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WO2006064432A1 - A thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance - Google Patents

A thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006064432A1
WO2006064432A1 PCT/IB2005/054152 IB2005054152W WO2006064432A1 WO 2006064432 A1 WO2006064432 A1 WO 2006064432A1 IB 2005054152 W IB2005054152 W IB 2005054152W WO 2006064432 A1 WO2006064432 A1 WO 2006064432A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cooling
thermoelectric
heat
container
heating
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2005/054152
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Yusuf Guclu
Emre Oguz
Can Meydanli
Erdem Buyukcan
Ali Ogulcan Ilhan
Rinaldo Filinesi
Umud E. Ozturk
Original Assignee
Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik Anonim Sirketi filed Critical Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority to JP2007546252A priority Critical patent/JP4560550B2/en
Publication of WO2006064432A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006064432A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
    • F25D31/006—Other cooling or freezing apparatus specially adapted for cooling receptacles, e.g. tanks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J36/00—Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
    • A47J36/24—Warming devices
    • A47J36/2483—Warming devices with electrical heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J39/00—Heat-insulated warming chambers; Cupboards with heating arrangements for warming kitchen utensils
    • A47J39/003—Heat-insulated warming chambers; Cupboards with heating arrangements for warming kitchen utensils with forced air circulation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B21/00—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
    • F25B21/02—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
    • F25B21/04—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect reversible
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J41/00—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars
    • A47J41/0038—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars comprising additional heating or cooling means, i.e. use of thermal energy in addition to stored material
    • A47J41/005—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars comprising additional heating or cooling means, i.e. use of thermal energy in addition to stored material comprising heat or cold producing means, i.e. energy transfer from outside the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2321/00—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
    • F25B2321/02—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effects; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effects
    • F25B2321/025—Removal of heat
    • F25B2321/0251—Removal of heat by a gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
    • F25D2331/81—Pitchers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25D2500/02—Geometry problems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance which cools or heats the beverages or food items placed in it.
  • Coolers and/or heaters which function with thermoelectric effect are utilized to easily cool or heat food items and beverages especially in vehicles or the outdoors.
  • Thermoelectric devices are preferred because they take up less space, consume less energy especially to cool or heat small amounts of food items and beverages or when cooling and heating is desired to be done in a short period of time.
  • the factors that affect the efficiency of thermoelectric devices are thermal losses to the environment, the structure and positioning, within the device, of the thermoelectric elements and the heat exchangers functioning to perform cooling or heating.
  • thermoelectric device cools the water.
  • the cooler has a suitable shape for holding the water bottle and is insulated from the heat sink.
  • the thermolectric device is between the heat sink and the bottle seat..
  • the beverage heating and cooling device has two removable beverage container holding chambers. Each chamber has a spring mechanism assembly to bias the beverage container.
  • An electronic controller controls the operation of a thermoelectric element connected to the heat transfer member. The controller has a thermal fuse to protect the system from overheating.
  • an automatic timer controls the cooler according to a predetermined time period.
  • thermoelectric device performs the heat transfer between the two compartments. It serves to remove heat from one compartment while heating the other.
  • the two compartments can selectively function one at a time if necessary.
  • an appliance comprising a thermal conductor having two enclosed heat conducting chambers one inside the other with an air gap in between, achieving an efficient cooling by insulating the outside of this structure and providing a superconducting lining on the outer surface of the inner chamber.
  • the fan and the thermal conductor which serve to dissipate to the environment the thermal energy generated on the heat-radiating side of the thermoelectric device are produced integrated into the body in one embodiment of this appliance.
  • the body composed of two chambers one inside the other, is positioned on a heat-conducting plate on the top surface of a pressing plate forming a two-piece appliance in another embodiment of the invention.
  • thermoelectric heating and cooling appliance for adapted use in vehicles is described.
  • a spherical shaped fruit storage unit composed of inner layers mounted on a base plate is described.
  • the air cooled by the thermoelectric element on the top of the base is sent to the top of the sphere through the airway within the layers and is blown to the interior of the fruit storage unit.
  • One section of the spherical unit is composed so that it is overlapping over the other and is also transparent so it is possible to see the interior of the cabin and to access the cabin without creating extra volume for the door.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of an efficient thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance which speeds up the cooling or heating of food items and beverages placed inside.
  • thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance realized in order to attain above mentioned aim of the present invention is shown in the attached figures where:
  • Figure 1- is the schematic view of a thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance.
  • Figure 2- is the schematic view of a container.
  • FIG. 3- is the schematic side view of a thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance.
  • Figure 4- is the schematic view of the body of a thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance.
  • Figure 5- is the shematic view of a thermoelectric unit.
  • FIG. 6 is the exploded view of a thermoelectric unit.
  • Figure 7 - is the schematic side view of a thermoelectric unit.
  • the thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) comprises a container (3) like a jug or a kettle inside which fluid to be cooled or heated is placed having a container contact surface (2) providing heat conduction composed of a metal plate preferably situated at the front, a thermoelectric unit (4) for providing the cooling or heating functions, and a body (5) where the container (3) and the thermoelectric unit (4) are positioned.
  • the body (5) comprises a cooling/heating chamber (6) inside which a container (3) is situated, a cover (7) which by closing the cooling/heating chamber (6) protects it from being affected by the outside environment, a compartment (8) where the thermoelectric unit (4) is assembled, a compartment wall (9) separating the compartment (8) from the cooling/heating chamber (6), more than one internal air ducts (10) which help direct the cool or hot air circulated within the compartment (8) and the cooling/ heating chamber (6) preferably situated on the compartment wall (9), and more than one external air ducts (11) which help direct the air circulated between the compartment (8) and the outer environment preferably situated on the back wall of the body (5).
  • the compartment wall (9) has preferably an inclined build for fully fitting in, by increasing the heat conducting surface area of the container contact surface (2) when the container (3) is positioned.
  • the body (5) furthermore comprises a resistor or an inductor type heater (12) for performing functions like boiling water etc. and one or more magnets (13) preferably situated on the compartment wall (9) for enabling assembly of the container (3) having a container contact surface (2) shaped as a metal plate, on the cooling/heating chamber (6).
  • the thermoelectric unit (4) comprises one or more thermoelectric elements (14) one surface of which acts as a hot surface and the other as a cold surface depending on the direction of the current applied on, a heat conducting plate (15) that conduct the cooling or heating effect generated by the thermoelectric elements (14) to the container (3), a main heat dissipator (16) situated on the surface of the heat conducting plate (15) facing the compartment (8) which transfer the heat generated by contacting the thermoelectric elements (15) to the outside environment and an auxiliary heat dissipator (17) utilized to transfer cold or hot air to the cooling/heating chamber (6) and thus to the container (3), a fan (18) which by blowing air on the main heat dissipator (16) provides the forced heat convection to the outside environment and a fan (28) which by blowing air on the auxiliary heat dissipator (17) provides the cooling or heating of the cooling /heating chamber (6).
  • the heat conducting plate (15) comprises a heat conduction surface (19) which opens into the cooling/heating chamber (6) and contacting the container (3) directly provides its cooling or heating by conduction and a heat convection surface (20) situated at a different plane than the heat conduction surface (19), contacting the auxiliary heat dissipator (17) and providing the cooling or heating of the cooling/ heating chamber (6) and thus the container (3) by heat convection via the help of the fan (28) and thus speeding up the cooling and heating performed by the heat conduction surface (19), and one or more plate contact surfaces (21)situated on the opposite side of the heat conduction surface (19) and the heat convection surface (20) contacting the thermoelectric elements (14).
  • thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) While the cooling process is carried on in the thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1), the container (3) is filled up with the fluid to be cooled and placed in the cooling/heating chamber (6) so that the container contact surface (2) is in contact with the heat conducting plate (15). Direct current is applied on the thermoelectric elements (14) in the predetermined direction to induce cooling.
  • the surfaces of the thermoelectric elements (14) in contact with the heat conducting plate (15) act as cold surface, the surfaces in contact with the main heat dissipator (16) act as hot surface.
  • the heat conducting plate (15) starts to cool off and the heat conduction surface (19) cools the container (3) by conducting heat.
  • thermoelectric elements (14) heat up the main heat dissipator (16) and the hot air dissipated by the main heat dissipator (16) is expelled to the outside environment via the fan (18) and the external air ducts (11).
