Patent ID: 6057050
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: B01F,B29C,B60H,B60L,F01N,H01L,H01M,H02J,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
A thermal management device for varying the temperature of a battery, the battery having an exterior and a case containing an electrolyte solution and capable of producing an electrical potential, the thermal management device comprising:a heat sink disposed within the case;a thermoelectric generator disposed within the case comprised of a plurality of alternating p-type semiconductor materials and n-type semiconductor materials having gaps therebetween, the p-type and n-type semiconductor materials having a first end and a second end disposed in electrical contact with a plurality of first junction surfaces on the first end and in electrical contact with a plurality of second junction surfaces on the second end, the first junction surfaces in heat exchange relationship with the heat sink, the second junction surfaces in heat exchange relationship with the exterior of the battery; anda power source in electrical contact with the thermoelectric generator operable to supply current to the thermoelectric generator such that a temperature difference is produced between the first junction surfaces and the second junction surfaces.