Abstract: This disclosure provides an apparatus for a thermoelectric (TE) contrast therapy device and related methods. The thermoelectric contrast therapy device includes a control node (610) and a plurality of thermoelectric nodes (605). The control node electrically and mechanically connected to the plurality of thermoelectric nodes, the control node configured to direct the heating and cooling functions as well as timing functions. Each of thermoelectric nodes includes a thermoelectric module (105) structured with a supply side (115) and a waste side (120), a phase change material (110), a reservoir (725), a thermal sink (320), a spreader (125) and a controller (1010). The thermoelectric contrast therapy device pre-charges (1105) the PCM contained in the reservoir; provides (910) opposite heating and cooling functions using the supply side and the waste side of the thermoelectric module; and directs, using the controller, the heating and cooling functions as well as timing functions.

Abstract: A head mounted fan includes: a main blowing tube configured to be mounted on an upper portion of a head of a user, the main blowing tube having an air inlet through which air is introduced and including a main flow path through which air flows therein; a sub blowing tube connected to the main blowing tube, wherein the sub blowing tube includes a plurality of sub flow paths branching from the main flow path to extend in one direction of the head when the head mounted fan is worn on the head, and wherein air is discharged toward a scalp of the head through a plurality of air outlets communicating with the sub flow paths; and a wind generating unit configured to provide air pressure for causing the air to flow in the main flow path.

Abstract: An adjustable heat exchanger includes a fan assembly, a heatsink assembly, a semiconductor chilling plate and a conduction cooling unit connected in sequence, the conduction cooling unit includes a main conduction cooling plate and a conduction cooling which includes at least one conduction cooling sub-fin. The main conduction cooling plate is connected to the semiconductor chilling plate, the conduction cooling fin is movably connected to an outer peripheral wall of the main conduction cooling plate, the conduction cooling fin extends outward along the center of the main conduction cooling plate, and the conduction cooling fin and the main conduction cooling plate jointly form a contact surface for adapting to a heat-dispersing surface. The present heat exchanger can adapt to hot surfaces with different curved surface radians and form a surrounded fixed structure with the hot surface to make the conduction cooling unit well-contact surfaces with different radians.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stretchable and flexible thermoelectric module including: a thermoelectric material; a pair of elastic composites having stretchability and flexibility; and a first electrode and a second electrode, which are deformable and electrically connected to both sides of the thermoelectric material, respectively, and whose one surfaces face each other. Thus, since the thermoelectric module has excellent stretchability, flexibility and thermal conductivity, the thermoelectric module is suitably applied to a wearable device that exhibits excellent efficiency during cooling or heating and is in contact with a human body.

Abstract: An air-conditioning garment includes a garment main part that is worn on the upper body of a wearer, and two fans that are attached to a lower part of a back part of a garment main part, and configured to feed outside air into the inside of the garment main part. Each of the two fans includes a fan main body and a case that houses the fan main body and includes two air outlets. The two air outlets are formed so that their blowing directions are restricted to being upward or obliquely upward. The two air outlets are formed in such a manner that their blowing directions have an upwardly-opened V-shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to an device (1) for cooling and/or heating a body region, preferably a head region, comprising at least one thermally conductive skin contact material (2) and at least one Peltier element (3), wherein the Peltier element (3) is connected to the skin contact material (2), wherein a thermally conductive connecting element, in particular a thermally conductive film (5), and a heat dissipation element (12) are provided, wherein heat emitted via an outer side of the Peltier element (3) can be distributed to the heat dissipation element (12) via the connecting element.

Abstract: Embodiments include a cooling device for a medical device. The cooling device including a controller configured to receive data from one or more temperature sensors and a pump, configured to be operated by the controller, to circulate a cooling fluid through a cooling system and through fluid channels in the medical device. The cooling device is configured to be worn by a user and to be selectively coupled to the medical device by the user.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module may include a unit thermoelectric member having a contact portion configured to come into contact with a subject; and a hydrophobic pattern disposed on the contact portion and configured to guide condensate water produced on the contact portion, to the outside of the contact portion, inhibiting stagnation of the condensate water on the contact portion and improving comfort.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an inner casing that defines a storage chamber and a cooling passage, a middle plate that is disposed outside the inner casing and that defines a foam space between the middle plate and the inner casing to accommodate a thermal-insulating material, an installation bracket that is fixed to the middle plate and that contacts the inner casing, a thermoelectric module mounted on the installation bracket and outside the foam space, and a fan assembly that is installed on the inner casing in the storage chamber and that includes a cooling fan.

