U.S. patent application number 13/423455 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-27 for heat pump system.
This patent application is currently assigned to KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI. Invention is credited to Junki NAKAMURA, Motoaki OKUDA, Hiromi UEDA, Naoya YOKOMACHI.
Application Number | 20120240598 13/423455 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45939128 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120240598 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
UEDA; Hiromi ; et
al. |
September 27, 2012 |
HEAT PUMP SYSTEM
Abstract
One aspect of the present invention may include a heat pump
system having a Peltier unit in an outdoor space and an outdoor
heat exchange unit in the outdoor space. The Peltier unit has a
Peltier element with a heat-absorbing portion and a heat-radiating
portion, a first substrate in contact with the heat-absorbing
portion, a second substrate in contact with the heat-radiating
portion, a metal case and a resin case. The metal case covers the
first substrate and forms a first flow path between itself and the
first substrate. The first flow path is connected in a loop-like
fashion to the outdoor heat exchange unit by an outdoor piping. The
resin case covers the second substrate and forms a second flow path
between itself and the second substrate. The second flow path is
connected in a loop-like fashion to the indoor heat exchange unit
by an indoor piping.
Inventors: |
UEDA; Hiromi; (Kariya-shi,
JP) ; YOKOMACHI; Naoya; (Kariya-shi, JP) ;
OKUDA; Motoaki; (Kariya-shi, JP) ; NAKAMURA;
Junki; (Kariya-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA
JIDOSHOKKI
Aichi-ken
JP
|
Family ID: |
45939128 |
Appl. No.: |
13/423455 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/3.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 1/003 20130101;
F25B 2321/023 20130101; B60L 2270/46 20130101; F25B 21/02 20130101;
F25B 2321/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/3.7 |
International
Class: |
F25B 21/02 20060101
F25B021/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 22, 2011 |
JP |
2011-062268 |
Claims
1. A heat pump system comprising: a Peltier unit installed in an
outdoor space; an outdoor heat exchange unit installed in the
outdoor space and connected to the Peltier unit via an outdoor
piping in a loop-like fashion to effect heat exchange with air in
the outdoor space; and an indoor heat exchange unit provided in an
indoor space and connected to the Peltier unit in a loop-like
fashion by an indoor piping to effect heat exchange with air in the
indoor space, wherein the Peltier unit comprises: a Peltier element
equipped with a first heat surface and a second heat surface, one
of the surfaces constituting a heat-absorbing portion, one of the
surfaces constituting a heat-radiating portion, a first substrate
being in contact with the first heat surface, a second substrate
being in contact with the second heat surface, a metal case
covering the first substrate and forming a first flow path between
the metal case and the first substrate, the first flow path
connected in a loop-like fashion to the outdoor heat exchange unit
by the outdoor piping, and a resin case covering the second
substrate and forming a second flow path between the resin case and
the second substrate, the second flow path connected in a loop-like
fashion to the indoor heat exchange unit by the indoor piping.
2. A heat pump system as in claim 1, further comprising a heat
generating body mounted to the metal case so as to allow heat
exchange, wherein an electric current is supplied to the Peltier
element such that the first heat surface of the Peltier element
constitutes the heat-absorbing portion.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese patent
application serial number 2011-62268, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a heat pump system
utilizing a Peltier element.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-36852
discloses an apparatus containing a Peltier element, a metal plate
held in contact with one end portion of the Peltier element, an
apparatus main body mounted to the metal plate, a casing covering
the apparatus main body in cooperation with the metal plate, a heat
sink held in contact with the other end portion of the Peltier
element and a duct covering the heat sink. When an electric current
is passed through the Peltier element, the metal plate side of the
Peltier element becomes a heat-absorbing portion, while the heat
sink side thereof becomes a heat-radiating portion. The
heat-absorbing portion of the Peltier element absorbs heat from the
apparatus main body via the metal plate to cool the apparatus main
body. The heat-radiating portion of the Peltier element radiates
heat to air flowing through the duct via the heat sink.
[0006] There exists the need for the utilization of a Peltier
element in efficiently adjusting a temperature of a room spaced
away from the Peltier element.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One aspect of the present invention can include a heat pump
system having a Peltier unit installed in an outdoor space, an
outdoor heat exchange unit installed in the outdoor space and
connected to the Peltier unit via an outdoor piping in a loop-like
fashion to effect heat exchange with the air in the outdoor space
and an indoor heat exchange unit provided in an indoor space and
connected to the Peltier unit in a loop-like fashion by an indoor
piping to effect heat exchange with air in the indoor space. The
Peltier unit has a Peltier element, a first substrate, a second
substrate, a metal case and a resin case. The Peltier element is
equipped with a first heat surface and a second heat surface. One
of the surfaces constitutes a heat-absorbing portion, and one of
the surfaces constitutes a heat-radiating portion. The first
substrate is in contact with the first heat surface. The second
substrate is in contact with the second heat surface. The metal
case covers the first substrate and forms a first flow path between
itself and the first substrate. The first flow path is connected in
a loop-like fashion to the outdoor heat exchange unit by the
outdoor piping. The resin case covers the second substrate and
forms a second flow path between itself and the second substrate.
The second flow path is connected in a loop-like fashion to the
indoor heat exchange unit by the indoor piping.
[0008] The metal case exhibits high thermal conductivity (heat
conductivity) because the metal case is formed of metal. And the
resin case exhibits low thermal conductivity because the resin case
is formed of resin. Accordingly, the efficiency of the heat pump
due to the Peltier element is improved. That is, for the purpose of
heating, an electric current is supplied to the Peltier element,
using the first substrate sides of the Peltier element as a
heat-absorbing portion and the second substrate sides thereof as a
heat-radiating portion. The heat-absorbing portion of the Peltier
element absorbs heat from an outdoor heat medium in the first flow
path of the metal case via the first substrate. The outdoor heat
medium absorbs heat from the air in the outdoor space via the metal
case. Thus, the heat of the air in the outdoor space is utilized to
improve the heat pump performance due to the Peltier element. On
the other hand, the heat-radiating portion of the Peltier element
supplies heat to an indoor heat medium in the second flow path of
the resin case via the second substrate. The heat supplied to the
indoor heat medium is not easily radiated into the air in the
outdoor space due to the low thermal conductivity of the resin
case. In comparison to the metal case, the resin case allows a
smaller quantity of heat to be radiated. As a result, the quantity
of heat supplied to the indoor heat exchange unit is increased,
thus achieving an improvement in terms of heating efficiency.
[0009] During cooling, an electric current is supplied to the
Peltier element, using the first substrate sides of the Peltier
element as a heat-radiating portion and the second substrate sides
as a heat-absorbing portion. The heat-radiating portion of the
Peltier element radiates heat to the outdoor heat medium in the
first flow path of the metal case via the first substrate. The
outdoor heat medium radiates heat to the air in the outdoor space
via the metal case. Thus, the heat is radiated to the air in the
outdoor space, whereby the heat pump performance due to the Peltier
element is improved. Conversely, the heat-absorbing portion of the
Peltier element absorbs heat from the indoor heat medium in the
second flow path of the resin case via the second substrate,
thereby supplying cold to the indoor heat medium. The cold supplied
to the indoor heat medium is not easily radiated to the air in the
outdoor space due to the low thermal conductivity of the resin
case. In comparison to the metal case, the resin case allows a
smaller quantity of cold to be radiated. As a result, the quantity
of cold supplied to the indoor heat exchange unit increases,
resulting in improved air-conditioning efficiency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a heat pump system;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a Peltier unit;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the Peltier
unit;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a Peltier
module;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an inverted perspective view of the lower half of
a Peltier module; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in
FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Each of the additional features and teachings disclosed
above and below may be utilized separately or in conjunction with
other features and teachings to provide improved heat pump systems.
Representative examples of the present invention, which examples
utilize many of these additional features and teachings both
separately and in conjunction with one another, will now be
described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. This
detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill
in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the
present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention. Only the claims define the scope of the claimed
invention. Therefore, combinations of features and steps disclosed
in the following detailed description may not be necessary to
practice the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead
taught merely to particularly describe representative examples of
the invention. Moreover, various features of the representative
examples and the dependent claims may be combined in ways that are
not specifically enumerated in order to provide additional useful
configurations of the present teachings.
[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will be described
with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. As shown in FIG. 1, a heat pump
system 1 is provided in a vehicle. The vehicle has a room (crew
room) 1c to be warmed by the heat pump system 1. The heat pump
system 1 has a Peltier unit 10, an outdoor heat exchange unit 12
and an indoor heat exchange unit 13.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, an outdoor heat exchange unit (radiator)
12 may be installed in an outdoor space 1b outside the room 1c. The
outdoor heat exchange unit 12 is connected to an engine 14 of the
vehicle by outdoor piping 17 in a loop-like fashion. A pump 15 is
provided at a point of the outdoor piping 17. The pump 15
circulates an outdoor heat medium (liquid coolant) between the
engine 14 and the outdoor heat exchange unit 12. The outdoor heat
medium receives heat (warm heat) from the engine 14, and radiates
the heat into the air in the outdoor space 1b via the outdoor heat
exchange unit 12.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the Peltier unit 10 is installed in the
outdoor space 1b. The Peltier unit 10 is connected in a loop-like
fashion to the outdoor heat exchange unit 12 by outdoor piping 18
connected to the outdoor piping 17 and is connected to the outdoor
heat exchange unit 12 in parallel with the engine 14. The Peltier
unit 10 absorbs heat from the outdoor heat medium, thereby cooling
it. Accordingly, the outdoor heat medium is cooled not only by the
outdoor heat exchange unit 12 but also by the Peltier unit 10.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the Peltier unit 10 is connected to the
indoor heat exchange unit 13 in a loop-like fashion via indoor
piping 19. A pump 16 is provided at a point in the indoor piping
19. The pump 16 circulates an indoor heat medium (liquid coolant)
between the Peltier unit 10 and the indoor heat exchange unit 13.
The indoor heat medium receives heat from the Peltier unit 10, and
dissipates the heat into the air in an indoor space 1a from the
indoor heat exchange unit 13. In this way, the indoor heat exchange
unit 13 warms the air in the indoor space 1a.
[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the Peltier unit 10 has a metal
case 6, a resin case 7, and a Peltier module 10a. The metal case 6
is formed of a metal with high thermal conductivity such as
aluminum, stainless steel, iron or copper. The resin case 7 is
formed of a resin with low thermal conductivity. The metal case 6
and the resin case 7 respectively have plate-like case main bodies
6a and 7a, tubular introduction pipes 6b and 7b, and tubular
discharge pipes 6c and 7c.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the case main bodies 6a and 7a
respectively have peripheral wall portions 6a1 and 7a1, and
partition portions 6a2 and 7a2. The peripheral wall portions 6a1
and 7a1, respectively, protrude vertically along the outer
peripheries of the case main bodies 6a and 7a. On the outer
peripheral portion of the peripheral wall portion 7a1, there is
formed an outer wall portion 7a4 further protruding vertically from
the peripheral wall portion 7a1.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the partition portions 6a2 and 7a2
respectively extend longitudinally in the middle regions of the
case main bodies 6a and 7a and protrude vertically. The partition
portions 6a2 and 7a2 are positioned at the middle regions in the
width direction of the case main bodies 6a and 7a. First and second
flow paths 6a3 and 7a3 are formed by the peripheral wall portions
6a1 and 7a1 and the partition portions 6a2 and 7a2. The first and
second flow paths 6a3 and 7a3 respectively extend in a U-shape on
the surfaces of the case main bodies 6a and 7a.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the introduction pipes 6b and 7b
and the discharge pipes 6c and 7c may extend vertically from the
case main bodies 6a and 7a. The introduction pipes 6b and 7b and
the discharge pipes 6c and 7c may be provided adjacently at one end
of the case main bodies 6a and 7a. The introduction pipes 6b and 7b
may have introduction paths 6b1 and 7b1 communicating with first
and second flow paths 6a3 and 7a3. The discharge pipes 6c and 7c
have discharge paths 6c1 and 7c1 also communicating with the first
and second flow paths 6a3 and 7a3.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the resin case 7 integrally has a
connector portion 7g. The connector portion 7g may be of a tubular
