REFRIGERATION SYSTEM USING A THERMOELECTRIC ASSEMBLY FOR A CHILLER

Abstract

A thermoelectric assembly for use with a chiller system includes a reservoir for liquid coolant and a pump to circulate the liquid coolant through the thermoelectric assembly. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermally conductive block surrounded by a housing and configured to exchange heat with the liquid coolant. Fluid passageways extend between first and second ends of the block with first and second endplates coupled to the respective first and second ends. The first and second endplates enclose respective terminal ends of the fluid passageways to interconnect the fluid passageways at the first and second ends to define a fluid flow loop within the block, with an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with the fluid flow loop. A heat sink is thermally coupled to the block and a thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with the block and the heat sink.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/306,587 filed Feb. 4, 2022, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to heat exchangers and, more particularly, to a thermoelectric heating and cooling assembly for use with a benchtop chiller.

BACKGROUND

Many industries require the use of chillers having heat exchangers to regulate the temperature of circulated fluids. For example, chillers are frequently used in laboratories for a variety of applications, including analytical instrumentation and equipment cooling. These types of chillers, which are typically referred to as benchtop or tabletop chillers, often include one or more heat exchangers in the form of thermoelectric devices, or thermoelectric coolers, for adjusting the temperature of the fluid circulated by the chiller. For laboratory applications in particular, the development of solid state heating/cooling systems having thermoelectric devices has permitted small commercial chillers to be developed that are capable of temperature control in a variety of applications where chiller size, weight, performance, and noise are at issue.

In general, thermoelectric devices employ electrical current to absorb heat from one side of the device and dissipate the heat on an opposite side of the device. In this regard, thermoelectric devices, also known as Peltier devices, are solid state heat pumps that utilize the Peltier effect to move heat from one side of the device to the other side.

One conventional design of a solid state heating/cooling system which has thermoelectric devices is a block through which a fluid is circulated. The block may have a heat sink coupled to one side whereby ambient air is used to remove heat from the block via the heat sink. In this regard, the heat sink is coupled to the heat-dissipating side of the thermoelectric device to carry heat away from the thermoelectric device. The block is coupled to the heat absorbing side of the thermoelectric device which is used to lower the temperature of the fluid circulated through the block. To this end, a conventional block design comprises two plate halves formed from a thermally conductive metal, and further includes fluid inserts positioned between the block halves to form a fluid flow path through which the fluid is circulated through the block. The fluid inserts typically comprise tubing made from metal or another conductive material.

Historically, thermoelectric heating/cooling devices have a poor power efficiency and require large amounts of energy to achieve a given cooling capacity, which can lead to increased operating expenses. The type of solid state cooling system described above is no exception. In this regard, the solid state cooling system described above is relatively inefficient in that it is difficult to exhaust large quantities of heat rapidly from the solid state heating/cooling system, and more particularly the thermoelectric device and connected heat sink, to thereby establish a large temperature differential across the thermoelectric device for adequate heat pumping. To this end, the application of power through a thermoelectric device is a function of the desired heat pump effect and the temperature differential across the device.

Furthermore, conventional block designs used with solid state heating/cooling systems allow only minimal fluid contact with the block which is oftentimes insufficient to maintain a temperature differential across the thermoelectric device for effective heating or cooling of the fluid. Further, it can be costly to manufacture blocks with complex fluid passageways, including the fluid inserts used with the passageways, to effectuate additional heat transfer between the fluid and the block.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a compact solid state heating/cooling system, otherwise referred to as a thermoelectric assembly, for as a benchtop chiller that is capable of exhausting large quantities of heat rapidly from the assembly to establish a needed temperature differential across the thermoelectric device(s) for improved heating, cooling, and overall power efficiency. It is further desirable to provide a compact thermoelectric assembly that has a block design that is cost-effective to manufacture yet has a complex network of fluid passageways to maintain a temperature differential with the thermoelectric device(s) for effective heating and/or cooling of the liquid coolant circulated through the block.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the foregoing and other shortcomings and drawbacks of solid state cooling systems having thermoelectric devices, particularly those for use with a benchtop chiller. While the present invention will be discussed in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a thermoelectric assembly for use as a chiller in a chiller system is provided. The chiller system includes a reservoir configured to contain a quantity of liquid coolant and a pump configured to circulate the liquid coolant through the thermoelectric assembly to control a temperature of the liquid coolant. The thermoelectric assembly includes a housing and a thermally conductive block surrounded by the housing and configured to exchange heat with the liquid coolant that flows therethrough. The block includes a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the block between which a plurality of fluid passageways extend, and a first endplate coupled to the first end and a second endplate coupled to the second end such that the first and second endplates enclose respective terminal ends of the plurality of fluid passageways to interconnect the plurality of fluid passageways at the first and second ends to define a fluid flow loop within the block, and an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with the fluid flow loop. The block includes a heat sink thermally coupled to at least one side of the block and at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled between the side of the block and the heat sink so as to be in thermal communication with the block and the heat sink. The thermoelectric assembly further includes a first fan coupled to the housing proximate one of the first end or second end of the block.

According to an aspect of the invention, the block includes a centrally disposed and axially extending bore configured to receive a heating element. In another aspect, a heating element is disposed within the axially extending bore. In a further aspect, the bore extends between the first end and the second end of the block.

According to another aspect of the invention, the plurality of fluid passageways are circumferentially spaced about the bore so as to be positioned between the bore and an outer surface of the block. In one aspect, the plurality of fluid passageways are cylindrical tubes arranged in parallel. In another aspect, each of the plurality of fluid passageways is lined with either a protective coating or a protective liner.

In yet another aspect, heat sink includes a plurality of fins that extend axially along the block.

In another aspect, each of the first and second endplates includes channels formed in the first and second endplates, with each channel being configured to direct flow of the liquid coolant between two corresponding fluid passageways of the fluid loop.

In yet another aspect, the first end and the second end of the block each include channels formed in the first and second ends, with each channel extending between two corresponding fluid passageways at the first and second ends thereof such that the channels define part of the fluid flow loop when the first and second end plates are coupled to the first and second ends of the block.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first fan is configured to move air through the housing in a direction from one of the first or second end toward the other of the first or second ends. In a further aspect, a second fan configured to move air through the housing in a direction from the same one of the first or second end toward the other of the first or second ends.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method of adjusting a temperature of a liquid coolant using a thermoelectric assembly is provided. The method includes providing the thermoelectric assembly having a thermally conductive block configured to exchange heat with the liquid coolant that flows therethrough. The block includes a plurality of fluid passageways that extend axially between a first end and a second end of the block, a first endplate coupled to the first end and a second endplate coupled to the second end such that the first and second endplates enclose respective terminal ends of the plurality of fluid passageways to interconnect the plurality of fluid passageways so as to define a fluid flow loop within the block, an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with the fluid flow loop, a heat sink thermally coupled to at least one side of the block, and at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled between the side of the block and the heat sink so as to be in thermal communication with the block and the heat sink. The method includes receiving the liquid coolant having a first temperature into the fluid flow loop through the inlet opening in the block and circulating the liquid coolant through the fluid flow loop. The method further includes transferring energy between the liquid coolant and the block to adjust the temperature of the liquid coolant to an adjusted second temperature by operating the at least one thermoelectric device as follows: applying a current to the at least one thermoelectric device to transfer heat energy between the block and the heat sink to lower the temperature of the liquid coolant and discharging the liquid coolant from the block at the adjusted second temperature.

According to an aspect of the invention, the step of transferring energy between the liquid coolant and the block to adjust the temperature of the liquid coolant further includes reversing the current to the at least one thermoelectric device to transfer heat energy between the heat sink and the block to raise the temperature of the liquid coolant.

According to another aspect of the invention, the block further includes at least one heating element positioned in a centrally disposed and axially extending bore in the block, and the method further includes applying a current to the at least one heating element to transfer heat energy between the at least one heating element and the block to raise the temperature of the liquid coolant. According to another aspect, the method further includes determining whether current is being applied to the at least one heating element and, if current is being applied to the at least one heating element, reversing the current to the at least one thermoelectric device. In yet another aspect, the method includes delaying the step of reversing the current to the at least one thermoelectric device for a period of time if it is determined that current is being applied to the at least one heating element.

According to one aspect of the invention, the thermoelectric assembly further includes a housing surrounding the block with a first fan coupled to the housing proximate one of the first end or second end of the block, and the method further includes operating the first fan to flow air through the housing in a direction from one of the first or second end toward the other of the first or second ends. In another aspect, the thermoelectric assembly further includes a second fan coupled to the housing proximate to the other one of the first or second end of the block, and the method further includes operating the second fan to flow air through the housing in a direction from one of the first or second end toward the other of the first or second ends.

According to one aspect of the invention, the step of circulating the liquid coolant through the fluid flow loop further includes moving the liquid coolant between the first end and the second end of the block.

In another aspect, the plurality of fluid passageways are cylindrical tubes arranged in parallel. In yet another aspect, the block includes at least one thermoelectric device and heat sink thermally coupled to at least one side of the block. In another aspect, each of the first and second endplates includes channels formed in the first and second endplates, with each channel being configured to direct flow of the liquid coolant between two corresponding fluid passageways of the fluid loop.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first end and the second end of the block each include channels formed in the first and second ends, with each channel extending between two corresponding fluid passageways at the first and second ends thereof such that the channels define part of the fluid flow loop when the first and second end plates are coupled to the first and second ends of the block.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a block for use with a chiller system is provided. The block is configured to control a temperature of a liquid coolant that flows through the block, and includes a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the block between which a plurality of fluid passageways extend and a first endplate coupled to the first end and a second endplate coupled to the second such that the first and second endplates enclose respective terminal ends of the plurality of fluid passageways to interconnect the plurality of fluid passageways at the first and second ends to define a fluid flow loop within the block. The block also includes an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with the fluid flow loop.

