Heat engine system for vehicles
US8878047B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/16
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A heat engine system for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is operable on a road surface, includes a collector configured for collecting an air layer disposed adjacent the road surface. The heat engine system also includes a heat engine configured for converting thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between the air layer and an ambient air surrounding the vehicle to another form of energy. The air layer has a first temperature, and the ambient air has a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. In addition, the heat engine system includes a guide configured for transferring the air layer from the collector to the heat engine. A vehicle includes a body defining an interior compartment and having an underside surface spaced opposite the road surface, and the heat engine system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.