configuration and protrudes sideways from the case main body 7a. A
connector portion of a converter 11 may be connected to the
connector portion 7g.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the converter (heat generator) 11
has a converter main body 11b and a case 11a. The converter main
body 11b converts a voltage supplied from a battery mounted in the
vehicle to a predetermined voltage and supplies an electric current
to the Peltier module 10a via the connector portion 7g. The case
11a is formed of a metal with high thermal conductivity such as
aluminum, stainless steel, iron or copper. The case 11a integrally
has a case main body 11a2 and a flange 11a1.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 6, the case main body 11a2 houses a
converter main body 11b. The converter main body 11b is mounted to
the case main body 11a2 by a bolt 26 so as to allow positional
adjustment. The flange 11a1 protrudes outwardly from an outer
peripheral edge of the case main body 11a2 and is mounted to a
surface of the metal case 6 by a bolt 25. The converter main body
11b is held in contact with the metal case 6 through an
intermediary such as grease 29, which preferably allows heat
conduction.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the metal case 6 and the resin
case 7 have a plurality of connection portions 6d and 7d. The
connection portions 6d are of a cylindrical configuration and are
formed on side surfaces of the case main body 6a. The connection
portions 7d are of a cylindrical configuration and are formed on
side surfaces of the outer wall portion 7a4. As shown in FIG. 6,
the peripheral wall portion 6a1 of the metal case 6 is inserted
into the inner side of the outer wall portion 7a4 of the resin case
7, whereby the connection portions 6d and 7d are brought into
contact with each other. The connection portions 6d and 7d are
fastened together by bolts 20.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the Peltier module 10a has
Peltier elements 2, first and second substrates 3 and 4, and first
fin 8 and second fins 9. FIG. 5 shows an inverted bottom half of
the Peltier module 10a, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The Peltier element
2 is composed of different metals, conductors, or semiconductors.
When a DC current is supplied thereto, the Peltier element 2
provides a Peltier effect. The Peltier element 2 has a pair of heat
surfaces, one of which serves as a heat absorption surface to
absorb heat, and the other of which serves as a heat radiation heat
to radiate heat. The Peltier element 2 is provided in a plurality
of rows in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first and
second substrates 3 and 4. The Peltier element 2 is also provided
in a plane in the lateral direction with respect to the first and
second substrates 3 and 4.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the Peltier module 10a has a
plurality of (e.g., ten) small first substrates 3 and one large
second substrate 4. As shown in FIG. 6, sets of wiring 3a and 4a
are printed on the first substrates 3 and the second substrate 4.
The Peltier elements 2 are connected to the sets of wiring 3a and
4a by soldering. The sets of wiring 3a and 4a cooperate to connect
the plurality of Peltier elements 2 in series. Accordingly, an
electric current flows alternately between the first and second
substrates 3 and 4 via each Peltier element 2.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, each first substrate 3 is provided with
one first fin 8. As shown in FIG. 5, the second substrate 4 is
provided with two second fins 9. The first fin 8 and second fins 9
protrude from the first and second substrates 3 and 4 in the
direction opposite to the Peltier elements 2. As shown in FIG. 6,
the first fin 8 and second fins 9 are of a plate-like and zigzag
configuration, and are installed within the first and second flow
paths 6a3 and 7a3. Gaps 8a and 9a are formed between the zigzag
turns of first fin 8 and second fins 9. The gaps 8a and 9a expand
in the longitudinal direction of the first and second flow paths
6a3 and 7a3 so as not to cut off the first and second flow paths
6a3 and 7a3. The positional relationship between the first
substrate 3 and the second substrate 4 is determined by a frame
member 5.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the frame member 5 is formed of a
resin with low thermal conductivity (heat conductivity), and
integrally has a frame main body 5a and a protruding portion 5b.
The frame main body 5a has a plurality of holes 5c and the first
substrates 3 are installed in each hole 5c. The frame main body 5a
extends along the outer peripheral edges of the first substrates 3,
determining the positions of the first substrates 3 with respect to
the frame member 5.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 6, the protruding portions 5b protrude
between the first and second substrates 3 and 4 from the frame main
body 5a. The protruding portion 5b determines the distance in the
thickness direction between the first and second substrates 3 and
4. The protruding portion 5b prevents the first and second
substrates 3 and 4 from approaching each other to determine a
distance between the first and second substrates 3 and 4. Thus, the
protruding portion 5b suppresses the crushing of the Peltier
elements 2. The protruding portion 5b extends along the entire
outer periphery of the second substrate 4. A liquid gasket 21 seals
the space between the protruding portion 5b and the first
substrates 3.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, a liquid gasket 22 seals the space
between the second substrate 4 and the resin case 7. A liquid
gasket 23 seals the space between the frame member 5 and the metal
case 6. A liquid gasket 24 seals the space between resin case 7 and
the metal case 6.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 6, when preparing the Peltier unit 10, the
Peltier module 10a is installed on the inner side of the outer wall
portion 7a4 of the resin case 7. The metal case 6 is inserted into
the inner side of the outer wall portion 7a4 of the resin case 7.
The connection portions 6d and 7d abut each other and may be
fastened together by the bolts 20. The converter 11 is mounted to
the metal case 6 by the bolt 25.
[0036] When preparing the heat pump system 1, the outdoor piping 18
shown in FIG. 1 may be connected to the introduction pipe 6b and
the discharge pipe 6c of the Peltier unit 10 shown in FIG. 2. The
indoor piping 19 is connected to the introduction pipe 7b and the
discharge pipe 7c. The connector portion 7g shown in FIG. 2 and the
converter 11 are electrically connected to each other to supply an
electric current from the converter 11 to the Peltier elements 2
shown in FIG. 4. Each Peltier element 2 causes heat absorption at a
side end portion of the first substrate 3 and heat radiation at a
side end portion of the second substrate 4.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, the Peltier elements 2 absorb heat from
an outdoor heat medium 27 flowing in the first flow path 6a3 via
the first substrates 3 and the first fins 8.
[0038] The outdoor heat medium 27 is cooled and its temperature
becomes lower than that of the air in the outdoor space 1b. The
outdoor heat medium 27 absorbs heat from the air in the outdoor
space 1b via the metal case 6 and also absorbs heat from the
converter 11 generating heat. The Peltier elements 2 supply heat to
an indoor heat medium 28 flowing in the second flow path 7a3 via
the second substrate 4 and the second fins 9. The indoor heat
medium 28 conveys heat to the indoor heat exchange unit 13 shown in
FIG. 1.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat pump system 1 has the Peltier
unit 10 installed in the outdoor space 1b. The outdoor heat
exchange unit 12 is installed in the outdoor space 1b and connected
to the Peltier unit 10 via the outdoor piping 17, 18 in a loop-like
fashion to effect heat exchange with the air in the outdoor space
1b. The indoor heat exchange unit 13 is provided in the indoor
space 1a and connected to the Peltier unit 10 in a loop-like
fashion by the indoor piping 19 to effect heat exchange with the
air in the indoor space 1a.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the Peltier unit 10 has the
Peltier elements 2, the first substrates 3, the second substrate 4,
the metal case 6 and the resin case 7. Each of the Peltier elements
2 may be equipped with at least one first heat surface and at least
one second heat surface. One surface constitutes a heat-absorbing
portion while the other of the surfaces constitutes a
heat-radiating portion. The first substrates 3 are in contact with
the first heat surface(s). The second substrate 4 is in contact
with the second heat surface(s). The metal case 6 covers the first
substrates 3 and forms the first flow path 6a3 between itself and
the first substrates 3. The first flow path 6a3 is connected in a
loop-like fashion to the outdoor heat exchange unit 12 by the
outdoor piping 17, 18. The resin case 7 covers the second substrate
4 and forms the second flow path 7a3 between itself and the second
substrate 4. The second flow path 7a3 is connected in a loop-like
fashion to the indoor heat exchange unit 13 by the indoor piping
19.
[0041] The metal case 6 exhibits high thermal conductivity because
the metal case 6 is formed of metal. The resin case 7 exhibits low
thermal conductivity because the resin case 7 is formed of resin.
As such, the efficiency of the heat pump using the Peltier elements
2 is improved. During heating, an electric current is supplied to
the heat-absorbing first substrate 3 sides and to the
heat-radiating second substrate 4 sides of the Peltier elements 2.
The heat-absorbing portions of the Peltier elements 2 absorb heat
from the outdoor heat medium 27 in the first flow path 6a3 of the
metal case 6 via the first substrates 3. The outdoor heat medium 27
absorbs heat from the air in the outdoor space 1b via the metal
case 6. Thus, the heat of the air in the outdoor space 1b is
utilized to improve the heat pump performance through use of the
Peltier elements 2. Conversely, the heat-radiating portions of the
Peltier elements 2 supply heat to the indoor heat medium 28 in the
second flow path 7a3 of the resin case 7 via the second substrate
4. The heat supplied to the indoor heat medium 28 is not easily
radiated into the air in the outdoor space 1b due to the low
conductivity of the resin case 7. In comparison to the metal case,
the resin case allows a smaller quantity of heat to be radiated. As
a result, the quantity of heat supplied to the indoor heat exchange
unit 13 is increased, thus achieving an improvement in terms of
heating efficiency.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the heat pump system 1 has a heat
generating body (converter 11) mounted to the metal case 6 so as to
allow heat exchange. An electric current is supplied to the Peltier
elements 2 such that the first substrate 3 sides of the Peltier
elements 2 constitute heat-absorbing portions. Thus, the
heat-absorbing portions of the Peltier elements 2 can absorb heat
not only from the air in the outdoor space 1b but also from the
heat generating body (converter 11) via the metal case 6. As a
result, the exhaust heat of the heat generating body is utilized,
thereby improving the heat pump performance due to the Peltier
elements 2. Consequently, the heat generating body (converter 11)
can be cooled by the Peltier elements 2 via the metal case 6.
[0043] While the invention has been described with reference to
specific configurations, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art that many alternatives, modifications and variations may be
made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variations that may fall within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, the present
invention should not be limited to the representative
configurations.
[0044] The heat pump system 1 may be used for either the heating or
air conditioning of a vehicle room 1c. In other embodiments, the
functionalities of certain members may be changed. For example, the
first substrate side 3 could be used, instead, as the
heat-radiating portion, due to a direction of an electric current
supplied to the Peltier elements 2. Similarly, the second substrate
side 4 could be used, instead, as the heat-absorbing portion.
[0045] The Peltier elements 2 radiate heat to the outdoor heat
medium 27 in the first flow path 6a3 of the metal case 6 via the
heat-radiating first substrates 3. The outdoor heat medium 27
radiates heat to the air in the outdoor space 1b via the metal case
6. Thus, the heat is radiated to the air in the outdoor space 1b,
whereby the heat pump performance of the Peltier elements 2 is
improved. In a similar fashion, the heat-absorbing portions of the
Peltier elements 2 absorb heat from the indoor heat medium 28 in
the second flow path 7a3 of the resin case 7 via the second
substrate 4, thereby cooling the indoor heat medium 28. The cold
supplied to the indoor heat medium 28 is not easily radiated to the
air in the outdoor space 1b due to the low thermal conductivity of
the resin case 7. As compared with the metal case, the resin case
allows a smaller quantity of cold air to be radiated. As a result,
the quantity of cold air supplied to the indoor heat exchange unit
increases, thereby resulting in improved air-conditioning.
[0046] The heat pump system 1 may be used for the air conditioning
and/or heating of a vehicle room 1c, an interior of a loading
chamber (chamber) of a vehicle, or the interior of any such
room.
[0047] The heat medium supplied to the metal case 6 and the resin
case 7 may be any composition capable of thermal transmission.
Preferred compositions include liquids and gases.
[0048] The heat pump system 1 may or may not have the engine 14
shown in FIG. 1.
[0049] The heat pump system 1 may use various other devices as a
heat generating body. For example, an electric apparatus such as an
inverter, a motor, a battery, or a heat engine such as an internal
combustion engine may be used for the heat generating body.
[0050] The heat pump system 1 may be provided in a plug-in hybrid
vehicle, an electric vehicle, or any engine vehicle.
* * * * *