Climate control method for hybrid vehicles using thermoelectric devices
First Claim
1. A method for controlling the interior climate of a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an engine coolant system, the method comprising the steps of:
- supplying electrical energy to at least one thermoelectric element of a thermoelectric module to generate a temperature change;
pumping coolant through a coolant tube in thermal communication with the thermoelectric module;
blowing air across the thermoelectric element and the coolant tube to create a change of temperature of the coolant in the coolant tube;
receiving the coolant in a heat exchanger;
creating an air flow across the heat exchanger;
receiving the air flow over an evaporator to supplement cooling in a cooling mode;
receiving the air flow over a heater core to supplement heating in a heating mode;
in a cooling mode, selectively isolating the coolant in the coolant tube from coolant in the engine coolant system; and
in a heating mode, selectively coupling the coolant in the coolant tube with the engine coolant system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a system for controlling the climate of a hybrid vehicle. The system includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger, a pump, and a valve. The thermoelectric module includes thermoelectric elements powered by electric energy. The thermoelectric elements emit or absorb heat energy based on the polarity of the electrical energy provided. A tube containing coolant runs proximate the thermoelectric elements. To aid in the transfer of heat energy, a blower is provided to generate an air flow across the thermoelectric elements and the tube. The coolant is provided from the thermoelectric module to a heat exchanger that heats or cools the air flow provided to the cabin of the vehicle. The pump and valve are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and thermoelectric module. The pump pressurizes the coolant flow through the tube and coolant lines. In a cooling mode, the valve is configured to selectively bypass the engine coolant system of the vehicle.
209 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method for controlling the interior climate of a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an engine coolant system, the method comprising the steps of:
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supplying electrical energy to at least one thermoelectric element of a thermoelectric module to generate a temperature change; pumping coolant through a coolant tube in thermal communication with the thermoelectric module; blowing air across the thermoelectric element and the coolant tube to create a change of temperature of the coolant in the coolant tube;
receiving the coolant in a heat exchanger;creating an air flow across the heat exchanger; receiving the air flow over an evaporator to supplement cooling in a cooling mode; receiving the air flow over a heater core to supplement heating in a heating mode; in a cooling mode, selectively isolating the coolant in the coolant tube from coolant in the engine coolant system; and in a heating mode, selectively coupling the coolant in the coolant tube with the engine coolant system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification