CPC F25B 23/006 (2013.01) [F25B 21/04 (2013.01); F25D 2331/803 (2013.01); F25D 2331/805 (2013.01); F25D 2331/808 (2013.01); F25D 2331/809 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A container with active temperature control, comprising:
an insulated vessel body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage therein; and
a cooling or heating unit, comprising
a thermoelectric element having a first side in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber,
a module of phase change material at least a portion of which is contained in a housing below the chamber, the phase change material in thermal communication with a second side of the thermoelectric element that is opposite the first side,
a power storage device,
circuitry configured to control an operation of the thermoelectric element, and
a heat spreader disposed in the housing and in thermal communication with the thermoelectric element and with the phase change material,
wherein the cooling or heating unit is operable to decrease or maintain a temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to draw heat from the chamber and transfer it to the module of phase change material.
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