COMPRESSOR COOLING SYSTEMS WITH THERMOELECTRIC MODULES AND ASSOCIATED CONTROL METHODS

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods of operating compressor chiller systems including thermoelectric modules, and corresponding control methods.BACKGROUND

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Chiller systems commonly use compressors to provide cooling operation, but it is often difficult to achieve a tight system stability when the compressors are controlled in an on and off mode. In some cases, an electrical heater is added in a coolant loop to provide improved temperature control by applying both cooling from the compressor and heating from the electrical heater at the same time. But this approach tend to be rather inefficient.

[0004] US2008 / 0156032 discloses a compressor chiller system and method for operating such according to the preamble of the independent claims, in more detail, a distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling is disclosed to include multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration / storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. A temperature sensor can be provided for sensing the temperature in the refrigeration / storage module, and at least one insulated air duct can connect the refrigeration / storage module with a refrigeration appliance module, and a flow controller can selectively permit circulation of chilled air through the insulated air duct from the refrigeration appliance module to the refrigeration / storage module and return of air from the refrigeration / storage module to the refrigeration appliance module when the flow controller is positioned arranged to allow chilled air to flow through the insulated air duct and operate the refrigeration / storage module as a refrigerated storage space.DRAWINGS

[0005] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a compressor chiller system having a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a compressor chiller system including a heat sink and a fan according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a compressor chiller system having a thermoelectric module in a refrigerant loop, according to another exemplary embodiment not in accordance with the present invention.

[0006] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding (but not necessarily identical) parts throughout the several views of the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] As recognized herein, chiller systems commonly use compressors to provide cooling operation, but it is often difficult to achieve a tight system stability when the compressors are controlled in an on and off mode. In some cases, an electrical heater is added in a coolant loop to provide improved temperature control by applying both cooling from the compressor and heating from the electrical heater at the same time. However, this approach is rather inefficient.

[0009] For example, an alternating current (AC) voltage compressor usually cannot be turned on or off as often as desired to maintain a stable chiller system temperature. The compressor should be running for a certain amount of time (e.g., multiple minutes, etc.) before the compressor is turned off, and the compressor should be off for a certain amount of time (e.g., multiple minutes, etc.) before the compressor is turned on again. This is due to cooling of the compressor motor and lubrication of the compressor mechanics.

[0010] Sometimes, a frequency control is used to vary the speed of the compressor, or a direct current (DC) voltage compressor is used with speed control. Adding a resistive electrical heater enables running the compressor continuously, by compensating for the overcapacity the compressor provides through added heat (e.g., increasing the thermal load). The compressor keeps cooling continuously and the resistive electrical heater adjusts the temperature by adding more or less heat.

[0011] Also recognized herein is that the chiller system could be improved by replacing the resistive electrical heater with a thermoelectric module. This would increase heating efficiency and enable more accurate coolant fluid temperature control by applying cooling from the thermoelectric module when applicable.

[0012] For example, the thermoelectric module can increase stability of the chiller system, change a set point of the chiller system faster, change the temperature of the chiller system with increased control, etc. Cool down time could also be reduced for certain applications.

[0013] The thermoelectric module could be any suitable module, such as a liquid-to-air thermoelectric heat pump. In that case, liquid (e.g., coolant fluid) is temperature controlled by the thermoelectric module and energy (e.g., heat) is dissipated to ambient air. Additionally, or alternatively, a thermoelectric module could control the temperature of air or a solid plate / component, and heat could be dissipated to a liquid circuit, another solid plate, etc.

[0014] In some embodiments, a compressor maximum capacity can be designed at less than a maximum cooling demand of the system, and the thermoelectric module can provide extra cooling capacity when necessary (e.g., at worst case operating points, etc.). This approach could allow for a cheaper compressor system, and could allow for a higher on time of the compressor to extend an expected life of the compressor.

[0015] Specifically, continuous operation of a compressor increases the expected life of the compressor, because stopping and starting a compressor more often increases wear on components of the compressor. If a compressor is designed with a maximum capacity that is less than a maximum cooling demand of the chiller system, the compressor will need to be on for a longer time period, which will extend the expected life of the compressor. In this case, the thermoelectric module can add the last portion of cooling capacity when needed. In contrast, if the compressor maximum capacity is matched to the maximum cooling demand of the chiller system, the compressor will be turned on and off more often.

[0016] An example application includes a chiller system where the coolant fluid (e.g., water glycol, etc.) maintains a stable low temperature for carbon dioxide (CO2) pump heads. Higher temperatures would make the CO2 boil. Using a compressor and refrigerant loop to remove a bulk of the heat from the coolant fluid and using a thermoelectric module to add extra capacity as necessary, improves system efficiency and stability of a temperature set point of the coolant fluid.

[0017] Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of compressor chiller systems. A compressor chiller system according to the invention is presented in independent claim 1.

[0018] According to preferred embodiments, the compressor may be adapted to run substantially continuously. In that case, the controller can be configured to control the thermoelectric module to maintain the coolant fluid temperature substantially at a set point temperature. For example, a maximum cooling capacity of the compressor may be less than a maximum cooling demand of the system, and the controller may be configured to control the thermoelectric module to provide additional cooling capacity when the cooling demand of the system exceeds the maximum cooling capacity of the compressor.

[0019] In some embodiments, the thermoelectric module is a liquid-to-air thermoelectric module, and a heat sink is coupled to the thermoelectric module. In that case, the chiller system may include a fan adapted to generate an air flow through the condenser and through the heat sink coupled to the thermoelectric module.

[0020] The heat transfer component may comprise at least one of a heat exchanger and an evaporator. The system can include a pump connected in the coolant loop and adapted to generate a cooling liquid flow through the coolant loop. Also, the system can include a thermal load component connected in the coolant loop, the thermal load component adapted to transfer heat from the thermal load component to the coolant fluid in the coolant loop to cool the thermal load component.

[0021] Example embodiments disclosed herein may provide one or more (or none) of the following advantages: increased system operational efficiency, increased heating efficiency when applicable, increased temperature stability and accuracy, reduced size and cost of a compressor, reduced cool down time for some applications, etc.

[0022] With reference to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an example compressor chiller system 100 according to some aspects of the present invention. The compressor chiller system 100 includes a refrigerant loop 102 having a refrigerant fluid, and a compressor 104 connected in the refrigerant loop 102 to compress the refrigerant fluid.

[0023] A condenser 106 is connected in the refrigerant loop 102. The condenser 106 receives the compressed refrigerant fluid from the compressor 104, and condenses the compressed refrigerant fluid. A heat transfer component 108 is also connected in the refrigerant loop 102 to receive the condensed refrigerant fluid from the condenser 106.

[0024] The compressor chiller system 100 further includes a coolant loop 110 having a coolant fluid. The heat transfer component 108 is connected in the coolant loop 110 to transfer heat from the coolant fluid in the coolant loop 110 to the condensed refrigerant fluid in the refrigerant loop 102.

[0025] A thermoelectric module (TEM) 112 is also connected in the coolant loop 110. The thermoelectric module 112 is adapted to transfer heat into and / or out of the coolant fluid in the coolant loop 110. For example, the thermoelectric module 112 can control a temperature of the coolant fluid in the coolant loop 110 by transferring heat into the coolant fluid to increase the temperature of the coolant fluid, and by transferring heat out of the coolant fluid to decrease the temperature of the coolant fluid (e.g., to provide extra cooling capacity in addition to the compressor 104, etc.).

[0026] In some cases, the compressor 104 is adapted to run substantially continuously, and the thermoelectric module 112 maintains the coolant fluid temperature substantially at a set point temperature. Therefore, the thermoelectric module 112 may extend the life of the life of the compressor 104 (e.g., by reducing the number of required compressor turn on and turn off events), the thermoelectric module 112 may provide faster and more accurate set point temperature control of the coolant fluid temperature, etc.

[0027] The compressor 104 may have a maximum cooling capacity that is less that a maximum cooling demand of the compressor chiller system 100, and the thermoelectric module 112 can provide additional cooling capacity when the cooling demand of the compressor chiller system 100 exceeds the maximum cooling capacity of the compressor 104. Therefore, use of the thermoelectric module 112 can reduce the size (and cost) of the compressor 104 that is required for the compressor chiller system 100.

[0028] The heat transfer component 108 may be any suitable component capable of transferring heat between the refrigerant loop 102 and the coolant loop 110. For example, the heat transfer component 108 may transfer heat from the coolant loop 110 to the refrigerant loop 102 to reduce a temperature of the coolant fluid in the coolant coop 110. Example heat transfer components can include a heat exchanger, an evaporator, etc.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a compressor chiller system 200 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. The compressor chiller system 200 includes a refrigerant loop 202 having a refrigerant fluid, and a compressor 204 connected in the refrigerant loop 202 to compress the refrigerant fluid.

