired air circulation flow path.

Apparatus for controlling the temperature within an enclosed structure having a door for providing access to the enclosed structure, comprising:

a thermoelectric device mounted on the door with a first heat sink disposed on one side of the thermoelectric device and a second heat sink disposed on the other side of the thermoelectric device;
the first heat sink disposed on the exterior of the door and the second heat sink disposed on the interior of the door;
the thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side;
the first heat sink attached to the hot side and the second heat sink attached to the cold side;
means for circulating air with respect to the first heat sink;
means for circulating air with respect to the interior of the enclosed structure and the second heat sink;
the enclosed structure formed from insulation materials having an R-value per inch greater than approximately twenty (R20/inch);
the insulation materials selected from the group comprising vacuum panels filled with mineral fiberboard, vacuum panels filled with glass beads, and vacuum panels filled with microporous filler material;
the air circulating means comprising an electrical motor mounted on the door;
a rotating shaft extending through the electrical motor and a portion of the door;
the rotating shaft having a first end projecting from the exterior of the door and a second end projecting from the interior of the door;
a first impeller attached to the first end of the rotating shaft and a second impeller attached to the second end of the rotating shaft;
an internal cabinet disposed within the enclosure and providing a portion of means for directing the circulation of air with respect to the second heat sink and selected portions of the interior of the enclosure;
a thermal energy storage container disposed within the interior of the enclosed structure;
a phase change material contained within the thermal energy storage container;
and
an air bypass valve for directing a portion of the air circulated by the means for circulating air with respect to the interior of the enclosed structure and the second heat sink to bypass the thermal energy storage container.

14 more elements

Abstract

Claims6