Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is provided, including a case that forms a predetermined space separated from an outside thereof, a storage chamber provided in the case, a component chamber partitioned from the storage chamber within the case, the component chamber housing at least a compressor or a condenser, a thermoelectric device to generate electricity based on a temperature difference, and a display to display operational information related to the refrigerator. The thermoelectric device may include a first surface exposed to a high temperature area and a second surface exposed to a low temperature area to produce electricity using the temperature difference between the two areas.

1 . A refrigerator, comprising:
 a case that defines an interior space therein;   at least one storage chamber provided in interior space of the case;   a component chamber formed in the case and partitioned from the at least one storage chamber, the component chamber housing a compressor or a condenser;   a thermoelectric device configured to generate electricity based on a temperature difference between a first location of a plurality of locations of the refrigerator and a second location of the plurality of locations, the plurality of locations including the component chamber, the at least one storage chamber and an outside of the case; and   a display coupled to the thermoelectric device and configured to display information related to operation of the refrigerator,   wherein the thermoelectric device comprises a first surface exposed to the first location of the plurality of locations and a second surface exposed to the second location of the plurality of locations, the first location having a first temperature and second location having a second temperature, the first temperature being higher than the second temperature, and   wherein the display is configured to be selectively driven by electricity generated by the thermoelectric device in an electric power failure when an external electric power fails to be supplied.   
     
     
         2 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , wherein the first surface is exposed to the component chamber and the second surface is exposed to the outside of the case. 
     
     
         3 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , wherein the first surface is exposed to the component chamber and the second surface is exposed to the at least one storage chamber. 
     
     
         4 . The refrigerator of  claim 3 , further comprising a heat transfer member coupled to the first surface to transfer heat of the condenser or the compressor thereto. 
     
     
         5 . The refrigerator of  claim 3 , further comprising a cold air transfer member coupled to the second surface to transfer cold air of an evaporator thereto. 
     
     
         6 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , wherein the first surface is exposed to the outside of the case and the second surface is exposed to the at least one storage chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , further comprising a partition wall provided in the interior space of the case to partition the at least one storage chamber into a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. 
     
     
         8 . The refrigerator of  claim 7 , wherein the first surface is exposed to the refrigerator compartment and the second surface is exposed to the freezer compartment. 
     
     
         9 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an electricity storage device configured to receive and store electricity generated by the thermoelectric device.   
     
     
         10 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , further comprising a first heat exchanger fin provided at the first surface and a second heat exchanger fin provided at the second surface, wherein the first and second heat exchanger fins each form heat exchange areas where heat exchange is performed. 
     
     
         11 . A refrigerator, comprising:
 a case having an interior space separated from an outside thereof;   a storage chamber provided in the inner space of the case;   an evaporator that supplies cold air to the storage chamber;   a mechanism chamber provided in the inner space of the case and housing at least one of a compressor or a condenser;   a display configured to display information related to operation of the refrigerator; and   a thermoelectric device, comprising:
 a first surface connected with the at least one of the compressor or condenser; and 
 a second surface connected with the evaporator, wherein the thermoelectric device generates electricity based on a temperature difference between the first and second surfaces, and wherein the display is selectively driven by electricity generated by the thermoelectric device in an electric power failure when an external electric power fails to be supplied. 
   
     
     
         12 . The refrigerator of  claim 11 , wherein the display generates notification of a power failure when a supply of power is interrupted.