Efficiency thermoelectrics utilizing convective heat flow
AssigneeBsst LLC
InventorLon E. Bell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved efficiency thermoelectric system is disclosed wherein convection is actively facilitated through a thermoelectric array. Thermoelectrics are commonly used for cooling and heating applications. Thermal power is convected through a thermoelectric array toward at least one side of the thermoelectric array, which leads to increased efficiency. Several different configurations are disclosed to provide convective thermal power transport, using a convective medium. In addition, a control system is disclosed which responds to one or more inputs to make adjustments to the thermoelectric system.
Claims63
A thermoelectric system comprising:
- at least one thermoelectric element with at least one first side and at least one second side exhibiting a temperature gradient between them during operation, wherein the at least one thermoelectric element is configured to permit flow of at least one convective medium through the at least one element to provide generally steady-state convective heat transport toward at least one side of the thermoelectric element.
A method of improving efficiency in a thermoelectric system having at least one thermoelectric element having at least one first side and at least one second side exhibiting a temperature gradient between them during operation, the method comprising the step of actively convecting heat through the at least one thermoelectric element in a generally steady-state manner.
A thermoelectric system comprising:
- at least one thermoelectric element having at least one first side and at least one second side exhibiting a temperature gradient between them during operation, wherein at least a portion of the thermoelectric element is configured to permit flow of at least one convective medium through the at least a portion of the element to provide generally steady-state convection toward at least one side of the thermoelectric element;
- and
- at least one control system, said control system comprising:
- at least one controller,
- at least one input coupled to at least one controller, and
- at least one output coupled to at least one controller and to said thermoelectric element, said output controllable by said controller to modify at least one characteristic of said thermoelectric element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.