Thermoelectric apparatus for use with multiple power sources and method of operation

摘要

A thermoelectric apparatus (10) is provided that is compatible with multiple power sources (12) each providing a different voltage. The present apparatus (10) includes a thermoelectric assembly (14) having a plurality of thermoelectric devices (18 & 20) and control circuitry (16) coupled between the thermoelectric assembly (14) and a power source (12). The control circuitry (16) can sense the voltage provided by the power source (12) and electrically configure the thermoelectric devices (18 & 20) in the thermoelectric assembly (14) between parallel and serial electrical configuration in response to the sensed voltage. The control circuitry (16) also couples the thermoelectric devices (18 & 20) to the power source (12).