  • the cold effect of the heat convection surface (20) is transferred to the auxiliary heat dissipator (17).
  • the cold air dissipated from the auxiliary heat dissipator (17) is carried to the cooling/heating chamber (6) via the fan (28) and the internal air ducts (10).
  • the cooling/ heating chamber (6) is cooled speeding up the cooling of the container (3) in this manner.
  • thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) While the heating process is carried on in the thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1), the container (3) is filled up with the fluid to be heated and placed in the cooling/heating chamber (6) so that the container contact surface (2) is in contact with the heat conducting plate (15). Direct current is applied in the predetermined direction on the thermoelectric elements (14) to induce heating.
  • the surfaces of the thermoelectric elements (14) in contact with the heat conducting plate (15) act as hot surfaces, the surfaces in contact with the main heat dissipator (16) act as cold surfaces.
  • the heat conducting plate (15) starts to get hot and the heat conduction surface (19) heats up the container (3) by conducting heat.
  • thermoelectric elements (14) cool the main heat dissipator (16) and the cold air dissipated by the main heat dissipator (16) is expelled to the outside environment via the fan (18) and the external air ducts (11).
  • the heat effect of the heat convection surface (20) is transferred to the auxiliary heat dissipator (17).
  • the hot air dissipated from the auxiliary heat dissipator (17) is carried to the cooling/heating chamber (6) via the fan (28) and the internal air ducts (10).
  • the heating of the container (3) is speeded up by heating the cooling/ heating chamber (6) in this manner.
  • the heat conducting plate (15) is bended so that the angle (A) between the heat conduction surface (19) and the heat convection surface (20) is greater than 180 degrees.
  • the plate contact surface (21) is bended to form two planes and the angle (B) between the inner plate contact surface (21) planes is less than 180 degrees.
  • the main heat dissipator (16) is in communication with the entire plate contact surface (21) and is used collectively by the thermoelectric elements (14) behind both the heat conduction surface (19) and the heat convection surface (20) and can be produced in small sizes.
  • thermoelectric elements (14) which are connected to only the heat conduction surface (19) or only the heat convection surface (20) can be operated exclusively and functions like slow cooling or slow heating, keeping the food items and beverages at cold or hot stand-by conditions can be performed.
  • thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) of the present invention enables the cooling and heating of fluids inside the container (3) placed inside the cooling/ heating chamber (6) by the container contact surface (2) being in contact with the heat conduction surface (19) of the heat conducting plate (15), speeding up the on-going cooling or heating process via the heat convection surface (20) at the heat conducting plate (15). Furthermore, it can be utilized for cooling or heating of food items or beverages placed inside for example beverage cans, bottles, jugs or glasses in sizes suitable to fit inside the cooling/heating chamber (6).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) the thermal losses of which are minimized, cooling or heating functions are speeded up, having a high efficiency, comprising a container (3) like a jug or a kettle inside which fluid to be cooled or heated is placed, a cooling/heating chamber (6) inside which the container (3) is positioned, a thermoelectric unit (4) providing the cooling or heating functions, and a body (5) where the container (3) and the thermoelectric unit (4) are placed.

Description

Description A THERMOELECTRIC COOLING/HEATING APPLIANCE
[001] The present invention relates to a thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance which cools or heats the beverages or food items placed in it.
[002] Coolers and/or heaters which function with thermoelectric effect are utilized to easily cool or heat food items and beverages especially in vehicles or the outdoors. Thermoelectric devices are preferred because they take up less space, consume less energy especially to cool or heat small amounts of food items and beverages or when cooling and heating is desired to be done in a short period of time. The factors that affect the efficiency of thermoelectric devices are thermal losses to the environment, the structure and positioning, within the device, of the thermoelectric elements and the heat exchangers functioning to perform cooling or heating.
[003] In the United States of America Patent no. US5469708 a counter top water cooler is described. The thermoelectric device cools the water. The cooler has a suitable shape for holding the water bottle and is insulated from the heat sink. The thermolectric device is between the heat sink and the bottle seat.. Preferably there is a heat conducting block in between. There is a fan which exhausts the heat out.
