Abstract: Aspects of the invention support simultaneous operation of a cooling side and a heating side of an apparatus to change the temperatures of a cooling serving surface and a heating serving surface, respectively. A cooling semiconductor device (which may comprise one or more Peltier devices) transfers heat from its top to its bottom while a heating semiconductor device (which may similarly comprise one or more Peltier devices) transfers heat from its bottom to its top. A heat pipe transfers waste heat from the cooling semiconductor device's bottom to the heating semiconductor device's bottom and waste cold from the heating semiconductor device's bottom to the cooling semiconductor device's bottom.

Abstract: A heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed, the HVAC system including at least one thermoelectric device for providing supplemental heating and cooling for air supplied to a passenger compartment of the vehicle to maximize an efficiency of operation of the hybrid vehicle during operation of the HVAC system.

Abstract: A thermoelectric composition comprises a material represented by the general formula (AgaX1?a)1±x(SnbPb1?b)mM?1?yQ2+m wherein X is Na, K, or a combination of Na and K in any proportion; M? is a trivalent element selected from the group consisting of Sb, Bi, lanthanide elements, and combinations thereof; Q is a chalcogenide element selected from the group consisting of S, Te, Se, and combinations thereof; a and b are independently >0 and ?1; x and y are independently >0 and <1; and 2?m?30. The compositions exhibit a figure of merit ZT of up to about 1.4 or higher, and are useful as p-type semiconductors in thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: A portable cooling/heating unit for cooling/heating a product container. The unit includes a thermoelectric assembly, a housing, a front side fan, and a rear side fan. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device, a first heat sink, and a second heat sink. The housing maintains the first heat sink and front fan within a front side channel, and the second heat sink and rear fan within a rear side channel. The housing further forms a condensation passageway segment that facilitates fluid connection between the channels. During use, the unit is removably assembled to the container such that openings of the front side channel are fluidly within the container's interior region. Accumulated condensation is directed to the rear side channel and evaporated.

Abstract: A fluid temperature adjusting device includes: a heater configured to heat a fluid passing through a fluid passageway; a peltier module including a plurality of peltier elements, the peltier module being configured to heat or cool the fluid passing through the fluid passageway; and a controller configured to divide a total thermal energy for keeping the fluid at a target temperature into a thermal energy to be supplied from the heater and a thermal energy to be supplied from the peltier module to give the total thermal energy from both the heater and the peltier module to the fluid.

Abstract: A fluid temperature adjusting device includes: a heater configured to heat a fluid passing through a fluid passageway; a peltier module including a plurality of peltier elements, the peltier module configured to heat or cool the fluid passing through the fluid passageway; and a controller configured to supply thermal energy from both the heater and the peltier module to the fluid and switch magnitudes of an operation amount of the heater and an operation amount of the peltier module when heating the fluid so that the fluid is kept at a target temperature.

Abstract: Arrangements for the use of energy harvested by adaptive cooling and energy harvesting arrangements for use in information technology and other heat-producing equipment are disclosed. The arrangements provide for cooling and energy harvesting subsystems, each of which can operate in isolation and can be interconnected with additional subsystems in peer and hierarchical relationships. Each subsystem comprises at least one thermoelectric device capable of acting as a thermoelectric cooler and as a thermoelectric generator, a control system, and electronics controlled to selectively configure the thermoelectric device in at least in a thermoelectric cooler operating mode and in a thermoelectric generation operating mode. The thermoelectric device can incorporate quantum-process and quantum-well materials for higher heat transfer and thermoelectric generation efficiencies.

Abstract: The invention provides a refrigeration device, comprising: a magnetic field source; a magnetocaloric bed, one of the magnetocaloric bed and the magnetic field source being arranged to substantially surround the other, the magnetocaloric bed being arranged for relative rotation with respect to the magnetic field source such that during said relative rotation, the magnetic field experienced by parts of the magnetocaloric bed varies; plural pathways formed within the magnetocaloric bed for the flow of a working fluid during the relative rotation between the magnetocaloric bed and the permanent magnet; and a flow distributor placed at each end of the magnetocaloric bed, for controlling the part of the magnetocaloric bed able to receive working fluid during a cycle of operation.

