Portable system for thermal control of the human body, and garment top incorporating the system

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal control system which is suitable for being worn within a garment top and being able to regulate an interface temperature at a plurality of regions of the human body, for respectively cooling or heating the regions of the human body. The system comprises: a thermal plate which is suitable for forming a closed fluid circuit filled with a fluid, the thermal plate being suitable for being placed facing the regions of the human body and comprising: a pump; a first thermoelectric Peltier module associated with a condenser within the fluid circuit on the thermal plate; a second and a third thermoelectric Peltier module and an evaporator; and a fourth thermoelectric Peltier module associated with a condenser within the fluid circuit on the thermal plate. The system further comprises: an electric battery for powering the first, second, third and fourth thermoelectric Peltier modules, a pump and a controller.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of the invention: Portable system for monitoring the temperature of the human body and upper garment incorporating the system

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a portable thermal control system capable of regulating an interface temperature at one or more areas of the human body according to a set temperature, as well as an upper garment incorporating such a system.

[0005] Technological background

[0006] Following the worsening of heat waves in both magnitude and duration, an increase in the demand for air conditioning is more relevant than ever. Today, many heating / air conditioning systems operate centrally in enclosed areas such as buildings or car interiors. While these centralized systems contribute to our comfort, they have several drawbacks.

[0007] First of all, when installed at the building level, these centralized systems weigh heavily on the daily demand for electrical energy, risking increasing daily peak variations. In addition, the thermal regulation that these systems allow does not necessarily correspond to the real needs of each person occupying a room, taken individually. Indeed, our thermal comfort requires a certain interface temperature. This interface temperature is the temperature at which the body exchanges heat and it can vary from person to person (depending on gender and age) and according to the activity in progress (walking or sitting).

[0008] Furthermore, these systems can only be installed in enclosed areas. They are therefore not suitable for allowing a person's thermal regulation when they are outdoors. However, many people work outdoors. Numerous studies have already demonstrated the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to heat on attention and work efficiency. These studies have also highlighted the associated physical and mental health issues.

[0009] A portable thermal solution integrated into the lining of uniforms can, on its own, solve all of the problems mentioned above. To address the above drawbacks, other systems have recently been developed to influence a person's thermal comfort through a specific garment.

[0010] Some manufacturers have therefore proposed the use of specific fabrics. Such fabrics can increase heat exchange, but do not allow the interface temperature at the human body to be lowered, or more generally modified.

[0011] Other researchers have conducted studies on clothing incorporating systems capable of modifying the interface temperature through which the body of a person wearing the garment evacuates heat.

[0012] For example, the document entitled "Study of ultra-light modular phase change cooling clothing based on dynamic human thermal comfort modeling, (Li et al, Building and Environment, Volume 222, 2022) describes a phase change cooling garment (solid to liquid) equipped with refrigerating modules. Such a garment requires, before use, to be cooled beforehand in a refrigerator or freezer. Its period of use is therefore limited since the cooling capacity of the garment depends on the time when the garment was removed from the refrigerator or freezer. Furthermore, it does not allow for the regulation of an interface temperature according to a set temperature. Also known is the document entitled "Thermoelectric air conditioning undergarment for personal thermal management and HVAC energy saving" (Lou et al., Energy and Buildings, Volume 226, 2020) an air conditioning system integrated into a garment so as to blow conditioned air towards certain parts of the body. Such a system becomes effective only once the body has started to sweat. The rest of the time, the system uses air convection, wasting a good part of the cooling power because the air leaves the garment at the end of the circuit, whether or not there has been any heat exchange.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of known solutions. This aim is achieved in accordance with the present invention, which relates, according to a first aspect, to a portable thermal control system capable of regulating an interface temperature at one or more areas of the human body, said thermal control system being adapted to be worn within an upper garment and capable of regulating an interface temperature at at least one area of ​​the human body, to respectively cool or heat said areas of the human body, said system comprising: a thermal plate adapted to form a closed fluid circuit filled with a fluid, said thermal plate being adapted to be placed opposite the at least one area of ​​the human body and comprising: o a pump adapted to circulate the fluid in the fluid circuit;o a first Peltier thermoelectric module associated with a condenser formed by the fluidic circuit, said first Peltier thermoelectric module comprising a first surface in contact with the thermal plate for respectively cooling or heating the fluid and a second surface adapted to be in contact with the ambient air; o a second and a third Peltier thermoelectric module defining inside the fluidic circuit an evaporator, said second Peltier thermoelectric module comprising a first surface adapted to be placed near a second area of ​​the human body to be respectively cooled or heated and a second surface directed towards the evaporator, said third Peltier thermoelectric module comprising a first surface in contact with the thermal plate for respectively heating or cooling the fluid and a second surface adapted to be in contact with the ambient air;o a fourth Peltier effect thermoelectric module associated with a condenser formed by the fluidic circuit, said fourth Peltier effect thermoelectric module comprising a first surface in contact with the thermal plate to respectively cool or heat the fluid and a second surface adapted to be in contact with the ambient air; said system further comprising: an electric battery for powering the first, second, third and fourth Peltier effect thermoelectric modules.;

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal plate comprises a temperature sensor.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal control system further comprises a controller for activating the first, second, third and fourth thermoelectric modules.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal control system further comprises a second temperature sensor for determining a set temperature to be reached by said thermal control system.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric battery, the controller and the second temperature sensor are grouped together on an electronic card adapted to be worn within an upper garment.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal plate comprises ribs adapted to orient the path of the fluid inside said thermal plate.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first thermoelectric module is associated with a first fan to respectively cool or heat the area of ​​the human body.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and fourth thermoelectric modules are associated with a first and second fan to respectively evacuate heat to the ambient air or recover heat from the ambient air. According to one embodiment of the invention, the liquid in the fluid circuit is water.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a garment comprising the thermal control system mentioned above.