Abstract: A body-carried device includes a receiving bag, two carrying straps, and a heat dissipation system on the backside of the receiving bag. The heat dissipation system has a pump and an airflow guide tube unit. When a user's lower back directly contacts and pushes the pump, the air in the pump is pushed into the main tube and branch tube of the airflow guide tube unit. Some of the air exits the body-carried device through the main tube while the remainder of the air enters the heat dissipation area of the receiving bag through the branch tube. When the user's lower back moves away from the pump, the pump is elastically restored in shape to draw ambient air through the airflow guide tube unit into the pump.

Abstract: One embodiment can provide a meta-material system. The meta-material system can include a host system and an inclusion system embedded within the host system. At least one effective physical property of the meta-material system is modulated by an external stimulation, thereby facilitating the meta-material system to self-regulating an external perturbation.

Abstract: A body-carried device includes a receiving bag, two carrying straps, and a heat dissipation system on the backside of the receiving bag. The heat dissipation system has a pump and an airflow guide tube unit. When a user's lower back directly contacts and pushes the pump, the air in the pump is pushed into the main tube and branch tube of the airflow guide tube unit. Some of the air exits the body-carried device through the main tube while the remainder of the air enters the heat dissipation area of the receiving bag through the branch tube. When the user's lower back moves away from the pump, the pump is elastically restored in shape to draw ambient air through the airflow guide tube unit into the pump.

Abstract: A vehicle trim assembly comprises a foam bun, an electrically insulative top finish layer above the foam bun, a thermal gradient assembly under the finish trim layer, and a thermal enhancement layer between the thermal gradient assembly and the finish trim layer. The thermal gradient assembly is adapted to generate a thermal gradient when receiving an electric current and has an electrically conductive top layer, an electrically conductive bottom layer, and a semiconductor layer having first and second semiconductor regions between the top and bottom layers. The thermal enhancement layer has a thermal conductivity adapted to direct thermal energy transfer between the thermal gradient assembly and the finish trim layer.

Abstract: A cooling or warming apparatus for beverages that relies primarily on conduction heat transfer. The apparatus includes at least one heat conduction unit inside an enclosed case. The heat conduction unit includes a cylindrical sleeve with a center bore configured to receive and transfer heat to and from a 12 fl. oz. aluminum can or 0.5 liter plastic water bottle. Attached to the outside surface of the sleeve is a laterally extending interface block. Both the sleeve and the interface block are made of aluminum and covered with an insulation layer. A Peltier device planar structure with a cool side and a hot side. During assembly the Peltier device is attached with the cold side in direct contact with the exposed end of the interface block. A heatsink is attached to opposite the hot side of the Peltier device, and a fan assembly mounted is over the heatsink. The apparatus includes control switches that control its operation as a cooling or warming apparatus and a 12 VDC electrical power source.

Abstract: A cooling pad to dissipate heat from a portable computing system. The cooling pad of the present invention includes a fan, heat sink and thermal sensor inside the cooling pad housing. When the cooling pad heat sink is placed next to the portable computing system and its thermal sensor detects a portable computing system temperature above a pre-determined threshold, the fan in the cooling pad can turn on to dissipate heat from the cooling pad's heat sink and thereby also dissipate heat from the portable computing system.

Abstract: A power recovery system for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a vehicle includes an air handling system flow path, and a heater core disposed in a first flow path in fluid communication with the air handling system flow path. A heat sink is disposed in a second flow path in fluid communication with the air handling system flow path. A cooling circuit supplies a cooling fluid to the heat sink through the second flow path. A thermoelectric device has a first surface in thermal contact with the heater core and a second surface in thermal contact with the heat sink. The thermoelectric device converts a temperature difference between the first and second surfaces to electrical power.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a vehicle seat having a body. The body includes a center portion and four corner portions. A breathable coverstock covers a seating surface of the body. A plenum chamber is disposed below the body and is configured to receive and store a fluid. A cupped nozzle is disposed at each of the center portion and four corner portions. Each cupped nozzle includes a tapered base and a wide mouth proximate the coverstock. Fluid passageways extend through the body and connect the plenum chamber with the tapered base of each of the cupped nozzles. Pressurized fluid from the plenum chamber flows through the passageways to the cupped nozzles to deliver targeted airflow to a seated passenger.

Abstract: A thermoelectric assembly is disclosed, the assembly having a cold side and a hot side, where the hot side comprises a single fan sink and the cold side comprises dual fan sinks. Thermoelectric modules may be between the hot side and cold side and arranged in one circuit or multiple parallel circuits, and in direct thermal contact with both the hot side and the cold side. The assembly may include one or more moisture barrier measures, including a wire seal, a series of screw O-rings, and a sealing layer.

