Patent · US Expired

Efficiency thermoelectrics utilizing convective heat flow

US6948321B2 · kind B2 · utility

67Cited by
41References
63Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 31, 2003
Grant dateSep 27, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 8, 2024

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.