[0030] A condenser 206 is connected in the refrigerant loop 202 and receives the compressed refrigerant fluid from the compressor 104 to condense the compressed refrigerant fluid. A heat transfer component 208 is also connected in the refrigerant loop 202 to receive the condensed refrigerant fluid from the condenser 206.

[0031] The compressor chiller system 200 further includes a coolant loop 210 having a coolant fluid. The heat transfer component 208 is connected in the coolant loop 210 to transfer heat from the coolant fluid in the coolant loop 210 to the condensed refrigerant fluid in the refrigerant loop 202.

[0032] A thermoelectric module 212 is also connected in the coolant loop 210, and is adapted to transfer heat into and / or out of the coolant fluid in the coolant loop 210. For example, the thermoelectric module 212 can control a temperature of the coolant fluid in the coolant loop 210 by transferring heat into the coolant fluid to increase the temperature of the coolant fluid, and by transferring heat out of the coolant fluid to decrease the temperature of the coolant fluid (e.g., to provide extra cooling capacity in addition to the compressor 204, etc.).

[0033] The thermoelectric module 212 may be any suitable module, including a thermoelectric module assembly (TEA). For example, the thermoelectric module 212 may be a liquid-to-air TEM that transfers heat between the coolant fluid and ambient air. Other embodiments could include liquid-to-solid surface TEMs, liquid-to-liquid circuit TEMs, etc. In some cases, the thermoelectric module 212 may be considered as a thermoelectric heat pump.

[0034] The refrigerant loop 202 and coolant loop 210 may each include a closed fluid flow path for the respective refrigerant fluid and coolant fluid. For example, tubes, channels, etc. may direct the refrigerant fluid between components of the refrigerant loop 202, may direct the coolant fluid between components of the coolant loop 210, etc.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, a heat sink 214 is coupled to the thermoelectric module 212. The heat sink 214 provides a thermal interface with the thermoelectric module 212 to enhance transfer of heat by the thermoelectric module 212 between the coolant fluid and ambient air. The heat sink 214 may include any suitable heat sink construction, including one or more fins, one or more heat pipes, etc.

[0036] The compressor chiller system 200 includes a fan 216 that directs air flow across the heat sink 214 and the condenser 206. The air flow generated by the fan 216 can increase the transfer of heat from the heat sink 214 to ambient air, and can increase the transfer of heat from the condenser 206 to ambient air. The fan 216 may be disposed in a same channel, vent, passageway, etc. as the heat sink 214 and the condenser 206.

[0037] A temperature sensor 218 is coupled to the coolant loop 210, and is adapted to sense a temperature of the coolant fluid in the coolant loop 210. A controller 220 is coupled between the temperature sensor 218 and the thermoelectric module 212. The controller 220 receives a sensed coolant fluid temperature from the temperature sensor 218, and controls the thermoelectric module 212 based on the received coolant fluid temperature.

[0038] Therefore, the temperature sensor 218 and the controller 220 can operate the thermoelectric module 212 to maintain a temperature of the coolant fluid in the coolant loop 210 at a set point temperature. For example, the controller 220 controls the thermoelectric module 212 to transfer heat into the coolant fluid (e.g., via a liquid block 222, etc.) when the coolant fluid temperature is below the set point temperature, and the controller 220 controls the thermoelectric module 212 to transfer heat out of the coolant fluid when the coolant fluid temperature is above the set point temperature.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the compressor chiller system 200 also includes a pump 224, a thermal load component 226, and a coolant fluid reservoir 228. The pump 224 is connected in the coolant loop 210 and is adapted to generate a coolant fluid flow in the coolant loop 210.

[0040] The thermal load component 226 is connected in the coolant loop 210 to transfer heat from the thermal load component 226 to the coolant fluid. The coolant fluid reservoir 228 stores coolant fluid as the coolant fluid is cycling through the coolant loop 210. Therefore, the pump 224 and coolant fluid reservoir 228 facilitate cooling of the thermal load component 226.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a compressor chiller system 300 according to another example embodiment not in accordance with the present invention. The compressor chiller system 300 includes a refrigerant loop 302 having a refrigerant fluid, and a compressor 304 connected in the refrigerant loop 302 to compress the refrigerant fluid.

[0042] A condenser 306 is connected in the refrigerant loop 302 and receives the compressed refrigerant fluid from the compressor 304 to condense the compressed refrigerant fluid. A heat transfer component 308 is also connected in the refrigerant loop 302 to receive the condensed refrigerant fluid from the condenser 306.

[0043] The compressor chiller system 300 further includes a coolant loop 310 having a coolant fluid. The heat transfer component 308 is connected in the coolant loop 310 to transfer heat from the coolant fluid in the coolant loop 310 to the condensed refrigerant fluid in the refrigerant loop 302.