According to an aspect of the invention, the block includes a heat sink thermally coupled to at least one side of the block and at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled between the side of the block and the heat sink so as to be in thermal communication with the block and the heat sink.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a thermoelectric assembly for use with a chiller system having a reservoir containing a quantity of liquid coolant and a pump to circulate the liquid coolant through the thermoelectric assembly to control a temperature of the liquid coolant is provided. The thermoelectric assembly includes a housing and a thermally conductive block surrounded by the housing and configured to exchange heat with the liquid coolant that flows therethrough. The thermally conductive block includes a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the block between which a plurality of fluid passageways extend. The block includes a first endplate coupled to the first end and a second endplate coupled to the second end such that the first and second endplates enclose respective terminal ends of the plurality of fluid passageways to interconnect the plurality of fluid passageways at the first and second ends to define a fluid flow loop within the block. The block further includes an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with the fluid flow loop. The first end and the second end of the block each include channels formed in the first and second ends, and each channel extends between two corresponding fluid passageways at the first and second ends thereof such that the channels define part of the fluid flow loop when the first and second end plates are coupled to the first and second ends of the block. The block further includes a heat sink thermally coupled to at least one side of the block and at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled between the side of the block and the heat sink so as to be in thermal communication with the block and the heat sink, and a centrally disposed and axially extending bore configured to receive a heating element. The thermoelectric assembly includes a first fan coupled to the housing proximate one of the first end or second end of the block.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a thermoelectric assembly for use with a chiller system having a reservoir containing a quantity of liquid coolant and a pump to circulate the liquid coolant through the thermoelectric assembly to control a temperature of the liquid coolant is provided. The thermoelectric assembly includes a housing and a thermally conductive block surrounded by the housing and configured to exchange heat with the liquid coolant that flows therethrough. The thermally conductive block includes a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the block between which a plurality of fluid passageways extend. The block includes a first endplate coupled to the first end and a second endplate coupled to the second end such that the first and second endplates enclose respective terminal ends of the plurality of fluid passageways to interconnect the plurality of fluid passageways at the first and second ends to define a fluid flow loop within the block. The block includes an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with the fluid flow loop. Each of the first and second endplates includes channels formed in the first and second endplates, with each channel being configured to direct flow of the liquid coolant between two corresponding fluid passageways of the fluid loop. The block further includes a heat sink thermally coupled to at least one side of the block and at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled between the side of the block and the heat sink so as to be in thermal communication with the block and the heat sink. The thermoelectric assembly includes a first fan coupled to the housing proximate one of the first end or second end of the block.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a thermoelectric assembly for use with a chiller system having a reservoir containing a quantity of liquid coolant and a pump to circulate the liquid coolant through the thermoelectric assembly to control a temperature of the liquid coolant is provided. The thermoelectric assembly includes a housing and a thermally conductive block surrounded by the housing and configured to exchange heat with the liquid coolant that flows therethrough. The block includes a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the block between which a fluid flow loop extends within the block and an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with the fluid flow loop. The fluid flow loop includes a helical fluid passageway section that extends helically between the first end and the second end of the block. The block includes a heat sink thermally coupled to at least one side of the block and at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled between the side of the block and the heat sink so as to be in thermal communication with the block and the heat sink. The thermoelectric assembly includes a first fan coupled to the housing proximate one of the first end or second end of the block.

Various additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary chiller in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is schematic representation of the chiller of FIG. 1, illustrating an exemplary fluid circuit of the chiller.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the chiller of FIG. 1, illustrating a thermoelectric assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the thermoelectric assembly of FIG. 3A, illustrating air flow through the thermoelectric assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the thermoelectric assembly of FIG. 3A, illustrating additional details of the thermoelectric assembly.

FIG. 4 is a disassembled perspective view of the thermoelectric assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5 is a disassembled perspective view of a thermally conductive block of the thermoelectric assembly of FIG. 3A according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the thermally conductive block of FIG. 5, illustrating a fluid flow path through the block.

FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of the thermally conductive block of FIG. 5, further illustrating the fluid flow path through the block.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a thermally conductive block for use with the thermoelectric assembly of FIG. 3A according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8B is a schematic perspective view of the thermally conductive block of FIG. 8A, illustrating a fluid flow path through the block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention are directed to a thermoelectric assembly for use with a recirculating chiller system. The recirculating chiller system may have an open-loop or closed-loop configuration and uses a continuous flow of fluid, such as a liquid coolant, circulated through appropriate fluid lines to remove heat from an object in contact with the circulated fluid, either directly or indirectly, such as laboratory equipment, for example. As described in further detail below, the chiller system circulates the fluid through the thermoelectric assembly and, more particularly, a thermally conductive block housed within the thermoelectric assembly used as a chiller to adjust a temperature of the fluid coolant to thereby maintain a desired temperature of the object or application that is in direct or indirect contact with the fluid being circulated by the chiller system. However, while aspects of the thermoelectric assembly are shown and described in the context of a closed-loop benchtop recirculating chiller system, it will be understood that the same inventive concepts related to aspects of the thermoelectric assembly may be implemented with different heating and/or cooling applications and systems without departing from the scope of the invention. More particularly, in its broader aspects, the inventive concepts related to the thermoelectric assembly may be implemented in any application that requires temperature control of a circulated or recirculated fluid. To this end, the drawings are not intended to be limiting.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, details of an exemplary chiller system 10, otherwise referred to as “chiller 10”, are shown in which a thermoelectric assembly 12 according embodiments of the present invention has particular utility. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerated process chiller 10 includes a housing 14, a front cover 16, a back cover 18, and a base 20, which together define an interior 22 of the chiller 10. The chiller 10 includes a number of feet 24, such as four, for example, configured to support the chiller 10 above the ground, tabletop, or other surface on which the chiller 10 is located. The front cover 16 of the chiller 10 includes a plurality of perforations 26 that allow airflow into or out from the interior 22 of the chiller 10. While not shown, the back cover 16 also includes a number of perforations 26 that permit airflow into or out from the interior 22 of the chiller 10. As described in further detail below, the perforations 26 in the front cover 14 and back cover 16 work together to enable airflow through the chiller 10 to remove heat from the thermoelectric assembly 12. The front cover 14 includes a human machine interface (HMI) 28, such as a touchscreen display or liquid crystal display (LCD), configured to allow a user to interact with the chiller 10 to enter data, view data, and/or change an operational parameter of the chiller 10 such as a temperature of the fluid coolant circulated by the chiller 10 or a flow rate of the fluid coolant through the chiller 10, for example.

With reference to FIG. 2, an exemplary fluid circuit 30 for the chiller system 10 is shown diagrammatically in which elements of the chiller system 10 are fluidly coupled together via appropriate internal and external fluid lines 32a, 32b, such as piping or flexible tubing, for example, to define the fluid circuit 30. In this regard, the exemplary chiller 10 may be a benchtop chiller capable of recirculating fluid coolant 34, such as a liquid coolant, through the thermoelectric assembly 12 to adjust a temperature of the fluid coolant to thereby provide heating and/or cooling to an application 36 or object in contact, either directly or indirectly, with the external fluid line(s) 32b. The application 34 or object may be, for example, an optical device, semi-conductor test device, or other lab heat generating device or source.

As shown schematically in FIG. 2, the interior 22 of the chiller 10 includes the thermoelectric assembly 12, a pump 38, and a fluid reservoir 40 fluidly coupled together with the internal fluid lines 32a. The fluid reservoir 40 is configured to contain an amount of the fluid coolant 34 to be circulated through the chiller 10. The pump 38 is fluidly coupled between the fluid reservoir 40 and the thermoelectric assembly 12 to move fluid coolant 34 within the fluid circuit 30. More particularly, the pump 38 is configured to direct fluid coolant 34 from the fluid reservoir 40, through the pump 38, through the thermoelectric assembly 12 to the application 36, and then back to the fluid reservoir 40, as described in further detail below. The pump 38 may be a positive displacement-type or positive pressure-type pump such as a centrifugal pump, rotary gear pump, metering/dosing pump, peristaltic pump, reciprocating plunger/piston pump, diaphragm pump, magnetically driven pump, or other suitable device that moves fluids (liquids or gasses) by mechanical action.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, external fluid lines 32b extend from the back cover 18 of the chiller 10 to the application 36. In this regard, the back cover 18 of the chiller 10 includes an outlet port 44 and an inlet port 46 from which the fluid lines 32b extend. The outlet and inlet ports 44, 46 may each include a gasket 48, quick connection, or other suitable structure to facilitate connection of the external fluid lines 32b between the chiller 10 and the application 36. In any event, the fluid coolant 34 is circulated through the fluid circuit 30 by the pump 38 in a direction indicated by directional arrows A1. More particularly, the fluid coolant 34 is circulated, in sequence, from the reservoir 40, through the pump 38, through the thermoelectric assembly 12, and to the application 36. The fluid coolant 34 is then progressed from the application 36 back into the chiller 10 and into to the fluid reservoir 40. Circulation of the fluid coolant 34 in this regard is repeated to maintain a desired temperature of the application 36 or object to which the chiller 10 is operatively coupled via the fluid lines 32b.

In one embodiment, the fluid circuit 30 is configured to circulate water as the fluid coolant 34. In another embodiment, the fluid coolant 34 may be a mixture of water and ethylene glycol or a mixture of polyethylene glycol and water, for example. However, it will be understood that the inventive concepts of the thermoelectric assembly 12 may be implemented with different chiller circuits configured to circulate other types of coolants which may be any liquid or gas used to regulate the temperature of a connected system, object, or application.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the chiller 10 may include one or more sensors 50 located along the fluid circuit 30, such as temperature sensors to monitor a temperature of the fluid coolant 34 and/or flow rate sensors to monitor a flow rate of the liquid coolant 34, for example. The chiller 10 also includes a main control 52 board operatively coupled the HMI display 28, pump 38, thermoelectric assembly 12, and the one or more sensors 50 via appropriate wiring 54. As shown, the main control board 52 is operatively coupled to a power supply board 56 and power input 58 to provide electrical power to the powered components of the chiller 10 such as the pump 38, HMI display 28, sensors 50, and thermoelectric assembly 12, for example. While not shown, the chiller 10 may include various other components known in the art, such as a flow meter or battery back-up, for example.

With reference to FIGS. 3 through 4, details of the thermoelectric assembly 12 will now be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, the thermoelectric assembly 12 is located in the interior 22 of the chiller 10 and has a generally rectangular-shaped housing 70 that extends between a first end 72 and a second end 74 of the thermoelectric assembly 12. The first end 72 can be spaced from the second end 74 along a longitudinal axis L. The housing 70 surrounds a thermally conductive block 76 (FIG. 3B) through which the fluid coolant 34 is circulated to thereby adjust a temperature of the fluid coolant 34, as described in further detail below. As shown, the first end 72 of the thermoelectric assembly 12 is configured to face the front cover 16 of the chiller 10 and the second end 74 of the assembly 12 is configured to face the back cover 18 of the chiller 10 so that air may be flowed through chiller 10 and through the thermoelectric assembly 12. More particularly, the thermoelectric assembly 12 has an elongate profile that extends generally between the front cover 16 and the back cover 18 of the chiller 10 such that the first and second ends 72, 74 of the thermoelectric assembly 12 are aligned with respective perforations 26 in the front and back covers 16, 18 of the chiller 10. In this regard, the first end 72 of the thermoelectric assembly 12 includes a first fan 78 coupled to a first open end 80 of the housing 70 and the second end 74 of the thermoelectric assembly 12 includes a second fan 82 coupled to a second open end 84 of the housing 70. The first and second fans 78, 82 are configured to move air into or out from the interior 22 of the chiller 10. Moreover, the first and second fans 78, 82 are configured to move air into or out from the housing 70 of the thermoelectric assembly 12 and over one or more heat sinks 86 (FIGS. 3B-4) thermally coupled to the thermally conductive block 76 to thereby dissipate and remove heat energy from the heat sinks 86. In this regard, the first fan 78 may be located near, or in an abutting relationship with the front cover 16 of the chiller 10 and, more particularly, the perforations 26 in the front cover 16 of the chiller 10, to either intake or exhaust air therethrough. Similarly, the second fan 82 may be located near, or abut, the perforations 26 in the back cover 18 of the chiller 10 to intake or exhaust air therethrough. The thermoelectric assembly 12 also includes one or more connectors 88 located on a side 90 of the housing 70 to provide power via appropriate wiring to the first and second fans 78, 82 as well as other powered components of the thermoelectric assembly 12, for example. The wiring may be routed into the housing 70 through one or more wiring ports 92 in the housing 70. Each port 92 may include a grommet 94 to form a seal between the wiring routed through the wiring port 92 and the housing 70.

To facilitate airflow into or out from the housing 70, or intermixing of multiple airflows, one or more sidewalls 90 of the housing 70 may include at least one perforated section 96. As shown in FIG. 3A, each perforated section 96 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a recessed surface 98, recessed in a radially inward direction relative to the sidewall 90, that includes a number of perforations 100 formed therein. The perforated sections 96 are mutually spaced apart along an axial length of at least one sidewall 90 of the housing 70, and each perforated section 96 extends generally between horizontal edges 102 of adjacent sidewalls 90. As shown, the sidewall 90 may have three perforated sections 96, for example. However, it is understood that the housing 70 may include fewer or more perforated sections 96 located on one, or several, sidewalls 90. The perforations 100 themselves, as well as the perforated sections 96, may be shaped differently. In any case, each perforated section 96 may be covered by a removable cover 104 when not in use. Each removable cover 104 is sized to engage with a corresponding recessed surface 98 of one perforated section 96 to thereby block airflow through the perforations 100. In this regard, each perforated section 96 may include one or more retainer clips 106 configured to hold the cover 104 in place against the recessed surface 98 of the perforated section 96. As shown in FIG. 3A, when coupled to the housing 70, each cover 104 is received within a corresponding perforated section 96 and positioned in a generally flush relationship with the sidewall 90.

As briefly described above, the first fan 78 and the second fan 82 are configured to move air through the chiller 10 and the housing 70 of the thermoelectric assembly 12. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 3B, the first and second fans 78, 82 may operate to move air in the same direction through the housing 70, as indicated by directional arrows A2. For example, the first and second fans 78, 82 may be configured to move air from one of the first end 72 or second end 74 of the thermoelectric assembly 12 toward the other of the first or second ends 72, 74. Alternatively, the first fan 78 and second fan 82 may operate to move air in opposite directions through the housing 70. For example, the first fan 78 may move air in a direction from the second end 74 of the thermoelectric assembly 12 toward the first end 72 and the second fan 82 may move air in a direction from the first end 72 of the thermoelectric assembly 12 toward the second end 74. In this embodiment, air is drawn into the housing 70 through the one or more perforated sections 96 in at least one sidewall 90 of the housing 70 and exhausted from the housing 70 through the first fan 78 and the second fan 82. In another embodiment, the first and second fans 78, 82 may move air through the housing 70 in opposite directions to thereby pull air into the housing 70 that is then exhausted from the housing 70 through the one or more perforated sections 96. In this embodiment, each fan 78, 82 may be operated to move air into the housing 70. To this end, the first and second fans 78, 82 can independently operate, and only one fan 78, 82 may be operated at a time, if desired.

With respect to FIGS. 3B-3C, the first fan 78 and the second fan 82 are configured to move air through the housing 70 in a direction from the first end 72 of the thermoelectric assembly 12 to the second end 74 of the assembly 12, as indicated by directional arrows A2. As shown in FIG. 3B, airflow A2 is directed around the thermally conductive block 76 and along an axial length of the block 76 between a first end 108 and a second end 110 located at opposite longitudinal ends of the block 76. More particularly, airflow A2 is directed through a chamber 112 between longitudinal sides 114 of the block 76 and the housing 70 that is occupied by one or more heat sinks 86 coupled to the block 76. In this regard, airflow A2 is passed through gaps 116 between adjacent fins 118 of each heat sink 86 to dissipate and remove heat energy from each heat sink 86. As described in further detail below, the thermally conductive block 76 and attached heat sinks 86 are held in suspension within the housing 70 to define the chamber 112, which is a space that surrounds the block 76 and extends between each side 114 of the block 76 and the housing 70. As a result of this suspended arrangement, heat sinks 86 may be located on all sides 114 of the block 76 to maximize heat dissipation.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the thermally conductive block 76 includes one heat sink 86 located on each of the four elongate sides 114 of the block 76. In this regard, each heat sink 86 includes a base 120 configured to engage with and be mounted to a corresponding side 114 of the thermally conductive block 76. The base 120 may have a shape that generally corresponds to a shape of the side 114 of the block 76 to which the heat sink 86 is coupled. In this regard, the base 120 may have a length that extends an axial length of the side 114 of the block 76 (e.g., a distance between the first end 108 and the second end 110 of the block 76), as shown in FIG. 3B, and may have a width that extends a width of the longitudinal side 114 of the block 76 (e.g., a distance between adjacent sides 114 of the block 76), as shown in FIG. 3C. To this end, the base 120 may cover an entire side 114 of the block 76 to which it is coupled.

With continued reference to FIG. 3C, each heat sink 86 includes a plurality of spaced apart fins 118 that project outwardly from the base 120. Each fin 118 may have a profile that is generally rectangular in shape (FIG. 3B) and may extend in an axial direction along the base 120 and the block 76. In this regard, some fins 118 may extend along an entire length of the base 120 of the heat sink 86 while other fins 118 only extend a partial distance along the length of the base 120. As shown in FIG. 3C, the fins 118 are spaced apart across the width of the base 120 to define airflow gaps 116 therebetween which extend along a length of the base 120. As shown, the fins 118 may be perpendicular or angled relative to the base 120 such that the gaps 116 between adjacent fins 118 are either V-shaped or U-shaped, for example. The angle at which each fin 118 is positioned relative to the base 120 is variable, and may be any angle within a range of between 20° to 90°, for example. The size of the gaps 116 between adjacent fins 118 may be varied to achieve adequate heat removal from the block 76. As shown, one gap 116 between two adjacent fins 118 of the heat sink 86 may have a different size, and thus different airflow volume, compared to another gap 116 between two other adjacent fins 118 of the same heat sink 86. With brief reference to FIG. 4, a predetermined number of the fins 118 for each heat sink 86 may include one or more notches 122 spaced apart along a length of each fin 118, or at an end of the fin 118, to allow access to mounting hardware, such as a bolt or socket head screw 124, for mounting the heat sink 86 to the side 114 of the thermally conductive block 76. Each screw may be threaded directly into a corresponding threaded bore in the block 76, for example. To this end, the base 120 of each heat sink 86 may have several bores 124 configured to receive corresponding screws therethrough for mounting the heat sink 86 to the block 76, as shown in FIG. 3B.