[0023] Brief description of the figures

[0024] The following description with reference to the attached drawings, given as non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. In the attached figures:

[0025] [fig. 1] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a portable thermal control system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0026] [fig. 2] Figure 2 gives two views to illustrate an example of a possible configuration of an active heat exchange module capable of being used in a portable thermal control system according to the invention;

[0027] [fig. 3] Figure 3 illustrates a possible alternative embodiment of an active heat exchange module used in a portable thermal control system according to the invention;

[0028] [fig. 4] Figure 4 illustrates two views (a) and (b) representing an exemplary configuration for a passive heat exchanger capable of being used in a portable thermal control system according to the invention;

[0029] [fig. 5] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a portable thermal control system according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0030] [fig. 6] Figure 6 gives two views to illustrate an example of a possible configuration of an active heat exchange module of the heat exchange system with the human body capable of being used in a portable thermal control system according to the invention;

[0031] [fig. 7] Figure 7 gives two views to illustrate another example of a possible configuration of an active heat exchange module of the heat exchange system with the human body capable of being used in a portable thermal control system according to the invention;

[0032] [fig. 8] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a portable thermal control system according to a third embodiment of the invention; [fig. 9] Figure 9 schematically illustrates an example of an upper garment incorporating an example of a portable thermal control system according to the invention; [fig.10] Figure 10 shows a top and perspective view of a thermal plate of a portable thermal control system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0033] [fig.11] Figure 11 shows a bottom and perspective view of the thermal plate of figure 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0034] [fig.12] Figure 12 shows a top view of the thermal plate without components, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0035] [fig.13] Figure 13 shows a view of the portable thermal control system implanted within a user's upper garment according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0036] [fig. 14] Figure 14 shows schematically the electronic card according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Description of embodiment(s)

[0038] In the figures, identical or equivalent elements will bear the same reference signs. The various diagrams are not to scale.

[0039] The present invention relates, as seen in the introduction, to a portable thermal control system capable of regulating an interface temperature at one or more areas of the human body according to a set temperature.

[0040] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a portable thermal control system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. This system is here capable of regulating an interface temperature at a zone Z1 of the human body as a function of a set temperature. The system 1 essentially comprises a closed fluid circuit filled with a liquid, preferably with water, at a pressure less than or equal to atmospheric pressure, a temperature measurement sensor 2, control means 3, for example a processor, the role of which will be explained later, and electrical power supply means 4, preferably in the form of at least one rechargeable battery. The various components of the system 1 listed above will now be detailed.The closed fluid circuit essentially comprises an active heat exchange module 5, a system for heat exchange with the human body, said heat exchange system comprising at least one heat exchange module 6 capable of being placed opposite the defined zone Z1 of the human body, and a micro pump 7 controlled by the control means 3 to allow the circulation of the liquid in the closed fluid circuit in the direction of the arrows in bold lines. It will be seen below that each of the active module 5 and the heat exchange module 6 comprises a cavity for the passage of the liquid in series in the closed fluid circuit. The closed fluid circuit further comprises a plurality of flexible conduits 8 which connect each cavity of the active heat exchange module 5 on the one hand, and of the heat exchange module 6 on the other hand, and the micro pump 7 in series in the closed fluid circuit.In the non-limiting example of Figure 1, these flexible conduits 8 are three in number, a first flexible conduit connecting an outlet 7a of the micro pump 7 to an inlet 6a of a liquid passage cavity included in the heat exchange module 6, a second flexible conduit connecting an outlet 6b of the liquid passage cavity included in the heat exchange module 6 to an inlet 5a of a liquid passage cavity included in the active heat exchange module 5, and a third flexible conduit connecting an outlet 5b of the liquid passage cavity included in the active heat exchange module 5 to an inlet 7b of the micro pump 7.

