Efficiency thermoelectrics utilizing thermal isolation
AssigneeBsst LLC
InventorLon E. Bell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved efficiency thermoelectric system and method of making such a thermoelectric system are disclosed. Significant thermal isolation between thermoelectric elements in at least one direction across a thermoelectric system provides increased efficiency over conventional thermoelectric arrays. Significant thermal isolation is also provided for at least one heat exchanger coupled to the thermoelectric elements. In one embodiment, the properties, such as resistance or current flow, of the thermoelectric elements may also be varied in at least one direction across a thermoelectric array. In addition, the mechanical configuration of the thermoelectric elements may be varied, in one embodiment, according to dynamic adjustment criteria.
Claims88
A thermoelectric system for use with at least one medium to be cooled or heated, comprising:
- a plurality of thermoelectric elements forming a thermoelectric array with a cooling side and a heating side, wherein the plurality of thermoelectric elements are substantially thermally isolated from each other in at least one direction across the array;
- and
- at least one heat exchanger on at least the cooling and/or the heating side in thermal communication with at least one thermoelectric element, the heat exchanger configured to significantly maintain the thermal isolation of the thermoelectric elements.
A thermoelectric system for use with a directional movement of at least one medium to be cooled or heated, comprising:
- a plurality of thermoelectric elements forming a thermoelectric array with a cooling side and a heating side, wherein at least one characteristic of at least some of the thermoelectric elements is varied in the direction of medium movement.
A method of making an improved thermoelectric system for use with at least one medium to be cooled or heated, comprising the steps of:
- forming a plurality of thermoelectric elements into a thermoelectric array with a cooling side and a heating side;
- wherein the plurality of thermoelectric elements are substantially thermally isolated from each other in at least one direction across the array;
- and
- exchanging heat from at least one side of the thermoelectric array in a manner that significantly maintains the thermal isolation of the thermoelectric elements.
The method of 68, wherein the step of dynamically adjusting comprises evaluating at least one parameter and adjusting in response to the evaluation.
A thermoelectric system for use with a at least one medium to be cooled or heated, comprising:
- means for forming a plurality of thermoelectric elements into a thermoelectric array with a cooling side and a heating side;
- wherein the plurality of thermoelectric elements are substantially thermally isolated from each other in at least one direction across the array;
- and
- means for exchanging heat from at least one side of the thermoelectric array in a manner that significantly maintains the thermal isolation of the thermoelectric elements.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.