THERMOELECTRIC AIR-CONDITION APPARATUS

Abstract: A thermoelectric air conditioning apparatus (100) is comprised of a housing (80) having a plurality of air inlets (82, 86) and a plurality of air outlets (84, 88); a plurality of thermoelectric elements (10-18); two heat exchangers (50, 60); a temperature regulator (90), having first (92) and second air inlets (94), a main air outlet (96) and at least one exhaust outlet (98); two air circulation units (70, 76) and a control unit (160). Thermoelectric elements (10-18) are energized, and cause a reduction of temperature on one side and an increase of temperature on the other side. One air flow is forced to flow through one of the housing air inlets, over a heat exchanger and to the first air outlet of the temperature regulator. Another air flow is forced to flow through one of the housing inlets, over the other heat exchanger and to the second air outlet of the temperature regulator. The temperature of the air leaving the main outlet (96) of the temperature regulator is determined by proportioning the flow of air from the first air inlet of the temperature regulator and the air flow from the second air inlet of the temperature regulator into and through the main outlet of the temperature regulator.

Description: THERMOELECTRIC AIR-CONDITION APPARATUS THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an thermoelectric air condition apparatus. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an air-condition apparatus, based on thermoelectric elements. Thermoelectric apparatus based on peltier effect thermoelectric elements are well known. U.S. patent no. 5,713,208 describes a thermoelectric cooling apparatus, based on thermoelectric elements, which is used to cool an object. U.S. patent no. 5,197,294 describes a thermoelectric apparatus for air-conditioning a protective body suit, using thermoelectric elements. The thermoelectric apparatus of both patents can either cool its user or warm its user. The apparatus is coupled to a D.C. voltage supply. A user can reverse the polarity of D.C. voltage supply, causing the thermoelectric apparatus to change its mode from cooling to heating. A disadvantage of the prior art apparatuses is that this change takes a relative long period, because a side that was hot has to start cooling, and vice verse. Another disadvantage of the prior art is that f equent changes in the polarity of the D.C. voltage supply to the thermoelectric elements can shorten the life time period of the thermoelectric elements. Another disadvantage of the mentioned apparatuses is the disability to control the temperature of the air flow which exits the thermoelectric device. Yet another disadvantage of air-condition apparatuses using a thermoelectric element is the usage of thermoelectric elements both to cool air and to warm air. Thermoelectric elements are usually more expensive, and have a shorter life time period than heating coils. Usually, the cold side of a thermoelectric element is connected to a first heat exchanger, and the hot side is connected to the second heat exchanger. When a thermoelectric element is activated, some of the electromagnetic energy supplied to the unit is "lost" - it turns into heat (i.e.- additional heat). The additional heat is channeled to the hot side of the thermoelectric element, and to the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger has to exchange more heat than the first heat exchanger, so that the second heat exchanger is usually larger than the first heat exchanger. Thermoelectric apparatus in which changing modes is done by reversing the polarity of the D.C. voltage supplied to the thermoelectric elements, have larger heat exchangers because both heat exchangers can be used to exchange the heat from the hot side. Accordingly, there is a need for an air-condition apparatus based on thermoelectric elements which can allow fast and frequent changes of temperature. Accordingly, there is a need for an air-condition apparatus based on thermoelectric elements which can allow the regulation of the temperature of the air flow which exits the air-condition unit. Accordingly, there is a need for an air-condition apparatus, based on thermoelectric elements which allows to use other means then thermoelectric element, to warm air. Accordingly, there is a need for a non-symmetrical air-condition apparatus, based on thermoelectric elements which has one side which can exchange more heat than the other side. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the main section of a thermoelectric air -condition apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the main section of a thermoelectric air - condition apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 is a top view of temperature regulator, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a side view of temperature regulator, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a front view of temperature regulator, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 6 is a top view of temperature regulator, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is a side view of temperature regulator, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 8 is a front view of temperature regulator, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the main section of a thermoelectric air condition apparatus, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 10 is a detailed description of the control unit panel, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The problem underlying the invention is basically solved by applying the features laid down in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims. An