Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a first thermoelectric assembly that includes a first set of thermoelectric elements and a first plate and a second plate are coupled to the first set of thermoelectric elements. A second thermoelectric assembly is spaced apart from the first thermoelectric assembly. It includes a second set of thermoelectric elements and a third plate and a fourth plate are coupled to the second set of thermoelectric elements. A first set of fins is coupled to the first plate and a second set of fins is coupled to the third plate. A third set of fins is coupled to the second plate and a fourth set of fins is coupled to the fourth plate. A fan is coupled to the first and second sets of fins and is substantially centered with respect to a gap between the first and second sets of fins.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a first thermoelectric assembly that includes a first set of thermoelectric elements and a first plate and a second plate are coupled to the first set of thermoelectric elements. A second thermoelectric assembly is spaced apart from the first thermoelectric assembly. It includes a second set of thermoelectric elements and a third plate and a fourth plate are coupled to the second set of thermoelectric elements. A first set of fins is coupled to the first plate and a second set of fins is coupled to the third plate. A third set of fins is coupled to the second plate and a fourth set of fins is coupled to the fourth plate. A fan is coupled to the first and second sets of fins and is substantially centered with respect to a gap between the first and second sets of fins.

Abstract: An exemplary heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger core having a core side fluid space and a cover plate and a substantially U-shaped wall fitted at one end with an inlet header and, at an opposing end, with an outlet header, which in combination with the cover plate, define a shell side fluid space. In this example, the cover plate forms two seals with two opposing sides of the U-shaped wall, forms a seal with the inlet header and forms a seal with the outlet header. Such a heat exchange may be suitable for use as an EGR cooler. Other exemplary devices, methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary heat exchanger, suitable for use in exhaust gas recirculation to cool exhaust gas, includes a cover plate having a plurality of openings, an upper plate having a plurality of openings, a lower plate having a plurality of openings and a bottom plate where seals exist between various plates to form at least one gas flow space and at least one liquid flow space. Various other exemplary heat exchanger configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with a core, a support structure and a mount. The core is variable in size and has a lower temperature fluid port and a higher temperature fluid port. The mount is positioned between the core and the support structure, adjacent to the higher temperature fluid port. The mount restrains the core relative to the support structure, such that when the core varies in size it does so either away from or towards the mount. The heat exchanger can also include a deformable connector, including a bellows, a flexible hose and a braided metal hose. The deformable connector is positioned in a manner which allows it and lower temperature fluid port to remain in fluid communication as the core varies in size.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, including a core having a variable size or length and a support structure connected to the core, the support structure accommodating variations in the size of the core.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the invention is a heat exchanger which includes a core, a support structure and a mount. The core is variable in its size and has a lower temperature fluid port and a higher temperature fluid port. The mount is positioned between the core and the support structure, adjacent to the higher temperature fluid port. The mount restrains the core relative to the support structure, such that when the core varies in size it does so either away from or towards the mount. The heat exchanger can also include a deformable connector. The deformable connector is positioned in a manner which allows it and lower temperature fluid port to remain in fluid communication as the core varies in size. The deformable connector can include a bellows, a flexible hose and a braided metal hose. The mount includes a pin and a receiver. The receiver receives the pin so as to restrain the movement of the core. The pin can be attached to the support structure and the receiver defined in the core.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is a heat exchanger which includes a core having a thermally variable size and a support structure. To minimize, or eliminate, differential thermal expansion, the support structure is connected to the core and thermally deforms to accommodate variations in the size of the core. The support structure employs a thermally deformable member which can be a tie rod with a planar center section. In other embodiments, the support structure includes a first strongback, a second strongback, and at least one variable thickness tie rod mounted between the strongbacks. The variable thickness tie rod can be a broadened end tie rod having an end or ends which are thicker (wider) than a center section. The present invention also includes methods of fabrication. One embodiment includes the steps of obtaining a tie rod having a substantially uniform thickness and forging the tie rod to define a planar center section.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, including a core having a variable size or length and a support structure connected to the core, the support structure accommodating variations in the size of the core. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).