Abstract: A condensate water removing apparatus for vehicle air conditioners which quickly removes condensate water generated from a thermoelement assembly. The apparatus includes: a thermoelement assembly installed in an air channel that guides air sucked and blown by a blower fan for heating or cooling; a partition plate placed to come into contact with the thermoelement assembly so that it guides air when sucked air passes through the thermoelement assembly so as to become cooling or heating air, the partition plate partitioning the air channel into an air supply channel and an air discharge channel; and a moisture absorbing material covering the thermoelement assembly and extending from the air supply channel to the air discharge channel so that the moisture absorbing material absorbs condensate water generated from the air supply channel and guides the condensate water to the air discharge channel, thereby removing the condensate water in the air discharge channel.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module including at least two heat exchanging units connected in series is provided. Each heating exchanging unit includes: a main body having an inlet for intaking cooling medium; a thermoelectric element provided in the main body which divides the main body into a working chamber formed with a working medium outlet and a waste heat chamber formed with a waste medium outlet. The working medium outlet of one of two neighboring heat exchanging units is connected with the inlet of the remaining of the two neighboring heat exchanging units. A temperature controlled vehicle seat comprising the thermoelectric module is also provided.

Abstract: A cooling system comprises a container that is conductively coupled or convectively coupled to a thermoelectric device to selectively cool and/or heat the container. A climate controlled container system for a vehicle includes a container or cavity and a conduction element configured to cool the cavity. In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises a housing, a housing inlet, a fluid passage and one or more thermoelectric devices and fluid transfer devices positioned within the housing.

Abstract: A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly includes activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneath a seat covering. A fluid module that includes a fluid supply device and a thermoelectric element is activated to direct heated air from the fluid module to a space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion. After a period of time, the heating element is deactivated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for a vehicle that operates in a heating mode, a cooling mode or a demisting mode. In some embodiments, the system includes a first circuit having first pump for circulating a first medium therein, a second circuit having a second pump for circulating a second medium therein and a thermoelectric module having a first surface in thermal contact with the first medium and a second surface in thermal contact with the second medium.

Abstract: A storage device adapted to contain a food item such a butter comprises a closeable container, a means for maintaining a predetermined temperature with the container irrespective of ambient temperature and an internal power source adapted to power the means for maintaining a predetermined temperature. The closeable container is located on a recharging unit by way of spherical feet which are received in part-spherical cups on the recharging unit.

Abstract: A power electronics module includes a frame, a jet impingement cooler assembly, and a power electronics assembly. The frame includes a first surface, a second surface, a power electronics cavity within the first surface of the frame, a fluid inlet reservoir, and a fluid outlet reservoir. The fluid inlet and outlet reservoirs extend between the first surface of the frame and the second surface of the frame. The fluid inlet reservoir and the fluid outlet reservoir are configured to be fluidly coupled to one or more additional modular power electronics devices. The jet impingement assembly is sealed within the frame and fluidly coupled to the fluid inlet reservoir and the fluid outlet reservoir. The power electronics assembly includes at least one power electronics component, is positioned within the power electronics cavity, and is thermally coupled to the jet impingement cooler assembly. Power electronic module assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for using a thermal cycle for healing or cooling. The system comprises a thermoelectric module flowing a gas; and an internal heat exchanger flowing the gas and exchanging heat between the gas and another fluid; the gas flow from at least one of the thermoelectric module and the internal heat exchanger flowing for heating or cooling. The system may be for using a closed cycle to remove a liquid from at least one object comprising moisture, the system comprising an enclosure containing the at least one object and arranged to receive a hot and dry gas for flow over the at least one object and thereby to produce a flow of moist gas at an intermediate temperature. The internal heat exchanger is arranged to exchange heat between the flow of the moist gas at the intermediate temperature and a flow of cold dry gas, thereby producing cooled moist gas and pre-warmed dry gas.

Abstract: A pump system selectably and dynamically controls the flow rate of a fluid being delivered to a patient's body over a wide range of flow rates. The pump system includes an infusion tubing, a pumping mechanism, a motor drive assembly in mechanical communication with the pumping mechanism, a user input control, and an electronic controller in electrical communication with and at least partially controlling the motor drive assembly. The electronic controller include a digital signal processing controller in electrical communication with the motor drive assembly that is configured to receive a signal from the user input control and to cause power to be supplied to the motor drive assembly in response at least partially to the signal from the user input control. The pump system may selectably deliver fluid at rates from about 1 milliliter per hour to at least about 3000 milliliters per minute.

Abstract: A temperature control device includes a thermoelectric device and a first sink. The thermoelectric device includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements electrically interconnected with one another by a plurality of electrical interconnects which are coupled between an interior surface of a first plate and an interior surface of a second plate. The first sink has a flat bottom and a plurality of generally parallel fins extending out of the flat bottom. Also, the flat bottom is coupled to an exterior surface of the first plate by a coupling media that includes a resilient and thermally-conductive pad.

Abstract: A personal temperature control system includes an article having flexible tubing through it for circulating a heat transfer fluid and an article coupling affixed to distal ends of the flexible tubing. The article coupling releasably couples to a heat exchanger having a thermoelectric cooling/heating unit having one or more TEC plates, an aluminum heat sink, a fan and a controller in electrical communication with the TEC plates, a heat exchanger coupling adapted to releasably connect to the article coupling, an outlet line fluidly connecting the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit and the heat exchanger coupling, a return line fluidly connecting the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit and the heat exchanger coupling, a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the outlet and return lines, the fluid reservoir forming a housing for the TEC plates, a pump in fluid communication with at least one of the outlet and return lines, and a power supply in electrical communication with the controller and the pump.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device comprising an elongated panel, formed of a thermally insulating material, and having a plurality of thermoelectric elements comprising compacted conductors inside the insulating material and expanded conductors outside the insulating material wherein the thermoelectric elements run substantially parallel to or at an acute angle relative to the long dimension of the panel. The thermoelectric device may be integrated into a variety of surfaces or enclosures needing heating or cooling with controls and configurations to optimize the application.

Abstract: A climate control device having a cooling air outlet for cooled air, and a heated air outlet for heated air, wherein the air to be cooled is cooled by a cold side of a Peltier element arrangement and is blown out by a cooling air feed device via the cooled air outlet, and wherein the air to be heated is heated by a warm side of the Peltier element arrangement and is blown out by a heated air feed device via the heated air outlet. Each of the warm side and/or the cold side of the Peltier element arrangement is coupled to a coolant circuit, to which an air/fluid heat exchanger arrangement is connected. The device is used, for example, for cooling or ventilating a housing, particularly of a control cabinet.

