Abstract: A system for thermally conditioning and moving a fluid includes a thermoelectric device to convert electrical energy into thermal energy and produce a temperature change in response to an electrical current being applied thereto. The thermoelectric device can include a main-side and a waste side. A fluid moving device can produce a fluid flow that is in thermal communication with the thermoelectric device so that the thermal energy generated by the thermoelectric device is transferred to or from the fluid flow. A flow control valve selectively can direct the fluid flow along a main-side fluid flow path and/or a waste side fluid flow path.

Abstract: A method of autonomously providing thermal comfort to an occupant in contact with a component includes the step of determining a heat flux between the component and the occupant. A heat flux inversion is determined using the heat flux. The heat flux inversion corresponds to a change in occupant thermal comfort. A thermal conditioning device is controlled based upon the heat flux inversion to maintain a desired heat flux.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include thermal management systems and methods configured to heat and/or cool an electrical device. Thermal management systems can include a heat spreader in thermal communication with a temperature sensitive region of the electrical device. The heat spreader can include the one or more pyrolytic graphite sheets. The heat spreader can include thermal/electrical elevators connecting the one or more pyrolytic graphite sheets. The systems can include a thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the heat spreader. Electric power can be directed to the heat spreader and/or thermoelectric device to provide controlled heating and/or cooling of the electrical device.

Abstract: A seat headrest assembly (16) includes a core (54) that includes a core bottom (56). A thermal conditioning device (22) includes a housing (26) that provides a fluid passage (28) that extends to a vent (62). A heating module (36) and a blower (38) are arranged in the fluid passage. The thermal conditioning device is arranged beneath the core bottom.

Abstract: A method of autonomously providing thermal comfort to an occupant in contact with a component includes the step of determining a heat flux between the component and the occupant. A heat flux inversion is determined using the heat flux. The heat flux inversion corresponds to a change in occupant thermal comfort. A thermal conditioning device is controlled based upon the heat flux inversion to maintain a desired heat flux.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a seat includes operating a first thermal conditioning assembly in a seat back configured to support an occupant torso. The first thermal conditioning assembly provides a first heat transfer rate. A second thermal conditioning assembly is operated in a seat cushion configured to support occupant lower region. The second thermal conditioning assembly provides a second heat transfer rate simultaneously with and different than the first heat transfer rate.

Abstract: A seat headrest assembly (16) includes a core (54) that includes a core bottom (56). A thermal conditioning device (22) includes a housing (26) that provides a fluid passage (28) that extends to a vent (62). A heating module (36) and a blower (38) are arranged in the fluid passage. The thermal conditioning device is arranged beneath the core bottom.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include thermal management systems and methods configured to heat and/or cool an electrical device. Thermal management systems can include a heat spreader in thermal communication with a temperature sensitive region of the electrical device. The heat spreader can include the one or more pyrolytic graphite sheets. The heat spreader can include thermal/electrical elevators connecting the one or more pyrolytic graphite sheets. The systems can include a thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the heat spreader. Electric power can be directed to the heat spreader and/or thermoelectric device to provide controlled heating and/or cooling of the electrical device.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include thermal management systems and methods configured to heat and/or cool an electrical device. Thermal management systems can include a heat spreader in thermal communication with a temperature sensitive region of the electrical device. The heat spreader can include the one or more pyrolytic graphite sheets. The heat spreader can include thermal/electrical elevators connecting the one or more pyrolytic graphite sheets. The systems can include a thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the heat spreader. Electric power can be directed to the heat spreader and/or thermoelectric device to provide controlled heating and/or cooling of the electrical device.

Abstract: A thermally conditioned seat includes a seat portion constructed from a first material which includes a seat support structure that has a central support region and adjacent side bolsters laterally spaced apart from one another a width. A recess is provided in the central support region and includes an aperture. A porous material is arranged in the recess against the first material. A second material is arranged against the first material and the porous material. A cover includes an air permeable layer and an aesthetic layer that provides an exterior seating surface. The air permeable layer is arranged against the second material and the aesthetic layer has perforations. A blower is associated with the seat portion and is in fluid communication with the aperture. The blower is configured to supply a fluid through the aperture to the porous material through the recess. The fluid is configured to pass from the porous material to the air permeable layer and out the perforations.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include thermal management systems and methods configured to heat and/or cool an electrical device. Thermal management systems can include a heat spreader in thermal communication with a temperature sensitive region of the electrical device. The heat spreader can include the one or more pyrolytic graphite sheets. The heat spreader can include thermal/electrical elevators connecting the one or more pyrolytic graphite sheets. The systems can include a thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the heat spreader. Electric power can be directed to the heat spreader and/or thermoelectric device to provide controlled heating and/or cooling of the electrical device.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a seat includes operating a first thermal conditioning assembly in a seat back configured to support an occupant torso. The first thermal conditioning assembly provides a first heat transfer rate. A second thermal conditioning assembly is operated in a seat cushion configured to support occupant lower region. The second thermal conditioning assembly provides a second heat transfer rate simultaneously with and different than the first heat transfer rate.