Engine cooling system with overload handling capability
US7735461B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/14
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cooling system for an internal combustion engine incorporating a heat accumulator to temporarily store heat during peak heat loads. In automotive vehicles, the heat accumulator may store excess heat generated during vehicle acceleration or hill climbing and it may dissipate stored heat during vehicle cruise, deceleration, or engine idle. The heat accumulator contains phase change material with a solid-to-liquid transition temperature higher than the normal operating temperature of the cooling system. The invention enables reducing the size and weight of engine cooling system without compromising its performance. This is particularly important for improving fuel economy and reduction of emission in automotive vehicles. In addition, the invention enables reducing the coolant inventory in the system thereby allowing for faster engine warm-up and reduced emissions of harmful pollutants during a cold engine start. The invention may be also used for thermal management of engine oil, transmission fluid, or hydraulic fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.