Abstract: A method and system for multi-zone control of temperature for a substrate is described. The temperature control system comprises a heat exchanger coupled to two or more fluid channels in a substrate holder configured to support the substrate. The heat exchanger is configured to adjust the temperature of a heat transfer fluid flowing through the two or more fluid channels. The temperature control system further comprises a heat transfer unit having an inlet that is configured to receive heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger at a bulk fluid temperature. Additionally, the heat transfer unit comprises a first outlet configured to couple a portion of the heat transfer fluid at a first temperature less than the bulk temperature to a first fluid channel of the two or more fluid channels, and a second outlet configured to couple a remaining portion of the heat transfer fluid at a second temperature greater than the bulk fluid temperature to a second fluid channel of the two or more fluid channels.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat exchanger for heating or cooling a medium, that includes at least one first tube for carrying a first medium and at least one second tube for carrying the first medium. The second tube being arranged substantially parallel to the first tube. The thermoelectric heat exchanger also has a casing element that is interposed between the first and the second tube, the casing element comprising a first casing part that is connectable to the first tube and at least one second casing part that forms a fluid channel for a second medium. A thermoelectric element for heating or cooling the first or second medium is interposed between the first and second casing part, the thermoelectric element being closed relative to the first and/or the second medium in a fluid-tight manner via the casing element.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided that can be used for cooling, heating, and power generation. A first region of the semiconductor structure has a first length and comprises a first semiconductor material doped at a first concentration with a first dopant. A second region is disposed adjacent to the first region so as to define a first interface, has a second length which is longer than the first length, and comprises a second semiconductor material doped at a second concentration with a second dopant. At least one of the first material, second material, first concentration, second concentration, first length, second length, first dopant, and second dopant is selected to create, at the first interface, a forward electrical potential step having a barrier height dependent at least in part on an average temperature (T) of the semiconductor structure, e.g., a range of approximately 3-10 ?BT, where ?B is the Boltzmann constant.

Abstract: A fluid compression circuit may include a compression mechanism, a volume, a heat exchanger, a fluid conduit, a thermoelectric device, and a heat-transfer device. The compression mechanism includes first and second members cooperating to form a fluid pocket. The volume receives discharge fluid from the fluid pocket. The heat exchanger is in communication with the volume. The fluid conduit is connected to at least one of the volume and the heat exchanger. The thermoelectric device may include a first side in heat-transfer relation with a member at least partially defining the volume and a second side in heat-transfer relation with ambient air and cooperating with the first side to define a temperature gradient generating electrical current in the thermoelectric device. The heat-transfer device may receive electrical current generated by the thermoelectric device and may be in heat-transfer relation with at least one of the heat exchanger and the fluid conduit.

Abstract: In a temperature control device for liquid medicines provided with a flow path block having flow paths for liquid medicines at both of front and back surfaces, heat-transmitting plates respectively disposed at both of the front and back surfaces of the flow path block in a manner so as to face the flow paths, and thermo-modules for performing a cooling operation or a heating operation on the liquid medicines that flows through the flow path via the heat-transmitting plates, respectively, at least one ridge of mountain-shaped sealing projection portion surrounding a periphery of the flow path are integrally formed with the flow path block at sealing surfaces respectively surrounding the flow paths at both of the front and back surfaces of the flow path block, and the heat-transmitting plates are fixed to the flow path block in a state of pressure-contacting the sealing projection portion.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating device (1) including a casing (10), a thermal insulation plate (20), a thermoelectric cooling chip (30), a heat-dissipating body (40), super heat pipes (52), a cooler (53), a first fan (54) and a second fan (60). The thermal insulation plate (20) divides the interior of the casing (10) into a hot air zone (ZH) and a cold air zone (ZC). The thermoelectric cooling chip (30) is disposed on the thermal insulation plate (20) with its hot-end surface (32) facing the hot air zone (ZH). The heat-dissipating body (40) is disposed in the hot air zone (ZH) to contact the hot-end surface (32). The super heat pipes (52) and the cooler (53) thermally contact a cold-end surface (31) of the thermoelectric cooling chip (30). Thus, the cold generated by the cold-end surface (31) can be rapidly and uniformly conducted to other places to form a cold airflow.