[0044] In contrast to the thermoelectric module 212 in the compressor chiller system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, the thermoelectric module 312 of the compressor chiller system 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 is connected in the refrigerant loop 302. Therefore, the thermoelectric module 312 is adapted to transfer heat into and / or out of the refrigerant fluid in the refrigerant loop 302.

[0045] For example, the thermoelectric module 312 can control a temperature of the refrigerant fluid in the refrigerant loop 302 by transferring heat into the refrigerant fluid to increase the temperature of the refrigerant fluid, and by transferring heat out of the refrigerant fluid to decrease the temperature of the refrigerant fluid (e.g., to provide extra cooling capacity in addition to the compressor 304, etc.).

[0046] Although FIG. 2 illustrates one thermoelectric module 212 connected in the coolant loop 210, and FIG. 3 illustrates one thermoelectric module 312 connected in the refrigerant loop 302, other embodiments may include multiple thermoelectric modules in the coolant loop (according to the invention), multiple thermoelectric modules in the refrigerant loop (not in accordance to the invention), thermoelectric modules in both the coolant loop and the refrigerant loop, etc.

[0047] As disclosed herein, the example controllers may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, integrated circuit, digital signal processor, etc., which may include memory. The controllers may be configured to perform (e.g., operable to perform, etc.) any of the example processes described herein using any suitable hardware and / or software implementation. For example, the controllers may execute computer-executable instructions stored in a memory, may include one or more logic gates, control circuitry, etc.

[0048] According to another example embodiment, an exemplary method of operating a compressor chiller system is disclosed. A method of operating a compressor chiller system according to the invention is presented in independent claim 11.

[0049] In some embodiments, compressing can include running the compressor substantially continuously. In that case, controlling the thermoelectric module includes controlling the thermoelectric module to maintain the coolant fluid temperature at substantially a set point temperature.

[0050] A maximum cooling capacity of the compressor may be less than a maximum cooling demand of the system, and controlling may include controlling the thermoelectric module to provide additional cooling capacity when the cooling demand of the system exceeds the maximum cooling capacity of the compressor.

[0051] In some embodiments, the thermoelectric module is a liquid-to-air thermoelectric module coupled to a heat sink. The method may include using a fan to generate an air flow through the condenser and the heat sink coupled to the thermoelectric module. The heat transfer component may include at least one of a heat exchanger and an evaporator.

[0052] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0053] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0054] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Claims

1. A compressor chiller system (200) comprising: a refrigerant loop (202) having a refrigerant fluid; a compressor (204) connected in the refrigerant loop to compress the refrigerant fluid; a condenser (206) connected in the refrigerant loop to receive the compressed refrigerant fluid from the compressor and to condense the compressed refrigerant fluid; a heat transfer component (208) connected in the refrigerant loop to receive the condensed refrigerant fluid from the condenser; a coolant loop (210) having a coolant fluid, the heat transfer component connected in the coolant loop to transfer heat from the coolant fluid to the condensed refrigerant fluid; a thermoelectric module (212) connected in the coolant loop, the thermoelectric module adapted to transfer heat into the coolant fluid for increasing a temperature of the coolant fluid and to transfer heat out of the coolant fluid for decreasing the temperature of the coolant fluid, whereby the thermoelectric module is operable for controlling the temperature of the coolant fluid in the coolant loop and for providing additional cooling capacity when a cooling demand of the compressor chiller system exceeds a maximum cooling capacity of the compressor, thereby allowing the compressor to be run continuously which reduces a number of compressor turn on and turn off events; wherein the system is characterized by further comprising: a temperature sensor (218) coupled to the coolant loop (210), the temperature sensor adapted to sense a temperature of the coolant fluid; and a controller (220) coupled between the temperature sensor and the thermoelectric module (212), the controller configured to receive a sensed coolant fluid temperature from the temperature sensor, and to control the thermoelectric module based on the received coolant fluid temperature; whereby the controller is operable for controlling the thermoelectric module to transfer heat into the coolant fluid to increase the temperature of the coolant fluid; and whereby the controller is operable for controlling the thermoelectric module to transfer heat out of the coolant fluid to decrease the temperature of the coolant fluid.

2. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein the compressor (204) is adapted to run substantially continuously, and the controller (220) is configured to control the thermoelectric module (212) to maintain the coolant fluid temperature substantially at a set point temperature by controlling the thermoelectric module to transfer heat into the coolant fluid when the coolant fluid temperature is below the set point temperature and by controlling the thermoelectric module to transfer heat out of the coolant fluid when the coolant fluid temperature is above the set point temperature.

