Circuit arrangement for a peltier module

Abstract

A circuit arrangement for a Peltier module for use in a Peltier heat pump for a tumble dryer with the circuit arrangement including a Peltier module having at least one series arrangement of Peltier elements, with each series arrangement of Peltier elements being configured to receive voltage; and a two-position transfer switch wherein at a first position voltage is applied to the Peltier module and at a second position voltage is not applied to the Peltier module and the Peltier module is connected to another electrical device.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . A circuit arrangement for a Peltier module for use in a Peltier heat pump for a tumble dryer, the circuit arrangement comprising a Peltier module including at least one series arrangement of Peltier elements, with each series arrangement of Peltier elements being configured to receive voltage; and a two-position transfer switch wherein at a first position voltage is applied to the Peltier module and at a second position voltage is not applied to the Peltier module and the Peltier module is connected to another electrical device. 
   
   
       16 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 15  wherein the electrical device includes at least one interior illumination lamp disposed within the tumble dryer. 
   
   
       17 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 15  wherein the electrical device is operatively connected to a second electrical device including one of a sensor, a controller and a display element. 
   
   
       18 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 17  wherein the electrical device is integrated in a control unit for the tumble dryer. 
   
   
       19 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 17  wherein the electrical device includes a voltage sensor directed to sensing voltage obtained via the Peltier module. 
   
   
       20 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 17  wherein the electrical device includes a sensor for an electrical resistor of the Peltier module. 
   
   
       21 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 17  and further comprising a temperature sensor attached to the Peltier module, said temperature sensor being connected to a control unit wherein a temperature of the Peltier module is detectable with said temperature sensor. 
   
   
       22 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 21  wherein the control unit is configured to control the transfer switch based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. 
   
   
       23 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 21  wherein the control unit is configured to control a switch for selectively interrupting the main voltage supply. 
   
   
       24 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 23  wherein the switch is operationally connected to the AC side of the main voltage rectifier for interrupting the AC supply voltage. 
   
   
       25 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 17  wherein a thermal switch is thermally coupled to the Peltier module for interrupting the AC supply to the main voltage rectifier when a specific temperature of the Peltier module is exceeded. 
   
   
       26 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 17  wherein a buffer capacitor is operationally disposed downstream of the main voltage rectifier on a DC side in order to stabilize the rectified DC voltage, wherein a charge current on the buffer capacitor is limited by a charge current limiter in operational communication therewith. 
   
   
       27 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 17  wherein an inductor for power factor correction is operationally disposed upstream of the main voltage rectifier on an AC side. 
   
   
       28 . The circuit arrangement according to  claim 17  wherein DC voltage is produced in a main voltage rectifier by rectifying the main voltage and wherein the Peltier elements of the series arrangement are operated by applying the rectified main voltage to the series arrangement at an operating point configured for use of the Peltier module in a Peltier heat pump.