Patent · US Expired

Thermoelectric power module

US5413166A · kind A · utility

42Cited by
26References
43Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 7, 1993
Grant dateMay 9, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 7, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF25B2321/0251
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A thermoelectric module (10) which is adapted to selectively heat or cool the inside of a container includes an exterior heat exchanger (51) having a plurality of spaced and generally parallel undulating fins (52). An exterior fan (31) is positioned adjacent to the exterior heat exchanger (51) and is adapted to move air from the outside of the container through the spaces between the fins (52) of the exterior heat exchanger (51). An interior heat exchanger (54) has a plurality of spaced and generally parallel undulating fins (55). An interior fan (42) is positioned adjacent to the interior heat exchanger (54) and is adapted to move air from the inside of the container through the spaces between the fins (55) of the interior heat exchanger (54). A motor (28) drives the fans (31, 42) and is cooled by air drawn in through apertures (34) in the hub (32) of the exterior fan (31). A suitable wick-like moisture absorbing material (73), which may be a cellulose material, is positioned generally around and below the interior heat exchanger (54) to receive moisture which might accumulate on the fins (55) thereof.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.