EP4558342A1

EP4558342A1 - Cooler for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP4558342A1
Application number: EP23751821.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Clayton Alexander; Jacob William EMMERT; Fangyi Gao; Daren John LEITH; Rahul Mulinti
Original assignee: Ember Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Ember Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2022-07-21
Filing date: 2023-07-14
Publication date: 2025-05-28
Also published as: AU2023311133A1; KR20250037483A; AU2023311133A2; CN119789967A; JP2025530899A; WO2024020319A1; CA3262699A1; US20260029172A1; MX2025000808A

Abstract

A cooler (1020, 1020', 1020", 1020"') includes a peripheral wall forming a chamber (1040, 1040', 1040", 1040'"), wherein the chamber (1040, 1040', 1040", 1040'") is configured to maintain foodstuff in a temperature controlled environment. The cooler (1020, 1020', 1020", 1020'") can be removably inserted or integrated into the trunk (1015), front trunk or trunk (1010), or side compartment of a vehicle (1000). The cooler (1020, 1020', 1020", 1020'") optionally includes a partition (1070) that subdivides the chamber (1040, 1040', 1040", 1040'") into a first sub chamber (1050, 1050'") and a second sub chamber (1060, 1060'"). The cooler (1020, 1020', 1020", 1020'") optionally includes a cooling system (2000, 2000', 2000") that charges a phase change material (PCM) in the peripheral wall of the cooler ( 1020, 1020', 1020", 1020'").

Description

COOLER FOR A VEHICLE

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND

Field

[0002] The present invention is directed to a cooler container, and more particularly to a cooler container for a vehicle (e.g., an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle).

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Users often transport foodstuff (e.g., groceries, cooked food) in their cars (e.g., from a supermarket). Some foodstuff (e.g., dairy, meat, poultry, fish) can be sensitive to temperature and can spoil if exposed to higher temperatures during transit in an automobile. This can raise concerns during hot days or if foodstuff is being transported over long distances (e.g., to a picnic, on a camping trip).

SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a cooler for a vehicle is provided, the cooler can include a peripheral wall that forms a chamber the chamber can maintain foodstuff in a temperature controlled environment.

[0005] In accordance with another aspect, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle can include a temperature control compartment integrated into a compartment of the vehicle. The temperature control compartment can include a peripheral wall and a cover, the peripheral wall can form a chamber that can maintain foodstuff in a temperature controlled environment, and the cover can be movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle can include a recess that can removably receive one or more coolers. Each of the one or more coolers can include a peripheral wall and a cover, the peripheral wall can form a chamber that can maintain foodstuff in a temperature controlled environment, and the cover can be movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect, a cooling system for a temperature controlled compartment in a vehicle is provided, the cooling system can include a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a first flow line passing through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and a second flow line passing through the second heat exchanger. A first coolant in the first flow line can cool air directed to a passenger cabin of the vehicle via the first heat exchange. Heat from a second coolant in the second flow line can be transferred to the first coolant via the second heat exchanger. The second flow line can extend through a phase change material of the temperature controlled compartment so the second coolant can charge the phase change material.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect, a cooling system for a temperature controlled compartment in a vehicle is provided, the cooling system can include a conduit, and a cooling fluid in the conduit. A portion of the conduit can extend through a peripheral wall of the temperature controlled compartment to charge a phase change material in the peripheral wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a cooler in a front trunk or frunk of a vehicle, with a cover of the cooler in a closed position.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the cooler of FIG. 1 with the cover in an open position.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a cooler for use in a vehicle, with the cover of the cooler in a closed position.

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the cooler of Figure 3, with the cover of the cooler in an open position.

[0013] Figure 5A is a schematic view of a trunk of a vehicle with a cooler compartment, a cover of the compartment in a closed position.

[0014] Figure 5B is a schematic view of the trunk of FIG. 5A with the cover of the compartment in an open position, showing one or more (e.g., two) coolers in the cooler compartment. [0015] Figure 5C is a schematic view of the trunk of FIG. 5A with the cover of the compartment in an open position, showing one or more (e.g., two) coolers in the cooler compartment with one cooler having its lid in an open position.

[0016] Figure 5D is a schematic perspective view of a cooler for use in a vehicle, with the cover or lid of the cooler in a closed position.

[0017] Figure 5E is a schematic perspective view of the cooler of FIG. 5D, with the cover or lid of the cooler in an open position.

[0018] Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view of a cooler for use in a vehicle, with the cover or lid of the cooler in a closed position.

[0019] Figure 6B is a schematic perspective view of the cooler of FIG. 6A, with the cover or lid of the cooler in an open position.

[0020] Figure 7 A is a schematic view of a cooling circuit for a cooler in a vehicle.

[0021] Figure 7B is a schematic view of a cooling circuit for a cooler in a vehicle.

[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a cooling circuit for a cooler used in a vehicle.

[0023] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a removable cooler electrically coupleable within a vehicle for operation thereof.

[0024] Figure 10 is a schematic view of wireless communication between a mobile electronic device and a cooler used in a vehicle.

[0025] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of electronics of the cooler used in the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figures 1-2 sows a portion of a vehicle 1000 (e.g., an electric vehicle, such as a passenger car, SUV, truck, van, etc.) that has a front trunk or frunk 1010. The frank 1010 includes a temperature controlled compartment 1020 (e.g., a cooler, a heating chamber, a cooler and a heating chamber). The temperature controlled compartment 1020 can have a lid or cover 1030 movable between an open position and a closed position relative to a chamber 1040 that can receive foodstuff (e.g., groceries, cooked food) for storage and transportation (e.g., from a take-out restaurant, from a grocery store) and maintain the foodstuff in a temperature controlled environment (e.g., in a cooled state, in a heated state, in a cooled and a heated state) during use of the electric vehicle (e.g., while traveling home from the take-out restaurant or from the grocery store, while traveling to a camping trip or picnic, etc.). Though the temperature control compartment 1020 (e.g., cooler) is shown in the front trunk or frank 1010, it can be located in the rear trank of the vehicle 1000 or in side compartments of the vehicle 1000, as further discussed below.

[0027] The chamber 1040 can be subdivided into a first chamber 1050 and a second chamber 1060 by a partition 1070. In one implementation, the partition 1070 is adjustable within the chamber 1040 to vary the relative size of the first chamber 1050 and second chamber 1060 (e.g., if a larger first chamber 1050 is needed, the partition 1070 is moved to the right in FIG. 2, if a larger second chamber 1060 is needed, the partition 1070 is moved to the left in FIG. 2). In one implementation, the partition 1070 is moved (e.g., laterally) within the chamber 1040 without removing the partition 1070 from within the chamber 1040. In one implementation, the partition 1070 includes (e.g., houses, encloses) one or more thermal energy modules (e.g., thermoelectric modules, Peltier elements) that can heat a surface of the partition 1070 that faces one of the first and second chambers 1050, 1060 and simultaneously cools an opposite surface of the partition 1070 that faces the other of the first and second chambers 1050, 1060, which allows one of the first and second chambers 1050 ,1060 to be heated and the other of the first and second chambers 1050, 1060 to be cooled (e.g., simultaneously). In another implementation, the thermal energy modules of the temperature control compartment 1020 can heat both the first and second chambers 1050, 1060 (e.g., simultaneously) or can cool both the first and second chambers 1050, 1060 (e.g., simultaneously). In another implementation, the thermal energy modules (e.g., thermoelectric modules, Peltier elements) are excluded and the temperature control compartment 1020 operates solely as a cooler in the manner described further below.

[0028] In one implementation, the temperature control compartment 1020 (e.g., cooler) can be integrated into the vehicle 1000 (e.g., into the frank 1010 of the vehicle 1000) and not be removable. For example, walls of the frank 1010 can include insulated walls (e.g., double-walled panels that line the frank 1010) that include (e.g., house, enclose) a phase change material (PCM). Optionally, the walls of the frank 110 can include vacuum insulated walls or panels that line the frank 1010. In another implementation, shown in FIGS. 3-4 the temperature control compartment 1020’ (e.g., cooler) can be a separate component that removably fits in a cavity or recess in the frunk 1010 of the vehicle 1000 (or in the rear trunk, or a side chamber of the vehicle 1000). The temperature control compartment 1020’ is similar to the temperature control compartment 1020 in FIGS. 1-2. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the temperature control compartment 1020’ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the temperature control compartment 1020 in FIGS. 1-2, except that a “ ’ ” has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the temperature control compartment 1020 and how it’s operated and controlled in FIGS. 1-2 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the temperature control compartment 1020’ in FIGS. 3- 4, except as described below.

[0029] The temperature control compartment 1020’ differs from the temperature control compartment 1020 in that it can be removably installed in the frunk 1010 (or rear trunk or side compartment) of the vehicle 1000. Additionally, the lid or cover 1030’ has a handle 1035’ for facilitating opening and closing of the lid or cover 1030’ . Optionally, the lid or cover 1030’ can be insulated (e.g., made of insulated material, such as foam or include a double walled structure, such as include a double-walled vacuum insulated structure. The temperature control compartment 1020’ has a peripheral wall 1025’, which can include one or more insulated walls (e.g., double-walled panels) that include PCM. The peripheral wall 1025’ can optionally include vacuum- insulated walls or panels. The temperature control compartment 1020’ (e.g., cooler) has an on-board or integrated temperature control unit, as further described below.

[0030] Figures 5A-5C show a rear trunk 1015 of a vehicle 1000 that has a recessed compartment C and cover 1017 that is operable between an open position to access the compartment C and a closed position to close the compartment C. The compartment C can house (e.g., removably house) one or more (e.g., two) temperature control compartments 1020” (e.g., coolers) adjacent each other, each capable of receiving foodstuff and maintaining the foodstuff in a temperature controlled environment (e.g., a heated state, a cooled state). In another implementation, the compartment C and temperature control compartment(s) 1020” can be in a front trunk or frunk of the vehicle 1000. In another implementation, the compartment C and temperature control compartment(s) 1020” can be in a side compartment of the vehicle 1000. [0031] Figures 5D-5E show the temperature control compartment 1020”. The temperature control compartment 1020” is similar to the temperature control compartment 1020’ in FIGS. 3-4. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the temperature control compartment 1020” are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the temperature control compartment 1020’ in FIGS. 3-4, except that a “ ’ ” has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the temperature control compartment 1020’ and how it’s operated and controlled in FIGS. 3-4 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the temperature control compartment 1020” in FIGS. 5D-5E, except as described below.

[0032] The temperature control compartment 1020” differs from the temperature control compartment 1020’ in that the chamber 1040 is a single chamber (e.g., does not have a separate first chamber and second chamber). Also the temperature control compartment 1020” has a cube shape and handles 1035” on the peripheral wall 1025”.

[0033] Figures 6A-6B show the temperature control compartment 1020’”. The temperature control compartment 1020’” is similar to the temperature control compartment 1020’ in FIGS. 3-4. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the temperature control compartment 1020’” are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the temperature control compartment 1020’ in FIGS. 3-4, except that a “ ” ” has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the temperature control compartment 1020’ and how it’s operated and controlled in FIGS. 3-4 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the temperature control compartment 1020’” in FIGS. 6A-6B, except as described below.

[0034] The temperature control compartment 1020’” differs from the temperature control compartment 1020’ in that is has a rectangular shape, has handles 1035” on the peripheral wall 1025”, and the size of the first chamber 1050’” and second chamber 1060’” have a uniform width and length. In one implementation, the temperature control compartment 1020’” can be the same size as two of the temperature control compartments 1020” in FIGS. 5D-5E so that the temperature control compartment 1020’” (e.g., cooler) can be used instead of two temperature control compartments 1020” in the compartment C of the trunk 1015 (or frunk or side compartment) of the vehicle 1000. [0035] Figure 7A shows one implementation of a cooling system 2000 for charging PCM in the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020”’ (e.g., cooling the PCM up to and including solidifying or freezing the PCM so that the PCM is able to absorb heat, as compared to ambient, to cool the chamber 1040 of the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’”). Once the PCM is charged, it can maintain the chamber 1040 (e.g., first chamber 1050 and/or second chamber 1060) in a cooled state (e.g., at a temperature of approximately 5 °C) over a period of time, such as up to 2 hours, up to 4 hours, up to 6 hours, up to 8 hours, etc.

[0036] The system 2000 can include the AC unit 2010 of the vehicle 1000 that is used to cool the passenger cabin, and include a first heat exchanger 2020 via which a coolant (e.g., a refrigerant, such as FREON®) flows through a first flow line 2030 (e.g., conduit, pipe(s)), the heat exchanger 2020 cooling air that is then directed to the passenger cabin. The system also includes a second heat exchanger 2040 via which the first flow line 2030 passes, as well a second flow line 2050 via which a coolant (e.g., Glycol, water) passes so that heat is transferred from the coolant flowing through the second flow line 2050 to the coolant flowing through the first flow line 2030 to cool the coolant flowing through the second flow line 2050. The first heat exchanger 2020 and first flow line 2030 can operate in a pressurized state (e.g., above atmospheric pressure), and the second heat exchanger 2040 and second flow line 2050 can operate in a non-pressurized state (e.g., operate at atmospheric pressure).

[0037] In an implementation where the temperature control compartment 1020 (e.g., cooler) is integrated into the frunk 1010 or trunk 1015 (e.g., so that the temperature control compartment 1020 cannot be removed from the frunk 1010 or trunk 1015), the second flow line 2050 extends into the temperature control compartment 1020 and through (e.g., adjacent to, surrounded by, in thermal communication or contact with) the PCM in the temperature control compartment 1020 so that the coolant flowing through the second flow line 2050 in the PCM charges the PCM (e.g., cooling the PCM up to and including solidifying or freezing the PCM so that the PCM is able to absorb heat, as compared to ambient, to cool the chamber 1040 of the temperature control compartment 1020). Once the PCM is charged, it can maintain the chamber 1040 (e.g., first chamber 1050 and/or second chamber 1060) in a cooled state (e.g., at a temperature of approximately 5 °C) over a period of time, such as up to 2 hours, up to 4 hours, up to 6 hours, up to 8 hours, etc. [0038] In an implementation where the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020”’ (e.g., cooler) is removable from the frunk 1010 or trunk 1015, the second flow line 2050 can couple via connectors 2060 (e.g., quick disconnect connectors) to the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” to effect a fluid communication between the second flow line 2050 and one or more conduits in the temperature control compartment 1020 that extend through (e.g., are adjacent to, surrounded by, in thermal communication or contact with) the PCM in the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” so that the coolant flowing through the second flow line 2050 and said one or more conduits charges the PCM (e.g., cooling the PCM up to and including solidifying or freezing the PCM so that the PCM is able to absorb heat, as compared to ambient, to cool the chamber 1040 of the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’”). Once the PCM is charged, it can maintain the chamber 1040 (e.g., first chamber 1050 and/or second chamber 1060) in a cooled state (e.g., at a temperature of approximately 5 °C) over a period of time, such as up to 2 hours, up to 4 hours, up to 6 hours, up to 8 hours, etc.

[0039] In one implementation, the cooling system 2000 (e.g., the AC unit 2010) is operated to charge the PCM only when the vehicle 1000 (e.g., an electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle) is connected to a power source (e.g., electric grid) to charge the batteries of the vehicle 1000. Once the vehicle 1000 is disconnected from the power source, the cooling system 2000 discontinues operation, and thereafter the PCM maintains the chamber 1040 of the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” in a cooled state (e.g., by absorbing heat that causes the PCM to transition, such as from a solid to a liquid).

[0040] Figure 7B shows a cooling system 2000’ for charging PCM in the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’”. The cooling system 2000’ is similar to the cooling system 2000 in FIG. 7A. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the cooling system 2000’ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the cooling system 2000 in FIG. 7A, except that a “ ’ ” has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the cooling system 2000 and how it’s operated and controlled in FIG. 7 A are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the cooling system 2000’ in FIG. 7B, except as described below. [0041] The cooling system 2000’ differs from the cooling system 2000 in that instead of operating with an AC unit for the passenger cabin, the system 2000’ operates using the battery cooling unit 2010’ that is operated to cool the batteries of the vehicle 1000 (e.g., electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle). In one implementation, the cooling system 2000’ (e.g., the battery cooling unit 2010’) is operated to charge the PCM only when the vehicle 1000 (e.g., an electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle) is connected to a power source (e.g., electric grid) to charge the batteries of the vehicle 1000. Once the vehicle 1000 is disconnected from the power source, the cooling system 2000’ discontinues operation, and thereafter the PCM maintains the chamber 1040 ofthe temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” in a cooled state (e.g., by absorbing heat that causes the PCM to transition, such as from a solid to a liquid).

[0042] In another implementation, the cooling system for charging the PCM in the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” is a standalone system in the vehicle 1000 that does not utilize the AC unit 2010 or battery cooling unit 2010’ and is operated to charge the PCM in the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’”. In one implementation, the cooling system is operated to charge the PCM only when the vehicle 1000 (e.g., an electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle) is connected to a power source (e.g., electric grid) to charge the batteries of the vehicle 1000. Once the vehicle 1000 is disconnected from the power source, the cooling system discontinues operation, and thereafter the PCM maintains the chamber 1040 of the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” in a cooled state (e.g., by absorbing heat that causes the PCM to transition, such as from a solid to a liquid).

[0043] FIG. 8 shows a cooling system 2000” for charging the PCM in the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’”. The cooling system 2000” is optionally a closed loop system can be incorporated in (e.g. housed in, enclosed in) the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’”. The cooling system 2000” optionally includes a conduit 140” via which a cooling fluid (e.g., a cooling liquid, such as water, Glycol) flows. In some implementations, the cooling fluid can be water. In some implementations, the cooling fluid can be a water mixture (e.g., a water- alcohol mixture, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, etc.). The cooling system 2000’ ’ can optionally include one or more of a first heat sink 210” (e.g., a solid to liquid heat exchanger), thermoelectric module(s) or TEC(s) 220”, a second heat sink 230”, fan(s) 280”, a pump 146” and a reservoir 148”. The conduit 140” can include a first conduit portion 140A” that extends between the first heat sink 210” and one or more walls 130” of a vessel 100” of the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020”’. The conduit 140” also includes a second conduit portion 140B” that extends through the wall(s) 130” of the vessel 100” and is in fluid communication with the first conduit portion 140A”. The reservoir 148” is in fluid communication with an opposite end of the second conduit portion 140B”. The conduit 140” also includes a third conduit portion 140C” that extends between the reservoir 148” and the pump 146”. The conduit 140” also includes a fourth conduit portion 140D” that extends between the pump 146’ ’ and the first heat sink 210”.

[0044] In operation, the TEC(s) 220” are operated to remove heat from the first heat sink 210” (e.g., a conduit portion through which the cooling fluid passes) and transfer said heat to the second heat sink 230”. The fan(s) 280” are optionally operated to dissipate the heat from the second heat sink 230”, thereby allowing the TEC(s) 220” to remove additional heat from the first heat sink 210’ ’ (e.g., to cool the first heat sink 210”). Optionally, the first heat sink 210’ ’ (e.g., solid to liquid heat exchanger) can at least partially define one or more flow paths (e.g., in the body of the first heat sink 210”) in fluid communication with the first conduit portion 140A” and fourth conduit portion 140D”. The pump 146” can be selectively operated (e.g., by a controller of the cooling system 2000” or temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’”) to flow the cooling fluid (e.g., liquid) through the conduit 140” and past or through the first heat sink 210” where the cooling fluid is cooled. The cooled cooling fluid is then directed through the first conduit portion 140A” and into the wall(s) 130’ ’ via the second conduit portion 140B ’ ’ where the cooling fluid removes heat from the PCM 135” (disposed in the wall(s) 130”) to thereby charge the PCM 135” (e.g., to place the PCM 135” in a state where it can absorb energy). The fluid then exits the wall(s) 130” of the vessel 100” and flows into the reservoir 148”. From the reservoir 148”, the fluid flows via the third conduit portion 140C’ ’ to the pump 146” , where the pump 146” again pumps the liquid via the fourth conduit portion 140D” past or through the first heat sink 210”.

[0045] Advantageously, the cooling fluid (e.g., liquid) rapidly cools the PCM 135” in the wall(s) 130” to charge the PCM 135”. Optionally, the second conduit portion 140B” in the wall(s) 130” extends in a coil like manner (e.g., in a spiral manner) through the wall(s) 130” to thereby increase the surface area of the second conduit portion 140B” that contacts the PCM 135”, thereby increasing the amount of heat transfer between the cooling fluid and the PCM 135”. In another implementation, the second conduit portion 140B” can include multiple fins that extend outward from the second conduit portion 140B” into the PCM 135” to increase the thermal transfer area with the PCM 135”. This configuration of the second conduit portion 140B” advantageously results in more rapid cooling/charging of the PCM 135” . In one example, the chamber (e.g., 1040) of the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020”’ can be cooled to about 5 degrees Celsius. Optionally, the reservoir 148” can have a valve (e.g., bleed valve) via which cooling fluid can be bled from the cooling system 2000” or via which cooling fluid can be introduced into the cooling system 2000”. The cooling system 2000” (e.g., the fan 280”, pump 146”, TEC(s) 220”) can be powered by a power source, such as one or more batteries of the vehicle 1000 (e.g., electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle), as further discussed below.

[0046] Figure 9 shows schematic views of the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” (e.g., cooler) having electrical contacts EC via which the cooling system 2000” therein is powered. The electrical contacts EC can be on an outer surface (e.g., side surface, rear surface, bottom surface) of the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” (e.g., cooler). The electrical contacts EC can contact corresponding electrical contacts EC’ in the compartment C (e.g., in the frunk 1010 or rear trunk 1015) of the vehicle 1000 that removably receives the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” (e.g., cooler). The electrical contacts EC’ can connect with electronics in the vehicle 1000 and/or one or more batteries of the vehicle 1000 that provide power to the cooling system 2000’ ’ of the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” (e.g., cooler). In one implementation, the cooling system 2000” is operated to charge the PCM only when the vehicle 1000 (e.g., an electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle) is connected to a power source (e.g., electric grid, house power) to charge the batteries of the vehicle 1000. Once the vehicle 1000 is disconnected from the power source, the cooling system 2000’ ’ discontinues operation, and thereafter the PCM maintains the chamber 1040 of the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” in a cooled state (e.g., by absorbing heat that causes the PCM to transition, such as from a solid to a liquid).

[0047] In one implementation, data (e.g., sensed temperature from one or more sensors Sl-Sn in the chamber 1040, 1050, 1060) and power is transferred via the electrical contacts EC, EC’. In one implementation, one or more magnets are disposed proximate (e.g.,

-li adjacent, surrounding) one or more of the electrical contacts EC, EC’ to facilitate alignment and connection between the electrical contacts EC, EC’.

[0048] Figure 10 shows wireless communication W between the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” and a remote electronic device ED (e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer). The remote electronic device ED can have a user interface UI1 via which the operation of the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” can be controlled. For example, if a user does not want the PCM of the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” to be charged because the user is not going to need the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” to be in a temperature controlled state (e.g., because the user is not going grocery shopping), the user can via the user interface UI1 turn off the operation of the cooling system 2000, 2000’, 2000”, even when the vehicle 1000 is connected to a power source (e.g., electric grid). Additionally or alternatively, the operation of the cooling system 2000, 2000’, 2000” can also be controlled via a user interface in the vehicle 1000 (e.g., on the dashboard). For example, if a user does not want the PCM of the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” to be charged because the user is not going to need the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” to be in a temperature controlled state (e.g., because the user is not going grocery shopping), the user can via the user interface UI2 turn off the operation of the cooling system 2000, 2000’, 2000”, even when the vehicle 1000 is connected to a power source (e.g., electric grid). Sensed temperature from one or more of the sensors Sl-Sn in the temperature control compartment 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” can also be communicated to the user interface UI1 and/or UI2 to indicate to the user the temperature of the chamber 1040, 1050, 1060 or to indicate the charge level of the PCM (e.g., indicate how much longer the chamber 1040, 1050, 1060 can remain in a cooled state before the PCM needs to be charged again).

[0049] FIG.11 shows a block diagram of a control system for (e.g., incorporated into) the devices described herein (e.g., the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’”). In the illustrated embodiment, circuitry EM (e.g., control circuitry, microcontroller unit MCU, computer processor(s), etc.) can receive sensed information from one or more sensors Sl-Sn (e.g., volume sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors). [0050] In one implementation, at least one of the sensors Sl-Sn is in or on the wall(s) of the chamber 1040, 1040’, 1040”, 1040”’ of the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” to sense a temperature in the chamber 1040, 1040’, 1040”, 1040’” and communicate it to the circuitry EM. In another implementation, additionally or alternatively, at least one of the sensors Sl-Sn is a temperature sensor and exposed to the outside of the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” (e.g., on an outer surface of the lid or cover 1030, 1030’, 1030”, 1030’” to measure ambient temperature and communicate it to the circuitry EM.

[0051] In one implementation, one or more of the sensors Sl-Sn can include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can optionally sense ambient pressure, which can be indicative of an altitude of the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’” (e.g., if the user is driving in the mountains or in a city at high elevation). Optionally, the pressure sensor communicates sensed pressure information to the circuitry EM, which can optionally log or record the data from the pressure sensor and/or can operate one or more components of the cooling system, such as the cooling system 2000” (e.g., the TEC(s) 220” and fan(s) 280” based at least in part on the sensed pressure information from the pressure sensor).

[0052] In one implementation, the circuitry EM can be housed in the temperature control compartment 1020, 1020’, 1020”, 1020’”. The circuitry EM can receive information from and/or transmit information (e.g., instructions) to one or more heating or cooling elements HC, such as the TEC(s) 220’ ’ (e.g., to operate in a heating mode and/or in a cooling mode, turn off, turn on, vary power output of, etc.).

[0053] Optionally, the circuitry EM can include a wireless transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver to communicate with (e.g., transmit information, such as sensed temperature and pressure data, to and receive information, such as user instructions, from one or more of: a) a user interface UI1 on the vehicle 1000 (e.g., on the dashboard of the vehicle 1000), b) a user interface UI2 of a remote electronic device ED (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, electronic watch remote server, cloud server), c) via the cloud CL, or d) via a wireless communication system such as WiFi, broadband network and/or Bluetooth BT. For example, the circuitry EM can have a cell radio antenna or cell radio via which it can communicate information (e.g., sensed temperature in the chamber 1040, 1040’, 1040”, 1040”’, ambient temperature, etc.) wirelessly (e.g., to the cloud CL, to a remote electronic device, such as a smartphone, etc.).

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, the circuitry EM can report data sensed by one or more of the sensors Sl-Sn (e.g., sensed ambient temperature, sensed temperature in the chamber 1040, 1040’, 1040”, 1040’”, sensed pressure, sensed humidity outside the chamber 1040, 1040’, 1040”, 1040’”, sensed humidity inside the chamber 1040, 1040’, 1040”, 1040’”), for example wirelessly, to the user interface UI2 of the remote electronic device ED or the cloud CL

Additional Embodiments

[0055] In embodiments of the present invention, a cooler for a vehicle may be in accordance with any of the following clauses:

Clause 1. A cooler for a vehicle, the cooler comprising: a peripheral wall forming a chamber, wherein the chamber is configured to maintain foodstuff in a temperature controlled environment.

Clause 2. The cooler of any preceding clause, wherein the peripheral wall is insulated.

Clause 3. The cooler of any preceding clause, wherein the peripheral wall is vacuum insulated.

Clause 4. The cooler of any of preceding clause, further comprising a partition positioned in the chamber, the partition subdividing the chamber into a first sub chamber and a second sub chamber, wherein the partition comprises a first surface that faces the first sub chamber and a second surface that faces the second sub chamber.

Clause 5. The cooler of clause 4, wherein the partition comprises one or more thermal energy modules.

Clause 6. The cooler of clause 5, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules heat the first surface of the partition.

Clause 7. The cooler of any of clauses 5-6, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules cool the first surface of the partition.

Clause 8. The cooler of any of clauses 5-7, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules heat the second surface of the partition. Clause 9. The cooler of any of clauses 5-8, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules cool a second surface of the partition, wherein the second surface faces the second sub chamber.

Clause 10. The cooler of any preceding clause, further comprising a cover movable between an open position and a closed position.

Clause 11. The cooler of clause 10, wherein the cover is insulated.

Clause 12. The cooler of any of clauses 10-11, wherein the cover is vacuum insulated.

Clause 13. The cooler of any preceding clause, wherein the cooler is integrated into the vehicle.

Clause 14. The cooler of any preceding clause, wherein the cooler is integrated into a front trunk of the vehicle.

Clause 15. The cooler of clause 14, wherein walls of the front trunk form the peripheral wall.

Clause 16. The cooler of any of clauses 1-13, wherein the cooler is integrated into a trunk of the vehicle.

Clause 17. The cooler of clause 16, wherein walls of the trunk form the peripheral wall.

Clause 18. The cooler of any of clauses 1-13, wherein the cooler is integrated into a side compartment of the vehicle.

Clause 19. The cooler of clause 18, wherein walls of the side compartment form the peripheral wall.

Clause 20. The cooler of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the cooler is removably inserted into a recess in the vehicle.

Clause 21. The cooler of clause 20, wherein the recess is positioned in a front trunk of the vehicle.

Clause 22. The cooler of clause 20, wherein the recess is positioned in a trunk of the vehicle.

Clause 23. The cooler of clause 20, wherein the recess is positioned in a side compartment of the vehicle.

Clause 24. The cooler of any of clauses 20-23, wherein the cover comprises a handle.

Clause 25. The cooler of any preceding clause, wherein the peripheral wall comprises a phase change material. Clause 26. The cooler of clause 25, wherein the phase change material is configured to maintain the chamber in a cooled state.

Clause 27. The cooler of any of clauses 4-24, wherein a portion of the peripheral wall that forms the first sub chamber comprises a phase change material.

Clause 28. The cooler of clause 27, wherein the phase change material is configured to maintain the first sub chamber in a cooled state.

Clause 29. The cooler of any of clauses 4-24 and 27-28, wherein a portion of the peripheral wall that forms the second sub chamber comprises the phase change material.

Clause 30. The cooler of clause 29, wherein the phase change material is configured to maintain the second sub chamber in a cooled state.

Clause 31. The cooler of any of clauses 25-30, wherein the phase change material is charged with a cooling system.

Clause 32. The cooler of clause 31, wherein the cooler comprises electrical contacts that power the cooling system.

Clause 33. The cooler of any of clauses 31-32, wherein the cooling system comprises an AC unit of the vehicle.

Clause 34. The cooler of clause 31-33, wherein the cooling system comprises a battery cooling unit of the vehicle.

Clause 35. The cooler of any of clauses 31-34, wherein the cooling system comprises: a first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger; a first flow line passing through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; and a second flow line passing through the second heat exchanger, wherein a first coolant in the first flow line is configured to cool air directed to a passenger cabin of the vehicle via the first heat exchange, and wherein heat from a second coolant in the second flow line is transferred to the first coolant via the second heat exchanger.

Clause 36. The cooler of clause 35, wherein the second flow line extends through the phase change material so the second coolant charges the phase change material.

Clause 37. The cooler of clause 36, wherein the second coolant absorbs heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material.

Clause 38. The cooler of any of clauses 31-34, wherein the cooling system comprises a conduit and a cooling fluid in the conduit. Clause 39. The cooler of clause 38, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a mixture of water and alcohol.

Clause 40. The cooler of any of clauses 38-39, wherein a portion of the conduit extends through the peripheral wall.

Clause 41. The cooler of clause 40, wherein the portion of the conduit extends through the peripheral in a coil like manner.

Clause 42. The cooler of any of clause 40-41, wherein the portion of the conduit comprises fins, wherein the fins extend from the portion of the conduit.

Clause 43. The cooler of any of clauses 38-42, wherein the cooling fluid removes heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material.

Clause 44. The cooler of any of clauses 38-43, wherein the cooling system further comprises a first heat sink configured to cool the cooling fluid.

Clause 45. The cooler of clause 44, wherein the first heat sink comprises a flow path in fluid communication with the conduit.

Clause 46. The cooler of any of clauses 44-45, wherein the cooling system further comprises a thermoelectric module.

Clause 47. The cooler of clause 46, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to remove heat from the first heat exchange.

Clause 48. The cooler of any of clauses 46-47, wherein the cooling system further comprises a second heat sink.

Clause 49. The cooler of clause 48, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to transfer heat to the second heat sink.

Clause 50. The cooler of any of clauses 48-49, wherein the cooling system further comprises a fan.

Clause 51. The cooler of clause 50, wherein the fan is configured to dissipate heat from the second heat sink.

Clause 52. The cooler of any of clauses 38-51, wherein the cooling system further comprises a reservoir.

Clause 53. The cooler of clause 52, wherein the reservoir comprises a valve configured to bleed cooling fluid from the cooling system and/or introduce cooling fluid into the cooling system. Clause 54. The cooler of any of clauses 38-53, wherein the cooling system further comprises a pump configured to pump the cooling fluid through the conduit.

Clause 55. The cooler of any of clauses 31-54, wherein the cooling system is configured to operate only when the vehicle is connected to a power source.

Clause 56. The cooler of any preceding clause, wherein the cooler comprises one or more temperature sensors.

Clause 57. The cooler of any preceding clause, wherein the cooler is configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote electronic device.

Clause 58. The cooler of clause 57, wherein the remote electronic device controls one or more functions of the cooler.

Clause 59. A vehicle comprising: a temperature control compartment integrated into a compartment of the vehicle, the temperature control compartment comprising: a peripheral wall forming a chamber, the chamber configured to maintain foodstuff in a temperature controlled environment; and a cover movable between an open position and a closed position.

Clause 60. The vehicle of clause 59, wherein the compartment of the vehicle comprises a front trunk, a trunk, or a side compartment.

Clause 61. The vehicle of any of clauses 59-60, wherein one or more walls of the vehicle form the peripheral wall.

Clause 62. The vehicle of any of clauses 59-61, wherein the peripheral wall is insulated.

Clause 63. The vehicle of any of clauses 59-62, wherein the peripheral wall is vacuum insulated.

Clause 64. The vehicle of any of clauses 59-63, wherein the peripheral wall comprises a phase change material configured to maintain the chamber in a cooled state.

Clause 65. The vehicle of clause 64, further comprising a cooling system configured to charge the phase change material.

Clause 66. The vehicle of clause 65, wherein the cooling system comprises an AC unit of the vehicle.

Clause 67. The vehicle of clause 65, wherein the cooling system comprises a battery cooling unit of the vehicle.

Clause 68. The vehicle of any of clauses 65-67, wherein the cooling system comprises: a first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger; a first flow line passing through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; and a second flow line passing through the second heat exchanger, wherein a first coolant in the first flow line is configured to cool air directed to a passenger cabin of the vehicle via the first heat exchange, and wherein heat from a second coolant in the second flow line is transferred to the first coolant via the second heat exchanger.

Clause 69. The vehicle of clause 68, wherein the second flow line extends through the phase change material so the second coolant charges the phase change material.

Clause 70. The vehicle of clause 69, wherein the second coolant absorbs heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material.

Clause 71. The vehicle of any of clauses 65-67, wherein the cooling system comprises a conduit and a cooling fluid in the conduit.

Clause 72. The vehicle of clause 71, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a mixture of water and alcohol.

Clause 73. The vehicle of any of clauses 71-72, wherein a portion of the conduit extends through the peripheral wall.

Clause 74. The vehicle of clause 73, wherein the portion of the conduit extends through the peripheral in a coil like manner.

Clause 75. The vehicle of any of clauses 73-74, wherein the portion of the conduit comprises fins, wherein the fins extend from the portion of the conduit.

Clause 76. The vehicle of any of clauses 71-75, wherein the cooling fluid removes heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material.

Clause 77. The vehicle of any of clauses 71-76, wherein the cooling system further comprises a first heat sink configured to cool the cooling fluid.

Clause 78. The vehicle of clause 77, wherein the first heat sink comprises a flow path in fluid communication with the conduit.

Clause 79. The vehicle of any of clauses 77-78, wherein the cooling system further comprises a thermoelectric module.

Clause 80. The vehicle of clause 79, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to remove heat from the first heat exchange.

Clause 81. The vehicle of any of clauses 79-80, wherein the cooling system further comprises a second heat sink. Clause 82. The vehicle of clause 81, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to transfer heat to the second heat sink.

Clause 83. The vehicle of any of clauses 81-82, wherein the cooling system further comprises a fan.

Clause 84. The vehicle of clause 83, wherein the fan is configured to dissipate heat from the second heat sink.

Clause 85. The vehicle of any of clauses 71-84, wherein the cooling system further comprises a reservoir.

Clause 86. The vehicle of clause 85, wherein the reservoir comprises a valve configured to bleed cooling fluid from the cooling system and/or introduce cooling fluid into the cooling system.

Clause 87. The vehicle of any of clauses 71-86, wherein the cooling system further comprises a pump configured to pump the cooling fluid through the conduit.

Clause 88. The vehicle of any of clauses 65-87, wherein the cooling system is configured to operate only when the vehicle is connected to a power source.

Clause 89. The vehicle of any of clauses 59-87, wherein the temperature control compartment further comprises a partition positioned in the chamber, the partition subdividing the chamber into a first sub chamber and a second sub chamber, wherein the partition comprises a first surface that faces the first sub chamber and a second surface that faces the second sub chamber.

Clause 90. The vehicle of clause 89, wherein the partition comprises one or more thermal energy modules.

Clause 91. The cooler of clause 90, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules heat the first surface of the partition.

Clause 92. The cooler of any of clauses 90-91, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules cool the first surface of the partition.

Clause 93. The cooler of any of clauses 90-92, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules heat the second surface of the partition.

Clause 94. The cooler of any of clauses 90-93, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules cool a second surface of the partition, wherein the second surface faces the second sub chamber. Clause 95. A vehicle comprising: a recess configured to removably receive one or more coolers, each of the one or more coolers comprising: a peripheral wall forming a chamber, the chamber configured to maintain foodstuff in a temperature controlled environment; and a cover movable between an open position and a closed position.

Clause 96. The vehicle of clause 95, wherein the recess is positioned in a front trunk, a trunk, or a side compartment.

Clause 97. The vehicle of any of clauses 95-96, wherein the one or more coolers comprise a phase change material in the peripheral wall.

Clause 98. The vehicle of clause 97, wherein the one or more coolers comprise a cooling system configured to charge the phase change material.

Clause 99. The vehicle of clause 98, wherein the recess comprises electrical contacts and the one or more coolers comprise electrical contacts, wherein a connection between the electrical contacts of the recess and the electrical contacts of the one or more coolers is configured to transfer power from the vehicle to the cooling system.

Clause 100. A cooling system for a temperature controlled compartment in a vehicle, the cooling system comprising: a first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger; a first flow line passing through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; and a second flow line passing through the second heat exchanger, wherein a first coolant in the first flow line is configured to cool air directed to a passenger cabin of the vehicle via the first heat exchange, wherein heat from a second coolant in the second flow line is transferred to the first coolant via the second heat exchanger, and wherein the second flow line extends through a phase change material of the temperature controlled compartment so the second coolant charges the phase change material.

Clause 101. The cooling system of clause 100, wherein the second coolant adsorbs heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material.

Clause 102. The cooling system of any of clauses 100-101, wherein the cooling system comprises an AC unit of the vehicle.

Clause 103. The cooling system of any of clauses 100-101, wherein the cooling system comprises a battery cooling unit of the vehicle.

Clause 104. The vehicle of any of clauses 100-103, wherein the cooling system is configured to operate only when the vehicle is connected to a power source. Clause 105. A cooling system for a temperature controlled compartment in a vehicle, the cooling system comprising: a conduit; and a cooling fluid in the conduit, wherein a portion of the conduit extends through a peripheral wall of the temperature controlled compartment to charge a phase change material in the peripheral wall.

Clause 106. The cooling system of clause 105, wherein the portion of the conduit extends through the peripheral in a coil like manner.

Clause 107. The cooling system of any of clauses 105-106, wherein the portion of the conduit comprises fins, wherein the fins extend from the portion of the conduit.

Clause 108. The cooling system of any of clauses 105-107, wherein the cooling fluid removes heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material.

Clause 109. The cooling system of any of clauses 105-108, wherein the cooling system further comprises a first heat sink configured to cool the cooling fluid.

Clause 110. The cooling system of clause 109, wherein the first heat sink comprises a flow path in fluid communication with the conduit.

Clause 111. The cooling system of any of clauses 109-110, wherein the cooling system further comprises a thermoelectric module.

Clause 112. The cooling system of clause 111, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to remove heat from the first heat exchange.

Clause 113. The cooling system of any of clauses 111-112, wherein the cooling system further comprises a second heat sink.

Clause 114. The cooling system of clause 113, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to transfer heat to the second heat sink.

Clause 115. The cooling system of any of clauses 113-114, wherein the cooling system further comprises a fan.

Clause 116. The cooling system of clause 115, wherein the fan is configured to dissipate heat from the second heat sink.

Clause 117. The cooling system of any of clauses 105-116, wherein the cooling system further comprises a reservoir.

Clause 118. The cooling system of clause 117, wherein the reservoir comprises a valve configured to bleed cooling fluid from the cooling system and/or introduce cooling fluid into the cooling system. Clause 119. The cooling system of any of clauses 105-118, wherein the cooling system further comprises a pump configured to pump the cooling fluid through the conduit.

Clause 120. The cooling system of any of clauses 105-119, wherein the cooling system is configured to operate only when the vehicle is connected to a power source.

[0056] While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

[0057] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0058] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0059] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0060] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0061] Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0062] Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0063] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” 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. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

[0064] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

[0065] Of course, the foregoing description is that of certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention, to which various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the devices described herein need not feature all of the objects, advantages, features and aspects discussed above. Thus, for example, those of skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspects of embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. 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 discussed devices.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A cooler for a vehicle, the cooler comprising: a peripheral wall forming a chamber, wherein the chamber is configured to maintain foodstuff in a temperature controlled environment.

2. The cooler of any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral wall is insulated.

3. The cooler of any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral wall is vacuum insulated.

4. The cooler of any of preceding claim, further comprising a partition positioned in the chamber, the partition subdividing the chamber into a first sub chamber and a second sub chamber, wherein the partition comprises a first surface that faces the first sub chamber and a second surface that faces the second sub chamber.

5. The cooler of claim 4, wherein the partition comprises one or more thermal energy modules.

6. The cooler of claim 5, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules heat the first surface of the partition.

7. The cooler of any of claims 5-6, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules cool the first surface of the partition.

8. The cooler of any of claims 5-7, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules heat the second surface of the partition.

9. The cooler of any of claims 5-8, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules cool a second surface of the partition, wherein the second surface faces the second sub chamber.

10. The cooler of any preceding claim, further comprising a cover movable between an open position and a closed position.

11. The cooler of claim 10, wherein the cover is insulated.

12. The cooler of any of claims 10-11, wherein the cover is vacuum insulated.

13. The cooler of any preceding claim, wherein the cooler is integrated into the vehicle.

14. The cooler of any preceding claim, wherein the cooler is integrated into a front trunk of the vehicle.

15. The cooler of claim 14, wherein walls of the front trunk form the peripheral wall.

16. The cooler of any of claims 1-13, wherein the cooler is integrated into a trunk of the vehicle.

17. The cooler of claim 16, wherein walls of the trunk form the peripheral wall.

18. The cooler of any of claims 1-13, wherein the cooler is integrated into a side compartment of the vehicle.

19. The cooler of claim 18, wherein walls of the side compartment form the peripheral wall.

20. The cooler of any of claims 1-12, wherein the cooler is removably inserted into a recess in the vehicle.

21. The cooler of claim 20, wherein the recess is positioned in a front trunk of the vehicle.

22. The cooler of claim 20, wherein the recess is positioned in a trunk of the vehicle.

23. The cooler of claim 20, wherein the recess is positioned in a side compartment of the vehicle.

24. The cooler of any of claims 20-23, wherein the cover comprises a handle.

25. The cooler of any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral wall comprises a phase change material.

26. The cooler of claim 25, wherein the phase change material is configured to maintain the chamber in a cooled state.

27. The cooler of any of claims 4-24, wherein a portion of the peripheral wall that forms the first sub chamber comprises a phase change material.

28. The cooler of claim 27, wherein the phase change material is configured to maintain the first sub chamber in a cooled state.

29. The cooler of any of claims 4-24 and 27-28, wherein a portion of the peripheral wall that forms the second sub chamber comprises the phase change material.

30. The cooler of claim 29, wherein the phase change material is configured to maintain the second sub chamber in a cooled state.

31. The cooler of any of claims 25-30, wherein the phase change material is charged with a cooling system.

32. The cooler of claim 31, wherein the cooler comprises electrical contacts that power the cooling system.

33. The cooler of any of claims 31-32, wherein the cooling system comprises an AC unit of the vehicle.

34. The cooler of claim 31-33, wherein the cooling system comprises a battery cooling unit of the vehicle.

35. The cooler of any of claims 31-34, wherein the cooling system comprises: a first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger; a first flow line passing through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; and a second flow line passing through the second heat exchanger, wherein a first coolant in the first flow line is configured to cool air directed to a passenger cabin of the vehicle via the first heat exchange, and wherein heat from a second coolant in the second flow line is transferred to the first coolant via the second heat exchanger.

36. The cooler of claim 35, wherein the second flow line extends through the phase change material so the second coolant charges the phase change material.

37. The cooler of claim 36, wherein the second coolant absorbs heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material.

38. The cooler of any of claims 31-34, wherein the cooling system comprises a conduit and a cooling fluid in the conduit.

39. The cooler of claim 38, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a mixture of water and alcohol.

40. The cooler of any of claims 38-39, wherein a portion of the conduit extends through the peripheral wall.

41. The cooler of claim 40, wherein the portion of the conduit extends through the peripheral in a coil like manner.

42. The cooler of any of claim 40-41, wherein the portion of the conduit comprises fins, wherein the fins extend from the portion of the conduit.

43. The cooler of any of claims 38-42, wherein the cooling fluid removes heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material.

44. The cooler of any of claims 38-43, wherein the cooling system further comprises a first heat sink configured to cool the cooling fluid.

45. The cooler of claim 44, wherein the first heat sink comprises a flow path in fluid communication with the conduit.

46. The cooler of any of claims 44-45, wherein the cooling system further comprises a thermoelectric module.

47. The cooler of claim 46, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to remove heat from the first heat exchange.

48. The cooler of any of claims 46-47, wherein the cooling system further comprises a second heat sink.

49. The cooler of claim 48, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to transfer heat to the second heat sink.

50. The cooler of any of claims 48-49, wherein the cooling system further comprises a fan.

51. The cooler of claim 50, wherein the fan is configured to dissipate heat from the second heat sink.

52. The cooler of any of claims 38-51, wherein the cooling system further comprises a reservoir.

53. The cooler of claim 52, wherein the reservoir comprises a valve configured to bleed cooling fluid from the cooling system and/or introduce cooling fluid into the cooling system.

54. The cooler of any of claims 38-53, wherein the cooling system further comprises a pump configured to pump the cooling fluid through the conduit.

55. The cooler of any of claims 31-54, wherein the cooling system is configured to operate only when the vehicle is connected to a power source.

56. The cooler of any preceding claim, wherein the cooler comprises one or more temperature sensors.

57. The cooler of any preceding claim, wherein the cooler is configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote electronic device.

58. The cooler of claim 57, wherein the remote electronic device controls one or more functions of the cooler.

59. A vehicle comprising: a temperature control compartment integrated into a compartment of the vehicle, the temperature control compartment comprising: a peripheral wall forming a chamber, the chamber configured to maintain foodstuff in a temperature controlled environment; and a cover movable between an open position and a closed position.

60. The vehicle of claim 59, wherein the compartment of the vehicle comprises a front trunk, a trunk, or a side compartment.

61. The vehicle of any of claims 59-60, wherein one or more walls of the vehicle form the peripheral wall.

62. The vehicle of any of claims 59-61, wherein the peripheral wall is insulated.

63. The vehicle of any of claims 59-62, wherein the peripheral wall is vacuum insulated.

64. The vehicle of any of claims 59-63, wherein the peripheral wall comprises a phase change material configured to maintain the chamber in a cooled state.

65. The vehicle of claim 64, further comprising a cooling system configured to charge the phase change material.

66. The vehicle of claim 65, wherein the cooling system comprises an AC unit of the vehicle.

67. The vehicle of claim 65, wherein the cooling system comprises a battery cooling unit of the vehicle.

68. The vehicle of any of claims 65-67, wherein the cooling system comprises: a first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger; a first flow line passing through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; and a second flow line passing through the second heat exchanger, wherein a first coolant in the first flow line is configured to cool air directed to a passenger cabin of the vehicle via the first heat exchange, and wherein heat from a second coolant in the second flow line is transferred to the first coolant via the second heat exchanger.

69. The vehicle of claim 68, wherein the second flow line extends through the phase change material so the second coolant charges the phase change material.

70. The vehicle of claim 69, wherein the second coolant absorbs heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material.

71. The vehicle of any of claims 65-67, wherein the cooling system comprises a conduit and a cooling fluid in the conduit.

72. The vehicle of claim 71, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a mixture of water and alcohol.

73. The vehicle of any of claims 71-72, wherein a portion of the conduit extends through the peripheral wall.

74. The vehicle of claim 73, wherein the portion of the conduit extends through the peripheral in a coil like manner.

75. The vehicle of any of claims 73-74, wherein the portion of the conduit comprises fins, wherein the fins extend from the portion of the conduit.

76. The vehicle of any of claims 71-75, wherein the cooling fluid removes heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material.

77. The vehicle of any of claims 71-76, wherein the cooling system further comprises a first heat sink configured to cool the cooling fluid.

78. The vehicle of claim 77, wherein the first heat sink comprises a flow path in fluid communication with the conduit.

79. The vehicle of any of claims 77-78, wherein the cooling system further comprises a thermoelectric module.

80. The vehicle of claim 79, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to remove heat from the first heat exchange.

81. The vehicle of any of claims 79-80, wherein the cooling system further comprises a second heat sink.

82. The vehicle of claim 81, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to transfer heat to the second heat sink.

83. The vehicle of any of claims 81-82, wherein the cooling system further comprises a fan.

84. The vehicle of claim 83, wherein the fan is configured to dissipate heat from the second heat sink.

85. The vehicle of any of claims 71-84, wherein the cooling system further comprises a reservoir.

86. The vehicle of claim 85, wherein the reservoir comprises a valve configured to bleed cooling fluid from the cooling system and/or introduce cooling fluid into the cooling system.

87. The vehicle of any of claims 71-86, wherein the cooling system further comprises a pump configured to pump the cooling fluid through the conduit.

88. The vehicle of any of claims 65-87, wherein the cooling system is configured to operate only when the vehicle is connected to a power source.

89. The vehicle of any of claims 59-87, wherein the temperature control compartment further comprises a partition positioned in the chamber, the partition subdividing the chamber into a first sub chamber and a second sub chamber, wherein the partition comprises a first surface that faces the first sub chamber and a second surface that faces the second sub chamber.

90. The vehicle of claim 89, wherein the partition comprises one or more thermal energy modules.

91. The cooler of claim 90, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules heat the first surface of the partition.

92. The cooler of any of claims 90-91 , wherein the one or more thermal energy modules cool the first surface of the partition.

93. The cooler of any of claims 90-92, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules heat the second surface of the partition.

94. The cooler of any of claims 90-93, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules cool a second surface of the partition, wherein the second surface faces the second sub chamber.

95. A vehicle comprising: a recess configured to removably receive one or more coolers, each of the one or more coolers comprising: a peripheral wall forming a chamber, the chamber configured to maintain foodstuff in a temperature controlled environment; and a cover movable between an open position and a closed position.

96. The vehicle of claim 95, wherein the recess is positioned in a front trunk, a trunk, or a side compartment.

97. The vehicle of any of claims 95-96, wherein the one or more coolers comprise a phase change material in the peripheral wall.

98. The vehicle of claim 97, wherein the one or more coolers comprise a cooling system configured to charge the phase change material.

99. The vehicle of claim 98, wherein the recess comprises electrical contacts and the one or more coolers comprise electrical contacts, wherein a connection between the electrical contacts of the recess and the electrical contacts of the one or more coolers is configured to transfer power from the vehicle to the cooling system.

100. A cooling system for a temperature controlled compartment in a vehicle, the cooling system comprising: a first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger; a first flow line passing through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; and a second flow line passing through the second heat exchanger, wherein a first coolant in the first flow line is configured to cool air directed to a passenger cabin of the vehicle via the first heat exchange, wherein heat from a second coolant in the second flow line is transferred to the first coolant via the second heat exchanger, and wherein the second flow line extends through a phase change material of the temperature controlled compartment so the second coolant charges the phase change material.

101. The cooling system of claim 100, wherein the second coolant adsorbs heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material.

102. The cooling system of any of claims 100-101, wherein the cooling system comprises an AC unit of the vehicle.

103. The cooling system of any of claims 100-101, wherein the cooling system comprises a battery cooling unit of the vehicle.

104. The vehicle of any of claims 100-103, wherein the cooling system is configured to operate only when the vehicle is connected to a power source.

105. A cooling system for a temperature controlled compartment in a vehicle, the cooling system comprising: a conduit; and a cooling fluid in the conduit, wherein a portion of the conduit extends through a peripheral wall of the temperature controlled compartment to charge a phase change material in the peripheral wall.

106. The cooling system of claim 105, wherein the portion of the conduit extends through the peripheral wall in a coil like manner.

107. The cooling system of any of claims 105-106, wherein the portion of the conduit comprises fins, wherein the fins extend from the portion of the conduit.

108. The cooling system of any of claims 105-107, wherein the cooling fluid removes heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material.

109. The cooling system of any of claims 105-108, wherein the cooling system further comprises a first heat sink configured to cool the cooling fluid.

110. The cooling system of claim 109, wherein the first heat sink comprises a flow path in fluid communication with the conduit.

111. The cooling system of any of claims 109-110, wherein the cooling system further comprises a thermoelectric module.

112. The cooling system of claim 111, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to remove heat from the first heat exchange.

113. The cooling system of any of claims 111-112, wherein the cooling system further comprises a second heat sink.

114. The cooling system of claim 113, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to transfer heat to the second heat sink.

115. The cooling system of any of claims 113-114, wherein the cooling system further comprises a fan.

116. The cooling system of claim 115, wherein the fan is configured to dissipate heat from the second heat sink.

117. The cooling system of any of claims 105-116, wherein the cooling system further comprises a reservoir.

118. The cooling system of claim 117, wherein the reservoir comprises a valve configured to bleed cooling fluid from the cooling system and/or introduce cooling fluid into the cooling system.

119. The cooling system of any of claims 105-118, wherein the cooling system further comprises a pump configured to pump the cooling fluid through the conduit.

120. The cooling system of any of claims 105-119, wherein the cooling system is configured to operate only when the vehicle is connected to a power source.