Layer assembly for a heat exchanger including a thermo-electric cooler and phase-change material

The layer assembly is suitable for a heat exchanger. The assembly comprises at least one heat pump module 30, the module having a thermo-electric cooler (TEC) 32 attached to an island 34 formed of a flow permissive material, such as open-cell aluminium foam. The assembly also comprises a flow permissive layer 20 having an island recess 26 for corresponding to and accommodating the island; and a thermal storage layer 10 comprising a heat transfer matrix material 12 charged with a phase change material. The thermal storage layer has a TEC recess 16 for corresponding to and accommodating the TEC. The TEC is attached to the thermal storage layer at a surface of the TEC recess. The island extends into the island recess but is spaced from the flow permissive layer. The thermal storage layer may be spaced from the flow permissive layer by an interstitial layer 50. The flow permissive layer may comprise open-cell aluminium foam and/or fins to effect heat transfer and promote turbulent flow. A sheet aluminium thermal interface 36 may be provided between the TEC and the island. A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of the assemblies and a method of manufacturing the assembly are also claimed.