Exhaust Gas Or Exhaust System Element Heated, Cooled, Or Used As A Heat Source Patents (Class 60/320)
  • Patent number: 9027326
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle exhaust heat recovery system including a first exhaust line fluidically connected to a heat exchanger, a second exhaust line fluidically connected to the first exhaust line, and an inanimate flow regulator in the first exhaust line configured to limit exhaust flow under predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth J. Jackson, Nimrod Kapas
  • Publication number: 20150121846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for recovering energy from an exhaust gas circuit (3) of a heat engine (1), including an exhaust gas by-pass pipe (12) that includes a heat exchanger with two compartments, and has a first manifold (14) leading into one compartment (16) and a second manifold (15) leading into the other compartment (17), said system comprising a first valve (18) installed in the exhaust circuit (3) and capable of controlling the flow of gases into each of said manifolds (14, 15), and a second valve (20) intended to control the flow of gases at the outlet of the heat exchanger (13). The main technical feature of a system for recovering energy according to the invention is that the first valve (18) can only be used in two positions, a first position wherein same seals the first manifold (14), and a second position wherein same seals the exhaust circuit (3) and only allows the exhaunt gases to flow into the first manifold (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Grégory Hodebourg, Samuel Leroux
  • Patent number: 9021795
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat transfer device, more preferably for an exhaust system of a combustion engine, preferentially of a motor vehicle, with at least one warm tube for conducting a fluid emitting heat, with at least one cold tube for conducting a fluid absorbing heat and with at least one thermoelectric generator for generating electric energy from a temperature difference, wherein a thermoelectric generator each is arranged between a warm tube and a cold tube. The efficiency of the heat transfer device is improved if the respective thermoelectric generator is in contact with the respective tube via a heat conducting material and if the respective heat conducting material is configured as shaped body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Eberspaecher Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Arnulf Spieth, Anika Bürkle, Ming Dong, Jörg Oesterle, Angela Hettel
  • Publication number: 20150114366
    Abstract: Systems and method for extracting energy from a gas are disclosed herein. In particular, systems and methods for implementing a series of thermodynamic transformations by means of which it is possible to extract useful work from a gas carrying thermal energy due its thermodynamic state are disclosed. An example system for extracting energy from a cycle gas can include an expander for expanding the cycle gas, a heat exchanger in fluid connection with the expander for cooling the expanded cycle gas while maintaining the expanded cycle gas at an approximately constant pressure, and a compressor in fluid connection with the heat exchanger for compressing the cooled cycle gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Codrin-Gruie Cantemir, Fabio Chiara, Marcello Canova
  • Patent number: 9016047
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling nitrogen oxides in an exhaust gas received by an exhaust system, the exhaust system including a first selective catalytic reduction device, an exhaust gas heat recovery device and a second selective catalytic reduction device is provided. The method includes flowing the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into the first selective catalytic reduction device, receiving the exhaust gas from the first selective catalytic reduction device into the exhaust gas heat recovery device and directing the exhaust gas to a heat exchanger in the exhaust gas heat recovery device based on a temperature of the internal combustion engine proximate moving engine components. The method includes adsorbing nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas via a nitrogen oxide adsorbing catalyst disposed in the heat exchanger and flowing the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas heat recovery device into the second selective catalytic reduction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Chang H. Kim, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., George M. Claypole
  • Patent number: 9016048
    Abstract: An exhaust arrangement for an internal combustion engine. The exhaust arrangement includes a diffuser duct including a wall surface which diverges between an inlet and a first outlet. The arrangement further includes an auxiliary duct extending from a second outlet of the diffuser duct. The second diffuser duct outlet being located on the wall surface between the diffuser duct inlet and the first outlet. The auxiliary duct includes a heat recovery device configured to convert heat energy from exhaust gases passing through the auxiliary duct in use to mechanical or electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Stephen Gallimore
  • Publication number: 20150107242
    Abstract: An exhaust system with post-operation cooling for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle generally has a heat generating device that generates exhaust gas. The exhaust system includes an exhaust gas conduit through which at least a portion of the exhaust gas is flowable and dischargeable, and at least one exhaust gas component in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit. The exhaust system also includes an air intake conduit through which outside air is flowable, and an air pump in fluid communication with the air intake conduit. The air intake conduit is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit upstream of the at least one exhaust gas component. The air pump is configured to draw the outside air into the air intake conduit such that the outside air is supplied to the exhaust gas conduit to cool the at least one exhaust gas component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Long, Gerald M. Simon, Kulbir S. Dhuga
  • Publication number: 20150101309
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an energy recovery system for a vehicle powered by an engine. The energy recovery system includes a thermoelectric module which is interfaced with a heat source of the vehicle. The heat source generates waste heat. Further, the waste heat provides a high temperature heat source for the thermoelectric module. A low temperature heat source is also interfaced with the thermoelectric module. A temperature difference between the high temperature heat source and the low temperature heat source generates thermoelectric power. A controller is configured to control a parameter of the engine to maintain an optimal value of the temperature difference between the high temperature heat source and the low temperature heat source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Harinder S. Lamba
  • Publication number: 20150101321
    Abstract: An exhaust flap device for an internal combustion engine includes a flap housing and an actuator. The flap housing comprises an exhaust gas duct arranged in the flap housing. The exhaust gas duct is configured to have an exhaust gas flow there-through. An exhaust flap is arranged in the exhaust gas duct and is mounted in the flap housing. The exhaust flap is configured to rotate. A coolant duct is arranged in the flap housing so as to at least partially surround the exhaust flap. The actuator comprises an electric motor and an actuator housing which comprises an actuator coolant duct. The actuator is configured to drive the exhaust flap. The coolant duct arranged in the flap housing is configured to be in a direct fluid communication with the actuator coolant duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: PIERBURG GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Ulrich Kuehnel, Peter Corbach, Elina Sovva
  • Patent number: 9003784
    Abstract: A module for a thermoelectric generator includes first and second ends, at least one inner tube and one outer tube disposed around the outside of the inner tube and at least one thermoelectric element disposed between the inner and outer tubes. The inner and outer tubes are each electrically insulated from the at least one thermoelectric element. At least one electrically conductive first contact is provided on each of the first and second ends, for electrically conductively connecting the at least one thermoelectric element to an electrical conductor. The module can conduct a fluid or coolant flow through the module from the first end to the second end. An electrical conductor, a thermoelectric generator, a motor vehicle and a method for producing a module, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Sigrid Limbeck, Rolf Brück
  • Patent number: 9003779
    Abstract: A wheel loader includes an engine, a selective catalyst reduction device, and an injection device accommodated in an engine room defined by a vehicle body cover. The wheel loader further includes a partition plate, a reducing agent tank, a reducing agent pump, and a reducing agent pipe. The selective catalyst reduction device is for treating exhaust gas from the engine. The injection device is for injecting reducing agent into the exhaust gas fed from the engine toward the selective catalyst reduction device. The partition plate is disposed between the selective catalyst reduction device and the vehicle body cover. The reducing agent tank stores reducing agent. The reducing agent pump supplies the reducing agent from the reducing agent tank to the injection device. The reducing agent pipe connects the reducing agent pump and the injection device, and extends between the vehicle body cover and the partition plate inside the engine room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Shirou Kanamori
  • Patent number: 8997464
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system with an integrated hydrocarbon adsorber for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine that generates exhaust gas containing hydrocarbons, and a catalytic converter, includes an exhaust gas conduit, an exhaust gas heat exchanger, a heat exchanger bypass valve, a coolant circuit with a coolant bypass and a coolant bypass valve, and a controller. The exhaust gas heat exchanger includes at least one channel through which the exhaust gas is flowable, the channel having an interior surface coated with a hydrocarbon adsorbing material configured to adsorb hydrocarbons. The heat exchanger and coolant bypass valves are configured to selectively direct at least a portion of the exhaust gas and the coolant, respectively, to the exhaust gas heat exchanger or to bypass it. They are controlled by the controller such that the hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas are selectively adsorbable by and desorbable from the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Halim G. Santoso, Eugene V. Gonze, Chang H. Kim
