Better late than never.   A DoE funding solicitation (applications closed on 20080422) expects to invest US$7.5M through FY2011 in "Solid State Energy Conversion for Vehicular Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and for Waste Heat Recovery". 

This would replace current automobile air conditioners and is thought to provide many advantages including no refrigerant and requiring less power.  A more complete article on the solicitation can be found on the Green Car Congress website.

A presentation by Fairbanks at a review earlier this year illustrates the concept described as "Zonal HVAC System".  The presentation by  Hendricks at the same reivew also discusses TE HVAC for vehicles.

"Zonal TE devices located in the dashboard, headliner, A&B pillars and seats / seatbacks" from [Fairbanks, 2008]

We look forward to hearing more about this effort the new program(s) develop.  In mean time, here are links to review presentations on some DoE funded thermoelectric-related R&D efforts:

FY 2008 DOE Vehicle Technologies Program Annual Merit Review

(Below are just the thermoelectric-related programs.  Click the link above for the full Vehicle Technologies Program Review agenda.)

February 25-28, 2008
Bethesda, Maryland