Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include thermoelectric-based thermal management systems and methods configured to heat and/or cool an electrical device. Thermal management systems can include at least one electrical conductor in electrical and thermal communication with a temperature-sensitive region of the electrical device and at least one thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the at least one electrical conductor. Electric power can be directed to the thermoelectric device by the same electrical conductor or an external power supply, causing the thermoelectric device to provide controlled heating and/or cooling to the electrical device via the at least one electrical conductor.

Abstract: A thermoelectric assembly and method are provided. The thermoelectric assembly can extend at least partially around a perimeter of a first fluid conduit. The thermoelectric assembly can include a plurality of thermoelectric sub-assemblies aligned with one another along the perimeter of the first fluid conduit. Each thermoelectric sub-assembly can include a plurality of thermoelectric elements in parallel electrical communication with one another, and a plurality of electrically insulating elements to prevent current flow in a plane perpendicular to the first direction between adjacent thermoelectric sub-assemblies.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a thermoelectric system can include a first thermoelectric assembly and a second thermoelectric assembly. Both the first and second thermoelectric assemblies can be configured to receive heat from at least one heat source and to transmit heat to at least one heat sink. The first and second thermoelectric assemblies can be in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system can further include at least one electrically insulating element mechanically coupled to the first thermoelectric assembly and to the second thermoelectric assembly. The at least one electrically insulating element is not in a thermal path of either (i) heat flow from the at least one heat source to either the first thermoelectric assembly or the second thermoelectric assembly or (ii) heat flow to the at least one heat sink from either the first thermoelectric assembly or the second thermoelectric assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric device configured to pump heat. Heat exchangers are provided for transferring heat to and from the thermoelectric device and for generating a fluid flow across the thermoelectric device. The conditioned fluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects, such as a vehicle seat, or anywhere localized heating and cooling are desired. Thermal isolation may also be provided in the direction of flow to enhance efficiency.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat bottom and seat back. The seat bottom can have a ventilated insert located between the seat upholstery and the seat cushion. The insert can be in fluid communication with the cabin space of the vehicle. In one arrangement, the insert has a cover with holes and a body. The cover and body cooperate to form a plurality of plenums for passing air through the insert. A fluid system can deliver air to the insert so that the air passes through the plenums and directed out of the holes in the cover. The air then flows out of the vehicle seat to control the climate around the person in the seat. The insert can also be used to remove air near the seat by drawing air proximate the seat into the insert. The air can then pass through the insert and is delivered to the fluid system.

Abstract: A radar system is described for use in vehicular applications. The radar system is particularly suited to backup warning systems and lane-change warning systems. The radar minimizes many of the problems found in the prior art by providing programmable delays and programmable gain. The radar uses a range search algorithm to detect and sort targets at various ranges within the field of view of the radar. Each target range corresponds to a particular delay and gain setting. The radar searches for targets at the various ranges by running a target search algorithm. For each target range, the search algorithm causes the proper time delay and gain setting. Targets within the selected range are detected and catalogued. Speed of the targets is obtained through Doppler processing. A display is used to warn the driver of the vehicle of the presence of targets at the various ranges. The warning may be visual and/or audible.

Abstract: A radio frequency energy management system includes a number of battery control modules and an control unit, each configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals comprising information relating to the operating parameters of batteries in a battery pack, and control commands for regulating the operating parameters of such batteries. Each battery control module is configured to monitor one or more operating parameter of a respective battery, and to regulate one or more operating parameter according to a control system program in the control unit. Each battery control module includes one or more sensing elements to measure one or more operating parameter of a respective battery, a radio frequency receiver, and a radio frequency transmitter.

Abstract: A temperature climate control system comprises a variable temperature seat, at least one heat pump, at least one heat pump temperature sensor, and a controller. Each heat pump comprises a number of Peltier thermoelectric modules for temperature conditioning the air in a main heat exchanger and a main exchanger fan for passing the conditioned air from the main exchanger to the variable temperature seat. The Peltier modules and each main fan may be manually adjusted via a control switch or a control signal. Additionally, the temperature climate control system may comprise a number of additional temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the occupant as well as the temperature of the conditioned air directed to the occupant.

Abstract: A seating construction with a plurality of plenums into which is received temperature conditioned air. The air passes through the seat via a plurality of channels formed in the foam of the seat cushion. The air then migrates through a reticulated foam layer that is itself covered with an air permeable layer of material. The reticulated foam and stitching of the seat fabric facilitate diffusion of the air from the foam channel conduits. The air then convectively circulates against and near the occupant of the seat to facilitate climate control around the occupant.

Abstract: A temperature climate control system comprises a variable temperature seat, at least one heat pump, at least one heat pump temperature sensor, and a controller. Each heat pump comprises a number of Peltier thermoelectric modules for temperature conditioning the air in a main heat exchanger and a main exchanger fan for passing the conditioned air from the main exchanger to the variable temperature seat. The Peltier modules and each main fan may be manually adjusted via a temperature switch and a fan switch, respectively. Additionally, the temperature climate control system may comprise a number of additional temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the occupant as well as the temperature of the conditioned air directed to the occupant.

Abstract: A dense mass centrally located in a personal vehicle acts as an inertial analog computer for predicting and compensating motion of an occupant of the vehicle during crashes. Acceleration and motion of the mass is converted into motion of impact prevention or impact velocity reduction systems to reduce likelihood of severe injury to the occupant. Power disconnection in alternatively powered vehicles through disconnection of electrical systems by motion of the mass provides additional safety during the crash.

Abstract: The energy management control system employs sensors for monitoring of energy consumption by various vehicle systems and provides energy consumption prediction for range calculation based on standard or memorized driving data. A navigation system in cooperation with the energy management system allows route planning based on energy consumption considerations and provides alternative routes for energy deficient conditions. A controller in the system with an associated display provides information to a vehicle driver concerning system status and controls various vehicle systems for increased energy efficiency.

Abstract: A dense mass centrally located in a personal vehicle acts as an inertial analog computer for predicting and compensating motion of an occupant of the vehicle during crashes. Acceleration and motion of the mass is converted into motion of impact prevention or impact velocity reduction systems to reduce likelyhood of severe injury to the occupant. Power disconnection in alternatively powered vehicles through disconnection of electrical systems by motion of the mass provides additional safety during the crash.

Abstract: A dense mass centrally located in a personal vehicle acts as an inertial analog computer for predicting and compensating motion of an occupant of the vehicle during crashes. Acceleration and motion of the mass is converted into motion of impact prevention or impact velocity reduction systems to reduce likelyhood of severe injury to the occupant. Power disconnection in alternatively powered vehicles through disconnection of electrical systems by motion of the mass provides additional safety during the crash.