[0041] The active heat exchange module 5 is said to be active because it comprises a thermoelectric module (also known as a Peltier module) as will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. More precisely, the active module 5 consists of a particular assembly comprising a base 5c made of thermally conductive material and a Peltier module 5d. As visible in view (b) of Figure 2 which represents an exploded view (before assembly) of the base 5c and the Peltier module 5d, it can be seen that the Peltier module 5d conventionally comprises two parallel and opposite flat faces 5e and 5f forming electrically insulating substrates, generally made of ceramic, and, between the two flat faces 5e and 5f, rows of semiconductor materials (alternating not shown of N-type material and P-type material) selected so that the electrons can act as a heat transfer fluid.The Peltier module 5d also conventionally comprises two 5g power supply wires and can therefore be powered by a control voltage applied between these two 5g power supply wires. For the sake of simplification, a single 5g wire has been shown in Figure 1 to show that the Peltier module of the active module 5 receives the control voltage from the control means 3. Depending on the polarity of the supply current received and in accordance with the Peltier effect, one of the two flat faces 5e or 5f will be able to form a cold side (capable of cooling any element in contact or facing this cold side) while the other flat face will form a hot side (capable of heating any element in contact or facing this hot side). The role of the flat faces 5e and 5f is reversed by reversing the polarization of the supply current.Commercially available Peltier modules are generally of small dimensions, with flat faces of square section (generally 40 mm by 40 mm) and a thickness of approximately 4 mm. The Peltier module 5d is fixed in a sealed manner on the base 5c so as to form a liquid passage cavity of substantially parallelepipedal shape, a first internal surface of which is constituted by a solid surface 5h of the base 5c (see view (a) of figure 2) and a second internal surface, parallel to the first internal surface, constituted by one of the two flat faces of the Peltier module 5d. In view (b) of figure 2 and in figure 3, it is the flat face 5f of the Peltier module 5d which constitutes the second internal surface of the cavity. As visible in view (a) of figure 2, the solid surface 5h of the base 5c is surmounted by a rim 5i on its periphery, on which the Peltier module 5d is fixed.The base 5c also advantageously comprises the inlet 5a and the outlet 5b of the fluid passage cavity thus formed. The base 5c further preferably comprises fins 5j whose role is to increase the path taken by the liquid between the inlet 5a and the outlet 5b and consequently maximize the exchange of heat energy between the face 5f of the Peltier module 5d and the liquid. The base 5c is preferably made in a single piece, obtained for example by 3D printing using PolyLite™ PETG as the printing material.

[0042] As will be understood, depending on the polarization of the supply current sent by the control means 3 and received by the Peltier module 5d, the face 5f can be used as a hot side, in which case it will allow the liquid circulating in the cavity to be heated, or as a cold side, in which case it will allow the liquid circulating in the cavity to be cooled. As the face 5f is in direct contact with the liquid circulating in the cavity, there is no thermal resistance between the liquid and the Peltier module 5d, which advantageously improves the exchange of heat energy.

[0043] In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the active module 5 finally comprises a 5k fan positioned on the other of the two flat faces of the Peltier 5d module (the 5e face in the example shown). The role of this 5k fan is to cool the 5e face of the Peltier 5d module by evacuating the heat to the outside when this 5e face constitutes the hot side of the Peltier 5d module, or on the contrary to heat this 5e face when it constitutes the cold side of the Peltier 5d module by recovering the heat from the outside.

[0044] With reference to Figure 4, the heat exchange module 6 is, in this first embodiment of the invention, a simple passive heat exchanger whose internal walls delimit a cavity for the passage of the liquid, and whose external wall is capable of being positioned opposite the defined zone Z1 of the human body. The shape of this passive heat exchanger depends on the type of zone Z1 considered. The zone Z1 of interface with the human body is chosen so as to correspond to an area of ​​the body with higher heat generation. This zone Z1 can thus correspond to the armpits or the upper part of the human torso, corresponding to the chest. The passive heat exchanger 6 illustrated in Figure 4 is of generally elongated and flat shape, particularly suitable for being positioned opposite the human torso. The dimensions of the exchanger 6 are for example approximately 200mm in length, approximately 30mm in width, and approximately 5mm in thickness.The passive heat exchanger 6 also comprises the inlet 6a and the outlet 6b of the fluid passage cavity formed by the exchanger, preferably placed at both ends. Between the inlet 6a and the outlet 6b, the interior of the passive heat exchanger is divided into a plurality of parallel passage sections 6c (for example 8 in number in the view (b) in section along a plane parallel to the axis of the exchanger of FIG. 4) which makes it possible to distribute the liquid passing inside this exchanger, to increase the exchange surface and consequently improve the efficiency of the heat exchange of this exchanger 6 with the zone Z1. The passive heat exchanger 6 is preferably made in a single piece, obtained for example by 3D printing using PolyFlexTM TPU95 as printing material. The part obtained is thus sufficiently flexible to adapt to the non-planar surface of the zone Z1.Returning to Figure 1, the temperature measurement sensor 2 is capable of delivering a measurement representative of the temperature of the liquid at the outlet of the active heat exchange module 5. The sensor 2 is preferably located at the interface of one of the flexible conduits 8, preferably between the outlet 5b of the active module 5 and the inlet 7b of the micro pump 7. The flexible conduits 8 are preferably made in the form of flexible tubes made of flexible silicone and PVC. The diameter chosen for the flexible conduits depends on the intended application. For the integration of the system 1 in the lining of an upper garment, it is possible to choose, for example, a tube with an internal diameter of approximately 3mm and an external diameter of approximately 4mm. The flexible conduits 8 advantageously make it possible to accommodate the variation in the volume of liquid in the closed fluid circuit due to a variation in the temperature of the liquid.The power supply means 4 are electrically connected to the control means 3, to the micro-pump 7 and to the fan 5k to power them. The control means 3 are further connected to the measurement sensor 2 to receive the measurement, as well as to the micro-pump 7, to the Peltier module 5d and to the fan 5k to control their operation. Note that, in the non-limiting example of FIG. 1, the control means 3 and the power supply means 4 are shown as being grouped on the same element, for example the same printed circuit board 9. Alternatively, the control means 3 and the power supply means 4 can be separated, so as to be able to place them in two separate locations (for example at the level of two separate pockets of a garment top integrating the portable thermal control system 1 in its lining).