Abstract: An exemplary can heating and cooling device includes a container made of thermally conductive material, a heat spreader with a heat spreading portion and a heat exchanging portion, and a heat exchanger with a thermoelectric cooling chip and a heat sink. The container includes an outer side wall with a planar thermal contacting section of the container. The heat spreading portion of the heat spreader contacts the outer side wall of the container. The heat exchanging portion of the heat spreader contacts the planar thermal contacting section of the container. The thermoelectric cooling chip includes a first surface thermally connected with the heat exchanging portion of the heat spreader, and a second surface thermally connected with the heat sink.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes a thermoelectric conversion module, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a first air-conditioning heat exchanger, a second air-conditioning heat exchanger, a radiator, a first circuit connecting the first heat exchanger and the first air-conditioning heat exchanger and a second circuit connecting the second heat exchanger, the second air-conditioning heat exchanger and the radiator. The second circuit includes a bypass passage that bypasses the second air-conditioning heat exchanger and a first switching device switching selectively between a first position where heat exchange medium flows through the bypass passage without allowing the heat exchange medium to flow through the second air-conditioning heat exchanger and a second position where the heat exchange medium flows through the second air-conditioning heat exchanger.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes first and second outdoor units having first and second outdoor heat exchangers and first and second heat source-side degree of subcooling adjustment devices configured to adjust first and second degrees of subcooling in outlet sides of the first and second outdoor heat exchangers, respectively. First and second outdoor-side determination units are configured to determine first and second degrees of subcooling, respectively. A controller is configured to control the first and second heat source-side degree of subcooling adjustment devices, respectively, such that a difference between the first degree of subcooling and the second degree of subcooling is reduced when refrigerant is charged into a refrigerant circuit having the first outdoor heat exchanger and the second outdoor heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat transfer device exploits the properties of photonic crystal solids with resonant defect cavities to execute a thermodynamic cycle to accomplish the conversion between heat flow and useful energy. In a heat pump or refrigerator configuration, an actuator cyclically performs work on the photonic crystal to cycle the photonic crystal between a first state to permit the crystal to collect thermal energy from a cold region to heat the crystal and a second state to permit the photonic crystal to radiate electromagnetic energy to a hot region to cool the photonic crystal. A mechanism cycles the emission band of the photonic crystal for more efficient collection of heat energy and radiation of electromagnetic energy in the cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for air-conditioning rooms and to a heat pump for use in such an arrangement. The arrangement comprises a central heating device, to which multiple lines containing a heat-exchanging fluid are connected. The arrangement additionally comprises multiple decentralized, electrically operated heat pump units, which are energetically connected to the central heating device via the mentioned lines. The respective heat pump unit has a plurality of heat pump modules, which absorb thermal energy from the fluid for heating or deliver thermal energy to the fluid for cooling and/or dehumidifying. The mentioned heat pump modules preferably comprise Peltier elements acting as heat pump elements.

Abstract: A system for adaptive cooling and heat gathering, the method comprising a thermoelectric device capable of acting as a thermoelectric cooler in a heat pump mode and as a thermoelectric generator in a heat engine operating mode, a control system received provided input signals and providing a control output; and switching electronics controlled by the control output and connected to the thermoelectric device, wherein the control system controls the operating mode of the thermoelectric device responsive to provided input signals.

Abstract: Inexpensive, lightweight, flexible heating and cooling panels with highly distributed thermoelectric elements are provided. A thermoelectric “string” is described that may be woven or assembled into a variety of insulating panels such as seat cushions, mattresses, pillows, blankets, ceiling tiles, office partitions, under-desk panels, electronic enclosures, building walls, refrigerator walls, and heat conversion panels. The string contains spaced thermoelectric elements which are thermally and electrically connected to lengths of braided, meshed, stranded, foamed, or otherwise expandable and compressible conductor. The elements and a portion of compacted conductor are mounted within the insulating panel. On the outsides of the panel, the conductor is expanded to provide a very large surface area of contact with air or other medium for heat absorption on the cold side and for heat dissipation on the hot side.

Abstract: A climate control system includes the interim heating/cooling component that operates in the interim duration prior to the heating and cooling systems reaching a desired state of readiness. The interim heating/cooling device uses the Peltier effect to transfer heat between first and second sides depending on a polarity of current. Controlling which of the two sides is heated provides the desired heating or cooling of the air. Once the heating or cooling system reaches the desired state of readiness, the interim heating/cooling device is turned off.

