Thermo-electric heat pump systems

摘要

The invention is directed to an energy efficient thermoelectric heat pump assembly. The thermoelectric heat pump assembly preferably comprises two to nine thermoelectric unit layers capable of active use of the Peltier effect; and at least one capacitance spacer block suitable for storing heat and providing a delayed thermal reaction time of the assembly. The capacitance spacer block is thermally connected between the thermoelectric unit layers. The present invention further relates to a thermoelectric transport and storage devices for transporting or storing temperature sensitive goods, for example, vaccines, chemicals, biologicals, and other temperature sensitive goods. Preferably the transport or storage devices are configured and provide on-board energy storage for sustaining, for multiple days, at a constant-temperature, with an acceptable temperature variation band.

主权项

1. A thermal protection system, relating to thermally protecting temperature-sensitive goods, comprising:
a vessel configured to contain the temperature sensitive goods; a stack of at least four thermoelectric unit layers capable of active use of the Peltier effect in thermal conduction with the vessel, each thermoelectric unit layer having a cold side and a hot side; a capacitance spacer block disposed between each of the at least four thermoelectric unit layers; an energy source operably connected to each of the at least four thermoelectric unit layers; a heat sink thermally connected to the stack of at least four thermoelectric unit layers; a microcontroller operatively associated with the energy source to direct current from the energy source to the stack of at least four thermoelectric unit layers; and a plurality of relays electrically connecting the at least four thermoelectric unit layers according to at least a first and second mode, wherein at least two of the at least four thermoelectric unit layers are electrically connected in series in the first mode.