Systems and methods for mitigating heat rejection limitations of a thermoelectric module

US10458683B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Phononic, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Jesse W. Edwards · Wake Forest, US
• Robert Joseph Therrien · Cary, US
• Daniel Barus · Glenham, US
• Marshall Stanley · Chapel Hill, US
• Abhishek Yadav · Kanchinakote, IN
• Daniel Swann · Glen Ellen, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 9, 2015
• Grant date: Oct 29, 2019
• Expiry date: Nov 22, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F25B2321/0212
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods for mitigating heat rejection limitations of a thermoelectric module are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of operating a thermoelectric module includes providing a first amount of power to the thermoelectric module and determining that a temperature of a hot side of the thermoelectric module is above a first threshold. The method also includes, in response to determining that the temperature of the hot side is above the first threshold, providing a second amount of power to the thermoelectric module that is less than the first amount of power. The method also includes determining that the temperature of the hot side of the thermoelectric module is below a second threshold and providing a third amount of power to the thermoelectric module. In some embodiments, this mitigates heat rejection limitations of the thermoelectric module, especially when the hot side of the thermoelectric module is passively cooled.