Abstract: A portable cooler and warmer having improving cooling and/or heating performances and an improving assembling characteristic is provided. The portable cooler and warmer includes: a body to form an insulating space inside the portable cooler and warmer; a door to be disposed on a side of the body; a thermoelectric module to generate a temperature difference between the insulating space and an outside of the body; and an air blower to circulate air inside the insulating space to exchange heat with the thermoelectric module, wherein the air which has exchanged heat with the thermoelectric module is discharged in a direction parallel with the door.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a mechanical building block system independent of mechanical tolerances of generator stack elements consisting of multiple parallel in plane elements that can be mass produced and mass assembled without sorting or lapping or machining in place. This implementation allows for simple maintenance of interchangeable unmatched parts.

Abstract: A gas dryer is provided. The gas dryer includes a first opening structure forming a cooling pathway fluidly connected to the first opening; a first thermoelectric device thermally connected to the structure forming the cooling pathway and a heat exchanger. A condensate drain is located near an end of the cooling pathway and configured to drain condensate formed when a fluid is cooled along the cooling pathway. A structure forming a warming pathway is located between the condensate drain and a second opening, and a second thermoelectric device thermally connected between the structure forming cooling pathway and the structure forming the warming pathway and connected to exchange heat between the cooling pathway and the warming pathway. A method of drying a gas is provided. The method includes directing the gas through a cooling pathway, removing heat from the gas in the cooling pathway with a first thermoelectric device to a heat exchanger, condensing a fluid out of the gas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric apparatus, including: a power supply unit outputting AC power; a plurality of thermoelectric modules including substrates, electrodes and thermoelectric elements; a rectifier configured of a pair of diodes each connected in series at one side of the respective thermoelectric modules, the diodes having a different direction; and a path selection unit selecting any one of the pair of diodes having a different direction and connecting the diode to the power supply unit.

Abstract: An air-conditioning ventilation seat module for vehicles, may include a blower unit having a housing, a thermoelectric module having a casing mounted in the housing, wherein a thermoelectric device may be mounted in the casing, and wherein an internal space of the casing may be divided into a cold air path and a hot air path, a separator connected to one side of the thermoelectric module between the cold air path and the hot air path and having a curved section in order to maximize an amount of absorbing a condensate that may be created by a temperature difference between the cold air path and the hot air path when the seat module operates in cooling mode.

Abstract: Techniques herein describe a pumping system, adapted to reduce or eliminate fluid cavitation. Optionally, the pumping system is adapted for application to a passive fluid recovery system. In one example, the pumping system includes a pump and a thermal sub-cooling device. The thermal sub-cooling device may sub-cool fluid input to a pump and heat fluid output from the pump, particularly under start-up conditions. In a further example, a controller manages power supplied to both the pump and the thermal sub-cooling device, to transition from an ambient temperature start-up condition to an elevated temperature operating condition.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion device includes a hot terminal substrate, a cold terminal substrate and a stacked structure. The stacked structure is disposed between the hot terminal substrate and the cold terminal substrate. The stacked structure includes thermoelectric conversion layers each including a thermoelectric couple layer, a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, a first heat-conductive and electrically insulating structure and a second heat-conductive and electrically insulating structure. Each of the thermoelectric conversion layers is arranged in the stacked structure. The first conductive layer includes first conductive materials and is arranged on tops of P/N type thermoelectric conversion elements. The second conductive layer includes second conductive materials and is arranged on bottoms of the P/N type thermoelectric conversion elements. The first heat-conductive and electrically insulating structure is connected between two adjacent first conductive layers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an energy efficient thermoelectric heat pump assembly. The thermoelectric heat pump assembly preferably comprises two to nine thermoelectric unit layers capable of active use of the Peltier effect; and at least one capacitance spacer block suitable for storing heat and providing a delayed thermal reaction time of the assembly. The capacitance spacer block is thermally connected between the thermoelectric unit layers. The present invention further relates to a thermoelectric transport and storage devices for transporting or storing temperature sensitive goods, for example, vaccines, chemicals, biologicals, and other temperature sensitive goods. Preferably the transport or storage devices are configured and provide on-board energy storage for sustaining, for multiple days, at a constant-temperature, with an acceptable temperature variation band.