While each heat sink 86 is shown and described as having a fin-type heat transfer geometry, it is understood that the fins 118 extending from the base 120 of each heat sink 86 may be replaced with other geometries. For example, the rectangle-shaped fins 118 may be replaced with square-shaped plates, trapezoidal shaped plates, or any other polygonal-shaped plate, for example. In one embodiment, the fins 118 may be replaced with a plurality of pins. The pins may be cylindrical in shape and may extend from the base 120 at any angle within the range of between 20° to 90°, for example. This pins may be aligned in parallel rows along the base 120 or, alternatively, staggered, or in a randomized arrangement. In another embodiment, the pins may have a cross-sectional shape that is oval or non-circular, such as square, triangle, diamond, or other polygonal shape. To this end, it is understood that geometries of the fins 118, the arrangement of the fins 118, and the number of the fins 118 may be changed to maximize heat dissipation. Furthermore, each heat sink 86 may be formed using a three-dimensional printing (3D printing) process such as selective laser melting (SLM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and stereolithography (SLA). The heat sinks 86 may be formed from 3D printable material selected to maximize thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, or another thermally conductive material.

With reference to FIGS. 3B and 3C, the heat sinks 86 and associated fins 118 collectively occupy the airflow chamber 112 between the thermally conductive block 76 and the housing 70 through which airflow A2 is passed. In this regard, each fin 118 extends axially along the block 76. Further, each fin 118 extends in a radially outward direction from the base 120 of the heat sink 86 such that a distal edge 126 of the fin 118 is located near, or in an abutting relationship with, a corresponding sidewall 90 of the housing 70. As a result of this configuration, some fins 118 may have a longer length (e.g., a distance between the base 120 and the distal edge 126 of the fin 118) compared to others. For example, the outermost fins 118 of each heat sink 86 may be longer compared to centrally located fins 118. As best shown in FIG. 3C, there is a larger gap 128 between the outermost fins 118 of adjacent heat sinks 86 located on adjacent sides 114 of the block 76. The larger gaps 128 allow for a greater volume of airflow therethrough. However, in an alternative embodiment, the heat sinks 86 may include additional fins 118 configured to be located within the larger gaps 128 for additional heat dissipation, if desired. For example, fins 118 may extend from one or both sides of the base 120 a distance into the larger gaps 128.

With reference to FIGS. 3B-4, the thermally conductive block 76 and one or more heat sinks 86 extend generally between the first open end 80 of the housing 70 and the second open 74 end of the housing 70. As shown, most fins 118 of each heat sink 86 also extend between the first and second open ends 80, 84 of the housing 70. In this regard, airflow A2 enters each gap 116 between adjacent fins 118 of each heat sink 86 at the first end 80 of the housing 70, travels a length of the adjacent fins 118, and exits each gap 116 at the second end 84 of the housing 70. To direct airflow A2 from the first and second fans 78, 82 into or out from the airflow chamber 112 and, more particularly, each of the gaps 116, the first fan 78 is coupled to the first end 80 of the housing 70 with a first mount bracket 130 and the second fan 82 is coupled to the second end 84 of the housing 70 with a second mount bracket 132. The first and second mount brackets 130, 132 each have aerodynamic geometries configured to divert airflow A2 around the corresponding first and second ends 108, 110 of the block 76 and into or out from the airflow chamber 112. As described in further detail below, the first and second mount brackets 130, 132 also engage with the first and second ends 108, 110 of the block 76 to thereby support and suspend the block 76 within the housing 70 to form the airflow chamber 112.

The first mount bracket 130 is coupled to the first open end 80 of the housing 70 and between the first fan 78 and the housing 70. More particularly, a proximal end 134 of the first bracket 130 is coupled to the first end 80 of the housing 70 and the first fan 78 is coupled to an opposite, distal end 136 of the first bracket 130. The fan 78 and housing 70 are spaced apart by a width of the bracket 130, which is defined as a distance between the proximal and distal ends 134, 136. The first bracket 130 may be coupled to the housing 70 and fan 78 with suitable hardware, such as with one or more bolts, for example. The first bracket 130 has a generally square-shaped profile and includes four angled sidewalls 138 that extend between the proximal and distal ends 134, 136 of the bracket 130. The sidewalls 138 are angled in a radially inward direction from the proximal end 134 to the distal end 136, as shown in FIG. 3B. The sidewalls 138 surround a centrally located nozzle 140 which is supported away from the sidewalls 138 by one or more support members 142. The support members 142 are relatively flat, or plate-like, having a thickness measured perpendicular to the airflow A2 that is minimal to minimize aerodynamic drag caused by the support members 142. To this end, the nozzle 140 is configured to be in a near free floating arrangement with the sidewalls 138 of the bracket 130.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the sidewalls 138 of the first bracket 130 extend between the housing 70 and the first fan 78. In this regard, the bracket 130 is configured to position the fan 78 in a co-axial arrangement with the thermally conductive block 76 such that a hub 144 of the first fan 78 is aligned with a center of the first end 108, or longitudinal axis, of the block 76. As shown, the hub 144 of the fan 78 is also aligned with the nozzle 140 which is centered over the first end 108 of the block 76. With reference to FIGS. 3B and 4, the nozzle 140 of the bracket 130 transitions from a square-shaped base 146 near the proximal end 134 of the bracket 130 and a circle-shaped top 148 near the distal end 136 of the bracket 130. The base 146 of the nozzle 140 is configured to engage with and receive a portion of the first end 108 of the block 76 therein so as to cover the first end 108 of the block 76 by the nozzle 140. More particularly, the base 146 includes four sidewalls 150 configured to engage with and extend along corresponding sides 114 of the block 76 when the first bracket 130 is mounted to the housing 70. When so positioned, the sidewalls 150 of the base 146 are positioned between the block 76 and the heat sink 86. The sidewalls 150 of the nozzle 140 may include notches to accommodate for the mounting hardware used to secure the heat sink 86 to the block 76. In any event, as a result of the sidewalls 150 being located between the base 120 of the heat sink 86 and the block 76, the same mounting hardware used to mount the heat sink 86 to the block 76 may also be used to secure the nozzle 140 and thus the bracket 130 to the block 76.

With continued reference to FIG. 3B, when the first bracket 130 is coupled to the block 76 and the housing 70, the top 148 of the nozzle 140 is spaced away from the first end 108 of the block 76 and is configured to face the hub 144 of the fan 78 such that a sidewall 152 of the nozzle 140 extends between the first end 108 of the block 76 and the top 148 of the nozzle 140. In this regard, blades 154 of the first fan 78 are generally aligned with the airflow chamber 112 such that, when the fan 78 is operated, the geometry of the bracket 130 directs the airflow A2 between the nozzle 140 and the sidewalls 138 of the bracket 130, around the block 76, and directly into the airflow chamber 112. To accommodate for certain other features of the block 76, such as one or more fluid connectors 156, such as 90° quick connectors, the sidewall 152 of the nozzle 140 may include a notch 158, and at least one sidewall 138 of the bracket 130 may also include a notch 160.

With reference to FIGS. 3B and 4, the second mount bracket 132 is similar in many ways to the first mount bracket 130, and is coupled to the second open end 84 of the housing 70 and between the second fan 82 and the housing 70. The second bracket 132 also includes a proximal end 162 configured to be coupled to the second end 84 of the housing 70 and an opposite, distal end 164 configured to be coupled to the second fan 82. The fan 82 and housing 70 are spaced apart by a width of the second bracket 132, which is defined as a distance between the proximal and distal ends 162, 164. The width of the second bracket 132 may be the same or different compared to the width of the first bracket 130. In either case, the second bracket 132 may be coupled to the housing 70 and fan 82 with suitable hardware, such as with bolts, for example. The second bracket 132 has a generally square-shaped profile and includes four angled sidewalls 166 that extend between the proximal and distal ends 162, 164 of the bracket 132. The sidewalls 166 are angled in a radially inward direction from the proximal end 162 to the distal end 164, as shown in FIG. 3B. Similar to the first bracket 130, the sidewalls 166 surround a centrally located nozzle 168 which is supported away from the sidewalls 166 by one or more support members 170.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the sidewalls 166 of the second bracket 132 extend between the housing 70 and the second fan 82. In this regard, the bracket 132 is configured to locate the fan 82 in a co-axial arrangement with the thermally conductive block 76 such that a hub 172 of the second fan 82 is aligned with a center of the second end 110, or longitudinal axis, of the block 76. The hub 172 of the fan 82 is also aligned with the nozzle 168 of the bracket 132 which is positioned between the hub 172 of the fan 82 and the second end 110 of the block 76. With reference to FIGS. 3B and 4, the nozzle 168 of the bracket 132 is generally frustopyramidal in shape and extends between a square-shaped base 174 near the proximal end 162 of the bracket 132 and a circle-shaped top 176 near the distal end 164 of the bracket 132. The base 174 of the nozzle 168 is configured to engage with and receive a portion of the second end 110 of the block 76 therein so as to entirely cover the second end 110 of the block 76 by the nozzle 168. In this regard, the base 174 also includes sidewalls 178 configured to extend along and engage with corresponding sides 114 of the block 76 to thereby support the block 76 in a suspended arrangement, as described above. Similar to the first mounting bracket 130, the sidewalls 178 may also include notches to accommodate for the mounting hardware used to secure the heat sink 86 to the block 76. When the second bracket 132 is coupled to the housing 70, the top 176 of the nozzle 168 is spaced away from the second end 110 of the block 76 and is configured to face the hub 172 of the fan 82 such that a sidewall 180 of the nozzle 168 extends between the second end 110 of the block 76 and the top 176 of the nozzle 168. As shown, blades 182 of the second fan 82 are generally aligned with the airflow chamber 112 such that, when the fan 82 is operated, the geometry of the bracket 132 directs the airflow A2 between the nozzle 168 and the sidewalls 166 of the bracket 132, around the block 76, and directly out from the airflow chamber 112.

