A refrigeration apparatus for cooling containers in the microgravity conditions of outer space comprising a cooler compartment having a cold plate therein which is contoured to the shape of sidewall portions of the cans to be cooled. The cold plate is coated with a complient heat transfer medium such as metal-filled silicone rubber. When the lid of the cooler is closed, the containers are firmly engaged by the complient material, forming a good conductive heat transfer relationship. A thermoelectric generator is disposed in a separate cabinet connected to one end of the cooler and includes thermoelectric elements and a heat sink operatively associated with the cold plate within the cooler. A fan is provided in combination with the thermoelectric generator for drawing air over the heat sink thereof to dissipate heat to the surrounding environment. Suitable temperature controls are provided for turning the fan and thermoelectric elements of the generator on and off, and a safety circuit is provided to protect the device against overcurrent and excessively high temperatures in the heat sink.
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