Apparatus for cooling or heating liquids and method of using same

Abstract

A manifold design which provides for highly efficient cooling or heating of flowing liquids using a small number of thermoelectric elements is constructed of a thermally insulting material. On exterior surface of at least two sides of the manifold, open channel are formed for use in defining a liquid flow path. On the interior of the manifold there are a plurality of internal chambers, one internal chamber for each side having an exterior channel. These internal chambers are essentially equal in size and are preferably symmetrically disposed within the manifold in alignment with the sides. The channels on the outside of the manifold and the chambers on the inside of the manifold are connected in such a way that liquid would flow in an alternating series of channel and chamber in a single liquid flow path through the manifold. The channels on the exterior of the manifold are sealed by placing a thermally conductive cover plate over each side of the manifold. A thermoelectric device is then placed on the outside of each cover plate. Finally, means for transferring heat to or from the exterior surfaces of the thermoelectric devices provided.