Patent · US Expired

Thermoelectrics utilizing convective heat flow

US7421845B2 · kind B2 · utility

62Cited by
48References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 27, 2004
Grant dateSep 9, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 10, 2025

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.