[004] In the United States of America Patent no. US5720171 the beverage heating and cooling device has two removable beverage container holding chambers. Each chamber has a spring mechanism assembly to bias the beverage container. An electronic controller controls the operation of a thermoelectric element connected to the heat transfer member. The controller has a thermal fuse to protect the system from overheating. When used in a motor vehicle, an automatic timer controls the cooler according to a predetermined time period.
[005] In the United States of America Patent no. US5970719, a portable, self-contained heating and cooling assembly comprising one or two compartments for heating/cooling liquids, medical items or foodstuff is described. A thermoelectric device performs the heat transfer between the two compartments. It serves to remove heat from one compartment while heating the other. The two compartments can selectively function one at a time if necessary.
[006] In the United States of America Patent no. US6591615 an appliance is described comprising a thermal conductor having two enclosed heat conducting chambers one inside the other with an air gap in between, achieving an efficient cooling by insulating the outside of this structure and providing a superconducting lining on the outer surface of the inner chamber. The fan and the thermal conductor which serve to dissipate to the environment the thermal energy generated on the heat-radiating side of the thermoelectric device are produced integrated into the body in one embodiment of this appliance. The body, composed of two chambers one inside the other, is positioned on a heat-conducting plate on the top surface of a pressing plate forming a two-piece appliance in another embodiment of the invention.
[007] In the United States of America Patent no. US4823554, a portable thermoelectric heating and cooling appliance for adapted use in vehicles is described.
[008] In the United States of America Patent no. US5661979, a spherical shaped fruit storage unit composed of inner layers mounted on a base plate is described. The air cooled by the thermoelectric element on the top of the base is sent to the top of the sphere through the airway within the layers and is blown to the interior of the fruit storage unit. One section of the spherical unit is composed so that it is overlapping over the other and is also transparent so it is possible to see the interior of the cabin and to access the cabin without creating extra volume for the door.
[009] In the United States of America Patent no US6295820, the cool air circulating system of a thermoelectric chiller for storing fresh fruit and other perishable food products is described. Uniform cool air circulation is provided by minimizing the air flow path. The air flow duct system is situated in a housing formed by the bottom wall of the container.
[010] In the United States of America Patent no. US6625991 , a fruit chiller is described which is cooled by forced air flow. One wall of the housing is formed for placing an air flow duct and air circulation is provided by the air inlet and outlet openings between the housing and the air flow duct.
[011] The aim of the present invention is the realization of an efficient thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance which speeds up the cooling or heating of food items and beverages placed inside.
[012] The thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance realized in order to attain above mentioned aim of the present invention is shown in the attached figures where:
[013] Figure 1- is the schematic view of a thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance.
[014] Figure 2- is the schematic view of a container.
[015] Figure 3- is the schematic side view of a thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance.
[016] Figure 4- is the schematic view of the body of a thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance.
[017] Figure 5- is the shematic view of a thermoelectric unit.
[018] Figure 6- is the exploded view of a thermoelectric unit.
[019] Figure 7 - is the schematic side view of a thermoelectric unit.
[020] Elements shown in the figures are numbered as follows:
[021] 1. Thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance
[022] 2. Container contact surface
[023] 3. Container [024] 4. Thermoelectric unit
[025] 5. Body
[026] 6. Cooling/heating chamber
[027] 7. Cover
[028] 8. Compartment
[029] 9. Compartment wall
[030] 10. Internal air duct
[031] 11. External air duct
[032] 12. Heater
[033] 13. Magnet
[034] 14. Thermoelectric element
[035] 15. Heat conducting plate
[036] 16. Main heat dissipator
[037] 17. Auxiliary heat dissipator
[038] 18. 28. Fan
[039] 19. Heat conduction surface
[040] 20. Heat convection surface
[041 ] 21. Plate contact surface
[042] The thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) comprises a container (3) like a jug or a kettle inside which fluid to be cooled or heated is placed having a container contact surface (2) providing heat conduction composed of a metal plate preferably situated at the front, a thermoelectric unit (4) for providing the cooling or heating functions, and a body (5) where the container (3) and the thermoelectric unit (4) are positioned.
