Superinsulation panel with thermoelectric device and method
First Claim
1. A superinsulation panel having a thermoelectric assembly mounted thereon for controlling the temperature within an enclosed structure comprising:
- the superinsulation panel formed in part by an envelope having a first wall and a second wall;
a thermoelectric device with a first heat sink disposed on one side of the thermoelectric device and the other side of the thermoelectric device contacting the exterior of the first wall of the envelope;
a second heat sink contacting the exterior of the second wall; and
a cold finger disposed within the envelope between the first wall and the second wall for use in transferring heat energy from the second heat sink to the thermoelectric device.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A superinsulation panel and thermoelectric assembly are provided to maintain the temperature within a refrigerator or other type of enclosed structure at a desired value. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device having a hot sink and a cold sink. The superinsulation panel is preferably disposed between the hot sink and the cold sink. A cold finger is positioned within the superinsulation panel to transfer heat energy from the cold sink to the thermoelectric device which in turn transfers the heat energy to the hot sink. A plurality of posts may also be disposed within the superinsulation panel for use in coupling the thermoelectric assembly with the superinsulation panel.
72 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A superinsulation panel having a thermoelectric assembly mounted thereon for controlling the temperature within an enclosed structure comprising:
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the superinsulation panel formed in part by an envelope having a first wall and a second wall; a thermoelectric device with a first heat sink disposed on one side of the thermoelectric device and the other side of the thermoelectric device contacting the exterior of the first wall of the envelope; a second heat sink contacting the exterior of the second wall; and a cold finger disposed within the envelope between the first wall and the second wall for use in transferring heat energy from the second heat sink to the thermoelectric device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A thermoelectric assembly mounted on a superinsulation panel for controlling the temperature within an enclosed structure comprising:
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the superinsulation panel formed in part by an envelope having a first wall and a second wall; a thermoelectric device with a first heat sink disposed on one side of the thermoelectric device and the other side of the thermoelectric device contacting the exterior of the first wall of the envelope; a second heat sink contacting the exterior of the second wall; and a cold finger disposed within the envelope between the first wall and the second wall for use in transferring heat energy from the second heat sink to the thermoelectric device. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. The method of coupling a thermoelectric assembly with a superinsulation panel comprising the steps of:
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forming the superinsulation panel from a gas-tight envelope having a first wall and a second wall; placing a cold finger within the envelope between the first wall and the second wall; mounting a thermoelectric device on the exterior of the first wall adjacent to the cold finger with a first heat sink attached to the thermoelectric device opposite from the cold finger; and mounting a second heat sink on the second wall adjacent to the cold finger. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification