WO2025144828A1

WO2025144828A1 - Thermoelectric systems and methods with varying fluid flow

Info

Publication number: WO2025144828A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/061790
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chad Vincent PACILLI; Scott Richard Wolas; Lei Wang
Original assignee: Gentherm Inc
Current assignee: Gentherm Inc
Priority date: 2023-12-27
Filing date: 2024-12-23
Publication date: 2025-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-27

Abstract

A system for thermally conditioning and moving a fluid includes a thermoelectric device to convert electrical energy into thermal energy and produce a temperature change in response to an electrical current being applied thereto. The thermoelectric device can include a main side and a waste side. A fluid moving device can produce a fluid flow that is in thermal communication with the thermoelectric device so that the thermal energy generated by the thermoelectric device is transferred to or from the fluid flow. An outlet control valve can direct the flow rate of waste fluid leaving the thermal conditioning system to increase flow rate to a conditioned area depending on the operational modes. A control system can regulate the position of the outlet control valve to increase the flow rate through the system and decrease the static pressure compared to other traditional micro-thermal modules.

Description

THERMOELECTRIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH VARYING FLUID FLOW

CROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/615096 filed December 27, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63/648616 filed May 16, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to climate control, and, more particularly, to a climate control system.

Related Art

[0003] Temperature modified air for environmental control of living or working space is typically provided to relatively extensive areas, such as entire buildings, selected offices, or suites of rooms within a building. In the case of vehicles, such as automobiles, the entire vehicle is typically cooled or heated as a unit. There are many situations, however, in which more selective or restrictive air temperature modification is desirable. For example, it is often desirable to provide an individualized climate control for an occupant seat so that substantially instantaneous heating or cooling can be achieved. For example, an automotive vehicle exposed to the summer weather, where the vehicle has been parked in an unshaded area for a long period of time, can cause the vehicle seat to be very hot and uncomfortable for the occupant for some time after entering and using the vehicle, even with normal air conditioning. Furthermore, even with normal air-conditioning, on a hot day, the seat occupant's back and other pressure points may remain sweaty while seated. In the winter time, it is highly desirable to have the ability to quickly warm the seat of the occupant to facilitate the occupant's comfort, especially where the normal vehicle heater is unlikely to warm the vehicle's interior as quickly. Balancing the waste air and useful air within an environmental control system can advantageously increase the efficiency and longevity of such systems, especially considering peak loads and the environmental control system’s use cases. [0004] For such reasons, there have been various methods in further capturing useful airflow from an environmental control system from the waste opening depending on the operation mode of the system.

SUMMARY

[0005] Disclosed herein are systems and methods for increasing the performance of a thermoelectric fluid conditioner, which can be used to regulate the temperature of a conditioned area. In some embodiments, the conditioned area can be the seat of a car, or the like. The system can include a moving flap to redirect air on the waste side of a cooling device, which could be a thermoelectric device (or TED), to increase the useable flow to the conditioned area. This concept can also apply to dividing the flow through the thermoelectric fluid conditioner such that a singular thermoelectric fluid conditioner could cool at least two different conditioned areas, which in some embodiments could lead to cooling of multiple portions of a seat.

[0006] In typical thermoelectric fluid conditioner systems, flow through the system is divided into main side air and waste side air. The main side air is plumbed directly through the main side fins of the TED and then in the seat to condition the occupant. Likewise, air is also passed through the waste side fins to remove heat from the TED. The waste air is typically expelled into the seat to a location other than where the main side air was deposited. The waste air flows eventually to the cabin and is truly wasted.

[0007] In some thermoelectric fluid conditioner configurations, a flap can be directed to close off airflow to the waste side fins when the TED is inactive. This allows for all the blower air to be directed to the occupant. This method does not come without some compromise in performance, as with more airflow being directed across just the main side fins, there is a much larger resistance (or static pressure) to flow through the system, which means that the fullest potential of airflow to the occupant is not achieved. This can also cause higher noise levels as the velocity of the air through the main side fins is higher to achieve the same flow rate.

[0008] One possible solution to this issue could be to add a bypass system between the blower and an thermoelectric fluid conditioner, such that if the TED or cooling device within the thermoelectric fluid conditioner was to be inactive, then the fluid can flow through a bypass conduit also connected to the blower system to direct air to the conditioned area, bypassing the TED or heat exchanger and avoiding the higher resistance associated with passing through the TED or Heat Exchanger. This system may not be advantageous however, as doing so would increase the complexity and package size of the system. Therefore, it is desirable to find an alternative that does not involve add complexity or overall size to the ventilation system.

[0009] Using an embodiment disclosed herein, an thermoelectric fluid conditioner could be modified such that while the TED is active, the system can operate in one operational mode to exhaust the waste air as typical to the cabin, and in another operational mode while the TED is not active, the waste air can be directed through an additional snout back into the seat to provide more airflow to the occupant.

[0010] Advantageously, in a system according to the disclosure herein, the air from the blower feeding the thermoelectric fluid conditioner system can still go across both the main and waste fins while the TED is inactive, rather than being forced though one fin as in the thermoelectric fluid conditioner described above. This can result in more airflow and lower noise for a system.

[0011] In addition, systems according to the disclosure herein can have an additional exit, such that the additional exit can be directed to the conditioned space in multiple different ways. The second output can blow into the same conditioned area as the first output, or could be designed to output to a separate conditioned area for a variable air distribution.

[0012] The flap door can be directly controlled to open or close via a solenoid or other active control system, but could also be controlled through the use of a bi-metal actuator designed such that as the cabin air cools enough to allow the TED to be shut off, the flap could close to direct the flow on the waste or secondary side out the second exit rather than be wasted.

[0013] Another embodiment of the system disclosed herein can be in the form of an add-on system, which can add capability to an already existing system or seating configuration. This add-on system can include a duct and a stand-alone active waste valve housing to direct flow leading from the second side of the TED like other embodiments of systems disclosed herein.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system for directing waste side fluid flow toward a surface of a seat of a vehicle, the thermoelectric system including: a housing including an inlet, a main outlet, an auxiliary outlet, and a waste outlet, the housing configured to direct a fluid flow through the housing from the inlet to at least one of the main outlet, the auxiliary outlet, or the waste outlet, the fluid flow separated into a main side fluid flow that exits the main outlet and a waste side fluid flow that exits at least one of the auxiliary outlet or the waste outlet, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct the main side fluid flow toward a surface of a seat of a vehicle, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow toward the surface of the seat, and wherein the waste outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow away from the surface of the seat; a thermoelectric device in the housing, the thermoelectric device including a main side and a waste side, the main side in fluid communication with the main side fluid flow and the waste side in fluid communication with the waste side fluid flow; and a flap valve in the housing, the flap valve in fluid communication with the waste side fluid flow, the flap valve configured to direct the waste side fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in a first position and to direct the waste side fluid flow through the waste outlet in a second position, wherein both the main side fluid flow and the waste side fluid flow are directed toward the surface of the seat with the flap valve in the first position.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct the main side fluid flow into a conditioned area proximate to the surface of the seat of the vehicle. In some aspects, proximate may be a layer, fractions of a layer/layers, or multiple layers (e.g. 2, 5, 10, or more) of material from the surface of the seat, wherein the distance could be the thickness of a single layer of leather, cloth, or any suitable seat material. In some aspects proximate may be a distance between an exposed or partially exposed conditioned area and the area tangential to the surface of the seat. In some aspects, proximate may include a distance of 1 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.01 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 10 cm, 1 nm, 5 inches, or any other distance close enough that any conditioned area or other temperature area could have a temperature effect on a surface or vice versa. In some aspects proximate may refer to two areas adjacent or directly adjacent to one another, such as an exposed air distribution channel that is conditioned, and in which air flows from that area to over the surface of the seat.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the conditioned area includes at least one of a ventilated bag, a foam with air distribution channels, an air distribution channel, an air distribution cavity, or an air distribution spacer.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow into the conditioned area proximate the surface of the seat of the vehicle.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system wherein the main outlet is configured to direct the main side fluid flow into a first portion of the conditioned area, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow into a second portion of the conditioned area.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the conditioned area includes a ventilated bag and wherein the first portion is a first chamber of the ventilated bag and the second portion is a second chamber of the ventilated bag.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow into another conditioned area proximate the surface of the seat of the vehicle.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct the main side fluid flow toward a first portion of the surface of the seat, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow toward a second portion of the surface of the seat.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the first portion of the surface of the seat is part of a backrest of the seat, and wherein the second portion of the surface of the seat is part of a seat bottom of the seat.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, further including a controller configured to cause the flap valve to move between the first position and the second position based on temperature.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the flap valve to move to the first position based on an ambient temperature around the seat being below a predetermined temperature.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to not operate with the flap valve in the first position for ambient air to be directed through both the main outlet and the auxiliary outlet.

[0026] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the flap valve to move to the second position based on the ambient temperature around the seat being above the predetermined temperature.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to operate in a cooling mode with the flap valve in the second position, and wherein in the cooling mode, the thermoelectric device cools the main side fluid flow that is directed toward the surface of the seat and heats the waste side fluid flow that is directed toward ambient of the seat. An ambient of the seat may be any area away from the conditioned area. Ambient of the seat can include areas proximate to the seat, within the seat, under the seat, in the seat headrest, in the cabin of the car, atmospheric areas which may include the areas outside the cabin, areas within the cabin, areas within the vehicle while outside the cabin, areas proximate to the cabin, and areas proximate to the outside of the vehicle.

[0028] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to operate in a heating mode with the flap valve in the first position, wherein the controller is configured to cause to direct a predetermined voltage to the thermoelectric device for the thermoelectric device, in the heating mode, to heat the main side fluid flow that is directed toward the surface of the seat and to heat the waste side fluid flow that is directed toward the surface of the seat.

[0029] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, further including a bi-metal spring connected to the flap valve to move the flap valve relative to the housing, the bi-metal spring configured to transition from a first position to a second position in response to a transformation temperature, the bi-metal spring in fluid communication with the waste side fluid flow, wherein the bi-metal spring in the first position positions the flap valve in the first position, and the bi-metal spring in the second position positions the flap valve in the second position, and wherein waste heat from the waste side of the thermoelectric system transferred to the waste side fluid flow heats the bi-metal spring to the transformation temperature to transition the bi-metal spring from the first position to the second position.

[0030] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve configured to inhibit flow of the waste side fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in the second position and to inhibit flow of the waste side fluid flow through the waste outlet in the first position.

[0031] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow through both the auxiliary outlet and the waste outlet in a third position.

[0032] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve is configured to regulate the waste side fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet relative to the waste outlet by moving to a position between the first position and the second position.

[0033] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve is downstream of the thermoelectric device with respect to a flow direction in the waste side fluid flow.

[0034] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve is positioned in the housing where the housing branches into the auxiliary outlet and the waste outlet.

[0035] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve is adjusted from a fully open position towards a fully closed position. A fully closed position may block fluid flow past the flap valve to the fullest extent the flap valve can block, and a fully open position may be one that allows fluid flow past the flap valve to the fullest extent the flap valve can allow.

[0036] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve further includes a biasing member configured to bias the flap valve to the first position. In some aspects, a biasing member can be configured to bias the flap valve to the second position.

[0037] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, further including a first ventilated trim bag connected to the main outlet at a first connection to a first portion of the first ventilated trim bag, the first ventilated trim bag configured to evenly distribute the main side fluid flow into a conditioned area.

[0038] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, further including a flange configured to connect the main outlet and the first ventilated trim bag, the flange configured to position the first ventilated trim bag relative to the main outlet to direct fluid flow into the first ventilated trim bag.

[0039] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the first ventilated trim bag connects to the auxiliary outlet at a second connection.

[0040] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the second connection is in fluid communication with the first portion of the first ventilated trim bag.

[0041] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the second connection is in fluid communication with a second portion of the first ventilated trim bag.

[0042] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, further including a second ventilated trim bag connected to the auxiliary outlet at a second connection to the second ventilated trim bag, the second ventilated trim bag configured to evenly distribute the main side fluid flow into a conditioned area.

[0043] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fluid distribution system for directing waste side fluid flow toward a surface of a seat of a vehicle, the fluid distribution system including: a housing including an inlet, an auxiliary outlet, and a waste outlet, the inlet configured to connect to a fluid outlet of a thermoelectric assembly, the fluid outlet configured to direct waste side fluid flow from a waste side of a thermoelectric device to the inlet, wherein the waste side fluid flow exits from at least one of the auxiliary outlet or the waste outlet, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow toward a surface of a seat of a vehicle, and wherein the waste outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow toward ambient of the seat; and a flap valve in the housing, the flap valve in fluid communication with the waste side fluid flow, the flap valve configured to direct the waste side fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in a first position and to direct the waste side fluid flow through the waste outlet in a second position, wherein both a main side fluid flow in the thermoelectric assembly and the waste side fluid flow are directed toward the surface of the seat with the flap valve in the first position.

[0044] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fluid distribution system, further including a duct configured to connect the inlet of the housing and the fluid outlet of the thermoelectric assembly to direct the waste side fluid flow from thermoelectric assembly to the inlet.

[0045] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fluid distribution system, wherein the duct is flexible.

[0046] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system configured to regulate a first fluid flow and a second fluid flow, the thermoelectric system including: a housing including an inlet, a main outlet, an auxiliary outlet, and a waste outlet, the housing configured to direct a fluid flow through the housing from the inlet to the main outlet, to the auxiliary outlet, and to the waste outlet, the fluid flow separated into a first fluid flow that exits the main outlet and a second fluid flow that exits at least one of the auxiliary outlet or the waste outlet; a thermoelectric device in the housing, the thermoelectric device including a main side and a waste side, the main side in fluid communication with the first fluid flow and the waste side in fluid communication with the second fluid flow; and a flap valve in the housing, the flap valve in fluid communication with the second fluid flow, the flap valve configured to direct the second fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in a first position and to direct the second fluid flow through the waste outlet in a second position.

[0047] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, further including a control system configured to cause the flap valve to move between the first position and the second position based on temperature.

[0048] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, further including: a thermoelectric control system including a sensor configured to provide a signal that is indicative of an ambient temperature; and wherein the thermoelectric control system is configured to operate the flap valve based on the signal.

[0049] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the thermoelectric control system is configured to increase a flow rate to a conditioned area or decrease the flow rate to the conditioned area by adjusting the flap valve to direct the second fluid flow to either the auxiliary outlet or the waste outlet, respectively. [0050] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, further including a bi-metal spring connected to the flap valve to move the flap valve relative to the housing, the bi-metal spring configured to transition from a first position to a second position in response to a transformation temperature, the bi-metal spring in fluid communication with the second fluid flow, wherein the bi-metal spring in the first position positions the flap valve in the first position, and the bi-metal spring in the second position positions the flap valve in the second position, and wherein waste heat from the waste side of the thermoelectric system transferred to the second fluid flow heats the bi-metal spring to the transformation temperature to transition the bi-metal spring from the first position to the second position, or vice versa.

[0051] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the bi-metal spring is a spiral spring configured to wind around a portion of the flap valve or a mechanically connected element (e.g. connecting rod, gear, etc.). The spiral spring having a first coil diameter when in the first position and a second coil diameter when in the second position, the first coil diameter being smaller than the second coil diameter, the spiral spring having a first end connected to the flap valve and a second end connected to the housing, wherein the spiral spring is configured to expand from the first position to the second position, wherein expansion of the spiral spring rotates the flap valve.

[0052] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the bi-metal spring is a material selected from the group consisting of an Aluminum-Titanium alloy, a Titanium-Molybdenum alloy, a shape memory alloy, and super elastic metals.

[0053] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermal conditioning system configured to regulate a fluid flow of a preexisting system, the thermal conditioning system including: a connecting sleeve including a flexible material, the connecting sleeve configured to connect to a waste exit of a thermoelectric system; a tail conduit configured to connect to the connecting sleeve at an connecting sleeve, the tail conduit including an auxiliary outlet and a waste outlet, the tail conduit configured to direct a fluid flow through the tail conduit from the connecting sleeve to the auxiliary outlet, and to the waste outlet, the fluid flow separated into an auxiliary fluid flow that exits either the auxiliary outlet or the waste outlet; and a flap valve in the tail conduit, the flap valve in fluid communication with the fluid flow, the flap valve configured to direct the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in a first position and to direct the fluid flow through the waste outlet in a second position.

[0054] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermal conditioning system configured to regulate a fluid flow of a preexisting system, the thermal conditioning system including: a connecting sleeve including a flexible material, the connecting sleeve configured to connect to a waste exit of a thermoelectric system; a tail portion configured to connect to the connecting sleeve at an connecting sleeve, the tail portion including an auxiliary outlet and a waste outlet, the tail portion configured to direct a fluid flow through the tail portion from the connecting sleeve to the auxiliary outlet, and to the waste outlet, the fluid flow separated into an auxiliary fluid flow that exits either the auxiliary outlet or the waste outlet; and a flap valve in the tail portion, the flap valve in fluid communication with the fluid flow, the flap valve configured to direct the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in a first position and to direct the fluid flow through the waste outlet in a second position.

[0055] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermal conditioning system, further including a control system operatively connected with the thermal conditioning system, the preexisting system, and the flap valve, the control system configured to operate the thermal conditioning system, the preexisting system, and the flap valve.

[0056] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermal conditioning system, further including: a plurality of sensors configured to provide a signal that is indicative of a temperature of the fluid flow; and wherein the control system is configured to operate the flap valve based on the signal.

[0057] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system for increasing fluid flow toward a surface of a seat of a vehicle, the thermoelectric system including: a housing including an inlet, a main outlet, a waste outlet, and an auxiliary outlet, the housing configured to direct a fluid flow through the housing from the inlet to at least one of the main outlet, the waste outlet, or the auxiliary outlet; a thermoelectric device in the housing, the thermoelectric device including a main side and a waste side, the main side in fluid communication with the main outlet and the waste side in fluid communication with the waste outlet; and a flap valve at least partially upstream the thermoelectric device in the housing relative to a direction of the fluid flow through the inlet, the flap valve configured to move within the housing to direct the fluid flow through the main outlet and the waste outlet in a first position and to direct the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in a second position, wherein with the flap valve in the second position, the flap valve is configured to direct the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet and to block the fluid flow from flowing through the main outlet and the waste outlet, and wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the fluid flow toward the surface of the seat.

[0058] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve is at least partially downstream of the auxiliary outlet.

[0059] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct a main side fluid flow into a conditioned area proximate to the surface of the seat of the vehicle, the main side fluid flow passing through the main side of the thermoelectric device.

[0060] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the conditioned area includes at least one of a ventilated bag, a foam with air distribution channels, an air distribution channel, an air distribution cavity, or an air distribution spacer.

[0061] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct an auxiliary fluid flow into the conditioned area proximate the surface of the seat of the vehicle, the auxiliary fluid flow passing through the auxiliary outlet of the housing.

[0062] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system wherein the main outlet is configured to direct the main side fluid flow into a first portion of the conditioned area, and wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the auxiliary fluid flow into a second portion of the conditioned area.

[0063] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the conditioned area includes a ventilated bag and wherein the first portion is a first chamber of the ventilated bag and the second portion is a second chamber of the ventilated bag.

[0064] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct an auxiliary fluid flow into another conditioned area proximate the surface of the seat of the vehicle, the auxiliary fluid flow passing through the auxiliary outlet of the housing.

[0065] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct a main side fluid flow passing through the main side of the thermoelectric device toward a first portion of the surface of the seat, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct an auxiliary fluid flow out the auxiliary outlet toward a second portion of the surface of the seat.

[0066] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the first portion of the surface of the seat is part of a backrest of the seat, and wherein the second portion of the surface of the seat is part of a seat bottom of the seat.

[0067] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, further including a controller configured to cause the flap valve to move between the first position and the second position based on temperature.

[0068] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the flap valve to move to the second position based on an ambient temperature around the seat being below a predetermined temperature.

[0069] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to not operate with the flap valve in the second position for ambient air to be directed through the auxiliary outlet.

[0070] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to operate in a cooling mode with the flap valve in the first position, and wherein in the cooling mode, the thermoelectric device cools a main side fluid flow passing through the main side, the main side fluid flow directed toward the surface of the seat and heats a waste side fluid flow passing through the waste side, the waste side fluid flow directed toward ambient of the seat.

[0071] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein a flow capacity of the auxiliary outlet is equal to a combined flow capacity of the main outlet and the waste outlet. [0072] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein with the flap valve in the first position, the flap valve is configured to direct the fluid flow through the main outlet and the waste outlet and to block the fluid flow from flowing through the auxiliary outlet.

[0073] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve has a length equal to or greater than an extent of the auxiliary outlet, the extent of the auxiliary outlet extending perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet.

[0074] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve has a length equal to or greater than an extent of the thermoelectric device from the main side to the waste side, the extent of the thermoelectric device extending perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow through the thermoelectric device.

[0075] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve pivots about a pivot connected to the housing, the length of the flap valve extending from the pivot toward an end of the flap valve.

[0076] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the pivot is downstream of the auxiliary outlet relative to the direction of the fluid flow through the inlet.

[0077] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the main outlet and the auxiliary outlet are configured to direct the fluid flow in substantially the same direction.

[0078] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system for increasing fluid flow toward a surface of a seat of a vehicle, the thermoelectric system including: a housing including an inlet, a main outlet, a waste outlet, and an auxiliary outlet, the housing configured to direct a fluid flow through the housing from the inlet to at least one of the main outlet, the waste outlet, or the auxiliary outlet; a thermoelectric device in the housing, the thermoelectric device including a main side and a waste side, the main side in fluid communication with the main outlet and the waste side in fluid communication with the waste outlet; and a flap valve in the housing, the flap valve configured to move within the housing to direct the fluid flow through the main outlet and the waste outlet in a first position and to direct the fluid flow through the main outlet and the auxiliary outlet in a second position, wherein with the flap valve in the second position, the flap valve is configured to direct the fluid flow through the main outlet and the auxiliary outlet and to block the fluid flow through the waste outlet, and wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the fluid flow toward the surface of the seat.

[0079] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve is upstream the thermoelectric device in the housing relative to a direction of the fluid flow through the inlet.

[0080] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve is downstream the thermoelectric device in the housing relative to a direction of the fluid flow through the inlet.

[0081] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein with the flap valve in the second position, the flap valve is configured to direct the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet and to block the fluid flow through the main outlet and the waste outlet.

[0082] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct a main side fluid flow passing through the main side into a conditioned area proximate to the surface of the seat of the vehicle.

[0083] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the conditioned area includes at least one of a ventilated bag, a foam with air distribution channels, an air distribution channel, an air distribution cavity, or an air distribution spacer.

[0084] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct an auxiliary fluid flow into the conditioned area proximate the surface of the seat of the vehicle, the auxiliary fluid flow passing through the auxiliary outlet of the housing.

[0085] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct the main side fluid flow into a first portion of the conditioned area, and wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the auxiliary fluid flow into a second portion of the conditioned area. [0086] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the conditioned area includes a ventilated bag and wherein the first portion is a first chamber of the ventilated bag and the second portion is a second chamber of the ventilated bag.

[0087] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct an auxiliary fluid flow into another conditioned area proximate the surface of the seat of the vehicle, the auxiliary fluid flow passing through the auxiliary outlet of the housing.

[0088] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct a main side fluid flow passing through the main side of the thermoelectric device toward a first portion of the surface of the seat, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct an auxiliary fluid flow out the auxiliary outlet toward a second portion of the surface of the seat.

[0089] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the first portion of the surface of the seat is part of a backrest of the seat, and wherein the second portion of the surface of the seat is part of a seat bottom of the seat.

[0090] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, further including a controller configured to cause the flap valve to move between the first position and the second position based on temperature.

[0091] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the flap valve to move to the second position based on an ambient temperature around the seat being below a predetermined temperature.

[0092] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to not operate with the flap valve in the second position for ambient air to be directed through both the main outlet and the auxiliary outlet.

[0093] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the flap valve to move to the first position based on an ambient temperature around the seat being above the predetermined temperature. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to operate in a cooling mode with the flap valve in the first position, and wherein in the cooling mode, the thermoelectric device cools a main side fluid flow passing through the main side, the main side fluid flow directed toward the surface of the seat and heats a waste side fluid flow passing through the waste side, the waste side fluid flow directed toward ambient of the seat.

[0094] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, further including a bi-metal spring connected to the flap valve to move the flap valve relative to the housing, the bi-metal spring configured to transition from a first position to a second position in response to a transformation temperature, the bi-metal spring in fluid communication with a waste side fluid flow passing through the waste side, wherein the bimetal spring in the first position positions the flap valve in the first position, and the bi-metal spring in the second position positions the flap valve in the second position, and wherein waste heat from the waste side of the thermoelectric system transferred to the waste side fluid flow heats the bi-metal spring to the transformation temperature to transition the bi-metal spring from the first position to the second position.

[0095] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the bi-metal spring is in direct contact with a heat exchanger on the waste side of the thermoelectric device for thermal energy to transfer from the heat exchanger to the bimetal spring. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the waste outlet includes a first conduit and a second conduit, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit exit the housing on opposing sides, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit direct the fluid flow out the housing.

[0096] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein a flow capacity of the auxiliary outlet is approximately equal to a flow capacity of the waste outlet.

[0097] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein when the flap valve is in the first position, fluid is substantially prevented from exiting the housing at the auxiliary outlet.

[0098] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein when the flap valve is in the second position, fluid is substantially prevented from exiting the housing at the waste outlet. [0099] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve has a length equal to or greater than an extent of the auxiliary outlet, the extent of the auxiliary outlet extending perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet.

[0100] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve has a length equal to or greater than an extent of the waste outlet, the extent of the waste outlet extending perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow through the waste outlet. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the flap valve pivots about a pivot connected to the housing, the length of the flap valve extending from the pivot toward an end of the flap valve. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the pivot is downstream of the auxiliary outlet relative to the direction of the fluid flow through the inlet. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a thermoelectric system, wherein the main outlet and the auxiliary outlet are configured to direct the fluid flow in substantially the same direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0101] Various examples are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the examples. Various features of different disclosed examples can be combined to form additional examples, which are part of this disclosure.

[0102] FIG. 1 shows a thermal conditioning system configured for use within a car seat, according to some embodiments;

[0103] FIG. 1A shows a thermal conditioning system including an outlet control valve for directing an outlet fluid flow through an auxiliary exit or a waste exit according to some embodiments;

[0104] FIG. IB shows a cross-sectional view of the thermal conditioning system of FIG. 1 A, where the outlet control valve directs the outlet fluid flow through the auxiliary exit;

[0105] FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional view of the thermal conditioning system of FIG. 1A, where the outlet control valve directs the outlet fluid flow through the waste exit;

[0106] FIG. ID shows a diagrammatic representation of a thermal conditioning system according to some embodiments;

[0107] FIG. IE shows a diagrammatic representation of a thermal conditioning system according to some embodiments;

[0108] FIG. 2A a thermal conditioning system including an outlet control valve for directing an outlet fluid flow through an auxiliary exit or a waste exit according to some embodiments;

[0109] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the thermal conditioning system of FIG. 2A, where the outlet control valve directs the outlet fluid flow through the waste exit;

[0110] FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the thermal conditioning system of FIG. 2A, where the outlet control valve directs the outlet fluid flow through the auxiliary exit;

[01U] FIG. 3A shows a thermal conditioning system according to some embodiments, further comprising a ventilated trim bag (VTB), a flange, and two extensions to direct fluid flow from the primary and waste fluid flows;

[0112] FIG. 3B shows a thermal conditioning system with operative connections between its primary exit and auxiliary exit to portions of a VTB, the thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments;

[0113] FIG. 3C shows a thermal conditioning system with operative connections between its primary exit and the vehicle seat, and auxiliary exit to a VTB, the thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments;

[0114] FIG. 3D shows a thermal conditioning system with operative connections between its primary exit and a first chamber of a VTB, and auxiliary exit to a second chamber of a VTB, the thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments;

[0115] FIG. 3E shows a thermal conditioning system with operative connections between its primary exit and a first VTB, and auxiliary exit to second a VTB, the thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments;

[0116] FIG. 4A shows an add-on thermal conditioning system configured to connect to a preexisting system, the add-on thermal conditioning system including an outlet control valve for directing an outlet fluid flow through an auxiliary exit or a waste exit, according to some embodiments;

[0117] FIG. 4B shows the add-on thermal conditioning system of FIG. 4A connected to a preexisting system, according to some embodiments;

[0118] FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the add-on thermal conditioning system of FIG. 4B, where the outlet control valve directs the outlet fluid flow through the waste exit;

[0119] FIG. 4D shows a cross-sectional view of the add-on thermal conditioning system of FIG. 4B, where the outlet control valve directs the outlet fluid flow through the auxiliary exit;

[0120] FIG. 4E shows a system interface where the add-on thermal conditioning system connects to the preexisting system, according to some embodiments;

[0121] FIG. 5A shows an add-on thermal conditioning system connected to a preexisting system, the add-on thermal conditioning system including an outlet control valve for directing an outlet fluid flow through an auxiliary exit or a waste exit, according to some embodiments;

[0122] FIG. 5B shows the add-on thermal conditioning system of FIG. 5A connected to a preexisting system, according to some embodiments;

[0123] FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the add-on thermal conditioning system of FIG. 5B, where the outlet control valve directs the outlet fluid flow through the waste exit;

[0124] FIG. 5D shows a cross-sectional view of the add-on thermal conditioning system of FIG. 5B, where the outlet control valve directs the outlet fluid flow through the auxiliary exit;

[0125] FIG. 6A shows an add-on thermal conditioning system connected to a preexisting system with operative connections between the primary exit of the preexisting system and a first portion of a VTB, and an auxiliary exit of the add-on thermal conditioning system and to a second portion of the VTB, the add-on thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments;

[0126] FIG. 6B shows an add-on thermal conditioning system connected to a preexisting system with operative connections between the primary exit of the preexisting system and a first portion of a VTB, and an auxiliary exit of the add-on thermal conditioning system and to a second portion of the VTB, the add-on thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments;

[0127] FIG. 7 shows an outlet control valve controlled by a bi-metal spring designed to control the position of the outlet control valve within a thermal conditioning system, according to some embodiments;

[0128] FIG. 8 shows a graph with data for an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system comparing the flow rate to the static pressure within the system, compared at different voltages;

[0129] FIG. 9A shows a thermal conditioning system including an outlet control valve for directing an outlet fluid flow through either a thermal conditioning section or bypassing a thermal conditioning section according to some embodiments; [0130] FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional view of the thermal conditioning system of FIG. 9A, where the outlet control valve directs the outlet fluid flow through the thermal conditioning section;

[0131] FIG. 9C shows a cross-sectional view of the thermal conditioning system of FIG. 9A, where the outlet control valve directs the outlet fluid flow to bypass the thermal conditioning section;

[0132] FIG. 9D shows a thermal conditioning system with operative connections between its primary outlet and auxiliary outlet to portions of a VTB, the thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments;

[0133] FIG. 9E shows a thermal conditioning system with operative connections between its primary outlet and a vehicle seat, and auxiliary outlet to the VTB located within the seat, the thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments;

[0134] FIG. 9F shows a thermal conditioning system with operative connections between its primary outlet and a second chamber of a VTB, and auxiliary outlet to a first chamber of a VTB, the thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments;

[0135] FIG. 9G shows a thermal conditioning system with operative connections between its main outlet and a first VTB, and auxiliary outlet to second a VTB, the thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments;

[0136] FIG. 10A shows a thermal conditioning system including an outlet control valve for directing an outlet fluid flow through an auxiliary outlet or a waste outlet according to some embodiments;

[0137] FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the thermal conditioning system of FIG. 10A, where the outlet control valve directs the outlet fluid flow through the main outlet and the waste outlet;

[0138] FIG. 10C shows a cross-sectional view of the thermal conditioning system of FIG. 10A, where the outlet control valve directs the outlet fluid flow through the main outlet and auxiliary outlet; [0139] FIG. 10D shows a thermal conditioning system with operative connections between its primary outlet and auxiliary outlet to portions of a VTB, the thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments;

[0140] FIG. 10E shows a thermal conditioning system with operative connections between its primary outlet and a vehicle seat, and auxiliary outlet to the VTB located within the seat, the thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments;

[0141] FIG. 10F shows a thermal conditioning system with operative connections between its primary outlet and a second chamber of a VTB, and auxiliary outlet to a first chamber of a VTB, the thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments, and

[0142] FIG. 10G shows a thermal conditioning system with operative connections between its main outlet and a first VTB, and auxiliary outlet to second a VTB, the thermal conditioning system separated from the vehicle seat for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0143] Figure 1 shows an implementation of a thermal conditioning system 100 (e.g., thermoelectric system, thermoelectric conditioning system) suitable for use within a conditioned area, such as a vehicle seat 101. The Figure depicts the thermal conditioning system 100 positioned outside the vehicle seat 101 and not to scale for illustrative purposes; the thermal conditioning system 100 can be located within or proximal to the vehicle seat 101 according to some embodiments and may or may not be the same scale compared to the vehicle seat 101 as disclosed in the Figure. The thermal conditioning system 100 can be used to deliver conditioned (e g., heated, cooled, dried, and/or wetted) air to a climate-controlled device or environment.

[0144] In an example embodiment, a blower provides the thermal conditioning system 100 with unconditioned air, after which the thermal conditioning system 100 can deliver conditioned air into a vehicle seat 101, such as through one or more passages or channels within the vehicle seat. The thermal conditioning system 100 can be located within, and provide conditioned air to, a portion of a vehicle seat 101, such as the backrest of the seat, the seat bottom, the armrest, or other components of a vehicle seat. The thermal conditioning system 100 can be positioned to provide conditioned air to, or be located within, a vehicle seat 101. The thermal conditioning system 100 can also be used to provide conditioned air to various other spaces or components such as head rests, arm rests, enclosed spaces, beds, furniture, or any touch surface that may benefit from thermal conditioning.

[0145] Figures 1A through 1C show an implementation of a thermal conditioning system 100. Other implementations of thermal conditioning systems are described in PCT Application No. US/2019/063445, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/586,533, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021/0370746, and U.S. Patent Application No. 7,587,901, the entirety of which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0146] The thermal conditioning system 100 can include or be used in combination with a fluid moving device (not shown) which can be connected to an inlet of the thermal conditioning system 100. The fluid moving device can be a fan, blower, or similar device. The fluid moving device can include a motor for driving one or more blades. A speed of the fluid moving device can be controlled based on application of a voltage and/or amperage to the motor. The fluid moving device can deliver a fluid flow through the thermal conditioning system 100 such as by the inlet of the thermal conditioning system 100. The thermal conditioning system 100 can include a housing 102 holding various thermoelectric components.

[0147] In some embodiments, the fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 100 at an inlet 112, which can be divided by a channel system within the thermal conditioning system 100 into a main side fluid passing through first side 122 of the thermal conditioning system 100 through a primary exit 123 (e.g., a main outlet, a main exit, a primary outlet, etc.) and a second side fluid passing either through the waste exit 125 (e.g., waste outlet) of the thermal conditioning system 100 or the auxiliary exit 126 (e.g., auxiliary outlet) of the thermal conditioning system 100. The main side fluid can be provided to a conditioned area. The main side fluid can be conditioned by passing through the thermal conditioning system 100. The fluid flow can be delivered through the thermal conditioning system 100 along a flow path 110. [0148] Advantageously, use of the thermal conditioning system 100 could reduce the back-pressure needed to be overcome by the thermal conditioning system 100 or any fluid moving device compared to traditional thermoelectric fluid conditioner systems, and as a result increase the flow rate through the system significantly by allowing the fluid to flow through the system through both a first side 122 portion of the TED and the second side 124 (e.g., waste side) portion of the TED. Furthermore, use of the thermal conditioning system 100 can reduce the pressure of the fluid as it passes through only one side of the TED 120 and out the primary exit 123 on the first side 122, by instead allowing fluid to flow through both sides of the TED 120 and out the primary exit 123 on the first side 122 and the auxiliary exit 126 on the second side 124. Operation of the thermal conditioning system 100 can thus increase the airflow through a thermal conditioning system while also decreasing the noise that would need to be generated to achieve similar airflow in other systems.

[0149] Figures IB and 1C depict a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of a thermal conditioning system 100. The thermal conditioning system 100 can include a thermoelectric device (TED) 120, which is in fluid communication with the flow path 110 of the air. The TED 120 can be a Peltier device. The TED 120 can output fluid to a first side 122 and a second side 124. The TED 120 can convert electrical energy into thermal energy to produce a temperature change in response to an electrical current applied thereto. In a cooling mode, the TED 120 can cool a fluid flow on a main side 122 by transferring thermal energy from the main side 122 to a waste side 124 and generate waste heat that heats a fluid flow on a waste side 124. In a heating mode, the TED 120 can heat the fluid flow on the main side 122 by transferring thermal energy from the waste side 124 to the main side 122, cooling the fluid flow on a waste side 124. The TED 120 can be controlled based on application of a voltage and/or amperage. When used as a cooling device, the TED 120 can convert electrical energy into thermal energy, such that air passing through the first side 122 can be colder than air passing through the second side 124.

[0150] Figures ID and IE show schematic representations of possible embodiments of conditioning systems, and show the advantages of the current system compared to standard systems. In Figures ID and IE, the TED 120 may not be in operation to demonstrate the beneficial nature of the current disclosure. [0151] Figure ID depicts a standard thermoelectric fluid conditioner cooling system which directs air from a blower to both a main side and a waste side. Air on the first side 122 can be directed to the vehicle seat 101, but air on the second side 124 can only exit the system on a waste side.

[0152] Figure IE depicts an example embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 100. Air from a blower can enter a thermal conditioning system 100, where it is divided into a first side 122 and a second side 124. Air on the first side 122 can be directed into a first portion of a vehicle seat 101, labeled Seat Section A. Air on the second side 124 would have to exit a system out a waste exit in traditional systems. However, in the thermal conditioning system 100, the air on the second side 124 can be directed by an outlet control valve 140 to divert the flow of air from exiting the system as waste to rather exit the system to provide airflow to a second seat portion, labeled Seat Section B, therefore advantageously increasing the total flow rate to the vehicle seat 101. In some embodiments, substantially the same fluid flow can flow to Seat Section A and Seat Section B.

[0153] Figures 2A through 2C depict an alternative embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 100 for delivering conditioned air to a climate-controlled device or environment. The thermal conditioning system 100 depicted in Figures 2A through 2C can be substantially similar to the thermal conditioning system 100 as described herein, and can operate in a substantially similar method as well. The thermal conditioning system 100 can be configured such that its auxiliary exit 126 exits the thermal conditioning system 100 on a side substantially opposite the primary exit 123.

[0154] In some embodiments, the TED 120 can also be used as a heating device. In some embodiments, the TED 120 can be a Peltier cooler and configured such that, when operated at a voltage outside its rated voltage, acts as a resistive heating element by overpowering the TED 120 (e.g., providing additional current or voltage to the TED 120, such as above what the TED is rated for under predetermined normal operating conditions). In some embodiments, when the TED 120 acts as a resistive heating element, both the air passing through the first side 122 and the air passing through the second side 124 can be hotter than the air entering the thermal conditioning system 100. Use of a thermal conditioning system 100 where the TED 120 is overpowered can be referenced as a max heat operational mode, as described herein. [0155] The TED 120 can include a first side heat exchanger and/or a second side heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the heat exchangers can comprise a plurality of thin metal fins. The flow path 110 can split into a first side flow path 132 (e.g., a main side fluid flow) and a second side flow path 134 (e.g., a waste side fluid flow). The first side flow path 132 can pass through the first heat exchanger. The second side flow path 134 can pass through the second heat exchanger.

[0156] In some embodiments, a first side flow path 132 can exit the thermal conditioning system 100 at a primary exit 123 and terminate at the conditioned area, climate- controlled environment, or device. The second side flow path 134 can either exit the thermal conditioning system 100 at an auxiliary exit 126 by an auxiliary side flow path 136 or at a waste exit 125 by a waste side flow path or waste fluid flow 135. The second side flow path 134 can branch or splits into the waste exit 125 and the auxiliary exit 126. How the second side flow path 134 exits the thermal conditioning system 100 can be determined or affected by an outlet control valve 140, as disclosed herein.

[0157] The thermal conditioning system 100 can include an outlet control valve 140. The outlet control valve 140 can be downstream the TED 120. The outlet control valve 140 can be positioned and attached to the housing 102 at a location proximate to where second side flow path 134 branches or splits into the waste exit 125 and the auxiliary exit 126. Other outlet control valves discussed herein for housings 902, 1002 and/or tail conduits 420 can have similar positioning where fluid paths diverge, branch, or split. The housing 102 can include the main exit 123, the waste exit 125, and the auxiliary exit 126 as well as house the TED 120. The housing 102 can include various conduits and flow paths connecting the main exit 123, the waste exit 125, and/or the auxiliary exit 126 for fluid communication as discussed herein.

[0158] The outlet control valve 140 can include a louver or flap 144 (e.g., a flap valve). In some embodiments, the louver 144 can extend in one direction from the outlet control valve 140 such that rotation of the outlet control valve 140 rotates the louver 144 about its edge. In some embodiments, the louver 144 can extend in two directions from the outlet control valve 140 such that rotation of the outlet control valve 140 rotates the louver 144 about its central axis. The louver 144 can direct flow through either the waste exit 125 and/or the auxiliary exit 126 by limiting, preventing, substantially preventing, and/or otherwise inhibiting flow in the waste exit 125 through the waste side 124 and/or the auxiliary exit 126 through the waste side 124.

[0159] The position of the louver can be controlled by a control system 200. In the illustrated implementation, the flow control valve 140 is in the form of a flap or butterfly valve that rotates about an axis along its edge. Other types of valves could be used such as needle, barrel or rotary valves and/or a combination of such valves or other valves as desired or required. In the illustrated implementation, the control system 200 can be operably connected to the outlet control valve 140, to rotate to change the position of the louver 144 from a first position to a second position depending on the operation mode of the thermal conditioning system.

[0160] In some embodiments, when the louver 144 is in the first position, the fluid exiting the TED 120 on the second side 124 can be directed to the auxiliary exit 126 of the thermal conditioning system 100. When the louver 144 is in the second position, the fluid exiting the TED 120 on the second side 124 can be directed to the waste exit 125 of the thermal conditioning system 100. In some embodiments, the louver 144 can be in a third position which is intermediate between the first position and the second position, such that the fluid exiting the TED 120 on the second side 124 can be directed to both the auxiliary exit 126 and waste exit 125 of the thermal conditioning system 100.

[0161] In some embodiments, the waste exit 125 of the thermal conditioning system can direct the air flow away from the seat. In some embodiments, the waste flowing away from the seat can be directed to an ambient environment of the seat, such as an area separate or spaced away from the conditioned area. In some embodiments, the ambient environment can be under the seat cushion toward the floor of the car, directed out the back of the seat, directed out the headrest of the seat, or other directions away from or substantially away from the conditioned area. In some aspects, the waste side flow path 135 flowing away from the seat can be directed away from the conditioned area to ambient or atmospheric areas which may include the areas outside the cabin, areas within the cabin, areas within the vehicle while outside the cabin, areas outside of the vehicle areas proximate to the cabin, and areas proximate to the outside of the vehicle.

[0162] An example control algorithm for operating the thermal conditioning system 100 based on one or more operation parameters according to some embodiments could include the following steps. The system 100 can calculate, receive, and/or measure current operating conditions. These may include the temperature of the TED 120, the speed of the blower, the flow rate at any position within, immediately around, or associated with the flow of fluid through the thermal conditioning system 100, the position of the flow control valve 140, and/or the temperature of the airflow at the inlet (intake temperature) 112, primary exit 123, auxiliary exit and/or waste exit 125.

[0163] Next, the system 100 can, based on the current operational mode, regulate one or more components of or related to the thermal conditioning system 100 to increase the efficiency of the system in performing the operational mode. For example, if the system was to operate in a max vent mode (as described herein), then the control system 200 could regulate the blower to provide a desired amount of air, the TED 120 to not condition the air or condition the air a certain amount based on a reading from a sensor positioned at or within the inlet 112, and the outlet control valve 140 to direct the flow on the second side 124 to the auxiliary exit 126 rather than the waste exit 125.

[0164] In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning system 100 may have the first side flow path 132 or second side flow path 134 exit into a conditioned area (e.g., climate controlled area, etc.). The conditioned area can contain an air distribution layer, spacer, duct, or cavity, or be filled with a structure or a series of conduits or flow diverters designed to facilitate a more even lateral distribution of the air flow flowing from the thermal conditioning system 100. In some embodiments, the structure can facilitate distribution of air in, above, or below a seat.

[0165] In some embodiments, the conditioned area can be surrounded on one or more sides by a plate or similar solid body to direct flow away from the plate, which can increase fluid flow in a certain direction, such as toward the user. In some embodiments, the plate can have a plurality of protrusions or features designed to direct the fluid flow from the thermal conditioning system 100 to more evenly be distributed throughout the conditioned area.

[0166] In some embodiments, the flow diverters of the conditioned area can include foam or other materials to distribute the air flowing more evenly out from the thermal conditioning system 100 such that, for example, a user sitting on a seat surface adjacent or immediately adjacent the conditioned area can evenly feel airflow through the seat surface. [0167] To facilitate spreading the air flow through the system, various methods of diverting the air by flow diverters such as conduits, channels, or other methods known by one skilled in the art can be utilized. In some embodiments described herein, a ventilated bag (e.g., ventilated trim bag, ventilated vessel, container, etc.) with various holes to allow fluid to exit can be used to distribute the air flow more evenly to the conditioned area.

[0168] In some embodiments, the ventilated bag can be filled with foam or other materials to further deflect or otherwise divert fluid flow as the air flows through the ventilated bag. In some embodiments, a seat surface can be divided into multiple conditioned areas, such that one conditioned area receives airflow from one of the exits of the thermal conditioning system 100, and another conditioned area receives airflow from another of the exits of the thermal conditioning system 100.

[0169] In some embodiments, the control system 200 can be configured to regulate the flow through the thermal conditioning system 100 depending on whether the thermal conditioning system 100 is in an initialization or startup mode. Under startup conditions, the TED 120 may not be fully up to temperature to provide sufficient heating or cooling. Providing excess airflow across an under-warmed TED may result in blowing colder air through a primary exit 123 or auxiliary exit 126 than is desirable. This may result in an undesirable temperature of air entering the conditioned spaces when the system 100 is being first used. Accordingly, the control system 200 can limit blower speed or delay starting the blower until the TED 120 has reached sufficient operating parameters or wait for a specified waiting period. Whether the TED 120 has reached operating parameters sufficiently may be based on timing and/or power consumption of the TED 120.

[0170] In some embodiments, the system 100 can estimate temperatures of the primary exit 123, auxiliary exit 126, and waste exit 125 of the TED 120. This estimate may be based, at least in part, on the power provided the TED 120, the position of the flow control valve 140, readings from one or more temperature sensors, and/or the speed of the blower. In some embodiments, the control system 200 can prevent the TED 120 from exceeding temperature limits (e.g., thresholds) on either of the primary exit 123 or auxiliary exit 126 that could damage the device over time. If a temperature outside an allowable range is detected, one or more of the power provided the TED 120, the position of the flow control valve 140, and/or the speed of the blower can be adjusted to bring the TED 120 back into the desired temperature range.

[0171] In some embodiments, the system 100 can estimate the temperature losses in the airflow delivered to the conditioned area(s). This calculation can be based on the airflow temperature, the ambient temperature of the conditioned area or surrounding areas, the one or more temperature sensors within or operatively connected to the thermal conditioning system 100, the length of the passageway leading to the seat surface, the power to the TED 120, the position of the flow control valve 140, and/or the speed of the blower. The control system 200 can prevent overheated or undercooled-air being delivered to the conditioned area. If a temperature outside an allowable range is detected, one or more of the power provided the TED 120, the position of the flow control valve 140, and/or the speed of the blower can be adjusted to bring the airflow to the end effector back into the desired temperature range. The end effector can optionally be a vehicle seat, an occupant’s skin, a device outlet, a footwell, a seatback, or other surface.

[0172] In some embodiments, the system 100 calculates a dew point on a cooled side of the TED 120 (e.g., the main side flow path or main fluid flow 132 or the second side flow path 134, depending on heater or cooler usage). Excess cooling of humid air can result in undesirable condensation within the system 100 and/or at the conditioned area. The humidity of the air entering the system 100 can be known based on a signal from an outside system (e.g., vehicle). The system 100 then calculates the corresponding dew point temperature. If temperatures within the system 100 are calculated to cause condensation, one or more of the power provided the TED 120, the position of the flow control valve 140, and/or the speed of the blower can be Adjusted to prevent airflow and/or dry the flow path of the airflow. This mechanism can be applied in multiple operational modes.

[0173] Advantageously, the outlet control valve 140 may prevent or inhibit unnecessarily venting air from the thermal conditioning system 100 out the waste exit 125, and recapture such airflow by directing the air to exit the thermal conditioning system 100 by an auxiliary side flow path 136, which can be directed to the conditioned area. Advantageously, an outlet control valve 140 directing fluid flow through the auxiliary exit 126 can decrease complexity or costs for a thermal conditioning system 100 in comparison to other embodiments for recapturing auxiliary fluid flow. Advantageously, the thermal conditioning system 100 can be operated at a lower pump rate while still having similar useful flow output. Furthermore, an outlet control valve 140 directing fluid flow through the auxiliary exit 126 can increase the flowrate through a thermal conditioning system 100 without needing to connect the thermal conditioning system 100 to a more powerful blower or other fluid pump.

[0174] Advantageously, in some embodiments the control system 200 can balance the combination of fluid exiting the system between the primary exit 123 and the auxiliary exit 126 to regulate the temperature felt in the conditioned area to be a comfortable temperature for a user. Comfortable temperatures could vary as desired or required by a user within or around the conditioned area. The desired temperature can vary as desired or required by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as by a control interface. In some embodiments, this balancing can be accomplished by positioning the outlet control valve 140 in a third position which is intermediate between the first position and the second position.

[0175] In some embodiments, the control system 200 can read thermal information measured throughout the thermal conditioning system 100, such as in the first side flow path 132, in the auxiliary side flow path 136, in the waste side flow path 135, within the TED 120, in the flow path 110, before the inlet 112, or elsewhere in or around the thermal conditioning system 100. The control system 200 can regulate the operation of the blower, the TED 120 and the outlet control valve 140 based on information received from the one or more sensors to achieve a desired temperature in the conditioned area. The control system 200 could also utilize one or more sensors positioned within or around the thermal conditioning system 100 to estimate the temperature at the inlet 112 and adjust the TED 120 and outlet control valve 140 operation accordingly to appropriately condition the conditioned area.

[0176] In some embodiments, flow through the thermal conditioning system 100 can be controlled through the use of a control system 200 configured to operate the TED 120 and the outlet control valve 140. The thermal conditioning system 100 can operate in one of several different operational modes, such as in a max cool mode (e.g., a cooling mode), a max vent mode (e.g., a ventilation mode), or a max heat mode (e.g., a heating mode), some sample methods of operation described below.

[0177] In one operational mode, which can be described as a max cool mode, fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 100 by the inlet 112 and be diverted into the first side flow path 132 and the second side flow path 134. In this operational mode, the TED 120 can be active, such that the first side would be cooled by the TED 120 and the second side would be heated by the TED 120. The fluid in the first side flow path 132 can be cooler than the fluid in the flow path 110 by the inlet 112 and exit the thermal conditioning system 100 at a primary exit 123 to the conditioned area. The fluid in the second side flow path 134 can be warmer than the fluid in the flow path 110. The outlet control valve 140 can be in its second position (as the louver 144 in Figure 1C is positioned) such that the second side flow path 134 is directed to the waste exit 125. There, the fluid exits the thermal conditioning system 100 by a waste side flow path 135 exiting by the waste exit 125. In some aspects, a biasing member can bias the flap valve to a first position or second position for a max cool or a max vent mode.

[0178] In one operational mode, which can be described as a max vent mode, fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 100 by the inlet 112 and be diverted into the first side flow path 132 and the second side flow path 134. In this operational mode, the TED 120 can be inactive, such that the temperature of the fluid on both the first side 122 and second side 124 could be substantially the same. The fluid in the first side flow path 132 can exit the thermal conditioning system 100 at a primary exit 123 to the conditioned area. The outlet control valve 140 can be in its first position (as the louver 144 in Figure IB is positioned) such that the second side flow path 134 is directed to the auxiliary exit 126. There, the fluid exits the thermal conditioning system 100 by an auxiliary side flow path 136 by the auxiliary exit 126. In some embodiments, air exiting the thermal conditioning system 100 at the primary exit 123 can be at a cubic feet per minute (CFM) that is substantially similar to the CFM of air exiting the thermal conditioning system 100 at the auxiliary exit 126.

[0179] In one operational mode, which can be described as a max heat mode, fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 100 by the inlet 112 and be diverted into the first side flow path 132 and the second side flow path 134. In this operational mode, the TED 120 can be active and supplied with a voltage over its suggested voltage rating, such that both the first side and the second side would be heated by the TED 120. The fluid in the first side flow path 132 and the fluid in the second side flow path 134 can be warmer than the fluid in the flow path 110 by the inlet 112. The fluid in the first side flow path 132 can exit the thermal conditioning system 100 at a primary exit 123 to the conditioned area. The outlet control valve 140 can be in its first position (as the louver 144 in Figure IB is positioned) such that the second side flow path 134 is directed to the auxiliary exit 126. There, the fluid exits the thermal conditioning system 100 by an auxiliary side flow path 136 by the auxiliary exit 126.

[0180] In one operational mode, which can be described as an alternative heating mode, fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 100 by the inlet 112 and be diverted into the first side flow path 132 and the second side flow path 134. In this operational mode, the TED 120 can be active, such that the first side would be heated by the TED 120 and the second side would be cooled by the TED 120. The fluid in the first side flow path 132 can be warmer than the fluid in the flow path 110 by the inlet 112 and exit the thermal conditioning system 100 at a primary exit 123 to the conditioned area. The fluid in the second side flow path 134 can be cooler than the fluid in the flow path 110. The outlet control valve 140 can be in its second position (as the louver 144 in Figure 1C is positioned) such that the second side flow path 134 is directed to the waste exit 125. There, the fluid exits the thermal conditioning system 100 by a waste side flow path 135 exiting by the waste exit 125.

[0181] Use of the thermal conditioning system 100 between its different operational modes can also be based on information measured by the control system 200, such as the temperature of the ambient air entering the thermal conditioning system 100 at the inlet 112. Determination for which operational mode should be performed could be based on whether the ambient air exceeds a critical ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the critical ambient temperature could be approximately 30°C. In some embodiments, the critical ambient temperature could be 28°C.

[0182] In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning system 100 can be configured such that if signals from a sensor that are indicative of the ambient temperature exceeds the critical ambient temperature, then the thermal conditioning system 100 operates in a max cool mode. In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning system 100 can be configured such that if the ambient temperature does not exceed or equals the critical ambient temperature, then the thermal conditioning system 100 operates in a max vent mode. In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning system 100 can be configured such that if the ambient temperature is substantially below the critical ambient temperature, then the thermal conditioning system 100 operates in a max heat mode.

[0183] Advantageously, use of the outlet control valve 140 controlled by control system 200 allows the thermal conditioning system 100 to increase the efficiency of ventilating air when the thermal conditioning system 100 is in a max vent mode. In situations where the ambient air is warmer, a user or the control system 200 could activate the TED 120 and the air provided by the blower or other fluid moving device can be treated by the thermal conditioning system 100; the outlet control valve 140 could be in its second position such that substantially all the air on the second side 124 exits the thermal conditioning system 100 at the waste exit 125.

[0184] In situations where ambient air is cooler (cooler than user skin temperature, for example) and a TED 120 would not need to be activated, the air provided by the blower or other fluid moving device can simply pass through the thermal conditioning system 100; the outlet control valve 140 could be in its first position such that substantially all the air on the second side 124 exits the thermal conditioning system 100 at the auxiliary exit 126, resulting in more useable airflow being directed toward the occupant or user. Advantageously, this can increase efficiency of the system by increasing the useable flow provided to the user or occupant without requiring a more powerful blower system, without leading to an increase in static pressure as would occur in other thermoelectric fluid conditioner systems.

[0185] In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 140 can control the flow of the second side flow path 134 with a flow restriction device other than a louver. The flow can be restricted by instruments known by one skilled in the art appropriate for restricting fluid flow, such as by a flow gate valve, or other alternatives.

[0186] In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 140 can be biased to be in a first position by a biasing member. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 140 can be biased to be in a second position by a biasing member.

[0187] In some embodiments, the primary exit 123 and the auxiliary exit 126 can be on the same side of the thermal conditioning system 100. In some embodiments, the waste exit 125 can be on a side of the thermal conditioning system 100 opposite where the flow path 110 enters the thermal conditioning system 100. In some embodiments, such as the embodiments depicted in Figures 2A through 2C, the primary exit 123 and the auxiliary exit 126 can be on opposing sides of the thermal conditioning system 100.

[0188] In some embodiments, the primary exit 123 can protrude from the main body of the thermal conditioning system 100 to form a snout. In some embodiments, the auxiliary exit 126 can protrude from the main body of the thermal conditioning system 100. [0189] Figure 3 A depicts some components which could be used with the thermal conditioning system 100 to further increase the efficacy of the system. In some embodiments, the air exiting the primary exit 123 and/or the auxiliary exit 126 leaves the thermal conditioning system 100 directly into a climate controlled environment. In some embodiments, the air exiting the primary exit 123 and/or the auxiliary exit 126 leaves the thermal conditioning system 100 into a ventilated trim bag (VTB) 310 (e.g., ventilated bag, air distribution layer, spacer, duct, or cavity) or other system or apparatus as used by one skilled in the art to distribute fluid evenly within a conditioned area. The VTB 310 can comprise an inlet port to connect to at least one of the primary exit 123 or auxiliary exit 126 of the thermal conditioning system 100. The VTB 310 can be formed of a flexible material such as natural or synthetic fabrics or leather. The VTB 310 can be air permeable, perforated or otherwise ventilated to allow the passage of airflow therethrough from the thermal conditioning system 100. The VTB 310 could include further internal layers, spacers, comfort layers, etc. These internal layers may also be ventilated.

[0190] The VTB 310 can include one or more passageways in communication with the outer surface of the VTB 310. The passageways can connect the thermal conditioning system 100 with the outer surface of the VTB 310, thus providing a flow path through the vehicle seat 101. The passageways can enable the flow of air with more or less resistance from the primary exit 123 or auxiliary exit 126 to the VTB 310. The thermal conditioning system 100, or one or more components thereof, can be embedded within the cushion within such passageways. In one implementation, the TED 120, flow control valve 140, and/or blower are partially or wholly contained within the vehicle seat 101 or VTB 310.

[0191] Advantageously, the thermal conditioning system 100 has a primary exit 123 and an auxiliary exit 126, which allows for multiple cooling areas. In some embodiments, a thermal conditioning system 100 could provide air to a second VTB chamber 312 of the VTB 310 connected to the auxiliary exit 126 of the thermal conditioning system 100. In some embodiments, a thermal conditioning system 100 could provide air to a second VTB connected to the auxiliary exit 126 of the thermal conditioning system 100.

[0192] Figures 3B through 3E depict the thermal conditioning system 100 configured to interface with one or more VTBs according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The Figures depict the thermal conditioning system 100 positioned outside the vehicle seat 101 and not to scale for illustrative purposes; the thermal conditioning system 100 can be located within or proximal to the vehicle seat 101 according to some embodiments and may or may not be the same scale compared to the vehicle seat 101 as disclosed in the Figures. Furthermore, the position of the one or more VTBs is purely for example. As such, the VTBs can be positioned as desired or required depending on where or how the thermal conditioning system 100 is designed to provide airflow or conditioned air to the occupant or user. The VTBs may be positioned on top of, behind, within, embedded within, layered within, alternately layered, partially exposed, partially covered, alternately patterned, wrapped with, rolled with, or otherwise incorporated or interposed with in front of or behind the surface of the chair or the chair.

[0193] Figure 3B depicts an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 100 that has both its primary exit 123 and its auxiliary exit 126 connected to a singular VTB 310 located within a vehicle seat 101. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3B, the thermal conditioning system 100 is installed such that, during operation, air exiting the primary exit 123 and auxiliary exit 126 can at least partially enter a VTB 310, positioned within the seat back to cool the back of an occupant. The thermal conditioning system 100 could operate in a max vent operational mode such that both the primary exit 123 and the auxiliary exit 126 provide airflow to the VTB 310 via the first side flow path 132 and auxiliary side flow path 136, respectively. In a max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 120 can enter the VTB 310 by the first side flow path 132, and air heated as a result of the TED 120 can be directed out the waste side flow path 135, with the auxiliary side flow path 136 substantially closed. The primary exit 123 and auxiliary exit 126 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein.

[0194] The VTB 310 in Figure 3B can advantageously be first ran in a max cool operational mode to increase the sensation of cooling felt by the occupant. As the cabin temperature drops and the ambient air entering the thermal conditioning system 100 by the blower decreases in temperature, the TED 120 can cease operation and the thermal conditioning system 100 can be ran in a max vent operational mode to increase airflow to the occupant.

[0195] Figure 3C depicts an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 100 that has its primary exit 123 directly vent into a portion of the vehicle seat 101, and its auxiliary exit 126 connected to a VTB 310 located within a vehicle seat 101 . In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3C, the thermal conditioning system 100 is installed such that, during operation, air exiting the primary exit 123 directly enters a portion of the vehicle seat 101, providing focused airflow to a portion of the vehicle seat 101. The air exiting the auxiliary exit 126 enters a VTB 310, positioned to cool the back of an occupant. The thermal conditioning system 100 could operate in a max vent operational mode such that the primary exit 123 cools a focused portion of the vehicle seat 101 via the first side flow path 132, and the auxiliary exit 126 provides airflow to the VTB 310 via the auxiliary side flow path 136. In a max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 120 can cool a focused portion of the vehicle seat 101 via the first side flow path 132, and air heated as a result of the TED 120 can be directed out the waste side flow path 135, with the auxiliary side flow path 136 substantially closed. In such configuration, the VTB 310 would receive substantially no fluid flow from the thermal conditioning system 100. The auxiliary exit 126 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein.

[0196] The VTB 310 in Figure 3C can advantageously be first ran in a max cool operational mode to focus the cooling felt by the occupant in a portion of the vehicle seat 101, providing focused airflow to a portion of the vehicle seat 101. As the cabin temperature drops and the ambient air entering the thermal conditioning system 100 by the blower decreases in temperature, the TED 120 can cease operation and the thermal conditioning system 100 can be ran in a max vent operational mode to increase airflow to the occupant to both the portion of the vehicle seat 101 as well as the area cooled by the VTB 310.

[0197] Figure 3D depicts an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 100 that has both its primary exit 123 and its auxiliary exit 126 connected to a singular VTB 310 located within a vehicle seat 101. The VTB 310 as depicted in Figure 3D has both a primary VTB chamber 311 and a secondary VTB chamber 312, which are not in fluid communication with each other. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3D, the thermal conditioning system 100 is installed such that, during operation, air exiting the primary exit 123 and auxiliary exit 126 can at least partially enter a VTB 310 positioned to cool the back of an occupant. The first side flow path 132 can enter the secondary VTB chamber 312, while the auxiliary side flow path 136 can enter the primary VTB chamber 311. [0198] In some embodiments, the primary exit 123 can be configured to enter the primary VTB chamber 311 and the auxiliary exit 126 can be configured to enter the secondary VTB chamber 312, as desired or required. The thermal conditioning system 100 could operate in a max vent operational mode such that both the primary exit 123 and the auxiliary exit 126 provide airflow to the VTB 310, where the first side flow path 132 provides airflow to the secondary VTB chamber 312 and the auxiliary side flow path 136 provides airflow to the primary VTB chamber 311. In a max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 120 can enter the secondary VTB chamber 312 of the VTB 310 by the first side flow path 132, and air heated as a result of the TED 120 can be directed out the waste side flow path 135, with the auxiliary side flow path 136 substantially closed. The primary exit 123 and auxiliary exit 126 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein.

[0199] The VTB 310 in Figure 3D can advantageously be first ran in a max cool operational mode to focus the cooling felt by the occupant in an area substantially around the secondary VTB chamber 312. As the cabin temperature drops and the ambient air entering the thermal conditioning system 100 by the blower decreases in temperature, the TED 120 can cease operation and the thermal conditioning system 100 can be ran in a max vent operational mode to increase airflow to the occupant to both the primary VTB chamber 311 and the secondary VTB chamber 312 of the VTB 310.

[0200] Figure 3E depicts an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 100 that has its primary exit 123 connected to a first VTB 310 located within one portion of a vehicle seat 101, and its auxiliary exit 126 connected to a second VTB 314 located within another portion of the vehicle seat 101. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3E, the thermal conditioning system 100 is installed such that, during operation, air exiting the primary exit 123 can provide airflow to the first VTB 310 located in the back portion of the vehicle seat 101, and air exiting the auxiliary exit 126 can provide airflow to the second VTB 314 located in the seat portion of the vehicle seat 101.

[0201] In some embodiments, the primary exit 123 can be configured to enter the second VTB 314 and the auxiliary exit 126 can be configured to enter the first VTB 310, as desired or required. The thermal conditioning system 100 could operate in a max vent operational mode such that both the primary exit 123 and the auxiliary exit 126 provide airflow to the first VTB 310 and second VTB 314 respectively. In a max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 120 can enter the first VTB 310 by the first side flow path 132, and air heated as a result of the TED 120 can be directed out the waste side flow path 135, with the auxiliary side flow path 136 substantially closed. The primary exit 123 and auxiliary exit 126 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein.

[0202] In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning system 100 can further comprise a flange 320, which can assist in connecting the thermal conditioning system 100 to a VTB or other flow dispersal system as would be used by one skilled in the art. The flange 320 can assist in distribution of fluid exiting the thermal conditioning system 100 at a primary exit 123, the auxiliary exit 126, the waste exit 125, or any other portion of the thermal conditioning system 100 as desired or required, by preventing tangling or kinking of the VTB which can occur during the positioning of the thermal conditioning system 100 during installation or operation, for example, within a seat or other enclosure.

[0203] In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning system 100 can further comprise an extension duct 330, which can assist in directing fluid flow exiting the thermal conditioning system 100. The extension duct 330 can assist in directing the fluid exiting the thermal conditioning system 100 at a primary exit 123, the auxiliary exit 126, the waste exit 125, or any other portion of the thermal conditioning system 100 as desired or required.

Add-On Conditioning System

[0204] Figures 4A through 4E depict an add-on thermal conditioning system 400 (e.g., fluid distribution system, waste fluid director) configured to attach to a preexisting system to add to it features from the thermal conditioning system 100 as disclosed herein. The preexisting system can be other thermal conditioning systems, air movers, other systems as would be recognized by one skilled in the art, or systems disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication 2021/0370746 Al and U.S. Patent Application 63/596533, the entirety of which are incorporated by reference herein. The add-on thermal conditioning system 400 can comprise a connection duct 410 and a tail portion or tail conduit or conduit 420. The connection duct 410 can connect the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 to the waste fluid exit 403 of the preexisting or preinstalled system 401 (e g., thermoelectric assembly, thermoelectric fluid conditioner, micro-thermal module). The tail portion 420 is designed to provide the benefits that the thermal conditioning system 100 has over other systems in the art to a preexisting system 401. Figures 5 A through 5D depict an alternative embodiment of an add-on thermal conditioning system 400, which will be elaborated upon further herein.

[0205] In some embodiments, the connection duct 410 can be flexible and be designed to deform and connect to a waste fluid exit 403 (e.g., fluid outlet, waste outlet, preexisting waste outlet) of a preexisting system 401 at a connecting sleeve 412. The connecting sleeve 412 can form an airtight or substantially airtight seal with the waste fluid exit 403 of the preexisting system 401 such that all or substantially all of the waste air in the add-on flow path 434 (e.g., an auxiliary fluid flow) would be directed toward the tail portion 420.

[0206] The tail portion 420 can receive waste air from the waste fluid exit 403 from the preexisting system 401 at its connecting sleeve 412 with the connection duct 410 and direct it through either a waste exit 425 or auxiliary exit 426. In some embodiments, the tail portion 420 includes an outlet control valve 440 which can be driven by a control system (e.g., thermoelectric control system) similar to the control system 200 disclosed herein. As such, waste air can be either directed into a conditioned area through the auxiliary exit 426 or be directed through the waste exit 425.

[0207] The outlet control valve 440 can have a louver 444 and can operate in a substantially similar way to the outlet control valve 140 and louver 144 as disclosed herein. The outlet control valve 440 can be in a first position where flow to the waste exit 425 is substantially restricted and all or substantially all of the add-on flow path 434 exits the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 by its auxiliary exit 426. The add-on thermal conditioning system 400 can be in a second position where flow to the auxiliary exit 426 is substantially restricted and all or substantially all of the add-on flow path 434 exits the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 by its waste exit 425. The preexisting system 401 and the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 can operate in one of several different operational modes, some sample methods of operation described below.

[0208] Operational modes of the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 could include but should not be limited to operational modes previously discussed, such as a max vent mode, a max cool mode, a max heat mode, or other modes as desired or required. Operational modes of the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 could include operational modes of embodiments of the thermal conditioning system 100 as described herein.

[0209] Advantageously, use of the outlet control valve 440 controlled by a control system allows the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 to increase the efficiency of a preexisting system 401 in operational modes. In situations where the ambient air is warmer, a user or a control system similar in function and or structure to control system 200 could control the flow of the add-on flow path 434 through the tail portion 420 either to the auxiliary exit 426 or waste exit 425.

[0210] In situations where ambient air is cooler (cooler than user skin temperature, for example) and the preexisting system 401 would not be conditioning the air, then the air exiting the preexisting system 401 by the waste fluid exit 403 through the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 would not be cooled relative to ambient air, and substantially all of the air entering the tail portion 420 exits the auxiliary exit 426. The benefits provided by the control system can vary depending on the ambient temperature of the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 and the desired temperature set by the user or operator.

[0211] Figure 4E shows the connecting sleeve 412 where the connection duct 410 overlaps at least a portion of the preexisting system 401, thus connecting the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 to the preexisting system 401. The connecting sleeve 412 can be designed to have features or other dimensions such that it can be manipulated around the waste exit of a preexisting system 401. These features or curvatures can assist in maintaining the connection between the preexisting system 401 and the waste exit of the preexisting system 401 such that all or substantially all of the air exiting the preexisting system 401 enters the tail portion 420.

[0212] Advantageously, the connection duct 410 can be constructed of a flexible material to assist in the installation of the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 to the waste fluid exit 403 of the preexisting system 401. Furthermore, constructing the connection duct 410 of a flexible material would advantageously allow the tail portion 420 to supply air out its auxiliary exit 426 to a portion that is not necessarily parallel to the air supplied out the primary exit of the preexisting system 401. Thus, the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 could supply air to other areas within, for example, a vehicle seat 101 and not necessarily need to supply air to the same general area as the portion supplied by the preexisting system 401. [0213] The add-on thermal conditioning system 400 need not be substantially coplanar with the preexisting system 401. In some embodiments, the connection duct 410 can be designed such that it would connect the preexisting system 401 and the tail portion 420 at an angle, such that the flow paths exiting the preexisting system 401 and the tail portion 420 would not be substantially parallel.

[0214] In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 440 can control the flow of the add-on flow path 434 with a flow restriction device other than a louver. The flow can be restricted by instruments known by one skilled in the art appropriate for restricting fluid flow, such as by a flow gate valve, or other alternatives.

[0215] In some embodiments, the auxiliary exit 426 can protrude from the tail portion 420. In some embodiments, such as the embodiments depicted in Figures 5A through 5D, the auxiliary exit 426 can be flush or substantially flush with an outer profile of the tail portion 420.

[0216] In some embodiments, the main side exit 402 of the preexisting system 401 and the auxiliary exit 426 can be oriented such that they are directing their fluid flow in substantially the same direction. In some embodiments, the waste exit 425 can be on a side of the add-on thermal conditioning system 400, such as opposite where the add-on flow path 434 enters the tail portion 420. In some embodiments, such as the embodiments depicted in Figures 5 A through 5D, the main side exit 402 of the preexisting system 401 and the auxiliary exit 426 can be oriented such that they are directing their fluid flow in substantially opposite directions.

[0217] In some embodiments, the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 can be designed and positioned such that the preexisting system 401 and the tail portion 420 each condition a separate conditioned area. As such, use of the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 can advantageously modify a preexisting system 401 such that airflow which could only condition a first conditioned area prior to the installation of the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 to the preexisting system 401 can now condition a first conditioned area by the preexisting system 401 as well as condition a second conditioned area by the tail portion 420 of the add-on thermal conditioning system 400. In some embodiments, this could allow the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 and preexisting system 401 to cool separate portions of a vehicle seat 101; for example, the preexisting system 401 could provide air flow to a bottom portion of a vehicle seat 101 and the preexisting system 401 could provide air flow to the back portion of a vehicle seat 101.

[0218] Figures 6A and 6B depict the use of an add-on thermal conditioning system 400 to be used within a vehicle seat 101. Generally, the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 can be used similarly to how the thermal conditioning system 100 as disclosed herein could be used. The Figures depict the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 positioned outside the vehicle seat 101 and not to scale for illustrative purposes; the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 can be located within or proximal to the vehicle seat 101 according to some embodiments and may or may not be the same scale compared to the vehicle seat 101 as disclosed in the Figures. Furthermore, the position of the one or more VTBs is purely for example. As such, the VTBs can be positioned as desired or required depending on where or how the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 is designed to provide airflow or conditioned air to the occupant or user.

[0219] Figure 6A depicts an add-on thermal conditioning system 400 connected to a preexisting system 401 according to an embodiment. The embodiment of the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 depicted in Figure 6A has its auxiliary exit 426 positioned on its far end, and its waste exit (not shown) positioned on the far side relative to the perspective of the figure. The main side exit 402 of the preexisting system 401 can be connected to a secondary VTB chamber 312 and the auxiliary side flow path 436 can be connected to the primary VTB chamber 311.

[0220] In some embodiments, the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 could operate in a max vent operational mode such that the main side exit 402 of the preexisting system 401 provides airflow to the secondary VTB chamber 312 by the main side flow path 404, and the auxiliary exit 426 provides airflow to the primary VTB chamber 311 of the VTB 310 via the auxiliary side flow path 436. In a max cool operational mode, air cooled by the preexisting system 401 can provide airflow to the secondary VTB chamber 312 via a main side flow path 404, and air heated as a result of the TED 120 can be directed out the waste side flow path 435, with the auxiliary side flow path 436 substantially closed. In such configuration, the primary VTB chamber 311 of the VTB 310 would receive substantially no fluid flow from the thermal conditioning system 100. The add-on thermal conditioning system 400 and preexisting system 401 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein.

[0221] Figure 6B depicts an add-on thermal conditioning system 400 connected to a preexisting system 401 according to an embodiment. The embodiment of the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 depicted in Figure 6B has its auxiliary exit 426 positioned on the close side relative to the perspective of the figure, and its waste exit 425 on its far end. The preexisting system 401 can be connected to a secondary VTB chamber 312 by a main side flow path 404 and the auxiliary side flow path 436 on the tail portion 420 can be connected to the primary VTB chamber 311.

[0222] In some embodiments, the add-on thermal conditioning system 400 could operate in a max vent operational mode such that the main side exit 402 of the preexisting system 401 provides airflow to the secondary VTB chamber 312 by the main side flow path 404, and the auxiliary exit 426 provides airflow to the primary VTB chamber 311 of the VTB 310 via the auxiliary side flow path 436. In a max cool operational mode, air cooled by the preexisting system 401 can provide airflow to the secondary VTB chamber 312 via a main side flow path 404, and air heated as a result of the TED 120 can be directed out the waste side flow path 435, with the auxiliary side flow path 436 substantially closed. In such configuration, the primary VTB chamber 311 of the VTB 310 would receive substantially no fluid flow from the thermal conditioning system 100. The add-on thermal conditioning system 400 and preexisting system 40 lean be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the primary VTB chamber 311 and the secondary VTB chamber 312 can be in fluid communication with each other, through openings or other vents that allow a restricted fluid flow between the chambers.

Bi-Metal Controlled System

[0223] Alternatively or in addition to the control system 200 described herein, operation of the outlet control valve 140 could be accomplished through the incorporation of a bi-metal component within the outlet control valve 140. Figure 7 depicts an embodiment of an outlet control valve 140 that has its operation controlled by a bi-metal spring 710. The bimetal component can operate the outlet control valve 140 and louver 144 similarly to how the control system 200 would, however would not need a control system to operate appropriately. The bi-metal component could be a bi-metal spring 710, a bi-metal spiral spring, a bi-metal helical spring, a bi-metal disk spring, and other alternatives known by one skilled in the art appropriate for converting thermal energy to mechanical or kinetic energy. In some aspects, a heating element is connected to the housing and the bi-metal component. The heating element can heat the bi-metal component to the transformation temperature.

[0224] The bi-metal component may be a Nickel-Titanium alloy, an Aluminum- Titanium alloy, a Titanium-Molybdenum alloy, a shape memory alloy, super elastic metals, and/or other suitable alloys. The bi-metal component may be designed such that exposure to different temperatures induces stress and deformation in the bi-metal component. The bi-metal component may be designed such that changes in temperatures cause the bi-metal component to deform from one configuration to another. The bi-metal component may be designed such that at a first temperature the outlet control valve 140 is in a first position and at a second temperature the 140 is in a second position.

[0225] The first temperature can be at an ambient temperature, such as between 50°F (10°C) and 77°F (25°C). The second temperature can be at a higher temperature, such as between 95°F (35°C) to 131°F (55°C) or beyond. The transformation temperature (e.g., critical temperature, transition temperature, conversion temperature, threshold temperature, etc.) can be between the first temperature and the second temperature. The transformation temperature can be a temperature where the component cooled by the fluid in the first side flow path 132 could cause discomfort or harm to the touch. The first and second temperature can vary as desired or required to suit the desired use case.

[0226] The bi-metal component can have its critical temperature defined such that the air of the second side flow path 134 interacts with the bi-metal component, transferring its thermal energy into the bi-metal component to trigger its conversion from its first position to its second position. In some embodiments which use a spiral spring as the bi-metal component, the coils of the bi-metal spring 710 in the open configuration can be expanded due to the temperature change from the heat of the waste side flow path.

[0227] The bi-metal spring 710 can be constructed such that it has a coil diameter 712 that expands or contracts its diameter in response to receiving thermal energy from the fluid in the second side flow path 134. The bi-metal spring 710 can wind around a portion of the outlet control valve 140. The bi-metal spring 710 could have a smaller diameter as cold air passes over it. The bi-metal spring 710 can have a larger diameter when it is warmer. The bimetal spring 710 may be warmed by warmer air passing over the bi-metal spring 710, triggering it to change shape in response to reaching and exceeding its critical temperature. Therefore, the bi-metal spring 710 could have a first coil diameter when the thermal conditioning system 100 operates in a max vent mode, and have a second coil diameter when the thermal conditioning system 100 operates in a max cool mode, as a result of the thermal energy of the fluid moving through the second side flow path 134.

[0228] The bi-metal spring can have its first end connect to the flap valve and its second end connect to the housing, such that when the first diameter expands to the second diameter, the flap valve rotates relative to the housing of the thermal conditioning system. As a result of the expansion of the bi-metal spring 710, the outlet control valve 140 can be rotated relative to the housing of the thermal conditioning system 100.

[0229] The bi-metal component rotates the outlet control valve 140 from its first position to its second position by expanding or contracting in response to the thermal energy of the waste heat in the waste side flow path 134.

[0230] The bi-metal component installed in a thermal conditioning system 100 can be exchanged or otherwise replaced with another bi-metal component that requires a different amount of thermal energy to effectuate a response. This can be accomplished by methods known by one skilled in the art, and can include the bi-metal component having a different transformation temperature than the bi-metal component installed in the thermal conditioning system 100, the bi-metal component having different thermal capacity, the bi-metal component having different dimensions, or other methods known by one skilled in the art to modify the transformation temperature of a bi-metal component.

[0231] Installing a bi-metal component with a different amount of energy needed to transform can modify the thermal conditioning system 100 by affecting the temperature at which the louver 144 is opened by the bi-metal component of the outlet control valve 140. As such, modifying the bi-metal component installed in the thermal conditioning system 100 can affect the amount of air of the waste side flow path 134 that is needed before the louver 144 is opened to allow the waste air in the waste side flow path 134 to exit the thermal conditioning system 100. Depending on the structure and installation of the bi-metal component the bi-metal component can increase or decrease its length in response to exposure to thermal energy from the thermal conditioning system 100. The bi-metal component can increase or decrease its diameter in response to exposure to thermal energy. The bi-metal component can otherwise change its geometric or physical characteristics based on exposure to thermal energy. In some embodiments, a bi-metal component that is a disk spring can change in shape or other physical properties in response to thermal energy being applied to the disk spring to increase or decrease its vertical height to control the position of a louver.

[0232] In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning system 100 can have its bimetal component designed such that the outlet control valve 140 can partially open the louver 144, allowing a portion of the waste side flow path 134 to exit the thermal conditioning system 100 before the outlet control valve 140 fully opens the louver 144.

[0233] In some embodiments, the bi-metal component can be designed such that during different operational modes of the thermal conditioning system 100, the bi-metal component regulates flow within the system differently.

[0234] In one operational mode, which can be described as a max cool mode, fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 100 by the inlet 112 and be diverted into the first side flow path 132 and the second side flow path 134. In this operational mode, the TED 120 can be active, such that the first side would be cooled by the TED 120 and the second side would be heated by the TED 120. The fluid in the first side flow path 132 can be cooler than the fluid in the flow path 110 and exit the thermal conditioning system 100 at a primary exit 123 to the conditioned area. The fluid in the second side flow path 134 can be warmer than the fluid in the flow path 110. The bi-metal component and the outlet control valve 140 can be biased to be in the first position (as the louver 144 in Figure IB is positioned) such that the second side flow path 134 is initially directed to the auxiliary exit 126. In response to the thermal energy of the second side flow path 134, the bi-metal component can heat up and change from its first position to its second position. Therefore, in response to the hot air in the second side flow path 134, the outlet control valve 140 can convert to its second position (as the louver 144 in Figure 1C is positioned) such that the second side flow path 134 is directed to the waste exit 125.

[0235] In one operational mode, which can be described as a max vent mode, fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 100 by the inlet 112 and be diverted into the first side flow path 132 and the second side flow path 134. In this operational mode, the TED 120 can be inactive, such that the air in the first side flow path 132 and the second side flow path 134 are substantially the same temperature. The fluid in the first side flow path 132 can exit the thermal conditioning system 100 at a primary exit 123 to the conditioned area. The bi-metal component and the outlet control valve 140 can be biased to be in the first position (as the louver 144 in Figure IB is positioned) such that the second side flow path 134 is initially directed to the auxiliary exit 126. Due to the insufficient thermal energy in the second side flow path 134 to heat the bi-metal component past its transformation temperature, the bi-metal component and outlet control valve 140 can remain in its first position, and the second side flow path 134 can continue to be directed to the auxiliary side flow path 136 by the louver 144. In some embodiments, air exiting the thermal conditioning system 100 at the primary exit 123 can be at a CFM that is substantially similar to the CFM of air exiting the thermal conditioning system 100 at the auxiliary exit 126.

[0236] In one operational mode, which can be described as a max heat mode, fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 100 by the inlet 112 and be diverted into the first side flow path 132 and the second side flow path 134. In this operational mode, the TED 120 can be active, such that both the first side and the second side would be heated by the TED 120. The fluid in the first side flow path 132 can exit the thermal conditioning system 100 at a primary exit 123 to the heated area. The bi-metal component and the outlet control valve 140 can be biased to be in the second position (as the louver 144 in Figure 1C is positioned) such that the second side flow path 134 is initially directed to the waste exit 125. Due to the thermal energy in the second side flow path 134 to heat the bi-metal component past its transformation temperature, the bi-metal component and outlet control valve 140 can transition to its first position (as the louver 144 in Figure IB is positioned) such that the second side flow path 134 is directed to the auxiliary exit 126.

[0237] In one operational mode, which can be described as a traditional heating mode, fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 100 by the inlet 112 and be diverted into the first side flow path 132 and the second side flow path 134. In this operational mode, the TED 120 can be active, such that the first side would be heated by the TED 120 and the second side would be cooled by the TED 120. The fluid in the first side flow path 132 can be warmer than the fluid in the flow path 110 and exit the thermal conditioning system 100 at a primary exit 123 to the conditioned area. The fluid in the second side flow path 134 can be colder than the fluid in the flow path 110. The bi-metal component and the outlet control valve 140 can be biased to be in the second position (as the louver 144 in Figure 1C is positioned) such that the second side flow path 134 is initially directed to the waste exit 125. Due to the insufficient thermal energy in the second side flow path 134 to heat the bi-metal component past its transformation temperature, the bi-metal component and outlet control valve 140 can remain in its second position, and the second side flow path 134 can continue to be directed to the waste exit 125 by the louver 144.

[0238] Figure 8 shows a graph showing the relationship between the CFM and the static pressure within an example embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 100, for several different operational voltages of a blower system. Generally, as the voltage of the blower system increases, both the CFM and the head pressure increases. Similarly, as the voltage of the blower system increases, the CFM for the waste heat also increases.

[0239] For example, according to some embodiments of a thermal conditioning system 100 and blower operating at 5 Volts according to one operational mode, the system can have a total static pressure of 0.1 inches water gauge (WG), a main side flow to the seat of 2.9 CFM, and a waste side flow rate of 3 CFM, approximately. With that same embodiment operating at 6 Volts, the system can have a total static pressure of 0.2 WG, a main side flow to the seat of 4 CFM, and a waste side flow rate of 5.2 CFM, approximately. This trend of increasing static pressure and flow rate with respect to the voltage of the blower and thermal conditioning system 100 generally continues nonlinearly.

[0240] For example, with the same embodiment operating at 9 Volts, the system has a total static pressure of 0.5 WG, a main side flow to the seat of 7.5 CFM, and a waste side flow of 9.5 CFM, approximately. The waste side flow is consistently a higher flow rate than the flow being directed through the main side to the seat. Therefore, advantageously, the thermal conditioning system 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein can take advantage of this increased flow rate in some operational modes to direct more air flow to the seats through the use of the outlet control valve 140 and the auxiliary exit 126 designed to direct flow on the second side 124 toward the chair or other conditioned area. Additional Embodiments of Thermal Conditioning Systems

[0241] Figures 9A through 9G depict an alternative embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 900 (e.g., thermoelectric system, thermal system, thermal conditioning system) for delivering conditioned air to a climate-controlled device or environment. The thermal conditioning system 900 depicted in Figures 9A through 9G can be substantially similar to other thermal conditioning systems 100 as described herein, and can operate in a substantially similar method as well, except as described otherwise herein. The thermal conditioning system 900 can be configured such that its auxiliary outlet 926 exits the thermal conditioning system 900 on the same side as the main outlet 923.

[0242] Air or another fluid can enter a housing 902 of the thermal conditioning system 900 at an inlet 912 in a flow path 910 (e.g., an input fluid flow, an input flow, an input path, an inlet fluid flow), and exit the thermal conditioning system 900 in a main side flow path 932 exiting a main outlet 923, a waste side flow path 935 exiting a waste outlet 925, or an auxiliary flow path 934 exiting an auxiliary outlet 926, depending on the operational mode of the thermal conditioning system 900.

[0243] The fluid path (e.g., fluid flow, flow path, fluid flow path) through the thermal conditioning system 900 can be controlled by an outlet control valve 940, which can be controlled by a control system. The outlet control valve 940 can be positioned and attached to the housing 902 at a location proximate to where auxiliary flow path 934 branches into the waste outlet 925 and the auxiliary outlet 926. The housing 902 can include the main outlet 923, the waste outlet 925, and the auxiliary outlet 926 as well as house the TED 920. The housing 902 can include various conduits and flow paths connecting the main outlet 923, the waste outlet 925, and the auxiliary outlet 926 for fluid communication as discussed herein.

[0244] The thermal conditioning system 900 can include an outlet control valve 940 (e.g., flap valve, pivot valve, rotating control valve, directional valve, louver, etc.) to direct the flow path 910 of the conditioned fluid through the thermal conditioning system 900. The outlet control valve 940 can be upstream a TED 920 to direct flow through the thermal conditioning system 900. The outlet control valve 940 can be substantially similar to other outlet control valves 140 as described herein. The flap valve or louver 940 can direct flow through the main side 922 and/or the waste side 924 by limiting, preventing, substantially preventing, and/or otherwise inhibiting flow in the auxiliary flow path 934. The flap valve or louver 940 can direct flow through the auxiliary outlet 926 by limiting, preventing, substantially preventing, and/or otherwise inhibiting flow in the main side flow path 932 through the main side 922 and/or the waste side flow path 934 through the waste side 924.

[0245] In some embodiments the outlet control valve 940 can move within the housing of the thermal conditioning system 900. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 940 can be connected to the housing at a pivot connection 941, from which the outlet control valve 940 can rotate between a first position and a second position as described herein. In some embodiments, the length of the outlet control valve 940 can be measured from the pivot connection 941 to the end of the outlet control valve 940. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 940 can rotate its entire length about the pivot connection 941. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 940 can have a length extending from the pivot connection 941 toward an end of the outlet control valve 940. In some embodiments, the pivot connection 941 can be partially downstream the auxiliary outlet 926 relative to the direction of the fluid flow through the inlet 912.

[0246] The position of the outlet control valve 940 can be controlled by a control system substantially similar to other control systems as described herein. In the illustrated implementation, the flow control valve 940 is in the form of a flap or butterfly valve that rotates about an axis along its edge. Other types of valves could be used such as needle, barrel or rotary valves and/or a combination of such valves or other valves as desired or required. In the illustrated implementation, the control system can be operably connected to the outlet control valve 940, to rotate or change the position of the outlet control valve 940 from a first position to a second position depending on the operational mode of the thermal conditioning system 900.

[0247] In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 940 can have a length that is equal to or greater than the length or extent of the opening in the housing leading to the auxiliary outlet 926. The length or extent of the opening in the housing leading to the auxiliary outlet 926 can be measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet 926. The outlet control valve 940 can be configured to block or substantially block fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet 926 by blocking or substantially blocking the entirety of the opening in the housing leading to the auxiliary outlet 926 by rotating about the pivot connection 941. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 940 can block the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 926 by methods other than rotating, such as by advancing linearly across the opening.

[0248] In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 940 can have a length or extent that is equal to or greater than the height or extent of the opening leading to the TED 920 in the housing. The length or extent of the opening in the housing leading to the TED 920 can be measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow through main side 922 and waste side 924 of the TED 920. The outlet control valve 940 can rotate about the pivot connection 941 to block or substantially block fluid flow that would enter either the main side 922 or the waste side 924. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 940 can block the opening leading to the TED 920 by methods other than rotating, such as by advancing linearly across the opening.

[0249] In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 940 can have a length sufficient to block the opening in the housing leading to the auxiliary outlet 926 as well as having a length sufficient to block the opening leading to the TED 920. The pivot connection 941 can be positioned within the housing such that the outlet control valve 940 can freely rotate from a first position blocking or substantially blocking fluid flow from exiting the housing by the auxiliary outlet 926 to a second position blocking or substantially blocking fluid flow from exiting the housing by passing through the TED 920.

[0250] In some embodiments, the control system can control the position of the outlet control valve 940 through use of a control motor 950 operatively connected to the outlet control valve 940.

[0251] In some embodiments, the outlets for the thermal conditioning system 900 can be sized and dimensioned such that the flow rate through the system is substantially the same between operational modes. In some embodiments, the flow capacity of the main outlet 923 and the waste outlet 925 can be the same or substantially the same as the flow capacity of the auxiliary outlet 926, such that operation in one mode versus another does not lead to a decrease in flow capacity for the system. In some embodiments, the volume of fluid exiting the main outlet 923 and the waste outlet 925 in one operational mode can be the same or substantially the same as the volume of fluid exiting the auxiliary outlet 926 in another operational mode, which can be the same or substantially the same as the fluid entering the thermal conditioning system 900. [0252] Advantageously, an outlet control valve 940 can decrease complexity or costs for a thermal conditioning system 900 in comparison to other embodiments of reducing head pressure for certain operational modes. Advantageously, the thermal conditioning system 900 can be operated at a lower pump rate while still having similar useful flow output in certain operational modes that bypass heat exchangers 921 positioned within flow paths proximal to the TED 920. Furthermore, an outlet control valve 940 directing fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet 926 can increase the flowrate through a thermal conditioning system 900 without needing to connect the thermal conditioning system 900 to a more powerful blower or other fluid pump in certain operational modes.

[0253] In some embodiments, a main side flow path 932 can exit the thermal conditioning system 900 at a main outlet 923 and terminate at the conditioned area, climate- controlled environment, or device. The auxiliary flow path 934 can exit the thermal conditioning system 900 at an auxiliary outlet 926 and terminate at another conditioned area, climate controlled environment, or device, or terminate at a conditioned area, climate controlled environment, or device that is proximate to where the main side flow path 932 terminates. Based on the positioning of the outlet control valve 940, fluid flow through the housing of the thermal conditioning system 900 can be directed to either the main side flow path 932 and the waste outlet 925 or to the auxiliary outlet 926.

[0254] In some embodiments, the main side flow path 932 and auxiliary flow path 934 can both be directed to the same conditioned area. The main side flow path 932 and auxiliary flow path 934 can be directed to separate chambers in a VTB 310 as described herein. The main side flow path 932 and auxiliary flow path 934 can be directed to the same chamber in a VTB 310. The main side flow path 932 and auxiliary flow path 934 can be directed to separate VTBs 310.

[0255] In embodiments where the main side flow path 932 and auxiliary flow path 934 both flow to the same conditioned area, the system can further include check valves or other systems to prevent the conditioned fluid from re-entering the thermal conditioning system 900 and/or the conduits leading to the thermal conditioning system 900. In some embodiments, the shape and design of the conduit can prevent backflow into the conduit or thermal conditioning system 900. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 940 can prevent or substantially prevent conditioned fluid from re-entering the thermal conditioning system 900.

[0256] In some embodiments, the waste outlet 925 of the thermal conditioning system can direct the air flow away from the seat. In some embodiments, the waste side flow path 935 flowing away from the seat can be directed to an ambient environment of the seat, such as an area separate or spaced away from the conditioned area. In some embodiments, the ambient environment can be under the seat cushion toward the floor of the car, directed out the back of the seat, directed out the headrest of the seat, or other directions away from or substantially away from the conditioned area. In some embodiments, the waste side flow path 935 flowing away from the seat can be directed away from the conditioned area to ambient or atmospheric areas which may include the areas and sources outside the cabin, areas within the cabin, areas within the vehicle while outside the cabin, areas proximate to the cabin, and areas proximate to the outside of the vehicle.

[0257] The thermal conditioning system 900 can change operational modes like other thermal conditioning systems described herein. The thermal conditioning system 900 can, based on the current operational mode, regulate one or more components of or related to the thermal conditioning system 900 to increase the efficiency of the system in performing the operational mode. For example, if the system was to operate in a max vent mode (as described herein), then the control system could regulate the blower to provide a desired amount of air, the TED 920 to not condition the air or condition the air a certain amount based on a reading from a sensor positioned at or within the inlet 912, and the outlet control valve 940 to direct the flow out the auxiliary outlet 926 rather than the main outlet 923 and the waste outlet 925.

[0258] In some embodiments, flow through the thermal conditioning system 900 can be controlled through the use of a control system configured to operate the TED 920 and the outlet control valve 940. The thermal conditioning system 900 can operate in one of several different operational modes, such as in a max cool mode (e.g., a cooling mode), a max vent mode (e.g., a ventilation mode), or a max heat mode (e.g., a heating mode), or other operational modes as described herein. Some sample methods of operation are described below.

[0259] In one operational mode, which can be described as a max cool mode, fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 900 by the inlet 912 and be diverted into the main side flow path 932 and the waste side flow path 935. In this operational mode, the TED 920 can be active, such that air passing through the main side 922 would be cooled by the TED 920 as it passes through heat exchangers 921 cooled by the TED 920 and air passing through the waste side 924 would be heated by the TED 920 as it passes through heat exchangers 921 heated by the TED 920. The fluid in the main side flow path 932 can be cooler than the fluid in the flow path 910 by the inlet 912 and exit the thermal conditioning system 900 at a main outlet 923 to the conditioned area. The fluid in the waste side flow path 935 can be warmer than the fluid in the flow path 910 and exit the thermal conditioning system 900 at a waste outlet 925 away from or substantially away from the conditioned area. The outlet control valve 940 can be in its first position (as shown in Figure 9B) such that all or substantially all of the fluid is prevented from exiting the thermal conditioning system 900 by the auxiliary outlet 926. In the first position, the outlet control valve 940 pivots about the pivot connection 941 until all or substantially all of the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 926 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 940.

[0260] In the first configuration, such as the configuration shown in Figure 9B, the outlet control valve 940 can be in a first position to block or substantially block the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 926. The length of the outlet control valve 940 can be sufficient to block or substantially block the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 926. As the fluid flows through the thermal conditioning system 900, it is separated as it approaches the TED 920 into a main side flow path 932 flowing through a main side 922 of a TED 920, and a waste side flow path 935 flowing through a waste side 924 of a TED 920.

[0261] In one operational mode, which can be described as a max vent mode, fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 900 by the inlet 912 and be directed by the outlet control valve 940 to bypass the TED 920 entirely and exit by the auxiliary outlet 926. The outlet control valve 940 can pivot about a pivot connection 941 or otherwise move to block or substantially block the openings to the main side 922 and the waste side 924 of the TED 920. In this second position (as shown in Figure 9C), all or substantially all of the fluid entering the thermal conditioning system 900 can only exit the thermal conditioning system 900 by the auxiliary outlet 926 in an auxiliary flow path 934. In this operational mode, the TED 920 can be inactive, as the amount of fluid flowing through the main side 922 and the waste side 924 is zero or substantially zero. Thus, fluid exiting the thermal conditioning system 900 by the auxiliary flow path 934 is the same or substantially the same as the fluid entering the thermal conditioning system 900.

[0262] Advantageously, positioning the outlet control valve 940 upstream the TED 920 can increase efficiency of the system and reduce head pressure in operational modes where conditioning of the air is not required, by bypassing the heat exchangers 921 positioned within the main side 922 and the waste side 924 of the thermal conditioning system 900. When the outlet control valve 940 is in its second position, such as the position shown in Figure 9C, the flow path 910 is directed to exit the thermal conditioning system 900 entirely through the auxiliary outlet 926. This flow path bypasses the TED 920 and its heat exchangers 921 which can add static pressure to the flows passing through the main side 922 and waste side 924. Thus, the useable flow provided to the user or occupant passing out the auxiliary outlet 926 is increased without requiring a more powerful blower system. Furthermore, effective fluid flow to the user when cooling is not required is increased when the outlet control valve 940 is in the second position compared to when the outlet control valve 940 is in the first position, as all or substantially all the fluid entering the thermal conditioning system 900 can be directed to the conditioned area when the flap is in the second position.

[0263] Figures 9D through 9G depict the thermal conditioning system 900 configured to interface with one or more VTBs according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The Figures depict the thermal conditioning system 900 positioned outside the vehicle seat 101 and not to scale for illustrative purposes; the thermal conditioning system 900 can be located within or proximal to the vehicle seat 101 according to some embodiments and may or may not be the same scale compared to the vehicle seat 101 as disclosed in the Figures. Furthermore, the position of the one or more VTBs is purely for example. As such, the VTBs can be positioned as desired or required depending on where or how the thermal conditioning system 900 is designed to provide airflow or conditioned air to the occupant or user.

[0264] Figure 9D depicts an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 900 that has both its main outlet 923 and its auxiliary outlet 926 connect to a singular VTB 310 located within a vehicle seat 101. In an embodiment depicted in Figure 9D, the thermal conditioning system 900 is installed such that, during operation, air exiting the main outlet 923 and auxiliary outlet 926 are directed by conduits to enter a VTB 310 positioned within the seat back to provide airflow to the back of an occupant. The thermal conditioning system 900 could operate in a max vent operational mode such that air flows only from the auxiliary outlet 926 in the auxiliary flow path 934, where the outlet control valve 940 is in its second configuration. In a max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 920 can exit the VTB 310 by the main side flow path 932, and air heated as a result of the TED 920 can be directed out the waste side flow path 935. In a max cool operational mode, substantially no air exits the thermal conditioning system 900 by the auxiliary outlet 926, as the outlet control valve 940 is in its first position to block all or substantially all of the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 926. The main outlet

923 and auxiliary outlet 926 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, conduits, or other methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the VTB 310 can be positioned within a backrest of a seat.

[0265] The thermal conditioning system 900 connected to the VTB 310 in Figure 9D can advantageously be first ran in a max cool operational mode to focus the cooling felt by the occupant in a portion of the vehicle seat 101. As the cabin temperature drops and the ambient air entering the thermal conditioning system 900 by the blower decreases in temperature, the thermal conditioning system 900 can receive instructions by a controller to cease operation of the TED 920 and to block fluid flow to the main side 922 and the waste side

924 by rotating the outlet control valve 940 about the pivot connection 941 from its first position to its second position, such that all or substantially all of the fluid flow is directed to exit the thermal conditioning system 900 by the auxiliary outlet 926. Operation of the thermal conditioning system 900 in this max vent mode can advantageously increase effective fluid flow of the thermal conditioning system 900 by bypassing the heat exchangers 921 on the operational sides of the TED 920 which contribute to increased head pressure as fluid flows through the main side 922 and waste side 924.

[0266] Figure 9E depicts an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 900 that has its main outlet 923 directly vent into a portion of the vehicle seat 101, and its auxiliary outlet 926 connected to a VTB 310 located within a vehicle seat 101. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 9E, the thermal conditioning system 900 is installed such that, during operation, air exiting the main outlet 923 directly enters a portion of the vehicle seat 101, air exiting the auxiliary outlet 926 is directed to a VTB 310 positioned within a portion of the vehicle seat 101, and air exiting the waste outlet 925 is directed substantially away from the conditioned area. In some embodiments, the focused air portion and the VTB 310 can be located in a backrest of a seat.

[0267] During a max cool operational mode, the outlet control valve 940 can be in a first position such that all or substantially all of the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 926 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 940. In the max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 920 can cool a focused portion of the vehicle seat 101 via the main side flow path 932, and air heated as a result of the TED 920 can be directed out the waste side flow path 935.

[0268] During a max vent operational mode, the outlet control valve 940 can be in a second position such that all or substantially all of the opening leading to the main side 922 and the waste side 924 of the TED 920 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 940. In the max vent operational mode, fluid entering the thermal conditioning system 900 is directed to leave through the auxiliary outlet 926 by the outlet control valve 940, bypassing the heat exchangers 921 of the TED 920. Air in the auxiliary flow path 934 is directed to a VTB 310 that distributes the fluid flow to a larger portion of the vehicle seat 101, providing less focused fluid flow to, for example, a back of the seat. The auxiliary outlet 926 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the main outlet 923 can be connected to the VTB 310 and the auxiliary outlet 926 can direct its air flow directly into a portion of the vehicle seat 101.

[0269] The thermal conditioning system 900 in Figure 9E can first be operated in a max cool operational mode to provide focused cooling to a focused seat portion, where the outlet control valve 940 is in the first configuration and fluid flow is provided by the main side flow path 932 exiting the main outlet 923. If cabin temperature lowers and the ambient air entering the thermal conditioning system 900 by the blower decreases in temperature, the thermal conditioning system 900 can change operational modes to a max vent mode, deactivate the TED 920, and rotate the outlet control valve 940 from its first position to its second position, blocking or substantially blocking fluid flow to the TED 920 and directing fluid to exit the thermal conditioning system 900 by the auxiliary outlet 926. Distributed ambient temperature fluid flow can then be provided to a larger area of the seat back by the auxiliary flow path 934 entering the VTB 310. [0270] Figure 9F depicts an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 900 that has both its main outlet 923 and its auxiliary outlet 926 connected to a singular VTB 310 located within a vehicle seat 101. The VTB 310 as depicted in Figure 9F has both a primary VTB chamber 311 and a secondary VTB chamber 312, which are not in fluid communication with each other. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 9F, the thermal conditioning system 900 is installed such that, during operation, air exiting the main outlet 923 can provide a focused fluid flow to a secondary VTB chamber 312 and air exiting the auxiliary outlet 926 can provide more distributed fluid flow to a primary VTB chamber 311, depending on an operational mode of the thermal conditioning system 900. In some embodiments, the VTB 310 can be positioned in a backrest of a seat.

[0271] The thermal conditioning system 900 could operate in a max vent operational mode such that only the auxiliary outlet 926 provide airflow to the secondary VTB chamber 312 of the VTB 310. In a max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 920 can enter the primary VTB chamber 311 of the VTB 310 by the main side flow path 932, and air heated as a result of the TED 920 can be directed out the waste outlet 925 in the waste side flow path 935, with the auxiliary flow path 934 substantially closed. The main outlet 923 and auxiliary outlet 926 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein.

[0272] During a max cool operational mode, the outlet control valve 940 can be in a first position such that all or substantially all of the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 926 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 940. In the max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 920 is directed to the secondary VTB chamber 312 to provide focused cooling to a portion of the vehicle seat 101 adjacent the secondary VTB chamber 312. Air heated as a result of the TED 920 can be directed out the waste side flow path 935.

[0273] During a max vent operational mode, the outlet control valve 940 can be in a second position such that all or substantially all of the opening leading to the main side 922 and the waste side 924 of the TED 920 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 940. In the max vent operational mode, fluid entering the thermal conditioning system 900 is directed to leave through the auxiliary outlet 926 by the outlet control valve 940, bypassing the heat exchangers 921 of the TED 920. Air in the auxiliary flow path 934 is directed to the primary VTB chamber 311 of the VTB 310 to distributes the fluid flow to a larger portion of the vehicle seat 101 . The auxiliary outlet 926 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein.

[0274] Figure 9G depicts an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 900 that has its main outlet 923 connected to a first VTB 310 located within one portion of a vehicle seat 101 and its auxiliary outlet 926 connected to a second VTB 314 located within another portion of a vehicle seat 101. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 9G, the thermal conditioning system 900 is installed such that, during operation, air exiting the main outlet 923 can provide airflow to the first VTB 310 located in the back portion of the vehicle seat 101, and air exiting the auxiliary outlet 926 can provide airflow to the second VTB 314 located in the seat portion of the vehicle seat 101, depending on the operational mode of the thermal conditioning system 900. In some embodiments, the first VTB 310 can be positioned in a backrest of a seat and the second VTB 314 can be positioned in a seat bottom of a seat.

[0275] During a max cool operational mode, the outlet control valve 940 can be in a first position such that all or substantially all of the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 926 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 940. In the max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 920 is directed to the first VTB 310 to provide focused cooling to the back of the vehicle seat 101 adjacent the first VTB 310. Air heated as a result of the TED 920 can be directed out the waste side flow path 935.

[0276] During a max vent operational mode, the outlet control valve 940 can be in a second position such that all or substantially all of the opening leading to the main side 922 and the waste side 924 of the TED 920 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 940. In the max vent operational mode, fluid entering the thermal conditioning system 900 is directed to leave through the auxiliary outlet 926 by the outlet control valve 940, bypassing the heat exchangers 921 of the TED 920. Air in the auxiliary flow path 934 is directed to the second VTB 314 in the seat portion of the vehicle seat 101. The auxiliary outlet 926 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein.

[0277] Figures 10A through 10G depict an alternative embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 1000 (e.g., thermoelectric system, thermal system, thermal conditioning system) for delivering conditioned air to a climate-controlled device or environment. The thermal conditioning system 1000 depicted in Figures 10A through 10G can be substantially similar to other thermal conditioning systems 100, 900 as described herein, and can operate in a substantially similar method as well, except as described otherwise herein. The thermal conditioning system 1000 can be configured such that its auxiliary outlet 1026 exits the thermal conditioning system directs fluid in substantially the same direction as the main outlet 1023. In some embodiments, the first VTB 310 can be positioned in a backrest of a seat and the second VTB 314 can be positioned in a seat bottom of a seat.

[0278] Air or another conditioned fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 1000 at an inlet 1012 in a flow path 1010 (e.g., an input fluid flow, an input flow, an input path, an inlet fluid flow), and exit the thermal conditioning system 1000 in a main side flow path 1032 exiting a main outlet 1023, a waste side flow path 1035 exiting a waste outlet 1025, or an auxiliary flow path 1034 exiting an auxiliary outlet 1026, depending on the operational mode of the thermal conditioning system 1000. The thermal conditioning system 1000 can have one or more conduits directing fluid flow out the waste outlet 1025.

[0279] The fluid path (e.g., fluid flow, flow path, fluid flow path) through the thermal conditioning system 1000 can be controlled by an outlet control valve 1040, which can be controlled by a control system. The outlet control valve 1040 can be positioned and attached to the housing 1002 at a location proximate to where auxiliary flow path 1034 branches into the waste outlet (e.g. waste exit) 1025 and the auxiliary outlet 1026. The housing 1002 can include the main outlet 1023, the waste outlet 1025, and the auxiliary outlet 1026 as well as house the TED 1020. The housing 1002 can include various conduits and flow paths connecting the main outlet 1023, the waste outlet 1025, and the auxiliary outlet 1026 for fluid communication as discussed herein.

[0280] The thermal conditioning system 1000 can include an outlet control valve 1040 (e.g., flap valve, pivot valve, rotating control valve, directional valve) to direct the flow path 1010 of the conditioned fluid through the thermal conditioning system 1000. The outlet control valve 1040 can be upstream a TED 1020 to direct flow through the thermal conditioning system 1000. The outlet control valve 1040 can be substantially similar to other outlet control valves 140 as described herein.

[0281] In some embodiments the outlet control valve 1040 can move within the housing of the thermal conditioning system 1000. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 1040 can be connected to the housing at a pivot connection 1041, from which the outlet control valve 1040 can rotate between a first position and a second position as described herein. In some embodiments, the length of the outlet control valve 1040 can be measured from the pivot connection 1041 to the end of the outlet control valve 1040. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 1040 can rotate its entire length about the pivot connection 1041. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 1040 can have a length extending from the pivot connection 1041 toward an end of the outlet control valve 1040. In some embodiments, the pivot connection 1041 can be partially downstream the auxiliary outlet 1026 relative to the direction of the fluid flow through the inlet 1012.

[0282] The position of the outlet control valve 1040 can be controlled by a control system substantially similar to other control systems as described herein. In the illustrated implementation, the flow control valve 1040 is in the form of a flap or butterfly valve that rotates about an axis along its edge. Other types of valves could be used such as needle, barrel or rotary valves and/or a combination of such valves or other valves as desired or required. In the illustrated implementation, the control system can be operably connected to the outlet control valve 140, to rotate or change the position of the louver 144 from a first position to a second position depending on the operational mode of the thermal conditioning system 1000.

[0283] In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 1040 can have a length that is equal to or greater than the length or extent of the opening in the housing leading to the auxiliary outlet 1026. The length or extent of the opening in the housing leading to the auxiliary outlet 1026 can be measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet 1026. The outlet control valve 1040 can be configured to block or substantially block fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet 1026 by blocking or substantially blocking the entirety of the opening in the housing leading to the auxiliary outlet 1026 by rotating about the pivot connection 1041. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 1040 can block the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 1026 by methods other than rotating, such as by advancing linearly across the opening.

[0284] In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 1040 can have a length that is equal to or greater than the height or extent of the opening leading to the waste side 1024 of the TED 1020 in the housing. The length or extent of the opening in the housing leading to the waste side 1024 can be measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow through the waste side 1024. The outlet control valve 1040 can rotate about the pivot connection 1041 to block or substantially block fluid flow that would enter the waste side 1024. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 1040 can block the opening leading to the TED 1020 by methods other than rotating, such as by advancing linearly across the opening.

[0285] In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 1040 can have a length sufficient to block the opening in the housing leading to the auxiliary outlet 1026 as well as having a length sufficient to block the opening leading to the waste side 1024 of the TED 1020. The pivot connection 1041 can be positioned within the housing such that the outlet control valve 1040 can freely rotate from a first position blocking or substantially blocking fluid flow from exiting the housing by the auxiliary outlet 1026 to a second position blocking or substantially blocking fluid flow from exiting the housing by passing through the waste side 1024 of the TED 1020.

[0286] In some embodiments, the control system can control the position of the outlet control valve 1040 through use of a control motor 1050 operatively connected to the outlet control valve 1040.

[0287] In some embodiments, the position of the outlet control valve 1040 could automatically be controlled by use of a bi-metal component or spring 1042 substantially similar to other bi-metal components described herein, such as the bi-metal spring 710. Advantageously, use of a bi-metal spring or other component to automatically control the operation of the outlet control valve 1040 would eliminate or reduce the need for a control system to control the position of the outlet control valve 1040. The bi-metal spring 1042 can be positioned or configured to receive thermal energy from the waste side 1024 when the TED 1020 is in operation to automatically change configuration of the outlet control valve 1040. The bi-metal spring 1042 can be in direct thermal communication with the waste side of the TED 1020, including the waste side heat exchangers 1021. In some embodiments, an outlet control valve 1040 controlled by a bi-metal spring 1042 could be operatively linked to function as a control system for the thermal conditioning system 1000 and any connected blowers, through the use of sensors or other systems that detect the position or other characteristics of the outlet control valve 1040, bi-metal spring 1042, or other feature of the thermal conditioning system 1000. In some embodiments, a heating element is connected to the housing and the bimetal component. The heating element can heat the bi-metal component to the transformation temperature. [0288] The bi-metal spring 1042 can have characteristics of other bi-metal components as described herein. The bi-metal spring 1042 may be aNickel-Titanium alloy, an Aluminum-Titanium alloy, a Titanium-Molybdenum alloy, a shape memory alloy, super elastic metals, and/or other suitable alloys.

[0289] In some embodiments, the bi-metal spring 1042 can change its length, and thus affect the position of the outlet control valve 1040, depending on the operational mode of the thermal conditioning system 1000.

[0290] For example, in a max cool mode described herein, the TED 1020 is active and heat generated by the TED 1020 is dissipated on the waste side 1024 by heat exchangers 1021. In the max cool operational mode, the bi-metal spring 1042 can absorb thermal energy present either in the heat exchangers 1021 on the waste side 1024 and/or by fluid passing through the waste side 1024. This transferring of thermal energy can trigger the bi-metal spring 1042 to transition from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments, the thermal energy can be transferred from the heat exchangers 1021 to the bi-metal spring 1042 by direct contact. The first position of the bi-metal spring 1042 can correspond with the first position of the outlet control valve 1040. The second position of the bi-metal spring 1042 can correspond with the second position of the outlet control valve 1040.

[0291] In a max vent mode described herein, the TED 1020 can be inactive, and as such no new heat will be generated by the TED 1020 to be dissipated by the heat exchangers 1021 located on the waste side 1024 of the TED 1020. Once the temperature of the bi-metal spring 1042 falls below a certain predetermined threshold, the bi-metal spring 1042 can contract from its first position to its second position. This contraction can move the outlet control valve 1040 from its first position to its second position, substantially blocking fluid flow to the waste side 1024 of the TED 1020.

[0292] If more cooling is required, the thermal conditioning system 1000 can change to a max cool operational mode, which reactivates the TED 1020. Once the TED 1020 operates again, the bi-metal spring 1042 can absorb sufficient thermal energy such that it expands again to its first position, moving the outlet control valve 1040 from its second position to its first position, such that the outlet control valve 1040 now blocks or substantially blocks fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet 1026. [0293] Advantageously, an outlet control valve 1040 can decrease complexity or costs for a thermal conditioning system 1000 in comparison to other embodiments of reducing head pressure for certain operational modes. Advantageously, the thermal conditioning system 1000 can be operated at a lower pump rate while still having similar useful flow output in certain operational modes that bypass heat exchangers 1021 positioned within flow paths proximal to the TED 1020. Furthermore, an outlet control valve 1040 directing fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet 1026 can increase the flowrate through a thermal conditioning system 1000 without needing to connect the thermal conditioning system 1000 to a more powerful blower or other fluid pump in certain operational modes.

[0294] In some embodiments, a main side flow path 1032 can exit the thermal conditioning system 1000 at a main outlet 1023 and terminate at the conditioned area, climate- controlled environment, or device. The auxiliary flow path 1034 can exit the thermal conditioning system 1000 at an auxiliary outlet 1026 and terminate at another conditioned area, climate controlled environment, or device, or terminate at a conditioned area, climate controlled environment, or device that is proximate to where the main side flow path 1032 terminates. Based on the positioning of the outlet control valve 1040, fluid flow through the housing of the thermal conditioning system 1000 can be directed to either the main outlet 1023 and the waste outlet 1025 or to the main outlet 1023 and the auxiliary outlet 1026.

[0295] In some embodiments, a main side flow path 1032 can exit the thermal conditioning system 1000 at a main outlet 1023 and terminate at the conditioned area, climate- controlled environment, or device. An auxiliary flow path 1034 can exit the thermal conditioning system 1000 at an auxiliary outlet 1026 and terminate at another conditioned area, climate-controlled environment, or device.

[0296] In some embodiments, the main side flow path 1032 and auxiliary flow path 1034 can both be directed to the same conditioned area. The main side flow path 1032 and auxiliary flow path 1034 can be directed to separate chambers in a VTB 310 as described herein. The main side flow path 1032 and auxiliary flow path 1034 can be directed to the same chamber in a VTB 310. The main side flow path 1032 and auxiliary flow path 1034 can be directed to separate VTBs 310.

[0297] In embodiments where the main side flow path 1032 and auxiliary flow path 1034 both flow to the same conditioned area, the system can further include check valves or other systems to prevent the conditioned fluid from re-entering the thermal conditioning system 1000 and/or the conduits leading to the thermal conditioning system 1000. In some embodiments, the shape and design of the conduit can prevent backflow into the conduit or thermal conditioning system 1000. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 1040 can prevent or substantially prevent conditioned fluid from re-entering the thermal conditioning system 1000.

[0298] In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning system 1000 can include one or more conduits connected to the waste outlet 1025 to direct the air on the waste side 1024 of the TED 1020 away from the seat. In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning system 1000 can include a waste outlet 1025 with only one conduit leading from it to away from the conditioned area. In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning system 1000 can include two or more conduits that direct the waste fluid flow away from the conditioned area. In embodiments where the thermal conditioning system 1000 has more than one conduit connected to direct waste fluid out the waste outlet 1025, the conduits can direct the fluid flow in substantially opposite directions. In some embodiments, the waste fluid conduits can connect to the thermal conditioning system 1000 on substantially opposite sides. In some embodiments, the waste fluid conduits can connect to the same side or surface of the thermal conditioning system 1000.

