ACTIVE VAPORIZATION OF MOISTURE IN A THERMOELECTRIC MODULE OR SUBSYSTEM
Systems and methods for active vaporization of moisture in a Thermoelectric Module (TEM) or subsystem are provided. In some embodiments, a method of method of operating a TEM includes: determining to initiate a drying cycle for the TEM; and activating the drying cycle for the TEM. In this way, moisture can be removed from the TEM. This can increase the efficiency and/or longevity of the TEM. This can lead to decreased maintenance times and cost savings.
1 . A method of operating a Thermoelectric Module, TEM, comprising:
determining to initiate a drying cycle for the TEM;
activating the drying cycle for the TEM.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein activating the drying cycle for the TEM comprises:
reversing a polarity of a Direct Current, DC, power supply to the TEM.
3 . The method of claim 1 wherein activating the drying cycle for the TEM comprises:
providing an Alternating Current, AC, power supply to the TEM.
4 . The method of claim 1 wherein activating the drying cycle for the TEM comprises:
repeatedly switching the polarity of the DC power supply to the TEM.
5 . The method of claim 4 wherein repeatedly switching the polarity comprises:
repeatedly switching the polarity of the DC power supply to the TEM using an H-bridge.
6 . The method of claim 1 further comprising, after activating the drying cycle for the TEM, removing vaporized moisture by one or more of:
natural convection; and active assistance from one or more fans.
7 . The method of claim 1 wherein activating the drying cycle for the TEM is in conjunction with activation of a defrost cycle.
8 . The method of claim 1 wherein determining to initiate a drying cycle for the TEM is controlled by system logic controller/firmware.
9 . The method of claim 1 wherein determining to initiate a drying cycle for the TEM is at a regular timed interval, based on elapsed time since last vaporization cycle.
10 . The method of claim 1 wherein determining to initiate a drying cycle for the TEM is based on measurement of relative humidity.
11 . The method of claim 1 wherein determining to initiate a drying cycle for the TEM is via manual control from an Active Cooling System dashboard and/or control interface.
12 . An actively cooled container, comprising:
a cooling system;
one or more fans; and
a controller; the controller operable to:
determine to initiate a drying cycle for the TEM;
activate the drying cycle for the TEM.
13 . The actively cooled container of claim 12 wherein activating the drying cycle for the TEM comprises the controller operable to:
reverse a polarity of a Direct Current, DC, power supply to the TEM.
14 . The actively cooled container of claim 12 wherein activating the drying cycle for the TEM comprises the controller operable to:
provide an Alternating Current, AC, power supply to the TEM.
15 . The actively cooled container of claim 12 wherein activating the drying cycle for the TEM comprises the controller operable to:
repeatedly switch the polarity of the DC power supply to the TEM.
16 . The actively cooled container of claim 15 wherein repeatedly switching the polarity comprises the controller operable to:
repeatedly switch the polarity of the DC power supply to the TEM using an H-bridge.
17 . The actively cooled container of claim 12 further comprising, after activating the drying cycle for the TEM, the controller operable to remove vaporized moisture by one or more of:
natural convection; and active assistance from one or more fans.
18 . The actively cooled container of claim 12 wherein activating the drying cycle for the TEM is in conjunction with activation of a defrost cycle.
19 . The actively cooled container of claim 12 wherein determining to initiate a drying cycle for the TEM is controlled by system logic controller/firmware.
20 . The actively cooled container of claim 12 wherein determining to initiate a drying cycle for the TEM is at a regular timed interval, based on elapsed time since last vaporization cycle.
21 . The actively cooled container of claim 12 wherein determining to initiate a drying cycle for the TEM is based on measurement of relative humidity.
22 . The actively cooled container of claim 12 wherein determining to initiate a drying cycle for the TEM is via manual control from an Active Cooling System dashboard and/or control interface.