A couple of points...
It says GM rejected the idea in 1964.
Seems like a lot has changed since then. I wouldn't be surprised if GM has re-evaluated these devices as time goes on.
Also, GM (and other automotive manufacturers) are transistioning from the 12V system to a larger one (48v? - I can't remember).
Using the higher-voltage system may make these devices more practical. GM may be waiting until after the higher-voltage platforms are rolled out to implement this type of cooling device.
I discussed this device with GM in the 1960's (when I worked there). A co-worker had actually built one in the 1950's. It was invented in the early 1800's.
The problem is that it is very inefficient. It produces far fewer BTU's of cooling for the same amount of engine energy, than a current air conditioner does. Air conditioner requirements include quick, cold air on hot days, and sufficient cold air to cool the vehicle at all speeds in very hot conditions. If a Peltier device was built that met the same requirements, it would use more engine power than the current air conditioner requires.
The concept probably won't save any fuel. The Peltier device requires active electrical drive that will come from the car battery. The alternator has to charge that battery using engine power derived by burning gasoline. A freon based compressor is driven from the same set of engine pulleys.
I worked my way through collage working at a discount
emporium. This old fellow would come through my
register Sunday mornings. He was dressed in khaki work
clothes. But, he had a diamond ring; the diamond the
size of a nickel. His wife always had lots of jewelry
on too.
Turns out he was a mechanic. In the early 1950’s he
patented the idea of three color tail lights on cars.
Green you’re on the gas, amber you’re coasting, red
you’re breaking. The car companies wanted to buy the
patent, not to implement it, but to kill it.
He wouldn’t sell it. He wanted royalties.
He had retired at 26 years old in the late 1950’s.
These kids may do very well for themselves.
So... they are dumping the heat where? outside? on a hot day? Efficient? Some kids need to look up the word and learn how to calculate it.
I really think this is awesome. I mean, this is Thomas Edison type American inventiveness. I hope they focus on fusion, teleportation and faster-than-light space engines next.
too bad so much creative energy is wasted shooting down bogey men like "freon".
Woo Hoo!
Democrats don't believe in our troops, the intelligence of the American people, the legislators or the institutions of marriage, church and family. NO wonder they keep losing. And no wonder I am a
Recovering_Democrat.
There is no way that a practical A/C system can be made to cool the interior of a full size car using any sort of Peltier chip without the chip surface area approximating the dimensions of the area to be cooled that I can imagine.
I will need more information and a demonstrable device to be convinced.
Bravo!
Questionable gas savings aside, I want cold air coming from my AC. I mean my wife-needs-to-wear-a-sweater-while-riding-with-me-cold. Can these chips deliver that?