[0299] In some embodiments, the waste flowing away from the seat can be directed to an ambient environment of the seat, such as an area separate or spaced away from the conditioned area. In some embodiments, the ambient environment can be under the seat cushion toward the floor of the car, directed out the back of the seat, directed out the headrest of the seat, or other directions away from or substantially away from the conditioned area.

[0300] The thermal conditioning system 1000 can change operational modes like other thermal conditioning systems described herein. The thermal conditioning system 1000 can, based on the current operational mode, regulate one or more components of or related to the thermal conditioning system 1000 to increase the efficiency of the system in performing the operational mode. For example, if the system was to operate in a max vent mode (as described herein), then the control system could regulate the blower to provide a desired amount of air, the TED 1020 to not condition the air or condition the air a certain amount based on a reading from a sensor positioned at or within the inlet 1012, and the outlet control valve 1040 to direct the flow out the auxiliary outlet 1026 and the waste outlet 1025 rather than the main outlet 1023 and the waste outlet 1025.

[0301] In some embodiments, flow through the thermal conditioning system 1000 can be controlled through the use of a control system configured to operate the TED 1020 and the outlet control valve 1040. The thermal conditioning system 1000 can operate in one of several different operational modes, such as in a max cool mode (e.g., a cooling mode), a max vent mode (e.g., a ventilation mode), or a max heat mode (e.g., a heating mode), or other operational modes as described herein. Some sample methods of operation are described below.

[0302] In one operational mode, which can be described as a max cool mode, fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the inlet 1012 and be diverted into the main side flow path 1032 and the waste side flow path 1035. In this operational mode, the TED 1020 can be active, such that air passing through the main side 1022 would be cooled by the TED 1020 as it passes through heat exchangers 1021 cooled by the TED 1020 and air passing through the waste side 1024 would be heated by the TED 1020 as it passes through heat exchangers 1021 heated by the TED 1020. The fluid in the main side flow path 1032 can be cooler than the fluid in the flow path 1010 by the inlet 1012 and exit the thermal conditioning system 1000 at a main outlet 1023 to the conditioned area. The fluid in the waste side flow path 1035 can be warmer than the fluid in the flow path 1010 and exit the thermal conditioning system 1000 at a waste outlet 1025 away from or substantially away from the conditioned area. The outlet control valve 1040 can be in its first position (as shown in Figure 10B) such that all or substantially all of the fluid is prevented from exiting the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the auxiliary outlet 1026. In the first position, the outlet control valve 1040 pivots about the pivot connection 1041 until all or substantially all of the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 1026 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 1040.

[0303] In the first configuration, such as the configuration shown in Figure 10B, the outlet control valve 1040 can be in a first position to block or substantially block the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 1026. The length of the outlet control valve 1040 can be sufficient to block or substantially block the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 1026. As the fluid flows through the thermal conditioning system 1000, it is separated as it approaches the TED 1020 into a main side flow path 1032 flowing through a main side 1022 of a TED 1020, and a waste side flow path 1035 flowing through a waste side 1024 of a TED 1020.

[0304] In one operational mode, which can be described as a max vent mode, fluid can enter the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the inlet 1012 and partially bypass the TED 1020. The outlet control valve 1040 can pivot about a pivot connection 1041 or otherwise move to block or substantially block the opening to the waste side 1024 of the TED 1020. In this second position (as shown in Figure 10C), all or substantially all of the fluid entering the thermal conditioning system 1000 can only exit the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the main outlet 1023 and the auxiliary outlet 1026. In this operational mode, the TED 1020 can be inactive, as the amount of fluid flowing through the waste side 1024 is zero or substantially zero.

[0305] Advantageously, positioning the outlet control valve 1040 upstream the TED 1020 can increase efficiency of the system and reduce head pressure in operational modes where conditioning of the air is not required, by bypassing the heat exchangers 1021 positioned within the waste side 1024 of the thermal conditioning system 1000. When the outlet control valve 1040 is in its second position, such as the position shown in Figure 10C, the flow path 1010 is directed to exit the thermal conditioning system 1000 in a main side flow path 1032 exiting the main outlet 1023 and an auxiliary flow path 1034 exiting the auxiliary outlet 1026. This flow pattern allows part of the flow path 1010 to bypass the heat exchangers 1021 positioned along the TED 1020 which add static pressure to flow passing through the waste side 1024. Thus, the useable flow provided to the user or occupant passing out the auxiliary outlet 1026 is increased without requiring a more powerful blower system. Furthermore, effective fluid flow to the user when cooling is not required is increased when the outlet control valve 1040 is in the second position compared to when the outlet control valve 1040 is in the first position, as all or substantially all the fluid entering the thermal conditioning system 1000 can be directed to the conditioned area by the main outlet 1023 and the auxiliary outlet 1026 when the flap is in the second position.

[0306] Figures 10D through 10G depict the thermal conditioning system 1000 configured to interface with one or more VTBs according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The Figures depict the thermal conditioning system 1000 positioned outside the vehicle seat 101 and not to scale for illustrative purposes; the thermal conditioning system 1000 can be located within or proximal to the vehicle seat 101 according to some embodiments and may or may not be the same scale compared to the vehicle seat 101 as disclosed in the Figures. Furthermore, the position of the one or more VTBs is purely for example. As such, the VTBs can be positioned as desired or required depending on where or how the thermal conditioning system 1000 is designed to provide airflow or conditioned air to the occupant or user.

[0307] Figure 10D depicts an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 1000 that has both its main outlet 1023 and its auxiliary outlet 1026 connect to a singular VTB 310 located within a vehicle seat 101. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 10D, the thermal conditioning system 1000 is installed such that, during operation, air exiting the main outlet 1023 and auxiliary outlet 1026 are directed by conduits to enter a VTB 310 positioned within the seat back to provide airflow to the back of an occupant. The thermal conditioning system 1000 could operate in a max vent operational mode such that air flows from both the main outlet 1023 in the main side flow path 1032 and the auxiliary outlet 1026 in the auxiliary flow path 1034, where the outlet control valve 1040 is in its second configuration. In a max cool operational mode, substantially no air exits the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the auxiliary outlet 1026, as the outlet control valve 1040 is in its first position to block all or substantially all of the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 1026. The main outlet 1023 and auxiliary outlet 1026 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the VTB 310 can be positioned within a backrest of a seat.

[0308] The thermal conditioning system 1000 connected to the VTB 310 in Figure 10D can advantageously be first ran in a max cool operational mode to focus the cooling felt by the occupant in a portion of the vehicle seat 101. As the cabin temperature drops and the ambient air entering the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the blower decreases in temperature, the thermal conditioning system 1000 can receive instructions by a controller to cease operation of the TED 1020 and to block fluid flow to the waste side 1024 by rotating the outlet control valve 1040 about the pivot connection 1041 from its first position to its second position, such that all or substantially all of the fluid flow is directed to exit the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the main outlet 1023 and the auxiliary outlet 1026. Operation of the thermal conditioning system 1000 in this max vent mode can advantageously increase effective fluid flow of the thermal conditioning system 1000 by bypassing some of the heat exchangers 1021 on the operational sides of the TED 1020 which contribute to increased head pressure as fluid flows through waste side 1024.

[0309] Figure 10E depicts an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 1000 that has its main outlet 1023 directly vent into a portion of the vehicle seat 101, and its auxiliary outlet 1026 connected to a VTB 310 located within a vehicle seat 101. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 10E, the thermal conditioning system 1000 is installed such that, during operation, air exiting the main outlet 1023 directly enters a portion of the vehicle seat 101, air exiting the auxiliary outlet 1026 is directed to a VTB 310 positioned within a portion of the vehicle seat 101, and air exiting the waste outlet 1025 is directed substantially away from the conditioned area. In some embodiments, the focused air portion and the VTB 310 can be located in a backrest of a seat.

[0310] During a max cool operational mode, the outlet control valve 1040 can be in a first position such that all or substantially all of the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 1026 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 1040. In the max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 1020 can cool a focused portion of the vehicle seat 101 via the main side flow path 1032, and air heated as a result of the TED 1020 can be directed out the waste side flow path 1035. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 10D, the waste outlet 1025 has two conduits directing the waste side flow path 1035 away from the conditioned area.

[0311] During a max vent operational mode, the outlet control valve 1040 can be in a second position such that all or substantially all of the opening leading to the waste side 1024 of the TED 1020 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 1040. In the max vent operational mode, fluid entering the thermal conditioning system 1000 is directed to leave through the main outlet 1023 and the auxiliary outlet 1026 by the outlet control valve 1040. The fluid exiting the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the auxiliary outlet 1026 can bypass the heat exchangers 1021 positioned on the main side 1022 of the TED 1020, while the fluid exiting the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the main outlet 1023 will need to pass through said heat exchangers 1021. Air in the main side flow path 1032 is directed to the same focused portion of the seat, while air in the auxiliary flow path 1034 is directed to a VTB 310 that distributes the fluid flow to a larger portion of the vehicle seat 101. The auxiliary outlet 1026 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the main outlet 1023 can be connected to the VTB 310 and the auxiliary outlet 1026 can direct its air flow directly into a portion of the vehicle seat 101.

[0312] The thermal conditioning system 1000 in Figure 10E can first be operated in a max cool operational mode to provide focused cooling to a focused seat portion, where the outlet control valve 1040 is in the first configuration and fluid flow is provided by the main side flow path 1032 exiting the main outlet 1023. If cabin temperature lowers and the ambient air entering the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the blower decreases in temperature, the thermal conditioning system 1000 can change operational modes to a max vent mode, deactivate the TED 1020, and rotate the outlet control valve 1040 from its first position to its second position, blocking or substantially blocking fluid flow to the TED 1020 and directing fluid to exit the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the main outlet 1023 and the auxiliary outlet 1026. Distributed ambient temperature fluid flow can then be provided to a larger area of the seat back by the auxiliary flow path 1034 entering the VTB 310.

[0313] In embodiments of a thermal conditioning system 1000 configured with a bi-metal spring 1042, the position of the outlet control valve 1040 can be changed without the need of a control system. If the thermal conditioning system 1000 is operating in a max cool mode, heat exchangers 1021 on the waste side 1024 of the TED 1020 can provide thermal energy to the bi-metal spring 1042, either by direct contact or by radiating heat. This thermal energy can increase the temperature of the bi-metal spring 1042 above a critical temperature or transition temperature such that the bi-metal spring 1042 transitions from its second configuration where it has rotated the outlet control valve 1040 to be in its second position to its first configuration where the outlet control valve 1040 is rotated to be in its first position. If the thermal conditioning system 1000 is operating in a max vent mode, thermal energy is no longer generated by the TED 1020, and the corresponding waste side heat exchangers 1021 will no longer provide thermal energy to the bi-metal spring 1042. The temperature of the bimetal spring 1042 can then fall below the critical transition temperature, such that the bi-metal spring 1042 transitions from its first configuration to its second configuration, thus moving the outlet control valve 1040 from its first configuration to its second configuration.

[0314] Figure 10F depicts an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 1000 that has both its main outlet 1023 and its auxiliary outlet 1026 connected to a singular VTB 310 located within a vehicle seat 101. The VTB 310 as depicted in Figure 10F has both a primary VTB chamber 311 and a secondary VTB chamber 312, which are not in fluid communication with each other. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 10F, the thermal conditioning system 1000 is installed such that, during operation, air exiting the main outlet

1023 can provide a focused fluid flow to a secondary VTB chamber 312 and air exiting the auxiliary outlet 1026 can provide more distributed fluid flow to a primary VTB chamber 311, depending on an operational mode of the thermal conditioning system 1000. In some embodiments, the VTB 310 can be positioned in a backrest of a seat.

[0315] The thermal conditioning system 1000 could operate in a max vent operational mode such that the main outlet 1023 provides airflow to the primary VTB chamber

311 of the VTB 310 and the auxiliary outlet 1026 provides airflow to the secondary VTB chamber 312 of the VTB 310. In a max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 1020 can enter the primary VTB chamber 311 of the VTB 310 by the main side flow path 1032, and air heated as a result of the TED 1020 can be directed out the waste outlet 1025 in the waste side flow path 1035, with the auxiliary flow path 1034 substantially closed by the outlet control valve 1040. The main outlet 1023 and auxiliary outlet 1026 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein.

[0316] During a max cool operational mode, the outlet control valve 1040 can be in a first position such that all or substantially all of the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 1026 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 1040. In the max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 1020 is directed to the secondary VTB chamber 312 to provide focused cooling to a portion of the vehicle seat 101 adjacent the secondary VTB chamber 312. Air heated as a result of the TED 1020 can be directed out the waste side flow path 1035.

[0317] During a max vent operational mode, the outlet control valve 1040 can be in a second position such that all or substantially all of the opening leading to the waste side

1024 of the TED 1020 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 1040. In the max vent operational mode, fluid entering the thermal conditioning system 1000 is directed to leave through either the main outlet 1023 or the auxiliary outlet 1026 by the outlet control valve 1040. The fluid flow exiting by the auxiliary outlet 1026 bypasses the heat exchangers 1021 on the main side 1022 of the TED 1020, while the fluid exiting the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the main outlet 1023 will need to pass through said heat exchangers 1021. Air in the main side flow path 1032 is directed to the secondary VTB chamber 312 of the VTB 310 to distribute the fluid in a more focused portion of the seat, while air in the auxiliary flow path 1034 is directed to the primary VTB chamber 311 of the VTB 310 to distribute the fluid flow to a larger portion of the vehicle seat 101. The auxiliary outlet 1026 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein.

[0318] In embodiments of a thermal conditioning system 1000 configured with a bi-metal spring 1042, the position of the outlet control valve 1040 can be changed without the need of a control system. If the thermal conditioning system 1000 is operating in a max cool mode, heat exchangers 1021 on the waste side 1024 of the TED 1020 can provide thermal energy to the bi-metal spring 1042, either by direct contact or by radiating heat. This thermal energy can increase the temperature of the bi-metal spring 1042 above a critical temperature or transition temperature such that the bi-metal spring 1042 transitions from its second configuration where it has rotated the outlet control valve 1040 to be in its second position to its first configuration where the outlet control valve 1040 is rotated to be in its first position. If the thermal conditioning system 1000 is operating in a max vent mode, thermal energy is no longer generated by the TED 1020, and the corresponding waste side heat exchangers 1021 will no longer provide thermal energy to the bi-metal spring 1042. The temperature of the bimetal spring 1042 can then fall below the critical transition temperature, such that the bi-metal spring 1042 transitions from its first configuration to its second configuration, thus moving the outlet control valve 1040 from its first configuration to its second configuration.

[0319] Figure 10G depicts an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system 1000 that has its main outlet 1023 connected to a first VTB 310 located within one portion of a vehicle seat 101 and its auxiliary outlet 1026 connected to a second VTB 314 located within another portion of a vehicle seat 101. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 10G, the thermal conditioning system 1000 is installed such that, during operation, air exiting the main outlet 1023 can provide airflow to the first VTB 310 located in the back portion of the vehicle seat 101, and air exiting the auxiliary outlet 1026 can provide airflow to the second VTB 314 located in the seat portion of the vehicle seat 101, depending on the operational mode of the thermal conditioning system 1000. [0320] During a max cool operational mode, the outlet control valve 1040 can be in a first position such that all or substantially all of the opening leading to the auxiliary outlet 1026 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 1040. In the max cool operational mode, air cooled by the TED 1020 is directed to the first VTB 310 to provide focused cooling to the back of the vehicle seat 101 adjacent the first VTB 310. Air heated as a result of the TED 1020 can be directed out the waste side flow path 1035.

[0321] During a max vent operational mode, the outlet control valve 1040 can be in a second position such that all or substantially all of the opening leading to the waste side 1024 of the TED 1020 is blocked by the length of the outlet control valve 1040. In the max vent operational mode, fluid entering the thermal conditioning system 1000 is directed to leave through the main outlet 1023 and the auxiliary outlet 1026 by the outlet control valve 1040. The fluid flow exiting by the auxiliary outlet 1026 bypasses the heat exchangers 1021 on the main side 1022 of the TED 1020, while the fluid exiting the thermal conditioning system 1000 by the main outlet 1023 will need to pass through said heat exchangers 1021. Air in the main side flow path 1032 is directed to the first VTB 310 and air in the auxiliary flow path 1034 is directed to the second VTB 314 in the seat portion of the vehicle seat 101. The auxiliary outlet 1026 can be connected to the VTB 310 by methods known by one skilled in the art, such as ducting, or other methods disclosed herein.

[0322] In embodiments of a thermal conditioning system 1000 configured with a bi-metal spring 1042, the position of the outlet control valve 1040 can be changed without the need of a control system. If the thermal conditioning system 1000 is operating in a max cool mode, heat exchangers 1021 on the waste side 1024 of the TED 1020 can provide thermal energy to the bi-metal spring 1042, either by direct contact or by radiating heat. This thermal energy can increase the temperature of the bi-metal spring 1042 above a critical temperature or transition temperature such that the bi-metal spring 1042 transitions from its second configuration where it has rotated the outlet control valve 1040 to be in its second position to its first configuration where the outlet control valve 1040 is rotated to be in its first position. If the thermal conditioning system 1000 is operating in a max vent mode, thermal energy is no longer generated by the TED 1020, and the corresponding waste side heat exchangers 1021 will no longer provide thermal energy to the bi-metal spring 1042. The temperature of the bimetal spring 1042 can then fall below the critical transition temperature, such that the bi-metal spring 1042 transitions from its first configuration to its second configuration, thus moving the outlet control valve 1040 from its first configuration to its second configuration.

[0323] It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombination of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed above may be made and still fall within one or more of the inventions. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an embodiment can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above. Moreover, while the inventions are susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the inventions are not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the inventions are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments described and the appended claims. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. The methods disclosed herein include certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, they can also include any third-party instruction of those actions, either expressly or by implication. For example, actions such as “passing a suspension line through the base of the tongue” include “instructing the passing of a suspension line through the base of the tongue.” It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely examples, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, subranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” as used herein include the recited numbers, and also represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. Features of embodiments disclosed herein preceded by a term such as “generally”, “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” as used herein represent the feature with some variability that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result for that feature.

[0324] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0325] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced embodiment recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the embodiment, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the disclosure may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce embodiment recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of an embodiment recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular embodiment containing such introduced embodiment recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same embodiment includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce embodiment recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced embodiment recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, embodiments, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

[0326] Although the present subject matter has been described herein in terms of certain embodiments, and certain exemplary methods, it is to be understood that the scope of the subject matter is not to be limited thereby. Instead, the Applicant intends that variations on the methods and materials disclosed herein which are apparent to those of skill in the art will fall within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A thermoelectric system for directing waste side fluid flow toward a surface of a seat of a vehicle, the thermoelectric system comprising: a housing comprising an inlet, a main outlet, an auxiliary outlet, and a waste outlet, the housing configured to direct a fluid flow through the housing from the inlet to at least one of the main outlet, the auxiliary outlet, or the waste outlet, the fluid flow separated into a main side fluid flow that exits the main outlet and a waste side fluid flow that exits at least one of the auxiliary outlet or the waste outlet, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct the main side fluid flow toward a surface of a seat of a vehicle, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow toward the surface of the seat, and wherein the waste outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow away from the surface of the seat; a thermoelectric device in the housing, the thermoelectric device comprising a main side and a waste side, the main side in fluid communication with the main side fluid flow and the waste side in fluid communication with the waste side fluid flow; and a flap valve in the housing, the flap valve in fluid communication with the waste side fluid flow, the flap valve configured to direct the waste side fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in a first position and to direct the waste side fluid flow through the waste outlet in a second position, wherein both the main side fluid flow and the waste side fluid flow are directed toward the surface of the seat with the flap valve in the first position.

2. The thermoelectric system of Claim 1, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct the main side fluid flow into a conditioned area proximate to the surface of the seat of the vehicle.

3. The thermoelectric system of Claim 2, wherein the conditioned area comprises at least one of a ventilated bag, a foam with air distribution channels, an air distribution channel, an air distribution cavity, or an air distribution spacer.

4. The thermoelectric system of Claim 2 or 3, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow into the conditioned area proximate the surface of the seat of the vehicle.

