Thermoelectric heat transfer systems are well known for use in refrigeration. A typical thermoelectric heat transfer system includes at least one thermoelectric module to create a temperature differential. More specifically, when energized, heat moves across the thermoelectric module to form a hot surface and a cold surface. The cold surface provides the cooling needed for refrigeration.
In recent years, improvements have been made to utilize coolant circuits to draw heat off of the hot surface of the thermoelectric module to further improve the efficiency of refrigeration. Referring to U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,111 to Attey et al., a thermoelectric heat transfer system utilizing a coolant circuit for this purpose is shown. In Attey et al., the thermoelectric heat transfer system includes a pump in fluid communication with the coolant circuit to circulate coolant. A first heat exchanger is disposed in fluid communication with the coolant circuit to remove heat from the coolant being circulated. At the same time, a manifold is in fluid communication with the coolant circuit. An outer surface of the manifold is in contact with a hot surface of a thermoelectric module. By thermally connecting the coolant circuit with the hot surface of the thermoelectric module, the coolant can draw heat from the hot surface to improve the cooling efficiency of the thermoelectric module. The cold surface of the thermoelectric module is in contact with an outer surface of a second manifold to cool fluid flowing through the second manifold.
Thermoelectric heat transfer systems for cooling beverage containers are also well known in the art. A typical heat transfer system for cooling a beverage container includes a sleeve adapted to receive the beverage container. In these systems, the thermoelectric module is disposed within the sleeve to create a temperature differential between the sleeve and the beverage container. More specifically, a hot surface of the thermoelectric module is in contact with the sleeve, while a cold surface of the thermoelectric module is in contact with the beverage container thereby drawing heat from the beverage container. A fan assembly draws heat away from the sleeve. An example of such a system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,232 to Kitchens.