[043] The body (5) comprises a cooling/heating chamber (6) inside which a container (3) is situated, a cover (7) which by closing the cooling/heating chamber (6) protects it from being affected by the outside environment, a compartment (8) where the thermoelectric unit (4) is assembled, a compartment wall (9) separating the compartment (8) from the cooling/heating chamber (6), more than one internal air ducts (10) which help direct the cool or hot air circulated within the compartment (8) and the cooling/ heating chamber (6) preferably situated on the compartment wall (9), and more than one external air ducts (11) which help direct the air circulated between the compartment (8) and the outer environment preferably situated on the back wall of the body (5).
[044] The compartment wall (9) has preferably an inclined build for fully fitting in, by increasing the heat conducting surface area of the container contact surface (2) when the container (3) is positioned. The body (5) furthermore comprises a resistor or an inductor type heater (12) for performing functions like boiling water etc. and one or more magnets (13) preferably situated on the compartment wall (9) for enabling assembly of the container (3) having a container contact surface (2) shaped as a metal plate, on the cooling/heating chamber (6).
[045] The thermoelectric unit (4) comprises one or more thermoelectric elements (14) one surface of which acts as a hot surface and the other as a cold surface depending on the direction of the current applied on, a heat conducting plate (15) that conduct the cooling or heating effect generated by the thermoelectric elements (14) to the container (3), a main heat dissipator (16) situated on the surface of the heat conducting plate (15) facing the compartment (8) which transfer the heat generated by contacting the thermoelectric elements (15) to the outside environment and an auxiliary heat dissipator (17) utilized to transfer cold or hot air to the cooling/heating chamber (6) and thus to the container (3), a fan (18) which by blowing air on the main heat dissipator (16) provides the forced heat convection to the outside environment and a fan (28) which by blowing air on the auxiliary heat dissipator (17) provides the cooling or heating of the cooling /heating chamber (6).
[046] The heat conducting plate (15) comprises a heat conduction surface (19) which opens into the cooling/heating chamber (6) and contacting the container (3) directly provides its cooling or heating by conduction and a heat convection surface (20) situated at a different plane than the heat conduction surface (19), contacting the auxiliary heat dissipator (17) and providing the cooling or heating of the cooling/ heating chamber (6) and thus the container (3) by heat convection via the help of the fan (28) and thus speeding up the cooling and heating performed by the heat conduction surface (19), and one or more plate contact surfaces (21)situated on the opposite side of the heat conduction surface (19) and the heat convection surface (20) contacting the thermoelectric elements (14).
[047] While the cooling process is carried on in the thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1), the container (3) is filled up with the fluid to be cooled and placed in the cooling/heating chamber (6) so that the container contact surface (2) is in contact with the heat conducting plate (15). Direct current is applied on the thermoelectric elements (14) in the predetermined direction to induce cooling. The surfaces of the thermoelectric elements (14) in contact with the heat conducting plate (15) act as cold surface, the surfaces in contact with the main heat dissipator (16) act as hot surface. The heat conducting plate (15) starts to cool off and the heat conduction surface (19) cools the container (3) by conducting heat. The hot surfaces of the thermoelectric elements (14) heat up the main heat dissipator (16) and the hot air dissipated by the main heat dissipator (16) is expelled to the outside environment via the fan (18) and the external air ducts (11). The cold effect of the heat convection surface (20) is transferred to the auxiliary heat dissipator (17). The cold air dissipated from the auxiliary heat dissipator (17) is carried to the cooling/heating chamber (6) via the fan (28) and the internal air ducts (10). The cooling/ heating chamber (6) is cooled speeding up the cooling of the container (3) in this manner.
[048] While the heating process is carried on in the thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1), the container (3) is filled up with the fluid to be heated and placed in the cooling/heating chamber (6) so that the container contact surface (2) is in contact with the heat conducting plate (15). Direct current is applied in the predetermined direction on the thermoelectric elements (14) to induce heating. The surfaces of the thermoelectric elements (14) in contact with the heat conducting plate (15) act as hot surfaces, the surfaces in contact with the main heat dissipator (16) act as cold surfaces. The heat conducting plate (15) starts to get hot and the heat conduction surface (19) heats up the container (3) by conducting heat. The cold surfaces of the thermoelectric elements (14) cool the main heat dissipator (16) and the cold air dissipated by the main heat dissipator (16) is expelled to the outside environment via the fan (18) and the external air ducts (11). The heat effect of the heat convection surface (20) is transferred to the auxiliary heat dissipator (17). The hot air dissipated from the auxiliary heat dissipator (17) is carried to the cooling/heating chamber (6) via the fan (28) and the internal air ducts (10). The heating of the container (3) is speeded up by heating the cooling/ heating chamber (6) in this manner.
