GB2430549A - Temperature control system for clothing using thermoelectric heat pump - Google Patents

Temperature control system for clothing using thermoelectric heat pump Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2430549A
GB2430549A GB0602685A GB0602685A GB2430549A GB 2430549 A GB2430549 A GB 2430549A GB 0602685 A GB0602685 A GB 0602685A GB 0602685 A GB0602685 A GB 0602685A GB 2430549 A GB2430549 A GB 2430549A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
temperature control
heat pump
pump
heat
thermoelectric
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0602685A
Other versions
GB0602685D0 (en
Inventor
Elias Siores
Tahir Shah
Philip Davies
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
University of Bolton
Original Assignee
University of Bolton
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by University of Bolton filed Critical University of Bolton
Publication of GB0602685D0 publication Critical patent/GB0602685D0/en
Publication of GB2430549A publication Critical patent/GB2430549A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/002—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches with controlled internal environment
    • A41D13/005—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches with controlled internal environment with controlled temperature
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D2400/00—Functions or special features of garments
    • A41D2400/10—Heat retention or warming
    • A41D2400/12—Heat retention or warming using temperature-controlled means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
    • A61F7/007—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body characterised by electric heating
    • A61F2007/0075—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body characterised by electric heating using a Peltier element, e.g. near the spot to be heated or cooled
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
    • A61F7/02—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
    • A61F2007/0292—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling using latent heat produced or absorbed during phase change of materials, e.g. of super-cooled solutions
    • H01L35/00—
    • H01L35/32—
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N10/00—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N10/00—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects
    • H10N10/10—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects
    • H10N10/17—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects characterised by the structure or configuration of the cell or thermocouple forming the device

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Gloves (AREA)

Abstract

A temperature control systems may be incorporated into protective garments, blankets, sports clothing, helmets, object packaging or seat covers. The system may comprise a single unit 1 or multiple connected units (9 figs 3-5). The system comprises a thermoelectric heat pump structure 2 with faces 3, 5 carrying thermally conductive material. A heat sink 6 may be provided. The system may be covered with a case made from fabrics, films or foams. The systems may be powered by batteries, solar cells or piezoelectricity. The systems may includes thermostatic circuitry which may be able to alter the current polarity to drive the thermoelectric heat pump in a heating or cooling mode.

Description

1 2430549 A Temperature Control System The present invention relates to a
temperature control system.
When developing new textile materials for use in clothing manufacture thermophysiological comfort is an important consideration.
Under normal circumstances, the human body has a very efficient thermoregulatory system that keeps the body temperature fairly constant at around 37 C under a wide range of environmental conditions. When the temperature of the body exceeds the normal range, the blood vessels at the skin's surface dilate and the sweat glands are activated to help radiate heat and to cool the skin by evaporation. However, in very hot and humid conditions the level of body comfort decreases. Clearly, in such conditions the rate of sweat formation increases, but the rate at which the sweat evaporates from the skin's surface decreases due to the high relative humidity. ,,..
Furthermore, radiation of heat from the skin slows significantly in humid conditions * due to the small gradient between skin temperature and air temperature. This problem is compounded during exercise as the muscles generate many times more heat than they do when at rest. This also causes the thermophysiological comfort level to drop, as the excessive heat and sweat produced cannot be dissipated from *0 the body efficiently. *: : : Attempts have been made to address this problem. In particular, numerous smart materials and systems have been developed for use in the sportswear market. The major sports manufacturers have created smart fabrics and footwear that is intended to keep athletes as cool and dry as possible in competitions leading to enhancement in their performances.
Whilst many of these systems provide effective solutions to given problems they are limited in their range of applications. For example, many textile systems exist which increase the body temperature. There are also a limited number of textile systems which decrease the body temperature. These systems are based on waxes and as they have no external energy input only have a short lived effect. This is due to heat exchange which causes the waxes to quickly heat up and so lose their cooling capacity. Thus, no system exists which both increases and decreases the body temperature effectively.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a temperature control system which can bring about both an increase and a decrease in temperature, particularly body temperature, said device being such that it can find utility in a wide range of applications.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a temperature control system comprising a heat sink and a thermoelectric heat pump, at least part:. . . of the exterior of the pump is associated with a thermally conductive compound. . which may optionally comprise a phase change material, and wherein the heat pump comprises one or more temperature control elements.
Advantageously, the system provides a means for controlling the external body,. * i., *...
temperature of the user either in a localised area or the whole body, thereby providing thermal comfort to the user.
Furthermore, the system can be readily adapted for other applications including, but not limited to protective clothing, interior textiles, sports enhancement clothing, smart packaging, blankets, seat covers, racing helmets, gloves etc. Any thermally conductive compounds suitable for use in a textile system may be used with the present invention. Such materials are well known to those skilled in the art.
Any thermoelectric heat pump may be used with the present invention. Such pumps are well known to those skilled in the art.
Heat sinks suitable for use with the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art.
Phase change materials are such that they change phase upon the application of heat, pressure or other external stimuli. Phase change materials suitable for use with the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art.
Where used the phase change material may form a layer which can be in contact with the thermally conductive compound or it may be dispersed within the thermally * conductive compound. In any event, the phase change material is preferably located upon a side of the pump which in use is closest to the body i.e. the active side, in order to avoid thermal shock to the user and subsequent contraction of the surface.
capillaries. S...
The heat sink may be in the form of a flexible spacer fabric, or other suitable fabric. . The nature of the heat sink is limited only by its open structure. An open structure is highly desirable in order to enable passage of air through the fabric, thus enhancing the heat sink effect.
The system may be in the form of a monolithic structure wherein the thermoelectric pump comprises a single heating/cooling element or a structure wherein the thermoelectric pump comprises a plurality of heating/cooling elements.
Where the device comprises a plurality of elements it is particularly suited to applications where the system is required to follow the contour of a non-linear article.
The system is preferably provided with a case. The case may be made from any suitable material, but in particular from any of the following materials either alone or in combination; woven, non-woven or knitted fabrics, films and foams.
The system may be energised by any suitable power source for example, low voltage batteries, solar power, piezoelectric energy etc. The nature of the particular power source is largely dictated by the use to which the system is to be put.
The system may be used in conjunction with suitable electronic circuitry and controls such as switches and thermostats. In this case the system can be used to S.....
maintain external body environment at desired temperature, thus providing thermal * . comfort to the user. Furthermore, the apparatus may be operated both in the heat or cooling modes, by changing the current polarity in the case of monolithic apparatus or by switching onloff the appropriate circuit in the case of the micro elements. It is * known to one skilled in the art how to achieve such control. *.S. * *... S...
Thus, according to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided the use..* : of a temperature control system for maintaining the external body environment of a user at a desired temperature, said system comprising a heat sink and a thermoelectric heat pump, at least part of the exterior of the pump is associated with a thermally conductive compound which may optionally comprise a phase change material, and wherein the heat pump comprises one or more temperature control elements.
The present invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the temperature control achievable with the system of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a monolithic system according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a micro-system according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a micro- system of the present invention; and S.....
Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation of an alternative embodiment of a. .: micro-system according to the present invention.
Figure 1 provides an overview of the temperature control system in order that a.
comfortable body temperature is achieved. Zones A, B and C show the various comfort zones of the body. The system continuously monitors the body temperature:: ::: by way of a temperature probe D. If the body temperature falls in zone A, it is deemed to be too cold and so heating begins, as illustrated by B. If the body temperature falls in zone C, it is deemed to be too cold and so cooling begins, as illustrated by F. Zone B represents a comfortable body temperature where no heating or cooling is required.
Figure 2 shows a monolithic temperature control system 1 comprising a thermoelectric heat pump 2. Applied to a first face 3 of the pump is a thermally conductive material 4. A second face 5 of the pump 2 contacts a heat sink 6. The system I is provided with a layer of thennally conductive material 7 at the point of contact with the pump 2.
Figure 3 shows a temperature control system 8 in which there are a series of interconnecting micro-thermoelectric pumps 9 placed upon an arcuate surface 10.
The pumps 9 are arranged end to end in order that together they form a flexible structure which follows the contours of the arcuate surface 10. When flexed a gap 11 is present between each micro-thermoelectric pump 9 and a second gap 12 is present between the arcuate surface and the underside of said structure. The first face 3 of each interconnecting micro-pump 9 is provided with a thermally conductive material 4 such that a continuous underside layer of compound is provided, said material filling each of the gaps 12. The second face 5 of each micro- pump 9 is provided with a flexible heat sink such that a continuous upper layer of is provided, said layer covering each of the gaps 11. :...:. * * * S S
Figure 4 shows one configuration of micro-pumps 9, wherein each pump is in phase'. The pumps are connected to a control device (not shown) which operates a switching supply 13. The control device monitors the temperature of the body as shown in fig. 1 so as to switch between a heating circuit 14 and a cooling circuit 15. *.
* * S. *.SS Figure 5 shows an alternative configuration of micro-pumps 9, wherein adjacent * * pumps alternate between heating and cooling pumps 16 and 17, respectively. Each micro-pump shares a common terminal 18 and a switching supply 19 switches between heating and cooling pumps depending upon the instructions received from the control device (not shown). The control device monitors the temperature of the body as shown in fig. 1.
In use, the system, whether it is of a monolithic structure 1 or composed of a plurality of micro-pumps 8 is encased within a suitable casing material. The system 1 or 8 is placed upon the surface of the skin such that the thermally conductive material 4 is separated from the skin only by the casing material. The temperature probe of the system monitors body temperature, if the temperature should rise above 38 C, through exercise say, the switching supply 13 causes the pump(s) to begin cooling. The system may also comprise a fan which is activated to direct heat away form the skin and through the heat sink 6. The heat sink 6 has an open structure thus enhancing its heat sink effect. Once the body temperature falls to an acceptable level the system is inactivated until such time as it is required again.
It is envisaged that the system will also find utility in other applications including, but not limited to protective clothing, interior textiles, sports enhancement clothing, smart packaging, blankets, seat covers, racing helmets, gloves etc. In these instances the threshold for activation of the heating/cooling elements can be adjusted: *..:.
accordingly. Furthermore, where the system is not for use with body, say for * packaging, the temperature probe device can be adapted such that it detects the internal temperature of the package and cooling/heating is activated accordingly.
It is particularly envisaged that the device of the present invention can take the form *.
* S 55 of cooling patches within a garment rather than the entire garment having a cooling *: : : : capability. Sweating starts from so-called hot spots in the human body and spreads throughout. The use of cooling patches provides a cost effective solution in that carefully positioned cooling patches can target these hot spots thereby minimising the spreading of sweating. Cooling patches may be particularly effective in motorbike helmets to cool the head or in car seats etc. It is of course to be understood that the present invention is described by way of example only and it is not intended to be restricted to the foregoing details.

Claims (13)

  1. Claims 1. A temperature control system comprising a heat sink and a
    thermoelectric heat pump, at least part of the exterior of the pump is associated with a thermally conductive compound which may optionally comprise a phase change material, and wherein the heat pump comprises one or more temperature control elements.
  2. 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the phase change material is such that it changes phase as a result of external stimuli.
  3. 3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the external stimuli is the application of heat and or pressure.
  4. 4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the phase change material forms a layer which is in contact with the thermally conductive compound. * *
    S S * S.
  5. 5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the phase change material is dispersed within the thermally conductive compound.
  6. 6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat sink is in S...
    the form of a flexible spacer fabric. *::: :
  7. 7. A system according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the heat sink has an open structure.
  8. 8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is in the form of a monolithic structure.
  9. 9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the thermoelectric pump comprises a single hearing/cooling element.
  10. 10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the thermoelectric pump comprises a plurality of heating/cooling elements.
  11. 11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the system is configured to follow the contour of a non-linear article.
  12. 12. The use of a temperature control system for maintaining the external body environment of a user at a desired temperature, said system comprising a heat sink and a thermoelectric heat pump, at least part of the exterior of the pump is associated with a thermally conductive compound which may optionally comprise a phase change material, and wherein the heat pump comprises one or more temperature control elements. * * * * *
  13. 13. A temperature control system as hereinbe fore described with reference to any one of figures 1 to 5. ** * * S * * ** * S S... S...
    S S S S. *
GB0602685A 2005-02-10 2006-02-10 Temperature control system for clothing using thermoelectric heat pump Withdrawn GB2430549A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0502679.4A GB0502679D0 (en) 2005-02-10 2005-02-10 A temperature control system

Publications (2)

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GB0602685D0 GB0602685D0 (en) 2006-03-22
GB2430549A true GB2430549A (en) 2007-03-28

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GB0602685A Withdrawn GB2430549A (en) 2005-02-10 2006-02-10 Temperature control system for clothing using thermoelectric heat pump

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2349818A1 (en) * 2009-10-01 2011-01-11 Kosmik Ra S.L. Garment for body thermal treatment (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
CN103393237A (en) * 2013-08-19 2013-11-20 青岛大学 Thermoregulation garment
EP2498310A3 (en) * 2011-03-11 2013-12-11 Imec Thermoelectric textile
US10842205B2 (en) 2016-10-20 2020-11-24 Nike, Inc. Apparel thermo-regulatory system
WO2022118261A1 (en) * 2020-12-04 2022-06-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Wearable thermal management device

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3132688A (en) * 1963-04-08 1964-05-12 Welville B Nowak Electronic cold and/or hot compress device
EP0389407A1 (en) * 1989-03-20 1990-09-26 United Technologies Corporation Space suit cooling apparatus
US6438964B1 (en) * 2001-09-10 2002-08-27 Percy Giblin Thermoelectric heat pump appliance with carbon foam heat sink
US6542371B1 (en) * 2000-11-02 2003-04-01 Intel Corporation High thermal conductivity heat transfer pad
US20040118831A1 (en) * 2002-08-07 2004-06-24 Phoenix Consultants, Ltd Temperature regulated clothing
EP1529857A1 (en) * 2003-10-29 2005-05-11 Lockheed Martin Corporation Carbon nanotube fabrics

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3132688A (en) * 1963-04-08 1964-05-12 Welville B Nowak Electronic cold and/or hot compress device
EP0389407A1 (en) * 1989-03-20 1990-09-26 United Technologies Corporation Space suit cooling apparatus
US6542371B1 (en) * 2000-11-02 2003-04-01 Intel Corporation High thermal conductivity heat transfer pad
US6438964B1 (en) * 2001-09-10 2002-08-27 Percy Giblin Thermoelectric heat pump appliance with carbon foam heat sink
US20040118831A1 (en) * 2002-08-07 2004-06-24 Phoenix Consultants, Ltd Temperature regulated clothing
EP1529857A1 (en) * 2003-10-29 2005-05-11 Lockheed Martin Corporation Carbon nanotube fabrics

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2349818A1 (en) * 2009-10-01 2011-01-11 Kosmik Ra S.L. Garment for body thermal treatment (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
EP2498310A3 (en) * 2011-03-11 2013-12-11 Imec Thermoelectric textile
CN103393237A (en) * 2013-08-19 2013-11-20 青岛大学 Thermoregulation garment
US10842205B2 (en) 2016-10-20 2020-11-24 Nike, Inc. Apparel thermo-regulatory system
US11497258B2 (en) 2016-10-20 2022-11-15 Nike, Inc. Apparel thermo-regulatory system
WO2022118261A1 (en) * 2020-12-04 2022-06-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Wearable thermal management device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0602685D0 (en) 2006-03-22
GB0502679D0 (en) 2005-03-16

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