[0045] Finally, in accordance with the invention, the control means 3 are configured to automatically deliver to the Peltier module 5d of the active heat exchange module 5 a variable control voltage as a function of the measurement delivered by the measurement sensor 2 so as to reduce a difference between the measurement and a predefined setpoint temperature. In other words, the system 1 adapts its cooling / heating power so as to reach the desired setpoint temperature. The setpoint temperature can advantageously be entered by the user of the system 1 by means of a human-machine interface (not shown). The human-machine interface can be an adjustment potentiometer connected to the printed circuit board 9. Alternatively, provision may be made to develop a specific application to be loaded onto a mobile phone, with a graphical interface displayed on the screen of the mobile phone on which the user can choose at least one setpoint temperature.In this case, the system must have a receiving means (not shown) in order to receive, via a wireless communication link, the set temperature chosen by the user. In all cases, the set temperature can be advantageously chosen from a temperature range of 15°C to 45°C, knowing that an average optimal interface temperature for human comfort is generally around 22°C. The selected set temperature is stored to allow the control means 3 to control the temperature measured by the sensor 2 to the set temperature.

[0046] The operation of system 1 which has just been described when the fluid circuit is filled with a liquid at ambient pressure is as follows, depending on whether the temperature measured by sensor 2 is higher or lower than a given set temperature:

[0047] Case 1: Temperature measurement above the set temperature: In this case, the control means 3 generate a control voltage making it possible to obtain a polarization of the supply current received by the Peltier module 5d such that the face 5f in direct contact with the liquid becomes the cold side while the other face 5e becomes the hot side. The liquid circulating in the corresponding cavity will therefore be cooled before returning to the micro pump 7, then into the passage cavity formed by the passive heat exchanger 6. The zone Z1 of the body opposite which the passive heat exchanger is located will therefore also be cooled. Furthermore, the control means 3 also activate the fan 5k so as to cool the face 5e forming the hot side of the Peltier module 5d, and evacuate the heat to the outside. The heat exchanges carried out in this case are symbolized in Figure 1 by the solid arrows.

[0048] Case 2: Temperature measurement lower than the set temperature: In this case, the control means 3 generate a control voltage making it possible to obtain a polarization of the supply current reversed compared to case 1. The face 5f in direct contact with the liquid becomes the hot side while the other face 5e becomes the cold side. The liquid circulating in the corresponding cavity will therefore be heated before returning to the micro pump 7, then in the passage cavity formed by the passive heat exchanger 6. The zone Z1 of the body opposite which the passive heat exchanger is located will therefore also be heated. Furthermore, the control means 3 also activate the fan 5k so as to heat the face 5e forming the hot side of the Peltier module 5d, and recover heat from the outside. The heat exchanges carried out in this case are symbolized in Figure 1 by the arrows in broken lines.

[0049] The previous system 1 operates in a similar manner when the liquid in the closed circuit is at a subatmospheric pressure (for example equal to 0.025 Bar) with nevertheless the following differences: When the Peltier module 5d is activated so that the face 5f in contact with the liquid becomes the hot side, the liquid circulating in the passage cavity will boil. This two-phase behavior further improves the efficiency of the heat exchange between the face 5f of the Peltier module 5d and the liquid. In this case, however, the control means 3 preferably punctually deactivate the micro pump 7 so as to avoid entraining the vapor produced in the micro pump 7.The circulation of the liquid is nevertheless ensured by the difference in density between the liquid phase and the vapour phase: thus, the vapour produced at the bottom of the system (at the level of the Peltier module 5d) rises by difference in density and condenses in the part of the circuit corresponding to the passive heat exchanger 6. The condensed water moves downwards and the circuit starts again.

[0050] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a portable thermal control system 1' according to a second embodiment of the invention. This system 1' differs from the system 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 only in the nature of the heat exchange module intended to be placed opposite the zone Z1 of the human body. Indeed, instead of the passive heat exchanger 6 of Figure 1, the system 1' here comprises a second active heat exchange module 6' comprising a liquid passage cavity of which an inlet 6'a is connected to the outlet 7a of the micro pump 7 and an outlet 6'b is connected to the inlet 5a of the passage cavity included in the active heat exchange module 5, via the flexible conduits 8.In the following, to avoid any confusion between active module 5 and this second active module 6', we can use the adjective "first" for parts relating to active module 5, and the adjective "second" for parts relating to active module 6'.