Abstract: A heat pipe material suitable for making wearable garments is disclosed. The material has a sandwich structure including a conduction layer, a separation layer, a wick layer and an insulating layer. The conduction layer is made of discs of a rigid, thermal conducting material connected by a flexible, impermeable material. The separation layer is flexible, porous to gas and maintains a separation between the outer layers. The wick layer transfers a working fluid by capillary action. The insulating layer is the outer skin of the garment made from the heat pipe material and is flexible, impermeable to air and has a low thermal conductance. To create a functioning heat pipe, the material is sealed about its periphery and contains a working fluid. A thermal source is functionally connected to the working fluid. The heat pipe garment help maintains a wearer's body temperature close to 37 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A thermoelectric system includes a pair of substrates, a plurality of semiconductor elements, and first, second, and third terminals. The semiconductor elements are positioned between the opposing faces of the substrates, and the semiconductor elements include at least two groups of dissimilar semiconductor elements. The semiconductor elements are electrically coupled in series by conductor elements arranged so the two groups of dissimilar semiconductor elements are connected in an alternating pattern. The first, second and third terminals are connected to the conductor elements with the third terminal positioned between the first and second terminals. The electrically coupled semiconductor elements include first nodes and second nodes. The first and second nodes emit or absorb heat according to electric current flowing through the semiconductor elements, and impedance of the thermoelectric system is controlled by switching the switch.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device comprising an elongated panel of two foam layers, and having an inserted thermoelectric string is incorporated into a seat cushion, planting pot, and battery thermal manager. Several enhancements to the string and the panel improve its durability, visual appeal, and tactile appeal over the prior art.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for manipulating the temperature of a surface are provided. Devices of the present disclosure may include a thermal adjustment apparatus, such as a controller in electrical communication with one or more thermoelectric materials, placed adjacent to the surface of skin. The device may generate a series of thermal pulses at the surface, for providing an enhanced thermal sensation for a user. The thermal pulses may be characterized by temperature reversibility, where each pulse includes an initial temperature adjustment, followed by a return temperature adjustment, over a short period of time (e.g., less than 120 seconds). The average rate of temperature change upon initiation and upon return may be between about 0.1° C./sec and about 10.0° C./sec. In some cases, the average rate of the initial temperature adjustment is greater in magnitude than the average rate of the return temperature adjustment.

Abstract: An article 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 block in fluid communication with the outlet and return lines, the fluid block 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: Water absorbing material provided in a planar shape over the substantially entire surface of a front side surface of cooling clothing is layered with an intermediate cloth having air permeability and a waterproof material or sheet, which is waterproof, to be sandwiched and wrapped therewith. By sewing or by sealing and joining the intermediate cloth and waterproof cloth or sheet, waterproof water dividers having length in the horizontal direction are provided at a suitable inclined angle of locations. Water that is inserted from a water inlet in the upper part of the cooling clothing by a PET bottle or the like flows toward the lower part of the cooling clothing between the surface of the water absorbing material and the waterproof cloth, meandering left and right continuously or in a stepwise shape, and making a puddles arise like terraces in prescribed locations here and there.

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 flexible cooling loop for providing a thermal path between a heat source and a heat sink includes a plurality of mechanically rigid tubing sections configured for being in thermal contact with the heat source and the heat sink. The cooling loop further includes a plurality if mechanically flexible tubing sections configured for connecting the mechanically rigid tubing sections to form the loop. The loop is configured for containing a liquid. The liquid is configured for being circulated within the loop for promoting transfer of thermal energy from the heat source to the heat sink via the loop.

Abstract: A method for managing thermal energy in an internal combustion engine including an exhaust gas recirculation system and an engine cooling system includes recirculating a portion of an exhaust gas through the exhaust gas recirculation system that is in thermal communication with a first side of a thermoelectric device, flowing an engine coolant into thermal communication with a second side of a thermoelectric device, and controlling electric current between an electrical energy storage device and the thermoelectric device to transfer thermal energy between the recirculated exhaust gas and the engine coolant.

Abstract: A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and/or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system.

