Compact high-performance thermoelectric device for air cooling applications

Abstract

This invention is a compact, high-performance thermoelectric device for cooling air. Several variations on compact heat sinks are disclosed as well as several optimized configurations for maximized cooling effect, a mechanism to preventing overheating, and robust configuration to withstand rugged applications such as cooling automobile seats, air ducts, and power and temperature control circuitry.

1 . A thermoelectric heat exchange device comprising: 
 A ceramic thermoelectric module that, with the application of an electrical current, will achieve a hot side and a cold side;    A temperature sensor embedded inside said hot side of said thermoelectric module that measures the temperature at the surface of said hot side and generates an output signal;    Said temperature sensor connected to a program circuit such that said electric current is regulated as a function of said output signal;    A heat sink attached to said hot side over which air will pass, resulting in the heating of the air;    A heat sink attached to said cold side over which air will pass, resulting in the cooling of the air.    
   
   
       2 . A thermoelectric heat exchange device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the heat sink attached to said hot side is primarily composed of copper.  
   
   
       3 . A thermoelectric heat exchange device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the heat sink attached to said hot side is shaped as a compressed accordion with the ridge lines of the accordion arranged in straight lines that run parallel to one another.  
   
   
       4 . A thermoelectric heat exchange device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the heat sink attached to said cold side is shaped as a compressed accordion with the ridge lines of the accordion arranged in wavy lines that run parallel to one another.  
   
   
       5 . A thermoelectric heat exchange device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the heat sink attached to said cold side is primarily composed of aluminum.  
   
   
       6 . A thermoelectric heat exchange device as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the heat sink attached to said hot side is shaped as a compressed accordion with the ridge lines of the accordion arranged in straight lines that run parallel to one another.  
   
   
       7 . A thermoelectric heat exchange device as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the heat sink attached to said cold side is shaped a parallel, flat, planar fins that are arranged parallel to one another.  
   
   
       8 . A thermoelectric heat exchange device as defined in  claim 7 , wherein additional blocking fins are added perpendicular to said planar fins in order to elongate the path which air travels over the heat sink.  
   
   
       9 . A thermoelectric heat exchange device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a metal bracket is used to package the assembly.  
   
   
       10 . A thermoelectric heat exchange device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein thermal glue is used to attach the components of the assembly to one another.