With reference to FIGS. 3B through 6B, additional details of the thermally conductive block 76 will now be described. As briefly described above, the block 76 is generally rectangular in shape and includes four sides 114 which extend between the first and second 108, 110 opposite longitudinal ends of the block 76. Thermally coupled to each side 114 of the block 76 is at least one thermoelectric device 184. More particularly, each thermoelectric device 184 is coupled between the block 76 and a respective heat sink 86 so as to be in thermal communication with the block 76 and the heat sink 86, as described in further detail below. In the embodiment shown, each side 114 of the block 76 includes three thermoelectric devices 184. The block 76 further includes a plurality of fluid passageways 186 and a centrally disposed bore 188 that each extend in an axial direction (e.g., in a direction from the first end 108 to the second end 110 of the block 76) through the block 76. The block 76 includes a first endplate 190 configured to be mounted to the first end 108 of the block 76 and a second endplate 192 configured to be mounted to the second end 110 of the block 76. As will be described in further detail below, the endplates 190, 192, in conjunction with the plurality of fluid passageways 186, together form a fluid flow loop 194 (FIG. 6B) within the block 76 through which fluid coolant 34 is circulated.

In the embodiment shown, the block 76 includes six fluid passageways 186. However, the block 76 may include fewer or more fluid passageways 186 to increase or decrease fluid contact between the block 76 and fluid coolant 34, as desired. As shown, each fluid passageway 186 includes a first terminal end 196 located at the first end 108 of the block 76 and a second terminal end 198 located at the second end 110 of the block 76 between which the fluid passageway extends 186. Thus, each fluid passageway 186 is a tubular bore that extends through the block 76 and along an elongate length of the block 76 (e.g., a length of the block 76 between the first and second opposite longitudinal ends 108, 110 of the block 76). To this end, each fluid passageway 186 is shaped as a cylindrical tube having a diameter and a length, the length being defined as a distance between the first and second terminal ends 196, 198. While each fluid passageway 186 has a circular cross-sectional shape (the cross-sectional area may be defined as a plane disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the block 76), it is understood that the fluid passageways 186 may be configured to have other cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular, elliptical, or any other polygonal shape, for example. In either case, the plurality of fluid passageways 186 are circumferentially spaced apart about a the centrally disposed bore 188 and longitudinal center axis of the block 76, as best shown in FIG. 3C. The fluid passageways 186 may be spaced mutually apart about, and equidistant from, the bore 188 and/or longitudinal axis of the block 76. In this regard, the plurality of fluid passageways 186 may be arranged in a circle about the centrally disposed bore 188 and/or the longitudinal center axis of the block 76, for example. More particularly, two fluid passageways 186 may be positioned between the centrally disposed bore 188 and/or longitudinal center axis and each side 114 of the block 76. While the fluid passageways 186 are shown extending linearly, or in parallel, between the first end 108 and the second end 110 of the block 76, it is understood that the fluid passageways 186 may extend non-linearly between the first end 108 and the second end 110 of the block 76. For example, the fluid passageways 186 may each be configured as a helix and located between the central longitudinal axis of the block 76 and each corresponding side 114. Alternatively, each fluid passageway 186 may extend helically or spiral about the longitudinal axis or centrally disposed bore 188 of the block 76 between the first end and the second end 108, 110, as described in further detail below.

In one embodiment, each fluid passageway 186 may include a protective coating, such as a thin layer of Teflon for chemically isolating the block 76 from the fluid coolant 34. In another embodiment, each fluid passageway 186 may include a liner such as an embedded hollow tube formed from a conductive material such as copper or other suitable material, for example.

With reference to FIGS. 3B and 3C, the centrally disposed bore 188 is cylindrical in shape, having a diameter and extending a length between first and second terminal ends 200, 202 located in respective first and second ends 108, 110 of the block 76. As shown, the diameter of the bore 188 is larger compared to the diameter of each fluid passageway 186. However, the bore 188 may be similar in size and shape as compared to the fluid passageways 186, or smaller, for example. In either case, the bore 188 is configured to receive at least one heating element 204 (FIGS. 6A-6B), such as a resistance heater, for example. The resistance heater may be an insertion heater having at least one heating element that converts electrical energy into heat. In this regard, the heating element 204 is used to impart heat energy to the block 76 to raise a temperature of the liquid coolant 34 as well as maintain a temperature differential across the block 76 with the thermoelectric device(s) 184 for effective heating and/or cooling of the liquid coolant 34 circulated through the block 76. The one or more heating elements 204 may be connected, via appropriate wiring, to the one or more connectors 88 on the housing 70 of the thermoelectric assembly 12 for power and controllable via the main control board 52, for example. Thus, as a user interacts with the HMI 28 to adjust a temperature of the fluid coolant 34 being circulated through the chiller 10, this temperature adjustment may also cause a current to be applied to the one or more heaters 204 to impart heat energy to the block 76.

In one embodiment, the heating element 204 may have a diameter that is similar to that of the centrally disposed bore 188 in which the heating element 204 is positioned. That way, the heating element 204 is closely received within the bore 188 such that mutual contact is maintained between the bore 188 and the heating element 204 to best transfer heat energy between the heating element 204 and the block 76. Alternatively, the bore 188 may include several heating elements 204 positioned end-to-end and/or side-by-side within the bore 188 to increase heat transfer, for example. While the bore 188 is shown having a circular cross-sectional shape (the cross-sectional area may be defined as a plane disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the block 76), it is understood that the bore 188 may be configured to have other cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular, elliptical, or any other polygonal shape, for example.

With reference to FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 5, each side 114 of the block 76 includes three thermoelectric devices 184 coupled between the side 114 of the block 76 and the base 120 of the heat sink 86. More particularly, each side 114 of the block 76 includes a plurality of square-shaped projections 210 on which respective thermoelectric devices 184 are positioned. In the embodiment shown, each side 114 of the block 76 includes three spaced apart projections 210, which are spaced apart along an axial length of the side 114. As best shown in FIG. 5, each projection 210 extends a height, in a radially outward direction, from each respective side 114 of the block 76. Each projection 210 includes sides 212 that extend between an end surface 214 of the projection 210 and the side 114 of the block 76. The end surface 214 of each projection 210 is configured to receive a respective one of the thermoelectric devices 184 thereon. In this regard, the end surface 214 may have similar length and width dimensions compared to the thermoelectric device 184 such that the end surface 214 is in mutual contact with the entirety of a first operative face 216 of the thermoelectric device 184. In this regard, the thermoelectric device 184 does not overhang or extend beyond the sides 212 of the projection 210. That way, surface area contact between the block 76 and the thermoelectric device 184 is maximized to best effectuate energy transfer therebetween. As best shown in FIG. 3B, each thermoelectric device 184 is sandwiched between a corresponding projection 210 and the base 120 of the corresponding heat sink 86. As a result of this arrangement, the entirety of a second operative face 218 of each thermoelectric device 184 (diametrically opposed from the first operative face 216) is placed in contact with the base 120 of the heat sink 86. Thus, each thermoelectric device 184 is in thermal communication with both the block 76 and heat sink 86 to effectuate heat energy transfer therebetween. Each thermoelectric device 184 is held in place between the block 76 and the respective heat sink 86 as a result of the sandwiched configuration. However, additional securing means may be used to facilitate coupling of the thermoelectric devices 184 to the block 76 and/or heat sinks 86, such as a thermally conductive glue, tape, or other suitable adhesive, for example.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 5, each side 114 of the block 76 may further include an insulation panel 220 formed from appropriate thermal insulating material such as fiberglass, polystyrene, cellulose, polyurethane foam, mineral wool, or any other suitable material capable of reducing heat transfer, for example. As shown, each panel 220 covers an entire side 114 of the block 76 and includes a plurality of openings 222 sized to receive corresponding projections 210 and thermoelectric device 184 arrangements therethrough. The openings 222 are sized to closely receive the projections 210 therein such that the panel 220 of insulation extends between sidewalls 212 of adjacent projections 210 to adequately insulate and cover the side 114 of the block 76. As best shown in FIG. 3B, each panel 220 of insulation has a thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the side 114 of the block 76. The thickness of each panel 220 may be greater than the height of each projection 210, for example. In the embodiment shown, the thickness of the panel 220 may be slightly less than a distance between the side 114 of the block 76 and the base 120 of the heat sink 86. However, in an alternative embodiment, the thickness of each panel 220 of insulation may be slightly greater than the distance between the side 114 of each block 76 and the base 120 of the heat sink 86 such that the panel 220 of insulation is compressed therebetween once the heat sink 86 is coupled to the block 76. To this end, the panel 220 of insulation material is configured to either partially or entirely fill the space between the side 114 of the block 76 and the base 120 of the heat sink 86 to improve the temperature differential across the thermoelectric device 184.

During operation of the thermoelectric devices 184 the thermally conductive block 76 is configured to exchange heat with the fluid coolant 34 that flows through the block 76. In this regard, the block 76 includes the first endplate 190 the second endplate 192 which are configured to be coupled to corresponding first and second ends 108, 110 of the block 76 to define the fluid flow loop 194 (FIG. 6B) through the block 76. More particularly, the first and second endplates 190, 192 enclose respective terminal ends 196, 198 of the plurality of fluid passageways 186 to interconnect the plurality of fluid passageways 186 at the first and second ends 108, 110 of the block 76 to define the fluid flow loop 194 within the block 76. As will be described in further detail below, as fluid coolant 34 is circulated through the fluid flow loop 194, current is applied to each of the thermoelectric devices 184 to transfer heat energy across the thermoelectric devices 184 in a first direction from the fluid coolant 34 to the block 76 and to each heat sink 86 to lower the temperature of the fluid coolant 34. The current applied to each thermoelectric device 184 may be reversed to transfer heat energy in a second direction from each heat sink 86 to the block 76 and to the fluid coolant 34 to raise the temperature of the fluid coolant 34.