  • Patent number: 8997470
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying device for an internal combustion engine, including: an electrically heated catalyst which has a catalyst carrier supporting a catalyst and a carrier retention unit which is provided on an outer periphery of the catalyst carrier, which retains the catalyst carrier, and which has an electrical insulation property; and a cooling unit which cools the carrier retention unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the carrier retention unit from becoming high, and it becomes possible to appropriately ensure the insulation property of the electrically heated catalyst. Hence, it becomes possible to expand a condition range in which the current can be applied to the electrically heated catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Yoshioka, Noriaki Kumagai, Naoya Takagi
  • Publication number: 20150089922
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes an exhaust gas heat recovery system are described. The system may reduce engine warm-up time and increase an amount of time an engine of a hybrid vehicle is deactivated while the hybrid vehicle is powered by a motor. In one example, a phase change material selectively stores and releases exhaust gas energy from and engine to improve vehicle operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Quazi Ehtesham Hussain, William Samuel Schwartz, David Richens Brigham, Mark John Jennings, Furqan Zafar Shaikh, Michael Levin, Donald Masch, Danrich Henry Demitroff, James Patrick O'Neill
  • Patent number: 8991165
    Abstract: Energy recovery systems can utilize waste heat from an internal combustion engine or other base energy conversion system in the operation of hydrogen processors. Some energy recovery systems can utilize more than one source of waste heat from the energy converting system for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Lyle Bates
  • Publication number: 20150082774
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle body, a guiding pipe, a first heating section, and a second heating section. The vehicle body has a partition wall that partitions a space in an inner section into a first region and a second region. The guiding pipe is configured to guide a reducing agent. The guiding pipe has a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The first pipe section is positioned inside the first region. The second pipe section is positioned in the second region. The first heating section heats the first pipe section. The second heating section heats the second pipe section and adjusts the temperature independently from the first heating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Kiichirou Kouno, Ken Itou, Jin Yogita, Kozo Okuda, Yasuyuki Onodera, Hideo Oguri, Shouhei Nagasaka, Minato Tomuro
  • Publication number: 20150082777
    Abstract: This burner is disposed at the upstream side of a DPF and raises the temperature of exhaust by combusting an air-fuel mixture of air and fuel in a combustion region within a flame holder. The burner is provided with: an upstream-side cover enclosing the peripheral wall of the flame holder; and a partition wall that partitions the gap between the flame holder and the upstream-side cover into a prior-stage exhaust chamber and a latter-state exhaust chamber. An exhaust tube through which exhaust from an engine flows is connected to the upstream-side cover; a through hole that interconnects the prior-stage exhaust chamber and the latter-stage exhaust chamber is formed at the partition wall; exhaust flows in from the exhaust tube at the prior-stage exhaust chamber; and exhaust flows in from the prior-stage exhaust chamber through the through hole to the latter-stage exhaust chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Ichiro Tsumagari, Ryo Shibuya, Atsushi Koide
  • Patent number: 8984869
    Abstract: An exhaust gas emission control system for a diesel engine, having an oxidation catalyst (DOC) (7) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) (9) in an exhaust passage, wherein a late post-injection control unit (62), which injects fuel into a combustion chamber at a timing not contributing to combustion in DPF regeneration control, feedback controls a late post-injection amount such that a regeneration amount of soot regenerated by the DPF (9) becomes a target soot regeneration amount per unit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ko Takayanagi, Keisuke Okuda
  • Patent number: 8984864
    Abstract: An exhaust system for treating exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system comprises a three-way catalyst (TWC), a fuel reformer catalyst located downstream of the TWC, and a fuel supply means located upstream of the fuel reformer catalyst. The exhaust gas is split into two portions. The first portion of the exhaust gas bypasses the TWC and contacts the fuel reformer catalyst in the presence of fuel added from the fuel supply means, and is then recycled back to the engine intake. The second portion of the exhaust gas is contacted with the TWC and is then utilized to heat the fuel reformer catalyst before being expelled to atmosphere. The exhaust system allows for maximum heat exchange from the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Kirsty Ellen Cockle, Paul James Millington, Edward James Richard Moss, John Frederick Pignon
