Energy efficient pulsing thermoelectric system

Abstract

A method for increasing the performance of a thermoelectric system with one or more thermoelectric assemblies to provide heating, cooling, and ventilation through electrical pulsing. The thermoelectric assemblies are individually controllable with constant or pulsing controls so that the performance of the thermoelectric system can be increased. In a multi-assembly system, the thermoelectric system is comprised of thermoelectric assemblies, a control unit that determines the optimal pulsing conditions, and fans to supply and exhaust heating or cooling to an occupied space.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A controller adapted for controlling a thermoelectric assembly, the controller comprising
 an input configured to receive power to power the controller;   an output configured to supply power to a thermoelectric assembly;   a processor configured to control the power that is supplied to the thermoelectric assembly using a continuous steady supply of power, a plurality of intermittent pulses, or a combination thereof;   wherein the thermoelectric assembly has a coefficient of performance defined by the cooling or heating rate divided by the power supplied to the thermoelectric assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The controller of  claim 1 , where the processor supplies power to the thermoelectric assembly in a plurality of intermittent pulses only. 
     
     
         3 . The controller of  claim 2 , wherein the intermittent pulses are supplied for a duration in a range of 5 to 20 seconds with an interval of 10 to 20 seconds between each consecutive pulse of the intermittent pulses. 
     
     
         4 . The controller of  claim 3  wherein the duration of or interval of the intermittent pulses is adjusted to increase the coefficient of performance of the thermoelectric assembly. 
     
     
         5 . A thermoelectric system for providing a thermoelectric assembly with increased efficiency, the system comprising:
 a power supply;   a controller connected to the power supply;   a solid-state heat pump connected to the controller;
 wherein, the controller supplies power to the solid-state heat pump using a plurality of intermittent pulses. 
   
     
     
         6 . The thermoelectric system of  claim 5  wherein the controller supplies intermittent pulses to the solid-state heat pump for a duration in a range of 5 to 20 seconds with an interval of 10 to 20 seconds between each consecutive pulse of the intermittent pulses. 
     
     
         7 . A method of controlling a thermoelectric assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
 powering a controller using a power supply;   using a controller powered by the power supply to power a thermoelectric assembly;
 wherein the power from the controller is supplied using a plurality of intermittent pulses. 
   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the intermittent pulses are supplied for a duration in a range of 5 to 20 seconds with an interval of 10 to 20 seconds between each consecutive pulse of the intermittent pulses.