With reference to FIGS. 3B through 5, the first endplate 190 is generally square in shape and has a plate-like body that extends between a first end 224 and an opposite second end 226 and includes four sides 228. The endplate 190 also includes a rectangle-shaped notch 230 on one side 228 which defines two spaced apart tabs 232 at respective corners of the endplate 190. In this regard, the endplate 190 may be generally U-shaped. The endplate 190 includes a centrally disposed bore 234 that has a similar diameter compared to the centrally disposed bore 188 in the block 76. Each corner of the endplate 190 may include a bore 236 configured to receive mounting hardware therethrough, such as bolt or screw, for example, for coupling the endplate 190 to the block 76. The first end 224 of the endplate 190 includes three channels 238 formed therein, the channels 238 extending a depth into the endplate 190 in a direction from the first end 224 toward the second end 226. Each channel 238 can include a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a central axis. Each central axis can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. In some examples, the channel 238 is open along its length at the first end 224 of the endplate 190. In other examples, the first and second ends of each channel 238 are open at the first end 224 of the endplate 190 but the rest of the channel 238 between the first and second ends is disposed within the endplate 190 and is not exposed along its length. As shown, each channel 238 is oval in shape, and may otherwise be described as pill-shaped or an oblong round rectangle, for example. Each channel 238 is located between the centrally disposed bore 234 and each side 228 of the endplate 190 which does not include the notch 230. More particularly, each channel 238 is positioned such that an elongate length of the channel 238 extends generally parallel to the respective nearest side 228 of the endplate 190. As described in further detail below, when the first endplate 190 is coupled to the first end 108 of the block 76, each channel 238 is configured to direct flow of the fluid coolant 34 between two corresponding fluid passageways 186 to form part of the fluid flow loop 194 within the block 76.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the first end 108 of the block 76 includes a countersunk surface 240 that corresponds to the shape of the first endplate 190, and more particularly, the first end 224 of the endplate 190. The countersunk surface 240 is recessed into the block 76 a depth, in an axially inward direction, from an outer surface 242 of the first end of the block 76. In this regard, the depth of the countersunk surface 240 corresponds generally to a thickness of the first endplate 190 (e.g., a distance between the first end 224 and the second end 226 of the endplate 190) such that when the first endplate 190 is coupled to the first end 108 of the block 76, the second end 226 of the endplate 190 is positioned generally flush with the outer surface 242 of the first end 108 of the block 76. The countersunk surface 240 also defines a rectangular shaped pad 244 which corresponds to the shape of the notch 230 in the endplate 190. As best shown in FIG. 4, when the first endplate 190 is coupled to the first end 108 of the block 76, the pad 244 is positioned between tabs 232 of the first endplate 190.

With reference to FIG. 5, the pad 244 includes an inlet and an outlet to the fluid flow loop 194 in the form of two terminal ends 196 of corresponding fluid passageways 186. More particularly, two adjacent fluid passageways 186 extend through the pad 244 such that the first terminal end 196 of each fluid passageway 186 is located on the outer surface 242 of the first end 108 of the block 76. The first terminal end 196 of each of the remaining four fluid passageways 186 is located on the countersunk surface 240 of the first end 108 of the block 76. In this regard, one of the terminal ends 196 located on the outer surface 242 of the first end 108 of the block 76 may be considered an inlet to the fluid flow loop 194 and the other one of the terminal ends 196 located in the outer surface 242 of the first end 108 of the block 76 may be considered an outlet to the fluid flow loop 194. To this end, the inlet and outlet terminal ends 196 are configured to receive corresponding connectors 156 which are configured to operatively couple the fluid flow loop 194 and the block 76 to respective fluid lines 32a, as shown schematically in FIG. 2. While the inlet and outlets are illustrated as being on the first end 108 of the block 76, it is understood that they could be located instead on the second end 110 of the block 76.

To improve engagement and sealing between the first endplate 190 and the first end 108 of the block 76, a gasket 246 may be located therebetween. In this regard, the gasket 246 is sized to cover the first side 224 of the endplate 190 and the countersunk surface 240. The gasket 246 includes a number of apertures 248 that each correspond to an element of the first endplate 190, such as the channels 238, the centrally disposed bore 234, the mounting bores 236, and the notch 230, example. To this end, the gasket 246 may be formed from any suitable material such as silicone, neoprene, nitrile, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), or other suitable material, for example.

With reference to FIGS. 3B through 5, the second endplate 192 is square in shape and has a plate-like body that extends between a first end 250 and an opposite second end 252 and includes four sides 254. The endplate 192 includes a centrally disposed bore 256 that has a similar diameter compared to the centrally deposed bore 188 in the block 76, and each corner of the endplate 192 may include a bore 258 configured to receive mounting hardware therethrough, such as bolt or screw, for example, for coupling the endplate 192 to the block 76. The first end 250 of the endplate 192 includes four channels 260 formed therein, the channels 260 extending a depth into the endplate 192 in a direction from the first end 250 toward the second end 252. Each channel 260 can include a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a central axis. Each central axis can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. In some examples, the channel 260 is open along its length at the first end 250 of the endplate 192. In other examples, the first and second ends of each channel 260 are open at the first end 250 of the endplate 192 but the rest of the channel 260 between the first and second ends is disposed within the endplate 192 and is not exposed along its length. As shown, each channel 260 is oval in shape, and may otherwise be described as pill-shaped or an oblong round rectangle, for example. Each channel 260 is located between the centrally disposed bore 256 and one corner of the endplate 192. More particularly, each channel 260 extends diagonally between adjacent sides 254 of the endplate 192. To this end, when the first and second endplates 190, 192 are coupled to the block 76, the channels 260 in the second endplate 192 may be rotationally offset 45° about the longitudinal axis of the block 76 relative to the channels 238 in the first endplate 190. As described in further detail below, the channels 260 in the second endplate 192 cooperate with the channels 238 in the first endplate 190 to direct fluid coolant 34 from the inlet terminal end 196 through the fluid flow loop 194 to the outlet terminal end 196. Thus, when the second endplate 192 is coupled to the second end 110 of the block 76, each channel 260 is configured to direct flow of the fluid coolant 34 between two corresponding fluid passageways 186 to form part of the fluid loop 194 within the block 76.

The second end 110 of the block 76 also includes a countersunk surface 262 that corresponds to the shape of the second endplate 192, and more particularly the first end 250 of the endplate 192. The countersunk surface 262 is recessed into the block 76 a depth, in an axially inward direction, from an outer surface 264 of the second end 110 of the block 76. In this regard, the depth of the countersunk surface 262 corresponds generally to a thickness of the second endplate 192 (e.g., a distance between the first end 250 and the second end 252 of the endplate 192) such that when the second endplate 192 is coupled to the second end 110 of the block 76, the second end 252 of the endplate 192 is positioned generally flush with the outer surface 264 of the second end 110 of the block 76. Similar to the first endplate 190, a gasket 268 may also be used to improve engagement and sealing between the second endplate 192 and the second end 110 of the block 76. The gasket 268 is sized to cover the first side 250 of the endplate 192 and the countersunk surface 262, and includes a number of apertures 270 that each correspond to an element of the second endplate 192, such as the channels 260, the centrally disposed bore 256, and the mounting bores 258, for example.

In one embodiment, the thermally conductive block 76 is formed as a monolithic piece, and may be formed using known manufacturing methods such as computer numerical control (CNC) machining which employs machining techniques such as turning, milling, surface grinding, electrical discharge milling, cylindrical grinding, and/or optical grinding, for example. In this regard, a single block of thermally conductive material is machined to form the thermally conductive block 76 having fluid passageways 186, a centrally disposed bore 188, projections 210, and the countersunk surfaces 240, 262, for example. To this end, the block 76 may comprise any suitable thermally conductive material such as aluminum, copper, or steel, for example.

With reference now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, details of the fluid flow loop 194 will now be described. As described above, each of the first and second endplates 190, 192 are coupled to the respective first and second ends 108, 110 of the block 76 to define the fluid flow loop 176. More particularly, the channels 238, 260 formed in each of the first and second endplates 190, 192 form part of the fluid flow loop 194 as a result of each channel 238, 260 fluidly connecting terminal ends 196, 198 of an adjacent pair fluid passageways 186 to thereby direct the flow of fluid coolant 34 between the adjacent pair of fluid passageways 186 at each end 108, 110 of the block 76. In this regard, as indicated by directional arrow A3 in FIG. 6A, fluid coolant 34 enters the fluid flow loop 194 through the connector 156 associated with the inlet terminal end 196 of a first fluid passageway 186. The fluid coolant 34 flows through the first fluid passageway 186 in a direction from the first terminal end 196 toward the second terminal end 198 at which point the fluid coolant 34 flows through a corresponding channel 260 in the second endplate 192. The channel 260 in the second endplate 192 directs the fluid coolant 34 between the second terminal end 198 of the first fluid passageway 186 and a second terminal end 198 of a second, adjacent fluid passageway 186, as indicated by directional arrow A4. The fluid coolant flows 34 through the second fluid passageway 186 in a direction from the second terminal end 198 toward the first terminal end 196 at which point the fluid coolant 34 flows through a corresponding channel 238 in the first endplate 190. The channel 238 in the first endplate 190 directs the fluid coolant 34 between the first terminal end 196 of the second fluid passageway 186 and a first terminal end 196 of a third, adjacent fluid passageway 186, as indicated by directional arrow A5. As shown in FIG. 6B, the channels 238, 260 in the first and second endplates 190, 192 cooperate to direct fluid coolant 34 through adjacent fluid passageways 186 and back and forth between the first and second longitudinal ends 108, 110 of the block 76 to circulate fluid coolant 34 through the fluid flow loop 194, as indicated by directional arrows A6. While fluid flow through the fluid flow loop 194 is illustrated as being in a first direction, as indicated by arrows A6, it is understood that fluid flow through the fluid flow loop 194 may be reversed, or in an opposite direction, to achieve the same heat transfer effect, if desired.

As fluid coolant 34 is circulated through the block 76, the temperature of the fluid coolant 34 is changed through operation of the thermoelectric devices 184 and/or heating element 204. In this regard, the fluid coolant 34 may have a first temperature as it enters the block 76. As the fluid coolant 34 is circulated through the fluid flow loop 194, the temperature of the fluid coolant 34 is adjusted or changed as a result of heat transfer through contact between the fluid coolant 34 and the block 76. The thermoelectric devices 184 and/or heating element 204 are operated to transfer energy between the fluid coolant 34 and the block 76 to adjust the temperature of the fluid coolant 34 to a second temperature. To this end, the fluid coolant 34 exits the block 76 at the second temperature, which may be a higher or lower temperature compared to the first temperature.

To lower the temperature of the fluid coolant 34 as it travels through the block 76 and the fluid flow loop 194, the controller 52 is configured to apply a current to the thermoelectric devices 184 to transfer heat energy between the block 76 and each heat sink 86 to lower the temperature of the block 76 and, as a result, the temperature of the fluid coolant 34 in contact with the block 76. To raise the temperature of the fluid coolant 34 as it travels through the block 76 and the fluid flow loop 194, the controller 52 is configured to reverse the current, or apply a reversed current, to the thermoelectric devices 184 to transfer heat energy between each heat sink 86 and the block 76 to raise the temperature of the block 76 and, as a result, the temperature of the fluid coolant 34 in contact with the block 76.

The heating element 204 may be operated to maintain or raise the temperature of the fluid coolant 34 as it travels through the block 76 and the fluid flow loop 194. In this regard, the controller 52 is configured to apply a current to the heating element 204 to transfer heat energy between the heating element 204 and the block 76 to raise the temperature of the block 76 and, as a result, the temperature of the fluid coolant 34 in contact with the block 76. In one embodiment, the controller 52 may be configured to operate the heating element 204 and the thermoelectric devices 184 at the same time to raise the temperature of the fluid coolant 34. For example, the controller 52 may be configured to simultaneously apply a current to the heating element 204 and to reverse the current to the thermoelectric devices 184. In another embodiment, the controller 52 may be configured to only operate the heating element 204 or the thermoelectric devices 204 to raise the temperature of the fluid coolant 34. To maintain a temperature of the fluid coolant 34, the controller 52 may be configured to apply a current to the thermoelectric devices 184 to lower the temperature of the fluid coolant 34 while simultaneously applying a current to the heating element 204 to raise a temperature of the fluid coolant 34 to thereby achieve a desired temperature of the fluid coolant 34. The controller 52 may be programmed to determine whether current is being applied to the heating element 204 and, if current is being applied to the heating element 204, reversing the current to the thermoelectric devices 184. Further, if it is determined that current is being applied to the heating element 204, the controller 52 may be programmed to delay the step of reversing the current to the thermoelectric devices 184 for a predetermined period of time, such as for a few seconds to a few minutes, for example.

With reference to FIG. 7, wherein like numerals represent like features, details of an exemplary thermoelectric assembly 12a are shown in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The primary differences between the thermoelectric assembly 12a of this embodiment and the thermoelectric assembly 12 of the previously described embodiment is the configuration of the first and second endplates 190a, 192a and the first and second ends 108a, 110a of the block 76a, and how those parts interconnect to form the fluid flow loop 194a.

As shown, the first end 108a of the block 76a includes a countersunk surface 240a that corresponds to the shape of the first endplate 190a, and more particularly the first end 224a of the endplate 190a. The countersunk surface 240a is recessed into the block 76 a depth, in an axially inward direction, from an outer surface 242a of the first end 108a of the block 76a. The depth of the countersunk surface 242a corresponds generally to a thickness of the first endplate 190a such that when the first endplate 190a is coupled to the first end 108a of the block 76, as shown, the second end 226a of the endplate 190a is positioned generally flush with the outer surface 242a of the first end 108a of the block 76. Like the previously described embodiment, a gasket 246 may be located between the first endplate 190a and the block 76a. The countersunk surface 240a also defines a rectangular shaped pad 244a which corresponds to the shape of the notch 230a in the endplate 190a. Similar to the previously described embodiment, two adjacent fluid passageways 186a extend through the pad 244a such that the first terminal end 196a of the two fluid passageways 186a is located in the outer surface 242a of the first end 108a of the block 76a. However, unlike the first endplate 190 of the previously described embodiment, the endplate 190a of this embodiment does not include channels 238. Rather, except for the bores 234a, 236a, the first end 224a of the endplate 190a is a solid surface configured to enclose the terminal ends 196 of the fluid passageways 186a to define part of the fluid flow loop 194a, as described in further detail below.

To direct fluid flow between adjacent fluid passageways 186a, the first end 108a of the block 76a includes three grooves 280 formed in the countersunk surface 240a. Each groove 280 is generally oval, or pill-shaped, and extends between terminal ends 196a of two adjacent fluid passageways 186a so as to fluidly connect the two adjacent fluid passageways 186a. Each groove 280 extends a depth into the block 76a in an axial direction from the countersunk surface 240a. In this regard, when the first endplate 190a is coupled to the first end 108a of the block 76a, each groove 280 is configured to direct fluid coolant flow between corresponding adjacent fluid passageways 186a to form part of the fluid flow loop 194a.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the second end 110a of the block 76a includes a countersunk surface 262a that corresponds to the shape of the second endplate 192a, and more particularly the first end 250a of the endplate 192a. The countersunk surface 262a is recessed into the block 76a a depth, in an axially inward direction, from an outer surface 264a of the second end 110a of the block 76a. In this regard, the depth of the countersunk surface 264a corresponds generally to a thickness of the second endplate 192a such that when the second endplate 192a is coupled to the second end 110a of the block 76a, the second end 252a of the endplate 192a is positioned generally flush with the outer surface 264a of the second end 110a of the block 76. Similar to the first endplate 190a, a gasket 268 may also be used to improve engagement and sealing between the second endplate 192a and the second end 110a of the block 76a. The second endplate 192a of this embodiment also does not include channels 260. To this end, except for the bores 256a, 258a, the first end 250a of the endplate 192a is a solid surface configured to enclose the terminal ends 198a of the fluid passageways 186a to define part of the fluid flow loop 194a.

Similar to the first end 108a of the block 76, the countersunk surface 262a of the second end 110a of the block 76a also includes grooves 282 to direct fluid flow between adjacent fluid passageways 186a. The second end 110a of the block 76a includes four grooves 282 to interconnect the terminal ends 198a of all six fluid passageways 186a. In this regard, each groove 282 is generally oval, or pill-shaped, and extends between terminal ends 198a of two adjacent fluid passageways 186a so as to fluidly connect the two adjacent fluid passageways 186a. Thus, when the second endplate 192a is coupled to the second end 110a of the block 76, each groove 282 is configured to direct fluid coolant flow between corresponding adjacent fluid passageways 186a to form part of the fluid flow loop 194a. To this end, the fluid flow loop 194a is formed once each of the first and second endplates 190a, 192a are coupled to the respective first and second ends 108a, 110a of the block 76a. Fluid coolant may be circulated through the fluid flow loop 194a of this embodiment to be heated and/or cooled in a similar way compared to the fluid flow loop 194 of the previously described embodiment.

With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, wherein like numerals represent like features, details of a thermally conductive block 300 are shown in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The primary differences between the block 300 of this embodiment and the block 76 of the above-described first embodiment is the configuration of the fluid flow loop 302. As will be described in further detail below, the fluid flow loop 302 is formed in part by a helical fluid passageway section 304 that extends between the first end 306 and the second end 308 of the block 300 and about the axially extending bore 188, and a generally straight fluid passageway section 310 that extends from the second end 308 to the first end 306 of the block 300.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the thermally conductive block 300 of this embodiment is similar to the thermally conductive block 76 of the above-described embodiment in many respects. In this regard, the block 300 extends between the first end 306 and the second end 308 which are located at opposite longitudinal ends of the block 300. Further, the block 300 includes four sides 114 with each side having three thermoelectric devices 184 supported on respective square-shaped projections 210. In this regard, each thermoelectric device 184 is configured to be sandwiched between a corresponding projection 210 and a corresponding heat sink 86. Each side 114 of the block 300 may also include an insulation panel 220. Thus, similar to the above-described block 76, as fluid coolant 34 is circulated through the block 300, the temperature of the fluid coolant 34 is changed through operation of the thermoelectric devices 184 and/or a heating element 204 located in the centrally disposed bore 188.

With reference to FIG. 8A, the first end 306 of the block 300 includes a pad 312 having an inlet and an outlet to the fluid flow loop 194 in the form of a terminal end 314 of the helical passageway section 304 and a terminal end 316 of the straight passageway section 310. In this regard, the terminal end 314 of the helical passageway section 304 may be considered an inlet to the fluid flow loop 302 and the terminal end 316 of the straight passageway section 310 may be considered an outlet to the fluid flow loop 302. Due to the helical configuration of the fluid flow loop 302, the terminal end 316 of the straight passageway section 310 is located in a raised portion 318 of the pad 312. In this regard, the pad 312 includes a lower portion 320 in which the terminal end 314 of the helical passageway section 304 is located. The inlet and outlet terminal ends 314, 316 are configured to receive corresponding connectors 156 which are configured to operatively couple the fluid flow loop 302 and the block 300 to respective fluid lines 32a, as shown schematically in FIG. 2 and described above. While the inlet and outlets 314, 316 are illustrated as being on the first end 306 of the block 300, it is understood that they could alternatively be located instead on the second end 308 of the block 300.

With reference now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, details of the fluid flow loop 302 will now be described. In this regard, as indicated by directional arrow A7 in FIG. 8A, fluid coolant 34 enters the fluid flow loop 302 through the connector 156 associated with the inlet terminal end 314 of the helical fluid passageway section 304. The fluid coolant 34 flows through the helical fluid passageway section 304, in a helical manner about the central bore 188 and in a direction from the first end 306 of the block 300 toward the second end 308 of the block 300, as indicated by directional arrows A8. At the second end 308 of the block 300, the coolant 34 enters a U-shaped section 322 of the fluid flow loop 302 that directs the coolant 34 from the helical passageway section 304 to the straight passageway section 310. The fluid coolant 34 then flows back from the second end 308 of the block 300 to the first end 304, at which point the fluid coolant 34 exits the block via the outlet 316, as indicated by directional arrow A9. In an alternative embodiment, the straight passageway section 310 may be a helical passageway section, for example. The block 300 of this embodiment may include a first endplate configured to be mounted to the first end 304 of the block 300 and a second endplate configured to be mounted to the second end 308 of the block 300. In one embodiment, the U-shaped section 322 may be replaced by a channel formed in the second endplate. In this embodiment, the channel forms part of the fluid flow loop 302 and is configured to direct flow of the fluid coolant 34 between the helical passageway section 304 and the straight passageway section 310 when the second endplate is coupled the second end 308 of the block 300. However, in another embodiment, the block 300 does not include endplates.

The block 300 of this embodiment may be formed using a three-dimensional printing (3D printing) manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the invention. 3D printing of the block 300 is achieved using an additive process, where successive layers of material are laid down in different shapes to build the structures that define the block 300. The term 3D printing, as used herein, may refer to methods such as, but not limited to, selective laser melting (SLM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and stereolithography (SLA). Further, any type of 3D printing machine that can print the materials described herein may be used.

Before 3D printing of the block 300 may begin, a 3D printing machine being used to form the block 300 must first receive a dataset corresponding to the block 300. The dataset may be a computer-readable three-dimensional model suitable for use in manufacturing the block 300. In particular, the model includes information regarding the characteristics of the block 300 from which the 3D printing machine can form the block 300. The model may be a 3D printable file such as an Stereolithography file, for example. The dataset may also be in the form of a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium storing executable instructions for forming the block 300 using a 3D printing machine.

Computer-readable storage media, which is inherently non-transitory, may include volatile and non-volatile, and removable and non-removable tangible media implemented in any method or technology for storage of data, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer-readable storage media may further include RAM, ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other solid state memory technology, portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store data and which can be read by a computer. A computer-readable storage medium should not be construed as transitory signals per se (e.g., radio waves or other propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a transmission media such as a waveguide, or electrical signals transmitted through a wire). Computer-readable program instructions may be downloaded to a computer, another type of programmable data processing apparatus, or another device from a computer-readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device or server via a network.

Computer-readable program instructions stored in a computer-readable medium may be used to direct a computer, other types of programmable data processing apparatuses, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions that implement the functions, acts, or operations specified in the flowcharts, sequence diagrams, or block diagrams. The computer program instructions may be provided to one or more processors of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the one or more processors, cause a series of computations to be performed to implement the functions, acts, or operations specified in the text of the specification, flowcharts, sequence diagrams, or block diagrams.

Once the 3D printing machine has been provided with a model or computer-readable program instructions suitable for use in manufacturing the block 300, the 3D printing machine may be operated to lay down successive layers of the desired material to build the block 300. The material used to form the block 300 may be, for example, thermally conductive 3D printable material such as aluminum, copper, or other 3D printable thermally conductive material.

While the invention has been illustrated by the description of various embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Thus, the various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A thermoelectric assembly for use with a chiller system having a reservoir containing a quantity of liquid coolant and a pump to circulate the liquid coolant through the thermoelectric assembly to control a temperature of the liquid coolant, comprising:

a housing;

a thermally conductive block surrounded by the housing and configured to exchange heat with the liquid coolant that flows therethrough, the block comprising: a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the block between which a plurality of fluid passageways extend, and a first endplate coupled to the first end and a second endplate coupled to the second end such that the first and second endplates enclose respective terminal ends of the plurality of fluid passageways to interconnect the plurality of fluid passageways at the first and second ends to define a fluid flow loop within the block, and an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with the fluid flow loop; a heat sink thermally coupled to at least one side of the block; and at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled between the side of the block and the heat sink so as to be in thermal communication with the block and the heat sink; and

a first fan coupled to the housing proximate one of the first end or second end of the block.

2. The thermoelectric assembly of claim 1, further comprising a heating element positioned in the block, wherein the block includes a centrally disposed and axially extending bore.

3. The thermoelectric assembly of claim 2, wherein the bore extends between the first end and the second end of the block.

4. The thermoelectric assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of fluid passageways are circumferentially spaced about the bore so as to be positioned between the bore and an outer surface of the block.

5. The thermoelectric assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat sink includes a plurality of fins that extend axially along the block.

6. The thermoelectric assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fluid passageways are cylindrical tubes arranged in parallel.

7. The thermoelectric assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fluid passageways is lined with either a protective coating or a protective liner.

8. The thermoelectric assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second endplates includes channels formed in the first and second endplates, with each channel being configured to direct flow of the liquid coolant between two corresponding fluid passageways of the fluid loop.

9. The thermoelectric assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end of the block each include channels formed in the first and second ends, with each channel extending between two corresponding fluid passageways at the first and second ends thereof such that the channels define part of the fluid flow loop when the first and second end plates are coupled to the first and second ends of the block.

10. The thermoelectric assembly of claim 1, wherein the first fan is configured to move air through the housing in a direction from one of the first or second end toward the other of the first or second ends.

11. The thermoelectric assembly of claim 10, further comprising a second fan configured to move air through the housing in a direction from the same one of the first or second end toward the other of the first or second ends.

12. A method of adjusting a temperature of a liquid coolant using a thermoelectric assembly having a thermally conductive block configured to exchange heat with the liquid coolant that flows therethrough, the block comprising a plurality of fluid passageways extending axially between a first end and a second end of the block, a first endplate coupled to the first end and a second endplate coupled to the second end such that the first and second endplates enclose respective terminal ends of the plurality of fluid passageways to interconnect the plurality of fluid passageways so as to define a fluid flow loop within the block, an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with the fluid flow loop, a heat sink thermally coupled to at least one side of the block and at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled between the side of the block and the heat sink so as to be in thermal communication with the block and the heat, the method comprising:

receiving the liquid coolant having a first temperature into the fluid flow loop through the inlet opening in the block;

circulating the liquid coolant through the fluid flow loop;

transferring energy between the liquid coolant and the block to adjust the temperature of the liquid coolant to an adjusted second temperature by operating the at least one thermoelectric device as follows: applying a current to the at least one thermoelectric device to transfer heat energy between the block and the heat sink to lower the temperature of the liquid coolant; and

discharging the liquid coolant from the block at the adjusted second temperature.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of transferring energy between the liquid coolant and the block to adjust the temperature of the liquid coolant further comprises:

reversing the current to the at least one thermoelectric device to transfer heat energy between the heat sink and the block to raise the temperature of the liquid coolant.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the block further includes at least one heating element positioned in a centrally disposed and axially extending bore in the block, the method further comprising:

applying a current to the at least one heating element to transfer heat energy between the at least one heating element and the block to raise the temperature of the liquid coolant.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

determining whether current is being applied to the at least one heating element; and

if current is being applied to the at least one heating element, reversing the current to the at least one thermoelectric device.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein if current is being applied to the at least one heating element, delaying the step of reversing the current to the at least one thermoelectric device for a period of time.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein the thermoelectric assembly further includes a housing surrounding the block with a first fan coupled to the housing proximate one of the first end or second end of the block, the method further comprising:

operating the first fan to flow air through the housing in a direction from one of the first or second end toward the other of the first or second ends.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the thermoelectric assembly further includes a second fan coupled to the housing proximate to the other one of the first or second end of the block, the method further comprising:

operating the second fan to flow air through the housing in a direction from one of the first or second end toward the other of the first or second ends.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of circulating the liquid coolant through the fluid flow loop comprises moving the liquid coolant between the first end and the second end of the block.

20. The method according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of fluid passageways are cylindrical tubes arranged in parallel.

21. The method according to claim 12, wherein the block includes at least one thermoelectric device and heat sink thermally coupled to at least one side of the block.

22. The method according to claim 12, wherein each of the first and second endplates includes channels formed in the first and second endplates, with each channel being configured to direct flow of the liquid coolant between two corresponding fluid passageways of the fluid loop.

23. The method according to claim 12, wherein the first end and the second end of the block each include channels formed in the first and second ends, with each channel extending between two corresponding fluid passageways at the first and second ends thereof such that the channels define part of the fluid flow loop when the first and second end plates are coupled to the first and second ends of the block.

24. A thermoelectric assembly for use with a chiller system having a reservoir containing a quantity of liquid coolant and a pump to circulate the liquid coolant through the thermoelectric assembly to control a temperature of the liquid coolant, comprising:

a housing;

a thermally conductive block surrounded by the housing and configured to exchange heat with the liquid coolant that flows therethrough, the block comprising: a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the block between which a plurality of fluid passageways extend, and a first endplate coupled to the first end and a second endplate coupled to the second end such that the first and second endplates enclose respective terminal ends of the plurality of fluid passageways to interconnect the plurality of fluid passageways at the first and second ends to define a fluid flow loop within the block, and an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with the fluid flow loop, wherein each of the first and second endplates includes channels formed in the first and second endplates, with each channel being configured to direct flow of the liquid coolant between two corresponding fluid passageways of the fluid loop; a heat sink thermally coupled to at least one side of the block; and at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled between the side of the block and the heat sink so as to be in thermal communication with the block and the heat sink; and

a first fan coupled to the housing proximate one of the first end or second end of the block.