Abstract: A device for heating or cooling a body of a user is provided. The device includes a thermoelectric module, a heat sink thermally coupled to the thermoelectric module, a wetting material in thermal communication with the heat sink, and a controller for cycling the thermoelectric module in accordance with a duty cycle. Additionally, a method of heating or cooling a portion of a body of a user is provided. The method includes cycling electrical power to a thermoelectric module at a duty cycle, transferring heat from the thermoelectric module to a heat sink, and evaporating a liquid from a wetting material disposed on the heat sink. The evaporated liquid enters the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A motorcycle rider is heated by the steps of: transferring heat from atmosphere to a thermally conductive element mounted on a motorcycle by the Peltier effect; and circulating working liquid in a closed cycle from the thermally conductive element, through a garment worn by the motorcycle rider via an inlet coupling thereto and an outlet coupling therefrom, and then back to the thermally conductive element. In an alternative arrangement, a motorcycle rider is cooled by the steps of: circulating working liquid in a closed cycle through a garment worn by the rider via an outlet coupling therefrom, via a thermally conductive element mounted on the motorcycle, and then back to the an inlet coupling to the garment; and transferring heat from the thermally conductive element to atmosphere by the Peltier effect. In either case, both the inlet coupling and the outlet coupling are separable to allow the motorcycle rider to leave the motorcycle while still wearing the garment.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module and methods for making and applying same provide an integrated, layered structure comprising first and second, thermally conductive, surface volumes, each in thermal communication with a separate respective first and second electrically conductive patterned trace layers, and an array of n-type and p-type semiconducting elements embedded in amorphous silica dielectric and electrically connected between the first and second patterned trace layers forming a thermoelectric circuit.

Abstract: A penetration resistant material can comprise a plurality of layers of loosely-interconnected, mutually nonbonded and non-laminated sheets of ballistic para-aramid synthetic fabric coupled between inner and outer layers of cloth fabric.

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 thermal pillow apparatus comprising a pillow element, a heat exchanger, a thermal liquid, a fluid pump and a controller is disclosed. The thermal liquid circulates between the heat exchanger and the pillow element in a closed loop, transferring thermal energy between the heat exchanger and the pillow element. A fluid pump is disposed in the closed loop to aid in circulating the thermal liquid within the closed loop. A Peltier device is the typical heat pump element used in the heat exchanger. The controller coordinates the operation of the thermal pillow apparatus, for example monitoring the temperature of the thermal liquid, and activating the heat exchanger and the fluid pump.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device for personal heat control, including a flexible housing comprising a cooling surface, a heating surface thermally insulated from the cooling surface, and a heat transfer unit configured to transfer heat from cooling surface to heating surface. Other embodiments of the present invention provide a system for cooling wearers of impact-resistant helmets, including an impact-resistant outer shell, foam pads affixed to an inside of the impact-resistant outer shell and configured to rest on a wearer's head, thermoelectric cooling devices spaced to avoid interference with foam pads and configured to rest against the head, a heat sink, and heat pipes thermally coupled at one end to thermoelectric cooling devices and at another end to the heat sink, and configured to transfer heat from thermoelectric cooling devices to heat sink with minimal heat loss, the heat pipes spaced to avoid interference with the foam pads.

Abstract: A personal environment appliance is disclosed in which a person in a localized area can individually control the ambient conditions of the person's localized area. The control permits highly localized adjustment to suit individual preferences, thereby, reducing the impact of individual environmental preferences on the individuals. In addition to environment conditions, a variety of accessories may be provided such as beverage heaters and/or coolers.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat exchange system for fluids comprising a pumping device, configured to deliver a fluid; a fluid inlet system in fluid communication with the pumping device; a fluid outlet system in fluid communication with the pumping device; a reservoir in fluid communication with the pumping device, and configured to hold a fluid; and a heat exchange system in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system, including: a heat exchange plate in fluid communication with the fluid system, comprising a channel system wherein the width of the channel system is about an order of magnitude greater than the depth of the channel system; a thermoelectric cooling module in thermal communication with the heat exchange plate; and a heat sink in communication with the thermoelectric cooling module, and configured to dissipate heat from the thermoelectric cooling module.

Abstract: A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and/or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system.

Abstract: A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and/or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system.

Abstract: An air-conditioning clothes system used in car, which has an air-conditioning device having a cooling unit and with air-conditioning clothes to be worn by the driver and passengers. The air-conditioning clothes include, in its interior, a pipe duct having air openings. The air-conditioning device is connected through connection pipe ducts to the air-conditioning pipe duct of the clothes so that cold air is driven by a convection fan located at the cooling end of the cooling unit of the air-conditioning device. When it is hot, cool air is delivered into the air-conditioning pipe duct of the air-conditioning clothes and is blown from the air openings to the ambient environment. When it is cold, warm air produced by a heating end converted by the cooling unit and driven by the convection fan to be dispersed into the ambient environment through the air openings provided on the air-conditioning pipe duct of the clothes.

