Abstract: A method of thermal management for a thermal management system in a vehicle includes the steps of selecting a thermal management function. The method also includes the steps of adjusting a temperature within the thermal management system using the thermal management function and using the adjusted temperature within the thermal management system to control a temperature within an occupant compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A series hybrid engine has an electric traction motor drive of the vehicle wheels and a regenerative braking system that converts the motor to a generator for the output of useful electrical energy, the latter being used either to charge the storage battery for a power source for the traction motor, or if the battery is charged, diverting the regenerative energy to a resistive heater located in the cooling circuit of an independently operated accessory driving ICE; the resistive heater providing heat to the coolant to preheat the ICE prior to engine start-up; or, alternatively, or concurrently to supply heat to the core of a heater for the passenger compartment of the vehicle, or, to store the heat in a heat battery type reservoir for future use.

Abstract: A temperature setting unit is operated to set a desired temperature. An indoor temperature detector detects an indoor temperature. A timer is operated to set an operation start time. An indoor unit includes at least an indoor heat exchanger, an air duct associated with the indoor heat exchanger, a heat radiation member located in the air duct, a heat accumulator thermally coupled to the heat radiation member, and an electric heater for selectively supplying heat to the heat accumulator. An outdoor unit includes at least a compressor for cooperating with the indoor heat exchanger to constitute a heat pump refrigeration cycle for heating operation, and an outdoor exchanger. A controller outputs a first control signal for preheating the electric heater a predetermined period of time before operation start time by counting preset data of the operation start time from the timer, and a second control signal for setting the heat pump refrigeration cycle in a drive state at the operation start time.

Abstract: A forced air furnace includes a conventional fuel fired, primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger associated with the stack. The secondary exchanger includes a phase change material having a transition temperature within the range of the stack temperature, and which is disposed in heat exchange relation with the flue gases flowing through the stack. The secondary exchanger also includes duct means for conveying the circulated air in heat exchange relation with the phase change material; and the flow path through the secondary exchanger is an alternative path controlled by a damper. When the primary exchanger is turned on, the phase change material in the secondary exchanger is charged from the flue gases of the primary exchanger. When the phase change material is in condition to release stored heat, a temperature responsive control shuts off the primary exchanger and diverts the circulated air through the secondary exchanger.