[0051] The second active module 6' may be an active module similar to that already described with reference to view (b) of Figure 2. Thus, as illustrated in Figure 6, this second active module 6' consists of a particular assembly comprising a second base 6'c made of thermally conductive material and a second Peltier module 6'd. As visible in view (b) of Figure 6 which represents an exploded view (before assembly) of the second base 6'c and the second Peltier module 6'd, it can be seen that the second Peltier module 6'd conventionally comprises two parallel and opposite flat faces 6'e and 6'f forming electrically insulating substrates, generally made of ceramic, and, between the two flat faces 6'e and 6'f, rows of semiconductor materials (alternating not shown of N-type material and P-type material) selected so that the electrons can act as a heat transfer fluid.The second Peltier module 6'd also conventionally comprises two power supply wires 6'g and can therefore be powered by a second control voltage applied between these two power supply wires 6'g. For the sake of simplification, a single wire 6'g has been shown in Figure 6 to show that the second Peltier module of the second active module 6' receives the second control voltage from the control means 3. Depending on the polarity of the supply current received and in accordance with the Peltier effect, one of the two flat faces 6'e or 6'f will be able to form a cold side (capable of cooling any element in contact or facing this cold side) while the other flat face will form a hot side (capable of heating any element in contact or facing this hot side). The role of the flat faces 6'e and 6'f is reversed by reversing the polarization of the supply current.The second Peltier module 6'd is fixed in a sealed manner to the second base 6'c so as to form a second liquid passage cavity of substantially parallelepipedal shape, a first internal surface of which is constituted by a solid surface 6'h of the base 6'c (see view (a) of FIG. 6) and a second internal surface, parallel to the first internal surface, is constituted by one of the two flat faces of the second Peltier module 6'd. In view (b) of FIG. 6, it is the flat face 6'f of the Peltier module 6'd which constitutes the second internal surface of the cavity. As visible in view (a) of FIG. 6, the solid surface 6'h of the second base 6'c is surmounted by a rim 6'i on its periphery, on which the second Peltier module 6'd is fixed. The second base 6'c also advantageously comprises the inlet 6'a and the outlet 6'b of the fluid passage cavity thus formed.The second base 6'c preferably further comprises fins 6'j whose role is to increase the path taken by the liquid between the inlet 6'a and the outlet 6'b and consequently maximize the exchange of heat energy between the face 6'f of the second Peltier module 6'd and the liquid. The second base 6'c is preferably made in a single piece, obtained for example by 3D printing using PolyLite™ PETG as the printing material.

[0052] Here again, depending on the polarization of the supply current sent by the control means 3 and received by the second Peltier module 6'd, the face 6'f can be used as a hot side, in which case it will heat the liquid circulating in the cavity, or as a cold side, in which case it will cool the liquid circulating in the cavity. Since the face 6'f is in direct contact with the liquid circulating in the cavity, there is no thermal resistance between the liquid and the second Peltier module 6'd, which advantageously improves the exchange of heat energy. In addition, the other face 6'e of the second Peltier module is the one intended to be positioned opposite the zone Z1 of the human body.

[0053] Returning to Figure 5, the system 1' finally comprises a second temperature measurement sensor 10 positioned so as to be able to deliver an interface temperature measurement at the zone Z1. The second sensor 10 is for example located at the face 6'e capable of facing the zone Z1. In this second embodiment, the control means 3 are further configured to automatically deliver the second control voltage to the second Peltier module 6', and to vary this second control voltage as a function of the measurement delivered by the second measurement sensor 10 so as to reduce a difference between the measurement and the set temperature.Consequently, unlike system 1 of figure 1, system 1' comprises two temperature control loops, one making it possible to control the temperature measured by the first sensor 2 to the set temperature by acting on the first control voltage delivered to the first Peltier module 5d, the other making it possible to control the temperature measured by the second sensor 10 to the set temperature by acting on the second control voltage delivered to the second Peltier module 6'd.

[0054] The operation of the system 1' which has just been described when the fluid circuit is filled with a liquid at ambient pressure is as follows: Case 1: Temperature measurement by the second sensor 10 higher than the set temperature:

[0055] - at the level of the second active module 6': The control means 3 generate in this case a second control voltage making it possible to obtain a polarization of the supply current received by the second Peltier module 6'd such that the face 6'f in direct contact with the liquid becomes the hot side while the other face 6'e becomes the cold side, thus cooling the body at the level of the zone Z1. The liquid circulating in the second corresponding cavity will therefore be heated (but nevertheless remains colder than the human body) before returning to the inlet of the first active module 5.

[0056] - at the level of the first active module 5: This receives the liquid heated by the second active module 6', the control means 3 generate in this case a first control voltage making it possible to obtain a polarization of the supply current received by the first Peltier module 5d such that the face 5f in direct contact with the liquid becomes the cold side while the other face 5e becomes the hot side. The liquid circulating in the corresponding cavity will therefore be cooled before returning to the micro pump 7, then be reinjected again into the second active module 6'd. Furthermore, the control means 3 also activate the fan 5k so as to cool the face 5e forming the hot side of the Peltier module 5d, and evacuate the heat to the outside. The heat exchanges carried out in this case are symbolized in Figure 5 by the solid arrows.

[0057] Case 2: Temperature measurement by the second sensor 10 lower than the set temperature:

[0058] - At the level of the second active module 6': The control means 3 generate in this case a second control voltage making it possible to obtain a polarization of the supply current reversed compared to case 1. For the second Peltier module 6'd, the face 6'f in direct contact with the liquid becomes the cold side while the other face 6'e becomes the hot side, thus heating the body at the level of zone Z1. The liquid circulating in the second corresponding cavity will therefore be cooled (but nevertheless remains hotter than the human body) before returning to the input 5a of the first active module 5.- at the level of the first active module 5: This receiving the liquid cooled by the second active module 6', the control means 3 generate in this case a first control voltage making it possible to obtain a polarization of the supply current received by the first Peltier module 5d such that the face 5f in direct contact with the liquid becomes the hot side while the other face 5e becomes the cold side. The liquid circulating in the corresponding cavity will therefore be reheated before returning to the micro pump 7, then be reinjected again into the second active module 6'd. Furthermore, the control means 3 also activate the fan 5k so as to reheat the face 5e forming the cold side of the Peltier module 5d, and recover the heat from the outside. The heat exchanges carried out in this case are symbolized in Figure 5 by the arrows in broken lines.We note that the first Peltier 5d module and the second Peltier 6'd module are used in reverse (when one heats the liquid, the other cools it and vice versa).