3. The system (200) of claim 2, wherein: a maximum cooling capacity of the compressor (204) is less than a maximum cooling demand of the system (200); and the controller (220) is configured to control the thermoelectric module (212) to provide additional cooling capacity when the cooling demand of the system exceeds the maximum cooling capacity of the compressor, thereby enabling the compressor to be run continuously which reduces the number of compressor turn on and turn off events.

4. The system (200) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermoelectric module (212) is a liquid-to-air thermoelectric module configured to transfer heat between the coolant fluid and ambient air.

5. The system of claim 3, further comprising: a heat sink (214) coupled to the thermoelectric module (212), whereby the heat sink allows for transfer of heat by the thermoelectric module between the coolant fluid and ambient air; and a liquid block (222) coupled to the thermoelectric module, the liquid block connected in the coolant loop (210) for receiving the coolant fluid therethrough, whereby heat is transferrable between the thermoelectric module and the coolant fluid via the liquid block as the coolant fluid flows through the liquid block.

6. The system (200) of claim 5, further comprising a fan (216) disposed within a same channel, vent, or passageway as the heat sink (214) and the condenser (206), the fan adapted to generate an air flow through the condenser and through the heat sink coupled to the thermoelectric module (212).

7. The system (200) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat transfer component (208) comprises a heat exchanger and / or an evaporator configured to receive the condensed refrigerant fluid from the condenser (206), the heat exchanger and / or evaporator connected in the coolant loop (210) and the refrigerant loop (202) and configured to transfer heat between the coolant fluid in the coolant loop and the condensed refrigerant fluid in the refrigerant loop.

8. The system (200) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pump (224) connected in the coolant loop (210), the pump adapted to generate a coolant liquid flow through the coolant loop.

9. The system (200) of claim 8, further comprising a coolant fluid reservoir (228) connected in the coolant loop (210) for storing coolant fluid as the coolant fluid is cycling through the coolant loop.

10. The system (200) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a thermal load component (226) connected in the coolant loop (210), the thermal load component adapted to transfer heat from the thermal load component to the coolant fluid in the coolant loop to cool the thermal load component.

11. A method of operating a compressor chiller system (200), the compressor chiller system including a refrigerant loop (202) having a refrigerant fluid, a compressor (204) connected in the refrigerant loop, a condenser (206) connected in the refrigerant loop, a heat transfer component (226) connected in the refrigerant loop, a coolant loop (210) having a coolant fluid, and a thermoelectric module (212) connected in the coolant loop, the heat transfer component connected in the coolant loop, the method comprising: compressing, by the compressor, the refrigerant fluid in the refrigerant loop; condensing, by the condenser, the compressed refrigerant fluid from the compressor; transferring heat, by the heat transfer component, from the coolant fluid in the coolant loop to the condensed refrigerant fluid from the condenser; and controlling the temperature of the coolant fluid in the coolant loop by transferring heat, by the thermoelectric module, into and / or out of the coolant fluid, whereby the thermoelectric module is operable for providing additional cooling capacity when a cooling demand of the compressor chiller system exceeds a maximum cooling capacity of the compressor, thereby allowing the compressor to be run continuously which reduces a number of compressor turn on and turn off events; wherein the method is characterized by further comprising: sensing a temperature of the coolant fluid using a temperature sensor (218); and controlling the thermoelectric module (212) based on a sensed coolant fluid temperature.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: compressing includes running the compressor (204) substantially continuously; and the method includes controlling the thermoelectric module (212) to maintain the coolant fluid temperature at substantially a set point temperature; and a maximum cooling capacity of the compressor is less than a maximum cooling demand of the system (200); and the method includes controlling the thermoelectric module to provide additional cooling capacity when the cooling demand of the system exceeds the maximum cooling capacity of the compressor.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein: the thermoelectric module (212) is a liquid-to-air thermoelectric module coupled to a heat sink (214) and a liquid block (222), whereby the heat sink allows for transfer of heat by the liquid-to-air thermoelectric module between the coolant fluid and ambient air, and whereby heat is transferrable between the liquid-to-air thermoelectric module and the coolant fluid via the liquid block as the coolant fluid flows through the liquid block; and the method further comprises generating, by a fan (216), an air flow through the condenser (206) and the heat sink coupled to the thermoelectric module, wherein the fan is disposed within a same channel, vent, or passageway as the heat sink and the condenser.