| 摘要 |
An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a dispensed liquid comprises a first heat exchanger (2) including a first conduit (8) having input and output ends (10,12) thereof for respectively receiving and dispensing a flow of liquid, a second heat exchanger (6) including a second conduit through which, in use, a coolant is passed, a plurality of thermoelectric devices (40) disposed between the first and second heat exchangers and electrical circuitry connected to the thermoelectric devices whereby the thermoelectric devices are electrically energisable to conduct heat therethrough between the first and second heat exchangers. A beverage dispensing device comprises a beverage supply and a dispensing tap respectively connected to the input and output ends of the first conduit, and a refrigerant circulation system in which the second conduit is connected. A method of controlling the temperature of a dispensed beverage comprises passing a beverage to be dispensed from a beverage supply through a heat exchanger assembly including a plurality of thermoelectric devices; cooling or heating the beverage to a predetermined temperature in the heat exchanger assembly by applying a direct voltage across the thermoelectric devices thereby to pump heat out of or in to the beverage; and dispensing the temperature controlled beverage. |
