Thermoelectric Temperature Control Unit to Replace Refrigerant Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning systems consume large amounts of energy, require complex refrigerant systems, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and lack efficient heating capabilities, leading to environmental damage.

Innovation Solution

A temperature control unit utilizing thermoelectric elements to transfer heat between a conditioned space and a plenum, facilitated by fans on either side, allowing for heating or cooling without refrigerants, and powered by a low-voltage system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional vapor compression cycle with refrigerants is used, then cooling function is provided, but greenhouse gas emissions increase and environmental damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegreenhouse gas emissionsVSAvoidrefrigerant system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the refrigerant system from the air conditioning device, replacing it with a thermoelectric cooling system that uses solid-state Peltier elements instead of gaseous refrigerants, thereby removing the source of greenhouse gas emissions and simplifying the system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compression system with a solid-state thermoelectric system that uses electric current directly to create temperature differences through the Peltier effect, eliminating moving parts, refrigerant loops, and complex mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If conventional air conditioning systems are used, then cooling is provided, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a heat recovery mechanism where the hot side of the thermoelectric element transfers waste heat to the incoming air through a heat exchange chamber, allowing the system to reuse waste thermal energy and reduce the total energy input required for cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using direct electric current to generate cooling through the Peltier effect, allowing for precise control of cooling intensity and enabling the system to operate efficiently at lower energy consumption levels compared to conventional compression systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional air conditioners are used, then cooling is provided, but heating capability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating and cooling capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the thermoelectric element reversible by changing the polarity of the applied electric current, allowing the same device to function as both a cooler and a heater, thereby providing dual functionality without requiring separate heating and cooling systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the function of the thermoelectric element by reversing the current direction, which reverses the heat flow direction through the Peltier element, transforming the device from a cooling mode to a heating mode and enabling versatile temperature control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while providing efficient heating and cooling, enhancing environmental sustainability and space temperature control.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoelectric element positioned on the duct wall between the first fan and the second fan. The thermoelectric element is configured to transfer heat between the conditioned air side of the temperature control unit and the plenum air side of the temperature control unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250321012A1Temperature control units and associated systems components, assemblies, and methods

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 BOOTBOX LABS INC

AI summary

A temperature control unit includes a first fan on a conditioned air side of the temperature control unit. The temperature control unit also includes a second fan on a plenum air side of the temperature control unit. The temperature control unit further includes a duct wall between the first fan and the second fan and a thermoelectric element positioned on the duct wall between the first fan and the second fan. The thermoelectric element is configured to transfer heat between the conditioned air side of the temperature control unit and the plenum air side of the temperature control unit.