[0059] The previous system 1' operates in a similar manner when the liquid in the closed circuit is at a subatmospheric pressure (for example equal to 0.025 Bar) with nevertheless the following differences: When each of the two Peltier modules 5d or 6'd is activated so that the face 5f or 6'f in contact with the liquid becomes the hot side, the liquid circulating in the corresponding passage cavity will boil. This two-phase behavior further improves the efficiency of the heat exchange between the face 5f or 6'f of the Peltier module 5d or 6'd and the liquid. In case 2 above, however, the control means 3 preferably punctually deactivate the micro pump 7 so as to avoid entraining the vapor produced in the micro pump 7. The circulation of the liquid then remains ensured by the difference in density between the vapor produced at the first active module 5 and the condensed liquid obtained at the second active module 6'd.

[0060] A very interesting variant of the second active module 6' will now be described with reference to Figure 7. The second active module 6' of Figure 7 differs from that of Figure 6 in that the base 6'c has been replaced by an intermediate piece 6'k, and in that it no longer comprises only a second Peltier module 6'd, but also a third Peltier module 6'1. This third Peltier module 6'1 has its own parallel and opposite planar faces 6'm and 6'n, and its own supply wires 6'0.

[0061] The intermediate part 6'k has the same characteristics as the base 6'c of Figure 6, except that there is no longer a flat surface 6'h. To be able to form the second fluid passage cavity, this third Peltier module 6'1 is fixed, in a similar manner to the second Peltier module 6'd, on the other side of the intermediate part 6'k. In other words, the intermediate part 6'k is sandwiched between the two faces 6'f and 6'm of the two Peltier modules 6'd and 6'1, which two faces guarantee the sealing of the second passage cavity and are in direct contact with the liquid circulating in this cavity.

[0062] The second Peltier module 6'd and the third Peltier module 6'1 receive the same second control voltage from the control means 3, so that their respective faces 6'f and 6'm in direct contact with the liquid act simultaneously either as hot sides or as cold sides, depending on the polarization of the generated current. The entire system operates in the same way as has already been explained in relation to Figure 5. The advantage of this variant embodiment of the second active module 6' lies in the fact that the respective faces 6'e and 6'n of the second Peltier module 6'd and the third Peltier 6'1 can be simultaneously placed opposite two distinct areas of the human body.This second active module 6' can in particular be integrated into the lining of an upper garment so as to be placed at the level of an armpit of a human body wearing the upper garment, so that the two areas facing the body located respectively on an arm and on the torso can be simultaneously heated or cooled.

[0063] The different systems 1 and 1' can be combined. Thus, Figure 8 shows another embodiment of a portable thermal control system 1 comprising the active heat exchange module 5, a second active heat exchange module 6' (according to any one of the variants described with reference to Figure 6 or 7, and an additional heat exchange module in the form of a passive heat exchanger 6 forming an additional passage cavity. The additional cavity can be connected indifferently in series or in parallel with the second cavity of the second active module 6'.

[0064] Due to the reduced dimensions of their various components and the use of one or more Peltier modules in direct contact with the liquid, all the systems in accordance with the invention described above can be easily integrated into the lining of an upper garment such as a jacket, a uniform or even a vest.

[0065] Figure 9 schematically illustrates an example of a portable system according to the invention which can be integrated into an upper garment. This system comprises, for example:

[0066] - two pairs of first active modules 5 in series in the closed fluid circuit and placed at the level of each lower pocket (left side and right side) of the upper garment;

[0067] - two second 6' active modules, each able to be placed under an armpit;

[0068] - two pairs of passive heat exchangers 6, each pair being able to be placed opposite each of the two front sides of the torso (left side and right side).

[0069] - a micro pump 7 located for example at the level of one of the two lower pockets of the top of the garment.

[0070] In this non-limiting example, each active module 6' and each passive module 6' located on the same side of the upper garment are connected in parallel with each other, but in series with the two corresponding active modules 5

[0071] Other configurations comprising more or fewer active modules 5 and / or 6' and / or passive modules 6 may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0072] Thanks in particular to the use of a closed fluid circuit filled with liquid, and Peltier modules with one face in direct contact with the liquid, it is possible to obtain a portable system with a very small volume (approximately 6mm maximum footprint in the direction perpendicular to the top of the garment) and low weight (less than 350g, knowing that it is the battery which contributes to 70% of the total weight of the system).

[0073] Furthermore, as the systems only use fans and micro pumps, the noise level is low during operation (less than 30 dB).

[0074] The set temperature is easily customizable.

[0075] Fourth embodiment

[0076] Figure 10 shows a system 100 according to a fourth embodiment. First, a system 100 adapted to cool one or more areas of a human body is described below. The areas of the human body include the armpits and the torso of the user.

