Thermoelectric refrigerator having improved temperature-stabilization means

Patent · Wed Jul 29 04:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:5259107

Falco, C. M.

A control system for thermoelectric refrigerators is disclosed. The thermoelectric refrigerator includes at least one thermoelectric element that undergoes a first order change at a predetermined critical temperature. The element functions as a thermoelectric refrigerator element above the critical temperature but discontinuously ceases to function as a thermoelectric refrigerator element below the critical temperature. One example of such an arrangement includes thermoelectric refrigerator elements which are superconductors. The transition temperature of one of the superconductor elements is selected as the temperature control point of the refrigerator. When the refrigerator attempts to cool below the point, the metals become superconductors losing their ability to perform as a thermoelectric refrigerator. An extremely accurate, first-order control is realized.

• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): None
• Application Number: ON: DE82013594
• OSTI ID: 5259107
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300301 -- Thermoelectric Generators-- Design & Development
420201* -- Engineering-- Cryogenic Equipment & Devices
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CONTROL
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
CONTROL SYSTEMS
CRITICAL TEMPERATURE
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EQUIPMENT
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
REFRIGERATORS
SUPERCONDUCTING DEVICES
SUPERCONDUCTORS
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATORS
THERMOSTATS
TRANSITION TEMPERATURE