Thermoelectric Comfort Control System for Motor Vehicle

Abstract

A temperature control apparatus for an interior of a motor vehicle having a temperature control loop circulating a heat-exchange fluid to a drivetrain component. A thermoelectric heat-pump (Peltier device) is disposed in the vehicle to heat or cool the desired area, and a fluid comfort control loop exchanges heat with the thermoelectric heat-pump and with the drivetrain temperature control loop, increasing the net amount of heating or cooling that can be delivered to the desired location by the thermoelectric heat-pump. The comfort control loop may branch from the drivetrain loop and carry a portion of the heat-exchange fluid carried in the drivetrain loop. Alternatively, the comfort control loop may carry a second heat-exchange fluid that remains separate from the heat-exchange fluid of the drivetrain loop and exchanges heat therewith in a heat exchanger.

1 . Apparatus for improving the energy efficiency of a motor vehicle having a drivetrain temperature control loop carrying a heat-exchange fluid to a drivetrain component, the apparatus comprising:
 a thermoelectric heat-pump disposed in the vehicle ; and   a comfort control loop exchanging heat with the thermoelectric heat-pump and with the drivetrain temperature control loop.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the comfort control loop branches from the drivetrain loop and carries a portion of the heat-exchange fluid. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the portion of the fluid carried by the comfort control loop is regulated by at least one valve. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the at least one valve is controlled at least in part by an automatic climate control system. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the comfort control loop carries a second heat-exchange fluid that exchanges heat with the heat-exchange fluid of the drivetrain loop. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the comfort control loop and the drivetrain loop exchange heat in a heat exchanger. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the drivetrain component is at least one of a battery, a fuel cell, an electric motor, a power electronics unit, and a mechanical transmission. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the thermoelectric heat-pump is located in a passenger seat. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the drivetrain temperature control loop comprises a heat exchanger through which the heat-exchange fluid flows. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the heat exchanger is a second thermoelectric heat-pump. 
     
     
         11 . A system for improving the energy efficiency of a motor vehicle comprising:
 a drivetrain component;   a temperature control loop circulating a heat-exchange fluid to the drivetrain component;   a thermoelectric heat-pump disposed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle; and   a comfort control loop branching from the temperature control loop and carrying a portion of the heat-exchange fluid to the thermoelectric heat-pump.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the drivetrain component is at least one of a battery, a fuel cell, an electric motor, a power electronics unit, and a mechanical transmission. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the portion of the fluid carried by the comfort control loop is regulated by a valve. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the valve is controlled by an automatic climate control system. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11  wherein thermoelectric heat-pump is located in a passenger seat. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the temperature control loop comprises a heat exchanger through which the heat-exchange fluid flows. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the heat exchanger is a second thermoelectric heat-pump. 
     
     
         18 . Apparatus for improving the energy efficiency of a motor vehicle comprising:
 a drivetrain component;   a temperature control loop circulating a heat-exchange fluid to the drivetrain component and including a drivetrain heat exchanger;   a thermoelectric heat-pump disposed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle; and   a comfort control loop exchanging heat with the drivetrain temperature control loop and with the thermoelectric heat-pump.   
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18  further comprising:
 a HVAC system circulating air through the passenger compartment; and 
 an electronic control unit controlling the HVAC system and the thermoelectric heat-pump. 
 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the comfort control loop branches from the drivetrain temperature control loop and carries a portion of the heat-exchange fluid.