Air-conditioning and heating system utilizing thermo-electric solid state devices

Abstract

In one embodiment, a cooling and heating system includes a heat exchanger, a thermoelectric cooler coupled to the heat exchanger and operable to cool or heat a fluid within the heat exchanger, a heat transfer device, an input conduit coupled between the heat exchanger and the heat transfer device, a return conduit coupled between the heat exchanger and the heat transfer device, and a pump operable to transport the fluid through the input conduit, the heat exchanger, the return conduit, and the heat transfer device. Thermal energy existing within the fluid, while flowing through the heat transfer device, is utilized to heat or cool an environment adjacent the heat transfer device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 616,678 filed Oct. 7, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to heating and cooling systems and, more particularly, to a closed-loop air-conditioning and heating system utilizing thermo-electric solid state devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Conventional air conditioner systems in automobiles include many moving parts, including compressors, condensers, and evaporators. The compressor is typically driven by a belt coupled to the automobile's engine. Hence, the engine needs to be operating when cool air is desired within the vehicle, which wastes considerable fuel and further pollution of the atmosphere. In addition, these moving parts, including the engine, are noisy and are subject to wear and tear. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] In one embodiment, a cooling and heating system includes a heat exchanger, a thermoelectric ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] Some embodiments of the invention provide numerous technical advantages. Other embodiments may realize some, none, or all of these advantages. For example, in one embodiment, a closed-loop cooling and heating system includes thermo-electric coolers (TECs) that cool or heat a liquid flowing through the closed-loop system. The liquid may then be pumped through a heat transfer device that is used to heat or cool an environment. Depending on the application, this may include the use of forced air. Such a system may be used for automotive heating or cooling purposes or used in medical device applications. In an automotive application, for example, such a system is an electronic, non-pressurized system that may run on battery power alone and include no hazardous materials, no moving parts (other than a pump), and be cost-effective.

Problems solved by technology

Hence, the engine needs to be operating when cool air is desired within the vehicle, which wastes considerable fuel and further pollution of the atmosphere.

In addition, these moving parts, including the engine, are noisy and are subject to wear and tear.

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