Abstract: A local air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a local air conditioning unit for performing one of a cooling operation and a heating operation for a predetermined portion of a seat of the vehicle. In the local air conditioning system, information regarding a user is acquired, and a current scene is identified based on the acquired information. The local air conditioning unit is controlled to perform one of the cooling operation and the heating operation for the predetermined portion of the seat on condition that the current scene is identified as a getting-in-vehicle scene in which the user gets in the vehicle and sits on the seat. For example, the predetermined portion of the seat is a portion corresponding to a high body temperature portion of a user, such as a nape of a neck and backs of knees.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronic component. The apparatus includes a refrigerant loop, a compressor coupled to the refrigerant loop, and a controllable thermoelectric array disposed in thermal communication with the refrigerant loop. Refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant loop facilitates dissipation of heat from the electronic component, and the thermoelectric array is disposed with a first portion of the refrigerant loop, residing upstream of the compressor, in thermal contact with a first side of the array, and a second portion of the refrigerant loop, residing downstream of the compressor, in thermal contact with a second side of the array. The thermoelectric array ensures that refrigerant in the refrigerant loop entering the compressor is in a superheated thermodynamic state by transferring heat from refrigerant passing through the second portion to refrigerant passing through the first portion of the refrigerant loop.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body provided with a storage chamber, a door to open and close the storage chamber, and an ice maker to make ice cubes, wherein the door includes a receiving chamber provided at a front surface of the door to receive the ice maker and an auxiliary door to open and close the receiving chamber. Accordingly, since the receiving chamber may be opened through the auxiliary door without opening of the door, the ice maker may be conveniently cleaned or repaired.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic apparatus comprising a chip within a casing. A thermoelectric cooler has thermal connections to the chip and the casing and is configured to transport heat from the chip to the casing. A temperature measuring device is provided for determining the temperature of the chip. A control system is configured to maintain the chip at a target temperature by controlling current supplied to the thermoelectric cooler in response to the measured temperature. A temperature selection system is configured to select the chip target temperature dynamically on the basis of the casing temperature.

Abstract: A method of collecting and redistributing energy, including receiving energy from an energy vendor at a transaction station, measuring the received energy, identifying and crediting the energy vendor, storing the received energy in an energy storage medium, identifying an energy user, dispensing energy to the energy user at a transaction station, measuring the dispensed energy, and debiting the energy user for the dispensed energy. The transaction station includes a housing, a microprocessor portion in the housing operationally connected to a computer network, an energy metering portion operationally connected to the microprocessor, an energy inlet operationally connected to the energy metering portion, an energy outlet operationally connected to the energy inlet and the energy metering portion, an energy storage operationally connected to the energy inlet and to the energy outlet, and an energy source operationally connected to the energy inlet.

Abstract: A cooling and heating device for an electric vehicle includes a blower unit, which contains therein a blower in order to forcibly blow intake air. A temperature control unit is connected to the blower unit to receive air that is blown from the blower unit. A heat exchanger core having a thermoelectric element is disposed inside the temperature control unit. A heat pipe transfers heat. One end of the heat pipe is in contact with one surface of the thermoelectric element. Heat dissipation fins are disposed on the other end of the heat pipe. A cooling passage contains therein the heat dissipation fins of the heat pipe. Coolant fluid flows inside the cooling passage so that the coolant fluid performs heat exchange with the heat dissipation fins. The cooling and heating device can be used with electric vehicles and can increase cooling efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric device configured to pump heat. Heat exchangers are provided for transferring heat to and from the thermoelectric device and for generating a fluid flow across the thermoelectric device. The conditioned fluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects, such as a vehicle seat, or anywhere localized heating and cooling are desired. Thermal isolation may also be provided in the direction of flow to enhance efficiency.