[0077] The system 100 comprises a thermal plate 102. As also shown in FIG. 12, the thermal plate 102 comprises a ribbed plate provided with regularly spaced ribs 104 intended to direct the path of a fluid on said thermal plate 102. The thickness of the thermal plate is approximately 1.2 millimeters.

[0078] The thermal plate 102 comprises two flexible plates (not shown) made of soft plastic or silicone welded respectively around the periphery and on certain ribs of the upper face and the lower face of the ribbed plate. Thus, the thermal plate 102 is adapted to form a fluid circuit within which a fluid can circulate. The fluid can be water or Galden HT 55. The fluid can be at atmospheric pressure or at a pressure below atmospheric pressure.

[0079] The thermal plate 102 comprises four Peltier thermoelectric modules hereinafter referred to as Peltier modules and arranged on the thermal plate 102 as detailed below. As known in the prior art, when a Peltier module is powered by electrical means, one surface of the Peltier module becomes cold and the other surface of the Peltier module becomes hot, which causes a heat flow from the cold surface to the hot surface.

[0080] The first Peltier module 106 is arranged on one side of the thermal plate 102 so that in the presence of an electric current the cold surface of the Peltier module is in contact with the fluid circulating in the thermal plate 102 and the hot surface of the first Peltier module 106 is in contact with the ambient air. The thermal plate 102 is then in direct contact with the user's torso. The system 100 also comprises a first fan 108 arranged near the first Peltier module 106 on the thermal plate 102. The first Peltier module 106 defines a condenser inside the fluid circuit. The second and third Peltier modules 110, 112 are arranged on the thermal plate 102 respectively on each side of said thermal plate 102. Thus, the cold surface of the second thermal module 110 is in contact with the user's armpit area.Therefore, the hot surface of the second Peltier module 110 is in contact with the thermal plate 102. The hot surface of the third Peltier module 112 is also in contact with the thermal plate 102. Therefore, the cold surface of the third Peltier module 112 is in contact with the user's armpit area.

[0081] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the second and third Peltier modules 110, 112 define an evaporator within the fluid circuit.

[0082] The fourth Peltier module 114 is disposed on one side of the thermal plate 102 near the user's torso such that the cold surface of the fourth Peltier module 114 is in contact with the thermal plate 102 and the hot surface of the fourth Peltier module 114 is in contact with the ambient air. The thermal plate 102 is then in direct contact with the user's torso. The thermal plate 102 also includes a second fan 116 disposed near the fourth Peltier module 114 on the thermal plate 102.

[0083] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the fourth Peltier module 114 defines a condenser within the fluid circuit.

[0084] The thermal plate 102 also includes a temperature sensor (not shown) to manage the temperature difference with the ambient air.

[0085] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the thermal plate 102 comprises a pump 118, such as a micro-pump, capable of pushing the fluid into the fluid circuit and arranged on the thermal plate 102.

[0086] As shown in Figure 13, the system 100 also includes power supply means 120 such as an electric battery for supplying the plurality of Peltier modules 106, 110, 112, 114 with electricity. As shown in Figure 14, the system 100 also includes a temperature sensor 122 for determining a set temperature desired by the user and that the system 100 must reach.

[0087] As also shown in Figure 14, the system 100 includes a controller 124, such as a microcontroller for controlling the triggering or activation of the Peltier modules 106, 110, 112, 114.

[0088] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the temperature sensor 122 and the controller 124 are grouped on an electronic card 128 portable within a user's upper garment 126.

[0089] As shown in Figure 13, the power supply means 120 are portable within an upper garment 126.

[0090] For cooling, the system 100 operates as described below when the four Peltier modules 106, 110, 112, 114 are supplied with electricity.

[0091] Thanks to the presence of the cold surface, the first Peltier module 106 allows the heat emitted by the user to be released into the ambient air. In addition, the operation of the first fan 108 accelerates the cooling of the hot surface of the Peltier module 106.

[0092] Then, the pump 118 pushes the fluid contained in the thermal plate 102 towards the fluid circuit and towards the evaporator.

[0093] The controller 124 simultaneously activates the second and third Peltier modules 110, 112 which are at the level of an armpit of the user so as to have their cold surface on the user's body side and their hot surface on the evaporator side, that is to say on the thermal plate 102 side.

[0094] Thus, when the fluid arrives in the evaporator, the thermal power is transmitted from each hot surface of the second and third Peltier modules 110, 112 to the fluid which is heated. As a result, the evaporator formed between the second and third Peltier modules 110, 112 in the fluid circuit recovers the heat. The liquid circulating in the fluid circuit is therefore heated at the evaporator.

[0095] Thanks to the pump 118, the fluid is directed via the thermal plate to the condenser, i.e. to the fourth Peltier module 114.

[0096] The thermal power is then transmitted from the fluid to the cold surface of the fourth Peltier module 114.

[0097] The controller 124 activates the fourth Peltier module 114 so as to have its cold surface in contact with the condenser within the fluid circuit. This activation may be simultaneous with the activation of the first, second and third Peltier modules 106, 110, 112.

[0098] The controller 124 also activates the second fan 116 located on the hot surface side of the fourth Peltier module 114 to exhaust heat to the ambient air.

[0099] As a result, the liquid circulating in the fluid circuit is cooled at the condensers, i.e. the first and fourth Peltier modules 106, 114 before returning to the pump 118.

