Abstract: A temperature conditioned insulated container in a vehicle selectively heats or cools items stored therein. A thermoelectric energy module is coupled to a heat exchanger plate disposed in a compartment of the container. A power control circuit controls power to the thermoelectric energy module and a cooling fan motor. The drive circuit drives the thermoelectric energy module with a decaying drive signal for a predetermined time after the vehicle is shut down to prevent damage to the thermoelectric energy module. In a defrost operation, the drive circuit provides a decaying drive signal to the thermoelectric module during the beginning of a defrost cycle. After providing no cooling for a predetermined time, the drive signal is increased until the refrigerator operating system returns to full operation. By slowly varying the drive power in these situations, thermal stresses within the thermoelectric energy module are reduced.

Abstract: A temperature conditioned insulated container in a vehicle selectively heats or cools items stored therein. A thermoelectric energy module is coupled to a heat exchanger plate disposed in a compartment of the container. A power control circuit controls power to the thermoelectric energy module and a cooling fan motor. The drive circuit drives the thermoelectric energy module with a decaying drive signal for a predetermined time after the vehicle is shut down to prevent damage to the thermoelectric energy module. In a defrost operation, the drive circuit provides a decaying drive signal to the thermoelectric module during the beginning of a defrost cycle. After providing no cooling for a predetermined time, the drive signal is increased until the refrigerator operating system returns to full operation. By slowly varying the drive power in these situations, thermal stresses within the thermoelectric energy module are reduced.