[049] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat conducting plate (15) is bended so that the angle (A) between the heat conduction surface (19) and the heat convection surface (20) is greater than 180 degrees. In this manner, while the heat conduction surface (19) is being contacted with the container (3) it becomes easier for the heat convection surface (20) on the same side to contact with the auxiliary heat dissipator (17). In this embodiment, the plate contact surface (21) is bended to form two planes and the angle (B) between the inner plate contact surface (21) planes is less than 180 degrees. The main heat dissipator (16) is in communication with the entire plate contact surface (21) and is used collectively by the thermoelectric elements (14) behind both the heat conduction surface (19) and the heat convection surface (20) and can be produced in small sizes.
[050] In another embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric elements (14) which are connected to only the heat conduction surface (19) or only the heat convection surface (20) can be operated exclusively and functions like slow cooling or slow heating, keeping the food items and beverages at cold or hot stand-by conditions can be performed.
[051] The thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) of the present invention enables the cooling and heating of fluids inside the container (3) placed inside the cooling/ heating chamber (6) by the container contact surface (2) being in contact with the heat conduction surface (19) of the heat conducting plate (15), speeding up the on-going cooling or heating process via the heat convection surface (20) at the heat conducting plate (15). Furthermore, it can be utilized for cooling or heating of food items or beverages placed inside for example beverage cans, bottles, jugs or glasses in sizes suitable to fit inside the cooling/heating chamber (6).

Claims

Claims
[001] A thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) comprising a container (3) inside which fluids to be cooled or heated is placed, a thermoelectric unit (4) for providing the cooling or heating functions, and a body (5) where the container (3) and the thermoelectric unit (4) are situated, and characterised by a thermoelectric unit (4) comprising one or more thermoelectric elements (14), a main heat dissipator (16) which expels the generated heat upon being in contact with the thermoelectric elements (14) to the outside environment, an auxiliary heat dissipator (17) utilized for transferring cold or hot air to the container (3), one or more fans (18, 28) which by blowing air on the main and auxiliary heat dissipators (16,17) provide the forced heat convection, a heat conduction surface
(19) which provide the transfer of the cooling and heating effect created by the thermoelectric elements (14) to the container (3) and contacting the container (3) directly providing its cooling or heating by conduction and a heat conducting plate (15) situated at a different plane than the heat conduction surface(19), contacting the auxiliary heat dissipator (17) and having a heat convection surface
(20) which provides the cooling or heating of the container (3) with the help of the fan (28) by heat convection.
[002] A thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a thermoelectric unit (4) comprising a heat conducting plate (15) having one or more plate contact surfaces (21) contacting the thermoelectric elements (14) on the opposite side of the heat conduction surface (19) and the heat convection surface (20).
[003] A thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by a thermoelectric unit (4) comprising a heat conducting plate (15) having an angle (A) greater than 180 degrees between the heat conduction surface (19) and the heat convection surface (20).
[004] A thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) as in any one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterized by a thermoelectric unit (4) comprising a heat conducting plate (15) having an angle (B) less than 180 degrees between its plate contact surfaces
(21) which are bent to form two planes.
[005] A thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a container (3) having a heat conducting container contact surface (2) situated at its front formed of a metal plate for conducting heat.
[006] A thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a body (5) comprising a cooling/heating chamber (6), a cover (7) which by closing the cooling/heating chamber (6) protects it from being effected by the outside environment, a compartment (8) where the thermoelectric unit (4) is assembled, a compartment wall (9) positioned between the compartment (8) and the cooling/heating chamber (6), more than one internal air ducts (10) which help direct the cool or hot air circulated within the compartment (8) and the cooling/heating chamber (6), more than one external air ducts (11) which help direct the air circulated within the compartment (8) and the outer environment .
[007] A thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) as in Claim 6, characterized by a body (5) comprising a compartment wall (9) which has an inclined build for fully fitting in, by increasing the heat conducting surface area of the container contact surface (2) when the container (3) is positioned.
[008] A thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) as in Claim 6, characterized by a body (5) comprising one or more magnets (13) enabling the assembly of the container (3) to the cooling /heating chamber (6).
