초록 ▼

Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid having use as a ventilation system for vehicle seats and other applications. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric element configured to pump heat from one body to another body. A pair of heat

Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid having use as a ventilation system for vehicle seats and other applications. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric element configured to pump heat from one body to another body. A pair of heat exchanger elements comprising rotor units are coupled to the thermoelectric element for both transferring heat to and from the thermoelectric element and generating a fluid flow across the thermoelectric element. The conditioned fluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects, one of which is a vehicle seat to provide localized heating and cooling of a person sitting on the seat.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A temperature controlled ventilation system for a seat, comprising:a supply side annular heat exchanger forming a hole therein about an axis of rotation and configured to allow air to pass outward from said axis of rotation;a waste side, annular heat exchanger forming a h

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A temperature controlled ventilation system for a seat, comprising:a supply side annular heat exchanger forming a hole therein about an axis of rotation and configured to allow air to pass outward from said axis of rotation;a waste side, annular heat exchanger forming a hole therein about said axis of rotation and configured to allow air to pass outward from said axis of rotation;a thermoelectric device having opposing surfaces that generate elevated temperatures on one surface and reduced temperatures on the opposing surface depending on the electrical potential applied to the thermoelectric device, one opposing surface being connected to and in thermal communication with the supply side heat exchanger and the other opposing surface being connected to and in thermal communication with the waste side heat exchanger;a motor drivingly connected to at least one of the heat exchangers or thermoelectric device to rotate the heat exchangers about the axis of rotation to cause air to enter at least one of the holes along the axis of rotation and pass outward through the heat exchanger;a housing containing at least the supply heat exchanger and forming an outlet through which air exits after passing through the supply heat exchanger;a seat having a surface against which a person rests, the surface having passages therethrough in at least a portion of the surface where the person rests, the surface being in fluid communication with the outlet of the supply heat exchanger, the heat exchanger and motor rotation cooperating so air from the heat exchanger is forced through the surface to provide conditioned air in the area where said person rests against the surface during use of the seat.