Abstract: A module for controlling the temperature within an enclosed structure is provided. The module comprises a thermoelectric assembly, a platform, and a panel. The thermoelectric assembly comprises a thermoelectric device with a first heat sink disposed on one side of the device and a second heat sink disposed on the other side of the device. The thermoelectric assembly further comprises an electric motor attached to one of the heat sinks with a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the electrical motor and both heat sinks. A propeller may be attached to each end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the first heat sink and the second heat sink respectively. The platform may be removably engaged with the enclosed structure. A first fastener may be used to attach the thermoelectric assembly to the platform. A first opening may be provided in the platform adjacent to one of the propellers.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat pump which is resistant against thermal stresses incurred during thermal cycling of Thermal Cyclers or the like between cold and hot temperatures of about 0.degree. C. at a ramping rate up to about 1.degree. C. per second has improved joints between the thermoelements and electrical conductors which have low electrical resistance and which substantially reduce fractures during thermal cycling. The joints include a tin-silver-indium solder containing by weight about 95% tin, 3.5% silver, and 1.5% indium, or a tin-silver-cadmium solder containing by weight about 95.5% tin, 3.5% silver, and 1.0% cadmium. A robust nickel diffusion barrier between the joints and thermoelectric elements ends provides additional improvement against joint fracture.

Abstract: A modular thermoelectric assembly is provided to maintain the temperature within a container or enclosed structure holding water or other liquids at a desired value. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device with a hot sink and a cold sink. A layer of insulating material is disposed between the hot sink and the cold sink. The hot sink and the insulating material are used to install the thermoelectric assembly into an appropriately sized opening extending through the exterior of the container or enclosed structure. A thermoelectric device, contained within the layer of insulating material, functions as a heat pump to transfer heat between the cold sink and the hot sink. An electrical motor, rotating shaft and propeller are carried by the assembly to assist in the circulation of air to improve the efficiency of the cold sink and the hot sink. Another propeller and/or impeller may be carried by the rotating shaft to assist with circulation of liquids in the container or enclosed structure.

Abstract: A modular thermoelectric assembly is provided to maintain the temperature within a container or enclosed structure at a desired level. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device with a hot sink and a cold sink. A layer of insulating material is disposed between the hot sink and the cold sink. The hot sink and the insulating material are used to install the thermoelectric assembly into an appropriately sized opening extending through the exterior of the container or enclosed structure. A thermoelectric device, contained within the layer of insulating material, functions as a heat pump to transfer heat between the cold sink and the hot sink. An electrical motor, rotating shaft and propellers are carried by the assembly to assist in the circulation of air to improve the efficiency of the cold sink and the hot sink.