Thermoelectric Water Heater and Chiller

Drinking water in the Future Combat Vehicle (FCV) will be recovered from exhaust or air. Water must be cooled for consumption, and heated for use with rations. The Army requested an appliance that could simultaneously heat and cool potable water. InPhase I, a breadboard thermoelectric device was demonstrated that could heat and cool water in 20 minutes or less, and can heat or cool water singularly when the opposite reservoir is empty. Hot water at 140¿F and cooled water at 60¿F can be providedstarting from any reasonable water temperatures. Performance exceeded all requirements specified in the SBIR topic.Removable reservoirs serve as water bottles and are easily cleaned. Final design of bottles and the interface between the bottles and the appliance, selection of the best commercially available TE modules, packaging, and controls will be addressed inPhase II. The final appliance is expected to weigh about 6 pounds and draw less than 300 W peak power. Phase II will culminate in a fully packaged version of the appliance, with five prototypes to be delivered to the U.S. Army.Phase I proved the feasibility of an improved and more versatile means of thermally coupling thermoelectric modules to loads and sinks. This improved thermal coupling will extend the range of practical applications for thermoelectric heating and cooling.Phase II will develop a packaged heating and cooling appliance. Commercial applications of the water heater and cooler include:1. Sales to the Army and other military branches for FCV2. Recreational vehicle water heating and cooling3. Portable drink cooler and heater for cars, with cigarette lighter plug4. Baby bottle warmer and drink cooler. Home and vehicle versions should be viable products.