5. The thermoelectric system of Claim 4 wherein the main outlet is configured to direct the main side fluid flow into a first portion of the conditioned area, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow into a second portion of the conditioned area.

6. The thermoelectric system of Claim 5, wherein the conditioned area comprises a ventilated bag and wherein the first portion is a first chamber of the ventilated bag and the second portion is a second chamber of the ventilated bag.

7. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 2 to 6, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow into another conditioned area proximate the surface of the seat of the vehicle.

8. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct the main side fluid flow toward a first portion of the surface of the seat, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow toward a second portion of the surface of the seat.

9. The thermoelectric system of Claim 8, wherein the first portion of the surface of the seat is part of a backrest of the seat, and wherein the second portion of the surface of the seat is part of a seat bottom of the seat.

10. The thermoelectric system of any one of more of Claims 1 to 9, further comprising a controller configured to cause the flap valve to move between the first position and the second position based on temperature.

11. The thermoelectric system of Claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to cause the flap valve to move to the first position based on an ambient temperature around the seat being below a predetermined temperature.

12. The thermoelectric system of Claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to not operate with the flap valve in the first position for ambient air to be directed through both the main outlet and the auxiliary outlet.

13. The thermoelectric system of Claim 11 or 12, wherein the controller is configured to cause the flap valve to move to the second position based on the ambient temperature around the seat being above the predetermined temperature.

14. The thermoelectric system of Claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to operate in a cooling mode with the flap valve in the second position, and wherein in the cooling mode, the thermoelectric device cools the main side fluid flow that is directed toward the surface of the seat and heats the waste side fluid flow that is directed toward ambient of the seat.

15. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 10 to 14, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to operate in a heating mode with the flap valve in the first position, wherein the controller is configured to cause to direct a predetermined voltage to the thermoelectric device for the thermoelectric device, in the heating mode, to heat the main side fluid flow that is directed toward the surface of the seat and to heat the waste side fluid flow that is directed toward the surface of the seat.

16. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 1 to 15, further comprising a bi-metal spring connected to the flap valve to move the flap valve relative to the housing, the bi-metal spring configured to transition from a first position to a second position in response to a transformation temperature, the bi-metal spring in fluid communication with the waste side fluid flow, wherein the bi-metal spring in the first position positions the flap valve in the first position, and the bi-metal spring in the second position positions the flap valve in the second position, and wherein waste heat from the waste side of the thermoelectric system transferred to the waste side fluid flow heats the bi-metal spring to the transformation temperature to transition the bi-metal spring from the first position to the second position.

17. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 1 to 16, wherein the flap valve configured to inhibit flow of the waste side fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in the second position and to inhibit flow of the waste side fluid flow through the waste outlet in the first position.

18. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 1 to 17, wherein the flap valve is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow through both the auxiliary outlet and the waste outlet in a third position.

19. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 1 to 18, wherein the flap valve is configured to regulate the waste side fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet relative to the waste outlet by moving to a position between the first position and the second position.

20. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 1 to 19, wherein the flap valve is downstream of the thermoelectric device with respect to a flow direction in the waste side fluid flow.

21. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 1 to 20, wherein the flap valve is positioned in the housing where the housing branches into the auxiliary outlet and the waste outlet.

22. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 1 to 21, wherein the flap valve is adjusted from a fully open position towards a fully closed position.

23. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 1 to 22, wherein the flap valve further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the flap valve to the first position.

24. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 1 to 23, further comprising a first ventilated trim bag connected to the main outlet at a first connection to a first portion of the first ventilated trim bag, the first ventilated trim bag configured to evenly distribute the main side fluid flow into a conditioned area.

25. The thermoelectric system of Claim 24, further comprising a flange configured to connect the main outlet and the first ventilated trim bag, the flange configured to position the first ventilated trim bag relative to the main outlet to direct fluid flow into the first ventilated trim bag.

26. The thermoelectric system of Claim 24 or 25, wherein the first ventilated trim bag connects to the auxiliary outlet at a second connection.

27. The thermoelectric system of Claim 26, wherein the second connection is in fluid communication with the first portion of the first ventilated trim bag.

28. The thermoelectric system of Claim 26 or 27, wherein the second connection is in fluid communication with a second portion of the first ventilated trim bag.

29. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 24 to 28, further comprising a second ventilated trim bag connected to the auxiliary outlet at a second connection to the second ventilated trim bag, the second ventilated trim bag configured to evenly distribute the main side fluid flow into a conditioned area.

30. A fluid distribution system for directing waste side fluid flow toward a surface of a seat of a vehicle, the fluid distribution system comprising: a housing comprising an inlet, an auxiliary outlet, and a waste outlet, the inlet configured to connect to a fluid outlet of a thermoelectric assembly, the fluid outlet configured to direct waste side fluid flow from a waste side of a thermoelectric device to the inlet, wherein the waste side fluid flow exits from at least one of the auxiliary outlet or the waste outlet, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow toward a surface of a seat of a vehicle, and wherein the waste outlet is configured to direct the waste side fluid flow toward ambient of the seat; and a flap valve in the housing, the flap valve in fluid communication with the waste side fluid flow, the flap valve configured to direct the waste side fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in a first position and to direct the waste side fluid flow through the waste outlet in a second position, wherein both a main side fluid flow in the thermoelectric assembly and the waste side fluid flow are directed toward the surface of the seat with the flap valve in the first position.

31. The fluid distribution system of Claim 30, further comprising a duct configured to connect the inlet of the housing and the fluid outlet of the thermoelectric assembly to direct the waste side fluid flow from thermoelectric assembly to the inlet.

32. The fluid distribution system of Claim 31, wherein the duct is flexible.

33. The fluid distribution system of any one or more of Claims 30 to 32, further comprising any one or more of the features recited in Claims 1 to 29.

34. A thermoelectric system configured to regulate a first fluid flow and a second fluid flow, the thermoelectric system comprising: a housing comprising an inlet, a main outlet, an auxiliary outlet, and a waste outlet, the housing configured to direct a fluid flow through the housing from the inlet to the main outlet, to the auxiliary outlet, and to the waste outlet, the fluid flow separated into a first fluid flow that exits the main outlet and a second fluid flow that exits at least one of the auxiliary outlet or the waste outlet; a thermoelectric device in the housing, the thermoelectric device comprising a main side and a waste side, the main side in fluid communication with the first fluid flow and the waste side in fluid communication with the second fluid flow; and a flap valve in the housing, the flap valve in fluid communication with the second fluid flow, the flap valve configured to direct the second fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in a first position and to direct the second fluid flow through the waste outlet in a second position.

35. The thermoelectric system of Claim 34, further comprising a control system configured to cause the flap valve to move between the first position and the second position based on temperature.

36. The thermoelectric system of Claim 35, further comprising: a thermoelectric control system comprising a sensor configured to provide a signal that is indicative of an ambient temperature; and wherein the thermoelectric control system is configured to operate the flap valve based on the signal.

37. The thermoelectric system of Claim 36, wherein the thermoelectric control system is configured to increase a flow rate to a conditioned area or decrease the flow rate to the conditioned area by adjusting the flap valve to direct the second fluid flow to either the auxiliary outlet or the waste outlet, respectively.

38. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 34 to 37, further comprising a bi-metal spring connected to the flap valve to move the flap valve relative to the housing, the bi-metal spring configured to transition from a first position to a second position in response to a transformation temperature, the bi-metal spring in fluid communication with the second fluid flow, wherein the bi-metal spring in the first position positions the flap valve in the first position, and the bi-metal spring in the second position positions the flap valve in the second position, and wherein waste heat from the waste side of the thermoelectric system transferred to the second fluid flow heats the bi-metal spring to the transformation temperature to transition the bi-metal spring from the first position to the second position.

39. The thermoelectric system of Claim 38, wherein the bi-metal spring is a spiral spring configured to wind around a portion of the flap valve, the spiral spring having a first coil diameter when in the first position and a second coil diameter when in the second position, the first coil diameter being smaller than the second coil diameter, the spiral spring having a first end connected to the flap valve and a second end connected to the housing, wherein the spiral spring is configured to expand from the first position to the second position, wherein expansion of the spiral spring rotates the flap valve.

40. The thermoelectric system of Claim 38 or 39, wherein the bi-metal spring is a material selected from the group consisting of an Aluminum-Titanium alloy, a Titanium- Molybdenum alloy, a shape memory alloy, and super elastic metals.

41. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 34 to 40, further comprising any one or more of the features recited in Claims 1 to 32.

42. A thermal conditioning system configured to regulate a fluid flow of a preexisting system, the thermal conditioning system comprising: a connecting sleeve comprising a flexible material, the connecting sleeve configured to connect to a waste exit of a thermoelectric system; a tail conduit configured to connect to the connecting sleeve at an connecting sleeve, the tail conduit comprising an auxiliary outlet and a waste outlet, the tail conduit configured to direct a fluid flow through the tail conduit from the connecting sleeve to the auxiliary outlet, and to the waste outlet, the fluid flow separated into an auxiliary fluid flow that exits either the auxiliary outlet or the waste outlet; and a flap valve in the tail conduit, the flap valve in fluid communication with the fluid flow, the flap valve configured to direct the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in a first position and to direct the fluid flow through the waste outlet in a second position.

43. The thermal conditioning system of Claim 42, further comprising a control system operatively connected with the thermal conditioning system, the preexisting system, and the flap valve, the control system configured to operate the thermal conditioning system, the preexisting system, and the flap valve.

44. The thermal conditioning system of Claim 43, further comprising: a plurality of sensors configured to provide a signal that is indicative of a temperature of the fluid flow; and wherein the control system is configured to operate the flap valve based on the signal.

45. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 42 to 44, further comprising any one or more of the features recited in Claims 1 to 40.

46. A thermoelectric system for increasing fluid flow toward a surface of a seat of a vehicle, the thermoelectric system comprising: a housing comprising an inlet, a main outlet, a waste outlet, and an auxiliary outlet, the housing configured to direct a fluid flow through the housing from the inlet to at least one of the main outlet, the waste outlet, or the auxiliary outlet; a thermoelectric device in the housing, the thermoelectric device comprising a main side and a waste side, the main side in fluid communication with the main outlet and the waste side in fluid communication with the waste outlet; and a flap valve at least partially upstream the thermoelectric device in the housing relative to a direction of the fluid flow through the inlet, the flap valve configured to move within the housing to direct the fluid flow through the main outlet and the waste outlet in a first position and to direct the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet in a second position, wherein with the flap valve in the second position, the flap valve is configured to direct the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet and to block the fluid flow from flowing through the main outlet and the waste outlet, and wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the fluid flow toward the surface of the seat.

47. The thermoelectric system of Claim 46, wherein the flap valve is at least partially downstream of the auxiliary outlet.

48. The thermoelectric system of Claim 46 or 47, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct a main side fluid flow into a conditioned area proximate to the surface of the seat of the vehicle, the main side fluid flow passing through the main side of the thermoelectric device.

49. The thermoelectric system of Claim 48, wherein the conditioned area comprises at least one of a ventilated bag, a foam with air distribution channels, an air distribution channel, an air distribution cavity, or an air distribution spacer.

50. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 48 to 49, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct an auxiliary fluid flow into the conditioned area proximate the surface of the seat of the vehicle, the auxiliary fluid flow passing through the auxiliary outlet of the housing.

51. The thermoelectric system of Claim 50 wherein the main outlet is configured to direct the main side fluid flow into a first portion of the conditioned area, and wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the auxiliary fluid flow into a second portion of the conditioned area.

52. The thermoelectric system of Claim 51, wherein the conditioned area comprises a ventilated bag and wherein the first portion is a first chamber of the ventilated bag and the second portion is a second chamber of the ventilated bag.

53. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 46 to 52, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct an auxiliary fluid flow into another conditioned area proximate the surface of the seat of the vehicle, the auxiliary fluid flow passing through the auxiliary outlet of the housing.

54. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 46 to 53, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct a main side fluid flow passing through the main side of the thermoelectric device toward a first portion of the surface of the seat, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct an auxiliary fluid flow out the auxiliary outlet toward a second portion of the surface of the seat.

55. The thermoelectric system of Claim 54, wherein the first portion of the surface of the seat is part of a backrest of the seat, and wherein the second portion of the surface of the seat is part of a seat bottom of the seat.

56. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 46 to 55, further comprising a controller configured to cause the flap valve to move between the first position and the second position based on temperature.

57. The thermoelectric system of Claim 56, wherein the controller is configured to cause the flap valve to move to the second position based on an ambient temperature around the seat being below a predetermined temperature.

58. The thermoelectric system of Claim 56 or 57, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to not operate with the flap valve in the second position for ambient air to be directed through the auxiliary outlet.

59. The thermoelectric system of Claim 58, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to operate in a cooling mode with the flap valve in the first position, and wherein in the cooling mode, the thermoelectric device cools a main side fluid flow passing through the main side, the main side fluid flow directed toward the surface of the seat and heats a waste side fluid flow passing through the waste side, the waste side fluid flow directed toward ambient of the seat.

60. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 46 to 59, wherein a flow capacity of the auxiliary outlet is equal to a combined flow capacity of the main outlet and the waste outlet.

61. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 46 to 60, wherein with the flap valve in the first position, the flap valve is configured to direct the fluid flow through the main outlet and the waste outlet and to block the fluid flow from flowing through the auxiliary outlet.

62. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 46 to 61, wherein the flap valve has a length equal to or greater than an extent of the auxiliary outlet, the extent of the auxiliary outlet extending perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet.

63. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 46 to 62, wherein the flap valve has a length equal to or greater than an extent of the thermoelectric device from the main side to the waste side, the extent of the thermoelectric device extending perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow through the thermoelectric device.

64. The thermoelectric system of Claim 63, wherein the flap valve pivots about a pivot connected to the housing, the length of the flap valve extending from the pivot toward an end of the flap valve.

65. The thermoelectric system of Claim 64, wherein the pivot is downstream of the auxiliary outlet relative to the direction of the fluid flow through the inlet.

66. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 46 to 65, wherein the main outlet and the auxiliary outlet are configured to direct the fluid flow in substantially the same direction.

67. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 46 to 66, further comprising any one or more of the features recited in Claims 1 to 44.

68. A thermoelectric system for increasing fluid flow toward a surface of a seat of a vehicle, the thermoelectric system comprising: a housing comprising an inlet, a main outlet, a waste outlet, and an auxiliary outlet, the housing configured to direct a fluid flow through the housing from the inlet to at least one of the main outlet, the waste outlet, or the auxiliary outlet; a thermoelectric device in the housing, the thermoelectric device comprising a main side and a waste side, the main side in fluid communication with the main outlet and the waste side in fluid communication with the waste outlet; and a flap valve in the housing, the flap valve configured to move within the housing to direct the fluid flow through the main outlet and the waste outlet in a first position and to direct the fluid flow through the main outlet and the auxiliary outlet in a second position, wherein with the flap valve in the second position, the flap valve is configured to direct the fluid flow through the main outlet and the auxiliary outlet and to block the fluid flow through the waste outlet, and wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the fluid flow toward the surface of the seat.

69. The thermoelectric system of Claim 68, wherein the flap valve is upstream the thermoelectric device in the housing relative to a direction of the fluid flow through the inlet.

70. The thermoelectric system of Claim 68 or 69, wherein the flap valve is downstream the thermoelectric device in the housing relative to a direction of the fluid flow through the inlet.

71. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 70, wherein with the flap valve in the second position, the flap valve is configured to direct the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet and to block the fluid flow through the main outlet and the waste outlet.

72. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 71, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct a main side fluid flow passing through the main side into a conditioned area proximate to the surface of the seat of the vehicle.

73. The thermoelectric system of Claim 72, wherein the conditioned area comprises at least one of a ventilated bag, a foam with air distribution channels, an air distribution channel, an air distribution cavity, or an air distribution spacer.

74. The thermoelectric system of Claim 72 or 73, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct an auxiliary fluid flow into the conditioned area proximate the surface of the seat of the vehicle, the auxiliary fluid flow passing through the auxiliary outlet of the housing.

75. The thermoelectric system of Claim 74, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct the main side fluid flow into a first portion of the conditioned area, and wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct the auxiliary fluid flow into a second portion of the conditioned area.

76. The thermoelectric system of Claim 75, wherein the conditioned area comprises a ventilated bag and wherein the first portion is a first chamber of the ventilated bag and the second portion is a second chamber of the ventilated bag.

77. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 72 to 76, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct an auxiliary fluid flow into another conditioned area proximate the surface of the seat of the vehicle, the auxiliary fluid flow passing through the auxiliary outlet of the housing.

78. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 77, wherein the main outlet is configured to direct a main side fluid flow passing through the main side of the thermoelectric device toward a first portion of the surface of the seat, wherein the auxiliary outlet is configured to direct an auxiliary fluid flow out the auxiliary outlet toward a second portion of the surface of the seat.

79. The thermoelectric system of Claim 78, wherein the first portion of the surface of the seat is part of a backrest of the seat, and wherein the second portion of the surface of the seat is part of a seat bottom of the seat.

80. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 79, further comprising a controller configured to cause the flap valve to move between the first position and the second position based on temperature.

81. The thermoelectric system of Claim 80, wherein the controller is configured to cause the flap valve to move to the second position based on an ambient temperature around the seat being below a predetermined temperature.

82. The thermoelectric system of Claim 81, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to not operate with the flap valve in the second position for ambient air to be directed through both the main outlet and the auxiliary outlet.

83. The thermoelectric system of Claim 81 or 82, wherein the controller is configured to cause the flap valve to move to the first position based on an ambient temperature around the seat being above the predetermined temperature.

84. The thermoelectric system of Claim 83, wherein the controller is configured to cause the thermoelectric device to operate in a cooling mode with the flap valve in the first position, and wherein in the cooling mode, the thermoelectric device cools a main side fluid flow passing through the main side, the main side fluid flow directed toward the surface of the seat and heats a waste side fluid flow passing through the waste side, the waste side fluid flow directed toward ambient of the seat.

85. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 84, further comprising a bi-metal spring connected to the flap valve to move the flap valve relative to the housing, the bi-metal spring configured to transition from a first position to a second position in response to a transformation temperature, the bi-metal spring in fluid communication with a waste side fluid flow passing through the waste side, wherein the bi-metal spring in the first position positions the flap valve in the first position, and the bi-metal spring in the second position positions the flap valve in the second position, and wherein waste heat from the waste side of the thermoelectric system transferred to the waste side fluid flow heats the bi-metal spring to the transformation temperature to transition the bi-metal spring from the first position to the second position.

86. The thermoelectric system of Claim 85, wherein the bi-metal spring is in direct contact with a heat exchanger on the waste side of the thermoelectric device for thermal energy to transfer from the heat exchanger to the bi-metal spring.

87. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 86, wherein the waste outlet comprises a first conduit and a second conduit, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit exit the housing on opposing sides, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit direct the fluid flow out the housing.

88. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 87, wherein a flow capacity of the auxiliary outlet is approximately equal to a flow capacity of the waste outlet.

89. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 88, wherein when the flap valve is in the first position, fluid is substantially prevented from exiting the housing at the auxiliary outlet.

90. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 89, wherein when the flap valve is in the second position, fluid is substantially prevented from exiting the housing at the waste outlet.

91. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 90, wherein the flap valve has a length equal to or greater than an extent of the auxiliary outlet, the extent of the auxiliary outlet extending perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow through the auxiliary outlet.

92. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 91, wherein the flap valve has a length equal to or greater than an extent of the waste outlet, the extent of the waste outlet extending perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow through the waste outlet.

93. The thermoelectric system of Claim 92, wherein the flap valve pivots about a pivot connected to the housing, the length of the flap valve extending from the pivot toward an end of the flap valve.

94. The thermoelectric system of Claim 93, wherein the pivot is downstream of the auxiliary outlet relative to the direction of the fluid flow through the inlet.

95. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 94, wherein the main outlet and the auxiliary outlet are configured to direct the fluid flow in substantially the same direction.

96. The thermoelectric system of any one or more of Claims 68 to 95, further comprising any one or more of the features recited in Claims 1 to 66.