Thermoelectric refrigerator with evaporating/condensing heat exchanger
US6003319A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S165/911
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A thermoelectric refrigerator with a heat transfer system having a thermoelectric device and a heat exchanger with an evaporating surface and a condensing surface. A working fluid is sealed within the heat exchanger. The thermoelectric device includes a thermally conductive hot plate and a thermally conductive cold plate with thermoelectric elements disposed therebetween. The thermoelectric elements are preferably electrically coupled in series and thermally coupled in parallel. The evaporating surface of the heat exchanger is thermally coupled with the hot plate. A fluid flow path is provided to allow working fluid in its vapor phase to flow from the evaporating surface to the condensing surface and working fluid in its liquid phase to flow from the condensing surface to the evaporating surface. The configuration of the heat exchanger will optimize heat transfer by the working fluid from the thermoelectric device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.