[009] A thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance (1) as in Claim 6, characterized by a body (5) comprising a resistor or inductor type heater (12) serving to perform functions like boiling water etc.
PCT/IB2005/054152 2004-12-15 2005-12-09 A thermoelectric cooling/heating appliance WO2006064432A1 (en)

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TR200403453 2004-12-15

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US8613200B2 (en) 2008-10-23 2013-12-24 Bsst Llc Heater-cooler with bithermal thermoelectric device
US8915091B2 (en) 2005-04-08 2014-12-23 Gentherm Incorporated Thermoelectric-based thermal management system
US8974942B2 (en) 2009-05-18 2015-03-10 Gentherm Incorporated Battery thermal management system including thermoelectric assemblies in thermal communication with a battery
US9006557B2 (en) 2011-06-06 2015-04-14 Gentherm Incorporated Systems and methods for reducing current and increasing voltage in thermoelectric systems
US9038400B2 (en) 2009-05-18 2015-05-26 Gentherm Incorporated Temperature control system with thermoelectric device
US9103573B2 (en) 2006-08-02 2015-08-11 Gentherm Incorporated HVAC system for a vehicle
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US9293680B2 (en) 2011-06-06 2016-03-22 Gentherm Incorporated Cartridge-based thermoelectric systems
US9306143B2 (en) 2012-08-01 2016-04-05 Gentherm Incorporated High efficiency thermoelectric generation
US9365090B2 (en) 2004-05-10 2016-06-14 Gentherm Incorporated Climate control system for vehicles using thermoelectric devices
US9447994B2 (en) 2008-10-23 2016-09-20 Gentherm Incorporated Temperature control systems with thermoelectric devices
US9555686B2 (en) 2008-10-23 2017-01-31 Gentherm Incorporated Temperature control systems with thermoelectric devices
US9719701B2 (en) 2008-06-03 2017-08-01 Gentherm Incorporated Thermoelectric heat pump
US20170328612A1 (en) * 2006-01-30 2017-11-16 Gentherm Incorporated Cooling system for container in a vehicle
US10219407B2 (en) 2012-07-06 2019-02-26 Gentherm Incorporated Systems and methods for cooling inductive charging assemblies
US10270141B2 (en) 2013-01-30 2019-04-23 Gentherm Incorporated Thermoelectric-based thermal management system
US10603976B2 (en) 2014-12-19 2020-03-31 Gentherm Incorporated Thermal conditioning systems and methods for vehicle regions
US10625566B2 (en) 2015-10-14 2020-04-21 Gentherm Incorporated Systems and methods for controlling thermal conditioning of vehicle regions
US10991869B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2021-04-27 Gentherm Incorporated Thermoelectric device having a plurality of sealing materials
US11152557B2 (en) 2019-02-20 2021-10-19 Gentherm Incorporated Thermoelectric module with integrated printed circuit board
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US8445772B2 (en) 2005-06-28 2013-05-21 Bsst, Llc Thermoelectric power generator with intermediate loop
US20170328612A1 (en) * 2006-01-30 2017-11-16 Gentherm Incorporated Cooling system for container in a vehicle
US7870745B2 (en) 2006-03-16 2011-01-18 Bsst Llc Thermoelectric device efficiency enhancement using dynamic feedback
US9103573B2 (en) 2006-08-02 2015-08-11 Gentherm Incorporated HVAC system for a vehicle
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US10464391B2 (en) 2007-05-25 2019-11-05 Gentherm Incorporated System and method for distributed thermoelectric heating and cooling
US9310112B2 (en) 2007-05-25 2016-04-12 Gentherm Incorporated System and method for distributed thermoelectric heating and cooling
US9719701B2 (en) 2008-06-03 2017-08-01 Gentherm Incorporated Thermoelectric heat pump
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US9555686B2 (en) 2008-10-23 2017-01-31 Gentherm Incorporated Temperature control systems with thermoelectric devices
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US8974942B2 (en) 2009-05-18 2015-03-10 Gentherm Incorporated Battery thermal management system including thermoelectric assemblies in thermal communication with a battery
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TR200703485T1 (en) 2007-08-21
CN100592009C (en) 2010-02-24

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