advantage of the invention is that it provides an air-condition apparatus, based on thermoelectric elements which can allow the regulation of the temperature of the air flow which exits the air-condition apparatus. Another advantage of the invention is that it provides an air-condition apparatus based on thermoelectric elements which allows to use other means than thermoelectric element, to warm air. Yet another advantage of the invention is that it provides a compact size air-condition apparatus, based on thermoelectric elements. A further advantage of the invention is that it provides an air- condition apparatus, based on thermoelectric elements which allow fast and frequent changes of temperature. Yet a further advantage of the invention is that it provides an air- condition apparatus, based on thermoelectric elements which has one side which can exchange more heat than the other side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the preferred embodiments disclosed herein, the invention is described in connection with the cooling and heating air. It is to be understood, however, that the principles of the invention are equally applicable to any fluid. FIGS. 1-2 are a perspective view and a cross sectional view of the main section 102 of a thermoelectric air condition apparatus (i.e.-TACA) 100, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Main section 102 is connected to a temperature regulator 90, which is shown in FIGS. 3-5 and FIGS. 6-8, and coupled to a control panel 130, shown in FIG. 10. Section 102 of TACA 100 is comprised of : A plurality of thermoelectric elements (i.e.- TE) 10-18, having first set of inputs 20-28, and a second set of inputs 120-128, both for receiving D.C. voltage. TE 10-18 have two opposite base plates : first pase plates 40-48 and second base plates 30-38. Creating a voltage difference between a first input and second input of one of TE 10-18 results in a electrical current which passes through that TE and causes a reduction of temperature in TE first base plates (i.e.- cold side) 40-48 and an increase of temperature in TE second base plates (i.e.- hot side) 30-38. Some of the first and second sets of inputs 20-28 and 120-128 can be connected in parallel to the voltage supply, and some of the first and second sets of inputs 20-28 and 120-128 can be connected in series. Preferably, the first set of inputs 20-28 and the second set of inputs 120-128 are connected in parallel to the power supply. Those who are skilled in the art will understand that reversing the polarity of the D.C. voltage inputted to first set of inputs 20-28 and second set of inputs 120-128 causes first sides 30-38 to become cold and second sides 40-48 to become hot. For convenience, the hot side of TE 10-18 are denoted as 30-38 and the cold side of TE 10-18 are denoted as 40-48. Two heat exchangers 50, 60, having bases 52, 62 respectively. Base 52 of the first heat exchanger 50 is thermally coupled to sides 30-38 of TE 10-18. For convenience, the first heat exchanger 50 is referred to as the hot heat exchanger 50. Base 62 of the second heat exchanger 60 is thermally coupled to sides 40-48 of TE 10-18. For convenience, the second heat exchanger 60 is referred to as the cold heat exchanger 60. Conveniently, cold sides 40-48 of TE 10-18 are connected to spacers, made of heat conductive material. The spacers have two sides, wherein one side is connected to the cold sides 40-48 and the other side is connected to base 62 of second heat exchanger. The space between the TE 10-18, the base 62 of the second heat exchanger 60 and the base 52 of the first heat exchanger 50 are filled with a heat insulating material. TE 10-18 remain thermally coupled to first and second heat exchangers 50 and 60. A plurality of spaced projections 54, are projected from base 52 and are integrally formed with said base 52. Preferably, the spaced projections 54 are shaped like plain fins or pin fins, which are orthogonal to base 52. A plurality of spaced projections 64, are projected from base 64 and are integrally formed with said base 62. Preferably, the spaced projections 64 are shaped like plain fins or pin fins, which are orthogonal to base 62. Housing 80, surrounding the TE 10-18, the cold heat exchanger 60, has a plurality of fluid (i.e.-air) inlets and a plurality of fluid (i.e.- air) outlets. For conveyance of explanation, and without limiting the scope of the invention, housing 80 is regarded as having two fluid inlets - a hot fluid (i.e.- air) inlet 82, and cold fluid (i.e. - air) inlet 86, and having two fluid (i.e. - air) outlets - a hot fluid (i.e.- air) outlet 84 and a cold fluid (i.e.- air) outlet 88. Both air inlets 82 and 86, are used to input ambient air into TACA 100. At least a part of hot heat exchanger 50, is within housing 80. Housing 80 outer surface is made of heat insulating material. Conveniently, the inner part of housing 80, which surrounds the cold heat exchanger 60 is made of a heat conductive material. Those who are skilled in the art will appreciate that a temperature regulator (denoted as 90 in FIG. 2) can be installed within housing 80, so that housing 80 will have a main air outlet (denoted as 96 in FIG. 2), and a plurality of air exhaust outlets (not shown in FIG. 1). First fluid (i.e. - air) circulation unit 70, sucks fluid and conviently ambiant air by means of a first fan, pump or blower 72, and forces the fluid to flow, through housing hot fluid inlet 82, over the spaced projections 54 of the hot heat exchanger 50, thus undergoing an increase of temperature before being forced through first fluid inlet 92 of temperature regulator 90 (temperature regulator 90 is further shown in FIG. 3). For convenience, said fluid (i.e - air) flow is refereed to as hot air stream 120. First air circulation unit 70 can also have a first filter 74, placed between housing 80 hot air inlet 82 and the first fan, pump or blower 72, for removing dirt particles in the sucked ambient air. Second fluid (i.e. - air) circulation unit 76, sucks fluid, and conveneitly ambient air by means of a second fan, pump or blower 78, and forces the fluid (i.e. - air) to flow, through housing 80 cold air inlet 86 and over the spaced projections 64 of the cold heat exchanger 60, thus undergoing a reduction of temperature before being forced through second air inlet 92 of temperature regulator 90. For convenience, said air flow is refereed to as cold air stream 126. Second air circulation unit 76 can also have a second filter 78 , placed between housing 80 cold air inlet 86 and the second fan, pump or blower 78, for removing dirt particles in the sucked ambient air. Those who are skilled in the art will understand that the hot heat exchanger 50 can be cooled by a hose, made of heat conducting material, in which a cooled air is circulated, wherein the close hose is connected to the hot heat exchanger. For example, housing 80 can have a single air inlet (not shown in FIG. 1), wherein the air which flows through the single air inlet is split. The air can be forced through TACA 100 by a single air circulation unit (not shown in FIG. 1). A control unit 130 (not shown in FIG. 1 , but an analogues control unit, denoted as 160 is shown in FIG. 10), having a TE control output, a temperature regulating output, a on/off switch and a temperature regulation switch. Control unit 130 controls the voltage and current supply to inputs 20-28 of TE 10-18, and controls the temperature regulator 90, to allow TACA 100 to supply an output air stream having a selected temperature out of a large range of temperatures. Those who are skilled in the art will appreciate that TACA 100 can act as a dehumidifier, especially when the temperature of the air flowing through the main air outlet equals the temperature of the ambient air. FIGS. 3-5 are a top view, a side view and a front view of temperature regulator 90, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Temperature regulator 90 is comprised of three parts 112, 114 and 116, preferably of rectangular shape, a base 118, a sheave 121 and a servo motor 110. Base 118 is connected to lower sides of all three parts 112, 114 and 116. First part 112 has a first air inlet 92 and a second air inlet 94. Second part 114 preferably has a first air exhaust outlet 98 and a second exhaust outlet 100. Second part 114 conveniently has one exhaust outlet 99 (not shown in FIGS. 3-5), instead of first and second air exhaust outlets 98, 100. Third part 116 has a main air outlet 96 and a piston 111 which travels in the space confined by the first part 112, the second part 114 and the base. Piston 111 can various shapes, according to the space confined by the first and second parts 112 and 114 of temperature regulator 90, in which piston 111 can travel. Piston 111 has an ability to travel perpendicular to the first air inlet 92, the second air inlet 94, the first air exhaust outlet 98 and to the second air exhaust outlet 100. Piston 111 has 3 cavities. First cavity 113 allows the flow of air from the first air inlet 92 to the first air exhaust outlet 98. Second cavity 115 allows the air flow from the first and second air inlet 92 and 94 to the main exhaust outlet 96. Third cavity 117 allows the flow of air from the second air inlet 94 to the second air exhaust outlet 100. Second cavity 115 preferably is larger then first cavity 113 and third cavity 117. Piston 111 is connected to a sheave 121. Sheave 121 is preferably connected to a servo engine 110. Servo engine has control inputs 123, for receiving control signals from control unit 130. Control unit 130 sends the servo engine 123 control signals which causes the sheave, and the piston to travel in the space confined by the first and second parts 112 and 114 of temperature regulator 90. In another embodiment of the invention, sheave 121 is connected to a lever (not shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 6-8 ) and not to servo engine 123. The lever can be moved manually. The first, second and third cavity 113,115 and 117 fully overlap the first air inlet 92 and the second air inlet 94, so that the air that flows through the first and second air inlets 92 and 94 flows through one of more of the three cavities 113, 115 and 117, and through the main air outlet 96 and a least one of the first and second air exhaust outlets 98 and 100. The temperature of the air leaving the main air outlet 96 is determined by proportioning the flow of air from the first air inlet 92 and the second air inlet 94 into and through the main air outlet 96. The proportioning is done by moving piston 111 in a way which changes the relative overlapping between the second cavity 115 and the first and second air inlets 92 and 94. For example, if the air condition apparatus user needs a flow of cold air, the piston 111 is moved so that the second cavity 115 will overlap just the second air inlet 94 so that the cold air flow 126 flows from the second air inlet, through the second cavity 115 and to the main air outlet 96. The hot air flow 120 flows from the first air inlet 92, through the first cavity 113 to the first air exhaust outlet 98. If, for example, the air condition apparatus user needs a warmer air flow, the piston 111 is moved so that the second cavity 115 will also partly overlap the first air inlet 92. Those who are skill in the art will appreciate that temperature regulator 90 can have an auxiliary exhaust outlet 99 (not shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 6-8), instead of first and second air exhaust outlets 98, 100. Second cavity 115 allows the air flow from the first and second air inlet 92 and 94 to the main exhaust outlet 96. In a further embodiment of the invention, the second exhaust outlet 100 of temperature regulator 90 is connected to a second insulating hose 170, having a smaller cross section then hot air inlet 82. Second insulating hose 170 is connected to hot air inlet 82, so that both cooled air from hose 170 and ambient air are sucked by first air circulating unit 70, amounting in an improved heat discharge of hot air exchanger 50. FIGS. 6-8 are a top view, a side view and a front view of temperature regulator 190, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. Temperature regulator 190 is analogous to temperature regulator 90 except for the following changes : Second part 114' has the main exhaust outlet 96' of temperature regulator 190. Third part 116' has the first and second exhaust outlets 98' and 100'. Piston 111 ' of temperature regulator 190 has just one cavity 115', analogous to second cavity 115 of temperature regulator 90. Cavity 115' allows the air flow from the first and second air inlets 92' and 94' to the main exhaust outlet 96'. Piston 111' of FIGS. 6-8 can be shorter than piston 111 of FIGS 3-5, allowing exhausted air (i.e.- the air which does not flow through main exhaust outlet 96') to flow through a space confined by piston 111 ' first part 112', second part 114' and base 118'. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the main section 102' of a thermoelectric air condition apparatus (i.e.-TACA) 100', according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. Main section 102' is connected to a temperature regulator 90, which is shown in FIG. 2, and is coupled to a control panel 160, shown in FIG. 10. Section 102' is analogues to main section 102 shown in FIG. 1, and the only difference between main section 102 and main section 102' is the addition of a heating element 140. Heating element 140, is installed within housing 80. Heating element 140 is preferably placed between the hot air exchanger 50 and the hot air outlet 84, but it can also be placed in other locations within housing 80. Preferably, most or all of heating element 140 is located within the path of the hot air flow 120. More conveniently, heating element 140 has a spiral shape, wherein its main axis is parallel to the path of hot air flow 120. Heating element 140 has two inputs, wherein supplying electromagnetic energy to the heating element causes it to radiate heat. Preferably, heating element 140 is activated instead of TE 10-18. First air circulation unit 70, sucks ambient air by means of a first fan or a blower 72, and forces the air to flow, through housing hot air inlet 82, over the spaced projections 54 of the hot heat exchanger 50, and over heating element 140, thus undergoing an increase of temperature before being flown through hot air outlet 84 of housing 80 to a first air inlet 92 of temperature regulator 90. Second air circulation unit 76, sucks ambient air by means of a second fan or a blower 78, and forces the air to flow, through housing 80 cold air inlet 86, over the spaced projections 64 of the cold heat exchanger 60 through cold air outlet 88 of housing 80, to a second air inlet 94 of temperature regulator 90. Because TE 10-18 are not activated this air stream does not undergo a reduction of temperature within TACA 100. Control unit 160 activates heating element 140, and preferably does not activate TE 10-18. A stream of ambient air will flow to the second air inlet 92 of the temperature regulator 90 and a stream of ambient air will flow over the heating element 140 and into the first air inlet 94 of the temperature regulator 90. FIG. 10 is a detailed description of the control unit 160 panel 162, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Panel 162 preferably has a rectangular shape. Panel 162 has a first control knob 163 for activating TACA 100 and for controlling the strength of the air flow, and the intensity of cooling and heating done by TE 10-18 or the heating element, a first switch 164 for determining whether to activate the heating element 140 or TE 10-18 and a second control knob 165 for controlling temprature regulator 90 and consequently determining the temperature of the air flow flowing out of the main air outlet 92. Control 130 panel 132 (not shown in FIG. 10) is analogues to control panel 160, but without the first switch 164. First control knob 163 conveniently controls the level of D.C. voltage arriving to TE 10-18 inputs 20-28 and 120-128, and to fan or blowers 72,78 and to heating element 140. Preferably, the first control knob 163 also activates or deactivates the TACA 100. The D.C. voltage level can be changed by rotating the first control knob 163. The second control knob 165 controls the servo motor 110. If a lever replaces the servo motor 110, there is no need of the second control knob 165. Those who are skilled in the art will appreciate that the control circuitry is simple, well known, and can be implemented in many ways. For example, the first control knob 163 can control an analog circuit having an output voltage which is proportional to the control signal arriving from first control knob 163. Said analog circuit can be a potentiometer. In another embodiment of the invention, the control panel 160 includes additional control knobs (not shown in FIG. 10), which allow to control the level of D.C. voltage arriving to each of the following elements : TE 10-18, first fan or blower 72, second fan or blower 78, heating element 140. Those who are skilled in tha art will appriciate that the thermoelectric air condition apparatus, can be mounted on a motorcycle and used to cool and heat a motorcyclist. The thermoelectric air condition apparatus can be used to cool and heat a cockpit of an airplain or a cockpit of a helicopter, an micro-car, a tent, a sleeping bag. The thermoelectric air condition apparatus can also be used to cool and heat a patient, placed within a relatively confined space. The thermoelectric air condition apparatus can be coupled to a body suit or jacket, for cooling and heating the wearer of the body suit or jacket. Those who are skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is determined in the claims that follow.

Claims: What is claimed is : 1. A thermoelectric air-condition apparatus comprising of : a housing having a plurality of fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid outlets; a plurality of thermoelectric elements, within the housing, each having a first base and a second base, in which an application of an electrical current causes a reduction of temperature in the first base and an increase of temperature on the second base; a first heat exchanger, having a base plate connected to the first base plates of the plurality of thermoelectric elements; wherein at least a part of the first heat exchanger is within the housing; a second heat exchanger, within the housing, having a base plate connected to the second base plates of the plurality of thermoelectric elements; a first fluid circulation unit, within the housing, for forcing fluid to flow through one of plurality of the housing fluid inlets ,over the first heat exchanger and to the first fluid inlet of the temperature regulator; a second fluid circulation unit, within the housing, for forcing fluid to flow through one of the plurality of the housing fluid inlets, over the second heat exchanger and to the second fluid inlet of the temperature regulator; a temperature regulator, having a first and second fluid inlets, a main fluid outlet and at least one fluid exhaust outlet, for regulating the temperature of the fluid flow outputted through its main fluid outlet; a control unit, coupled to the temperature regulator, for controlling the temperature of the fluid flow through the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator; and wherein the temperature of the fluid leaving the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator is determined by proportioning the flow of fluid from the first fluid inlet of the temperature regulator and the fluid flow from the second fluid inlet of the temperature regulator into and through the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second heat exchanger have a base plate and a plurality of fins integrally formed with the base and projecting from the opposite side thereof. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid is air. 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the temperature regulator is within the housing; wherein the housing has a main fluid outlet and a plurality of exhaust outlets; wherein the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator is connected to the main fluid outlet of the housing; and wherein the plurality of fluid exhaust outlets of the temperature regulator are connected to the plurality of fluid exhaust outlets of the housing. 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the temperature regulator is comprising of: a base; a first part, having a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet; a second part, having a plurality of fluid exhaust outlets; a third part, having a main fluid outlet and a piston; wherein the piston travels in the space confined by the base, the first part and the second part; wherein, the piston has three cavities; wherein the first cavity allows the flow of fluid from the first fluid inlet of the temperature regulator to one of the plurality of fluid exhaust outlet of the temperature regulator; wherein the second cavity allows the fluid flow from the first and second fluid inlet of the temperature regulator to the main fluid outlet; wherein the third cavity allows the flow of fluid from the second fluid inlet of the temperature regulator to one of the plurality of fluid exhaust outlet of the temperature regulator; wherein the piston can travel in the space confined by the first and second parts of temperature regulator; wherein the first, second and third cavity overlap the first fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet of the temperature regulator, so that the fluid that flows through the first and second fluid inlets of the temperature regulator flows through one or more of the three cavities, and through the main fluid outlet and at least one of the plurality of exhaust outlets of the temperature regulator; and wherein the temperature of the fluid leaving the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator is determined by moving the piston in a way which changes the relative overlapping between the second cavity and the first and second fluid inlets of the temperature regulator. 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the temperature regulator is comprising of : a sheave, connected to the piston; a servo engine, having control inputs coupled to the control unit, wherein servo engine is connected to the sheave, for moving the piston. wherein the control unit sends the servo engine control signals which causes the sheave, and the piston to travel in the space confined by the first and second parts of temperature regulator. 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the temperature regulator comprises of : a piston, having a single cavity, wherein the single cavity allows the fluid flow from the first and second fluid inlets of the temperature regulator to the main fluid outlet; wherein the temperature of the fluid leaving the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator is determined by moving the piston in a way which changes the relative overlapping between the single cavity and the first and second fluid inlets of the temperature regulator; and wherein the fluid flowing from the first and second fluid inlets of the temperature regulator, which does not flow through the single cavity, is exhausted through a space confined by the piston, the first and second parts of the temperature regulator and the temperature regulator base. 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the temperature regulator further comprising of : a sheave, connected to the piston; a servo engine, having control inputs coupled to the control unit, wherein servo engine is connected to the sheave, for moving the piston. wherein the control unit sends the servo engine control signals which causes the sheave, and the piston to travel in the space confined by the first and second parts of temperature regulator. 9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the temperature regulator further comprising of a lever, connected to the piston; and wherein moving the lever causes the piston to travel in the space confined by the first and second parts of temperature regulator. 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a heating element is installed within the housing; wherein, supplying electromagnetic energy to the heating element causes it to radiate heat; and wherein the apparatus can be used to warm fluid by activating the heating element instead of the thermoelectric elements. 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the heating element is placed between the first fluid exchanger and the first fluid outlet of the housing; and wherein most or all of the heating element is located within the path of the fluid flow that enters the first fluid outlet of the housing. 12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the control unit has a panel with two knobs and a switch; wherein the first knob controls the strength of the fluid flow, flowing out of the temperature regulator main fluid outlet and for controlling the intensity of cooling and heating done by the thermoelectric elements or the heating element; wherein the switch determines whether to activate the thermoelectric elements of the heating elements; and wherein the second knob determines the temperature of the fluid flow, flowing out of the temperature regulator main fluid outlet. 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first knob controls the level of D.C. voltage inputted to the thermoelectric elements, the heating device and the first and second fluid circulation units; and wherein the second knob controls the movement of the piston. 14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the control unit can control the level of D.C. voltage inputted to each of the thermoelectric elements, the level of D.C. voltage arriving to the heating device and the level of D.C. voltage arriving to each of the two fluid circulation units. 10 MSΠΠΠEWØP I KΛ 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the temperature regulator has a first and a second fluid exhaust outlets; wherein cold fluid is exhausted through the first fluid exhaust outlet; wherein hot fluid is exhausted through the second fluid exhaust outlet; wherein the first exhaust outlet is connected to an insulating hose; wherein the insulating hose has a smaller cross section then the hot fluid inlet; wherein the insulating hose is connected to hot fluid inlet; and wherein both cold fluid from the hose and ambient fluid can be sucked by the first fluid circulating unit. 16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising of a plurality of spacers; wherein the spacers are made of heat conductive material; wherein the spacers have two side plates; wherein the first sides of the thermoelectric elements are connected to the first plate side of the spacers; wherein the second plate side of each spacer is connected to the base of the second heat exchangers; wherein, space between the thermoelectric elements, the spacers, the bases of the first and second heat exchange units is filled with a heat insulating material. 17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the temperature of the air flowing through the main fluid outlet equals the temperature of the ambient air; and wherein the air flowing through the apparatus is dehumidified. 18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing has a single fluid inlet, wherein the fluid which flows through the single fluid inlet is sucked by a fluid circulation unit and then split into two parts; wherein a first part of the fluid flow flows over the first heat exchanger; and wherein the other part of the fluid flows over the second heat exchanger. 19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is mounted on a motorcycle; and wherein the apparatus is coupled to a body suit, worn by a motorcyclist.

Inventors: DRORI RAMI A, GUTTMAN GLEN D, DRORI, RAMI, A., GUTTMAN, GLEN, D.
Applicants: DRORI RAMI A, ENTROSYS LTD, GUTTMAN GLEN D, DRORI, RAMI, A., ENTROSYS LTD., GUTTMAN, GLEN, D.
Application year: 1998
Main classification: F25B21
IPC codes: F24F5, F25B21