Embodiments related to moisture abatement during a heating operation of a climate control system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the climate control system includes a thermoelectric device (TED) or other thermal condition device having a hot side and a cold side. In certain embodiments, the thermal conditioning device is operated (e.g., by a processor or a condensate switch) to inhibit or prevent the occurrence of condensation, and/or to abate condensation that has already occurred, on the cold side of the thermal conditioning device during the heating operation.

A heating system may include a cooling water line connected to a vehicle engine, a heat exchanger provided at the cooling line, the heat exchanger being arranged within an air conditioning duct, thermoelectric elements each attached, and a controller for controlling start or stop of the engine, to maintain a temperature of the cooling water between an upper limit temperature and a lower limit temperature.

Systems and methods for providing heating and cooling to a cabin of an autonomous or semiautonomous electric vehicle. A system includes one or more autonomous or semiautonomous electric vehicle components generating thermal energy as a byproduct of operation, a radiator fluidly coupled to the one or more vehicle components and positioned downstream from the one or more vehicle components such that the radiator receives at least a portion of the thermal energy, a thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to and located downstream from the radiator, and one or more bypass valves that control fluid flow from the radiator such that fluid flows directly to a cabin of the vehicle or flows through the thermoelectric cooler before flowing into the cabin.

A heat exchanger for heating a vehicle interior may include a heat exchanger block including a plurality of air ducts and a plurality of coolant ducts arranged according to a cross flow principle. The heat exchanger block may have a first heat exchanger stage including an air inlet side and a second heat exchanger stage including an air outlet side. The plurality of air ducts and the plurality of coolant ducts may extend through the heat exchanger block and may be coupled to one another in a heat-transferring and media-separated manner in both the first heat exchanger stage and the second heat exchanger stage. The heat exchanger may further include a plurality of thermoelectric modules, configured to operate as a heat pump to transfer heat from the coolant flow to the air flow, arranged between the plurality of air ducts and the plurality of coolant ducts.

An expandable refrigeration system for vehicles includes a generally rigid frame member having a plurality of walls that define a first hollow interior space. An expandable cooler body that includes a plurality of expandable wall sections is connected to the rigid frame member. The expandable body section is positioned within the first hollow interior space when the system is collapsed, and extends outward therefrom when the system is in the expanded configuration. A refrigeration unit is secured to the rigid frame member and controls a temperature of the expandable body section. A transitional wall member selectively operates as a lid for the cooler body and to secure the cooler body within the frame member.

Certain disclosed embodiments pertain to controlling temperature in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. For example, a temperature control system (TCS) can include an air channel configured to deliver airflow to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The TCS can include a one thermal energy source and a heat transfer device connected to the air channel. A first fluid circuit can circulate coolant to the thermal energy source and a thermoelectric device (TED). A second fluid circuit can circulate coolant to the TED and the heat transfer device. A bypass circuit can connect the thermal energy source to the heat transfer device. An actuator can cause coolant to circulate selectively in either the bypass circuit or the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit. A control device can operate the actuator when it is determined that the thermal energy source is ready to provide heat to the airflow.

Disclosed is a steering wheel having cooling system inside. A steering wheel includes a hub connected to a steering column, a rim provided with a hollow formed therein and spokes configured to connect the hub and the rim. Cooling units located at the hub or the spokes of the steering wheel is provided to supply cooling air. Heat pipes thermally connect the cooling units and the rim of the steering wheel.

A system configured to determine a physical state of a vehicle occupant within a vehicle is described herein. The system includes an electrode in contact with the vehicle occupant and containing nano-scale metal fibers or carbon nanotubes and a controller that determines the physical state of the vehicle occupant based on an output of the electrode. The controller initiates a countermeasure based on the physical state of the vehicle occupant. A system configured to generate electricity based upon a temperature difference between a vehicle occupant and a portion of a vehicle interior is also presented herein. This system includes a thermoelectric device containing nano-scale metal fibers or carbon nanotubes. The thermoelectric device has a first side in contact with a vehicle occupant and a second side in contact with a portion of the vehicle interior. The thermoelectric device supplies electrical power to an electrical system of the vehicle.

A vehicle air conditioner, including: a first duct having a first ventilation opening that is disposed on a first side in a width direction of a seat provided in a vehicle; a second duct having a second ventilation opening that is disposed on a second side in the width direction of the seat, the second side being an opposite side of the first side; and a third duct having a third ventilation opening that is disposed in front of the seat.

A temperature control system for a vehicle seat includes a finish trim layer, a thermally conductive panel in thermal contact with the finish trim layer, a thermal device generating a temperature gradient, and a heat transfer structure connecting the panel and the thermal device. The panel and the heat transfer structure are adapted to together thermally conduct the quantity of heat between the finish trim layer and the thermal device.