Thermoelectric generator for transmission warm-up
US10094464B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/12
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle, system, and method of warming the transmission fluid with a thermoelectric generator is also provided. Disclosed is vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a transmission containing a transmission fluid, a coolant circuit configured to remove heat from the engine, and a thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator is in non-contact thermal communication with the hot exhaust gas produced by the engine and the relatively cooler coolant circulating through the coolant circuit. The thermoelectric generator produces a current from the temperature gradient between the exhaust gas relative and coolant and transfers heat from the exhaust gas to the coolant. The heat coolant is conveyed to a transmission heat exchanger to heat the transmission fluid. A heating element is disposed in thermal contact with the transmission fluid and the heating element is powered by the electric current produced by the thermoelectric generator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.