Variable temperature seat climate control system

Abstract

A temperature climate control system comprises a variable temperature seat, at least one heat pump, at least one heat pump temperature sensor, and a controller. Each heat pump comprises a number of Peltier thermoelectric modules for temperature conditioning the air in a main heat exchanger and a main exchanger fan for passing the conditioned air from the main exchanger to the variable temperature seat. The Peltier modules and each main fan may be manually adjusted via a temperature switch and a fan switch, respectively. Additionally, the temperature climate control system may comprise a number of additional temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the occupant as well as the temperature of the conditioned air directed to the occupant. The controller is configured to automatically regulate the operation of the Peltier modules and / or each main fan according to a temperature climate control algorithm designed both to maximize occupant comfort during normal operation, and minimize possible equipment damage, occupant discomfort, or occupant injury in the event of a heat pump malfunction.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to a variable temperature seat and, more specifically, to a method and apparatus for controlling the flow and temperature of a heating or cooling medium through the seat to an occupant positioned in such seat.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONCooling or heating occupants of buildings, homes, automobiles and the like is generally carried out by convection through modifying the temperature of air surrounding the occupants environment. The effectiveness of convection heating or cooling is largely dependent on the ability of the temperature conditioned air to contact and surround all portions of the occupants's body. Heating and cooling occupants through convention is generally thought to be efficient in such applications as homes, offices, and other like structures where the occupants are not stationary or fixed in one position but, rather are moving around allowing maximum contact with the temperature treated air.In other applicat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

After an initial fan speed and Peltier temperature setting has been selected, the controller monitors the temperature information relayed from each heat pump. In addition, the controller may also be configured to monitor the ambient temperature of the air surrounding the variable temperature seat occupant as well as the temperature of the conditioned air directed to the variable temperature seat occupant, via the use of additional temperature sensors. The controller regulates the operation of each main exchanger fan, each waste exchanger fan, and each Peltier module according to a temperature climate control algorithm. The control algorithm is designed to maximize occupant comfort and minimize the possibility of equipment damage, occupant discomfort or even occupant injury in the event of a system malfunction.

The control algorithm is also designed to limit the power to the Peltier modules during the cooling mode of operation when the temperature of the cooling air directed to the occupant exceeds a predetermined minimum cooling temperature and the temperature has not been adjusted for a predetermined period of time, thus minimizing possible occupant discomfort associated with overcooling the occupant's back. In addition, the control algorithm is designed to limit the power to the Peltier modules during the cooling mode of operation when the temperature difference between the ambient air surrounding the variable temperature seat occupant and the conditioned air directed to the occupant is greater than a predetermined amount.

Problems solved by technology

In such applications the use of distributing temperature conditioned air into the cabin of the vehicle to heat or cool the occupant is less effective due to the somewhat limited surface area of contact with the occupant's body.

The seat constructions known in the art, although addressing the need to provide a more efficient method of heating or cooling the occupant, has not addressed the need to provide temperature conditioned air to an occupant in a manner that both maximizes occupant comfort and maximizes power efficiency.

The seats known in the art that provide temperature conditioned air to an occupant do not operate in an electrically efficient manner.

The practice of dissipating excess power instead of providing only that amount of power necessary to operate the Peltier thermoelectric devices makes such seats unsuited for such power sensitive applications as the electric vehicle as well as other applications where electrical efficiency is a concern.

However, the seats known in the art are unable to automatically regulate the temperature or flow rate of the cool or heated air distributed to the occupant in the event that the thermoelectric device malfunctions or in the event that the user falls asleep.

An electrical malfunctioning of the thermoelectric device could result in the abnormal heating of the device, causing damage to the thermoelectric device itself.

An electrical malfunction could result in the distribution of hot air to the occupant, causing discomfort or even injury.

Additionally, an initial temperature setting of maximum heat or maximum cold that is left untouched in the event the occupant falls asleep may cause damage to the thermoelectric device itself or may cause discomfort or even injury to the occupant.

The seats known in the art, while able to vary the distribution of air to the seat bottom or seat back via occupant adjustment, do not allow the occupant to vary the temperature of the air passing through the seat back or seat bottom, independently.

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