Efficiency thermoelectrics utilizing convective heat flow
US6672076B2 · kind B2 · utility
123Cited by
13References
77Claims
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Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2321/021
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.