Thermoelectrics utilizing convective heat flow
First Claim
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1. A thermoelectric system comprising:
- at least one thermoelectric element array comprising at least one first side and at least one second side, the at least one first side and the at least one second side having a temperature gradient between them during operation, wherein the at least one thermoelectric element array permits flow of at least one convective medium through the at least one thermoelectric element array to provide generally steady-state convective heat transport toward at least one side of the thermoelectric element array.
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Abstract
An improved efficiency thermoelectric system is disclosed wherein convection is actively facilitated through a thermoelectric array. Thermoelectrics are commonly used for cooling and heating applications. Thermal power is convected through a thermoelectric array toward at least one side of the thermoelectric array, which leads to increased efficiency. Several different configurations are disclosed to provide convective thermal power transport, using a convective medium. In addition, a control system is disclosed which responds to one or more inputs to make adjustments to the thermoelectric system.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A thermoelectric system comprising:
at least one thermoelectric element array comprising at least one first side and at least one second side, the at least one first side and the at least one second side having a temperature gradient between them during operation, wherein the at least one thermoelectric element array permits flow of at least one convective medium through the at least one thermoelectric element array to provide generally steady-state convective heat transport toward at least one side of the thermoelectric element array. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
- 15. A method of improving efficiency in a thermoelectric system having at least one thermoelectric element array comprising at least one first side and at least one second side, the at least one first side and the at least second side having a temperature gradient between them during operation, the method comprising actively convecting heat through the at least one thermoelectric element array in a generally steady-state manner.
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18. A thermoelectric system comprising:
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at least one thermoelectric element array comprising at least one first side and at least one second side, the at least one first side and the at least one second side having a temperature gradient between them during operation, wherein at least a portion of the thermoelectric element array permits flow of at least one convective medium through the at least a portion of the thermoelectric element array to provide generally steady-state convection toward at least one side of the thermoelectric element array; and at least one control system, said control system comprising; at least one controller, at least one input coupled to at least one controller, and at least one output coupled to at least one controller and to said thermoelectric element array, said output controllable by said controller to modify at least one characteristic of said thermoelectric element array. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification