Abstract: A thermal encapsulation apparatus for reducing heat loss from a vehicle component includes an insulating layer which, together with a surface of the component, forms a cavity between them. The apparatus also includes at least one baffle located within the cavity so as to define at least one cell therein. Within the cell, a convective-driven airflow caused by a temperature gradient between the surface of the component and the insulating layer is recirculated. The apparatus allows the component to store heat when it is not operational so that upon restarting the component, e.g. the vehicle engine, there is reduced friction in the moving parts, particularly in relatively cool ambient temperatures.

Abstract: An encapsulation device suitable for encapsulating a transmission component of an engine system that comprises a housing member configured to encapsulate the transmission component and define an air gap in a volume between an outer surface of the transmission component and an inner surface of the encapsulation device in use. The housing member is configured to allow air flow through the air gap during operation of the engine system and to retain a heated air layer around the encapsulated transmission component following engine system shutdown in use. The air gap enables convective cooling of the transmission components during periods when the vehicle is driving and additionally allows heat dissipation to occur when the vehicle engine is switched off.

Abstract: A thermal encapsulation apparatus for reducing heat loss from a vehicle component includes an insulating layer which, together with a surface of the component, forms a cavity between them. The apparatus also includes at least one baffle located within the cavity so as to define at least one cell therein. Within the cell, a convective-driven airflow caused by a temperature gradient between the surface of the component and the insulating layer is recirculated. The apparatus allows the component to store heat when it is not operational so that upon restarting the component, e.g. the vehicle engine, there is reduced friction in the moving parts, particularly in relatively cool ambient temperatures.

Abstract: An encapsulation device suitable for encapsulating a transmission component of an engine system that comprises a housing member configured to encapsulate the transmission component and define an air gap in a volume between an outer surface of the transmission component and an inner surface of the encapsulation device in use. The housing member is configured to allow air flow through the air gap during operation of the engine system and to retain a heated air layer around the encapsulated transmission component following engine system shutdown in use. The air gap enables convective cooling of the transmission components during periods when the vehicle is driving and additionally allows heat dissipation to occur when the vehicle engine is switched off.