Michigan Startup Touts More Efficient Seat Warmer

Traverse City, Michigan-based Promethient Inc. says its new Thermavance conductive heat transfer system is more efficient and durable than convective heat transfer used in most seats.

Convective systems require perforated seats to move the air through the seating surface, which the supplier notes leaves a surface that is more prone to wear-and-tear and water damage.

Thermavance uses a solid-state thermoelectric module and graphene to transfer heat directly to a seat occupant instead of first heating or cooling the surrounding air. 

Promethient says its thermoelectric device uses the flow of electrons to create the Peltier Effect within a semiconductor. The system, which can be activated by a smartphone app, creates a heating or cooling effect depending on polarity of the applied voltage.

Graphene is a carbon-based material that has a higher level of thermal conductivity than copper, Promethient notes. The material also is flexible and lightweight, allowing it to be adapted to a variety of surfaces.

Promethient, which was founded in 2012, has been developing automotive applications for about three years. But the first use of its system will be in a sports recreational vehicle later this year. Other potential uses include furniture, athletic apparel, golf carts and therapeutic medical devices.