Abstract: A system for heating and cooling a vehicle includes a solar panel disposed on a surface of a vehicle and a thermoelectric unit i) disposed on or in an internal surface disposed in a cabin area of the vehicle, and ii) operatively connected to the solar panel. The thermoelectric unit is configured to heat and/or cool the internal surface in response to electric current applied thereto from the solar panel. The system further includes a control unit operatively associated with the thermoelectric unit. The control unit is configured to determine the amount and direction of the electric current to be applied to the thermoelectric unit based on i) a measured ambient temperature, ii) a measured temperature of the internal surface, and iii) a user-preferred reference temperature.

Abstract: The inventive concept involves a garment or full body suit that covers the entire body of a wearer including the hands, the feet and the head. The garment can be used in either a cold or a hot environment. The heating or cooling system is controlled by a microprocessor that operates on a mini pump that pumps a heating or cooling liquid through tubes that are imbedded throughout the suit.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an assembly includes one or more thermoelectric modules, a compliant thermal interface, and a heat spreader. The compliant thermal interface is configured such that it may substantially conform against and intimately thermally contact an outer surface of a fluid conduit. The heat spreader is disposed generally between and thermally coupled to the compliant thermal interface and the one or more thermoelectric modules. The heat spreader may have greater flexibility than the one or more thermoelectric modules. The heat spreader may also have a thermal conductivity greater than the compliant thermal interface. The assembly may have sufficient flexibility to be circumferentially wrapped at least partially around a portion of the fluid conduit's outer surface, with the compliant thermal interface in substantial conformance against and in intimate thermal contact with the fluid conduit's outer surface portion.

Abstract: A process and system for heating or cooling comprising a ihermoelectric unit having a cooling surface and a heating surface, the cooling surface being thermally insulated from the heating surface is provided. A heat sink is thermally coupled the thermoelectric unit and a wicking material operatively coupled to the heat sink. The wicking material may be substantially saturated with a mixture of water and DNA to dissipate energy. An apparel item incorporating the system for heating and cooling is also provided.

Abstract: An air supply device for an automotive seat includes an air duct which is arranged at the delivery side of a fan and has at least one air outlet opening provided in the upper region of the seat for supplying the head, shoulder and neck region of a seat occupant with a flow of air. A heating element is arranged in the air duct between the fan and the air outlet opening, and the air supply device has at least one sensor for detecting a parameter value as a function of which the flow of air emerging from the air outlet opening is controlled. In order to provide the air supply device with a flow of air which can be controlled in a more universal manner, the sensor is arranged inside the air duct between the air outlet opening and the heating element.

Abstract: A heating/cooling garment is provided that comprises a microclimate system, as well as methods of manufacturing and using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoelectric motor (3) in which a material is interposed between the external plate (12) of a thermoelectric module and an external heat exchanger (4), to reduce heat resistance therebetween; the present invention further relates to a thermoelectric motor (3) in which the heat-carrying fluid flows directly over the internal plate (13) of a thermoelectric module, a temperature controlled garment with an inner metal layer and a convex heat exchanger.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat transfer system is provided. The thermoelectric heat transfer system comprises a coolant circuit with a pump circulating coolant through the circuit. A first heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the coolant circuit to remove heat from the coolant. At the same time, a second heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the coolant circuit. Thermoelectric modules (TEMs) are integrated into the second heat exchanger to create a temperature differential between fins and conduits of the second heat exchanger. The coolant flows through the conduits to draw heat from the TEMs, while a fan assembly conveys air through the fins into a climate-controlled area to cool the climate-controlled area to a desired temperature. In other embodiments, a sleeve acts as the second heat exchanger. The sleeve is adapted to receive and cool beverage containers and like items.

Abstract: A motorcycle rider is heated by the steps of: transferring heat from atmosphere to a thermally conductive element mounted on a motorcycle by the Peltier effect; and circulating working liquid in a closed cycle from the thermally conductive element, through a garment worn by the motorcycle rider via an inlet coupling thereto and an outlet coupling therefrom, and then back to the thermally conductive element. In an alternative arrangement, a motorcycle rider is cooled by the steps of: circulating working liquid in a closed cycle through a garment worn by the rider via an outlet coupling therefrom, via a thermally conductive element mounted on the motorcycle, and then back to the an inlet coupling to the garment; and transferring heat from the thermally conductive element to atmosphere by the Peltier effect. In either case, both the inlet coupling and the outlet coupling are separable to allow the motorcycle rider to leave the motorcycle while still wearing the garment.