[0100] The second fan 116 cools the hot surface of the fourth Peltier module 114 and dissipates the heat to the ambient air.

[0101] For heating, the system 100 operates as described below when the four Peltier modules 106, 110, 112, 114 are supplied with electricity.

[0102] In a heating situation and when the fluid is at atmospheric pressure (we then speak of a single-phase circuit), the system 100 operates as follows.

[0103] The controller 124 simultaneously activates the second and third Peltier modules 110, 112 which are at the level of each armpit of the user so as to have their hot surface on the user's body side and their cold surface on the evaporator side. As a result, the evaporator within the fluid circuit between the second and third Peltier modules 110, 112 recovers cold. The fluid circulating in the fluid circuit is therefore cooled at the evaporator.

[0104] Then, thanks to pump 118, the fluid reaches the condenser, i.e. the fourth Peltier module.

[0105] The controller 124 activates the fourth Peltier module 114 so as to have its hot surface in contact with the fluid within the fluid circuit. This activation may be simultaneous with the activation of the first, second and third Peltier modules 106, 110, 112.

[0106] The controller 124 also activates the fan 116 located on the cold surface side of the fourth Peltier module 114.

[0107] As a result, the liquid circulating in the circuit is heated at the condensers, i.e. the first and fourth Peltier modules 106, 114, before returning to the pump 118. The fans 116 and 108 heat the cold surface of the first and fourth Peltier modules 106, 114 and recover the heat from the ambient air.

[0108] In a heating situation and when the fluid is below atmospheric pressure (this is called a two-phase circuit), the system 100 operates as follows.

[0109] The controller 124 simultaneously activates the second and third Peltier modules 110, 112 which are at the level of an armpit of the user so as to have their hot surface on the user's body side and their cold surface on the fluid side.

[0110] As a result, the evaporator located between the second and third Peltier modules 110, 112 dissipates heat. The liquid circulating in the fluid circuit is therefore cooled via condensation at the evaporator.

[0111] Then, thanks to the pump 118, the fluid reaches the condenser, i.e. the fourth Peltier module 114. The controller 124 activates the fourth Peltier module 114 so as to have its hot surface in contact with the fluid. This activation can be simultaneous with the activation of the first, second and third Peltier modules 106, 110, 112.

[0112] The controller 124 also activates the second fan 116 located on the cold surface side of the fourth Peltier module 114.

[0113] The controller 124 deactivates the pump 118. The circulation of the fluid is ensured by the difference in density between the vapor produced at the bottom and the condensed liquid at the top.

[0114] The liquid circulating in the circuit is heated at the condenser, i.e. the first and fourth Peltier modules 106, 114, before rising due to the difference in density.

[0115] Fans 116 and 108 heat the cold side of the first and fourth Peltier modules 106, 114 and recover heat from the ambient air.

[0116] The embodiments described above are given as examples only.

Claims

Claims 1. Thermal control system adapted to be worn within an upper garment and capable of regulating an interface temperature at at least one area of ​​the human body, to respectively cool or heat said areas of the human body, said system comprising: a thermal plate adapted to form a closed fluid circuit filled with a fluid, said thermal plate being adapted to be placed opposite the at least one area of ​​the human body and comprising: o a pump adapted to circulate the fluid in the fluid circuit; o a first Peltier effect thermoelectric module associated with a condenser formed by the fluid circuit, said first Peltier effect thermoelectric module comprising a first surface in contact with the thermal plate to respectively cool or heat the fluid and a second surface adapted to be in contact with the ambient air;o a second and a third Peltier effect thermoelectric module defining inside the fluid circuit an evaporator, said second Peltier effect thermoelectric module comprising a first surface capable of being placed near a second area of ​​the human body to be cooled or heated respectively and a second surface directed towards the evaporator, said third Peltier effect thermoelectric module comprising a first surface in contact with the thermal plate to heat or cool the fluid respectively and a second surface adapted to be in contact with the ambient air; o a fourth Peltier effect thermoelectric module associated with a condenser formed by the fluid circuit; said fourth Peltier effect thermoelectric module comprising a first surface in contact with the thermal plate for respectively cooling or heating the fluid and a second surface adapted to be in contact with the ambient air; said system further comprising: an electric battery for powering the first, second, third and fourth Peltier effect thermoelectric modules.

2. Thermal control system according to claim 1, said thermal plate comprising a temperature sensor.

3. The thermal control system of claim 1 or 2, said thermal control system further comprising a controller for activating the first, second, third and fourth thermoelectric modules.

4. Thermal control system according to one of the preceding claims, said thermal control system further comprising a second temperature sensor for determining a set temperature to be reached by said thermal control system.

5. Thermal control system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electric battery, the controller and the second temperature sensor are grouped on an electronic card adapted to be worn within an upper garment.

6. Thermal control system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the thermal plate comprises ribs adapted to orient the path of the fluid inside said thermal plate.

7. Thermal control system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first thermoelectric module is associated with a first fan to respectively cool or heat the area of ​​the human body.

8. Thermal control system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first and fourth thermoelectric modules are associated with a first and second fan to respectively evacuate the heat to the ambient air or recover the heat from the ambient air.

9. Thermal control system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid in the fluid circuit is water.

10. Upper garment characterized in that it comprises a thermal control system according to one of the preceding claims.

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