  • Publication number: 20150075145
    Abstract: Improvements in a diesel emission control dryer is disclosed. The improvements provide a catalytic glow plug emission free exhaust system device that will product zero emission for clean air for future life. The diesel emission control dryer changes the current ways available to lower emissions. The process begins with the wet fuel exhaust exiting the turbocharger, spinning in the same direction. A plurality of glow plugs are used to heat the wet exhaust gas to dry the wet exhaust and burn all fuel and particulates. As the turbocharger glow plugs heat and dissipate all fuel and exhaust emissions that will exit the diesel emission control dryer at 0%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Bryan Alan Yonan
  • Publication number: 20150075144
    Abstract: A heat exchanger (9), of e.g. an exhaust gas system (5) for an internal combustion engine (1), includes a thermoelectric generator (12) having a hot side (13) and a cold side (14) and including a heating tube (15) on a hot side of a heating device (10), and a cooling tube (16) on a cold side of a cooling device (11). The heating tube and the cooling tube are stacked on one another and form a tube stack (18), with the heating tube and the cooling tube extending parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction (19) of the tube stack. For energy efficiency, a housing (21) of the heat exchanger has a jacket (23) with an integral re-tensioning section (25) that is resiliently adjustable between a relaxed state and a tensioned state. The pre-tensioning section generates a pre-tensioning force (26) pressing the tube stack in a stacking direction (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Andreas Resch, Sebastian Leicht, Jörg Oesterle
  • Patent number: 8978359
    Abstract: A turbocharged internal combustion engine disclosed that may comprise an engine block with a first end side opposing a second end side and a two-stage turbocharged system. The two-stage turbocharged system may comprise a low-pressure turbocharger with a first turbine and a first compressor and a high-pressure turbocharger with a second turbine and a second compressor. A turbine connection may fluidly connect the first turbine and the second turbine and a compressor connection fluidly connects the first compressor and the second compressor. The low-pressure turbocharger is mounted at the first end side of the engine block and the high-pressure turbocharger is mounted at a second end side of the engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Udo Schlemmer-Kelling
  • Patent number: 8978361
    Abstract: A device for delivering a reducing agent, in particular a liquid urea-water solution, includes at least two of the following elements: a storage device (e.g. a tank), a delivery device (e.g. a pump), a deflecting device (e.g. a valve), a detecting device (e.g. a sensor), a separating device (e.g. a filter) and an outlet device (e.g. a nozzle, injector), which are interconnected by a line device. At least one element is pressure-sensitive and the adjacent line device near the pressure-sensitive element forms at least one heat sink. A device having a targeted freezing behavior is thus provided, allowing pressure-sensitive elements to be protected. A method for producing a motor vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Rolf Brück, Jan Hodgson
  • Patent number: 8978371
    Abstract: There is provided a cooling adapter provided between a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and an exhaust pipe of the internal combustion engine in such a manner as to connect the cylinder head and the exhaust pipe to each other. This cooling adapter is equipped with a plurality of exhaust passages provided in parallel with one another to cause an exhaust gas from the cylinder head to flow to the exhaust pipe, a water jacket formed around an entirety of the respective exhaust passages and among the respective exhaust passages to cause a cooling liquid to flow to exchange heat with the exhaust gas flowing through the plurality of the exhaust passages, an inlet portion configured to cause the cooling liquid to flow into the water jacket, and an outlet portion configured to cause the cooling liquid to flow out from inside the water jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoya Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 8973356
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining at least one cylinder, and a cylinder head coupled to the cylinder block. A modular exhaust manifold is coupled to the cylinder head and is configured to receive exhaust gas from the cylinder head. The modular exhaust manifold includes a plurality of exhaust manifold segments coupled together along a common axis. Each of the exhaust manifold segments includes a segment of a water jacket tube defining a plurality of liquid coolant passages and a segment of an exhaust tube received within the water jacket tube segment. A joint between adjacent exhaust manifold segments includes a first sealing member configured to seal the exhaust tube at the joint and a second sealing member configured to seal at least one of the liquid coolant passages at the joint. The first and second sealing members are supported on and movable with different components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: MD Anwarul Karim, Robert A. Sarsfield, Daniel Richard Barb, Scott Alan Chockley
  • Patent number: 8973355
    Abstract: An exhaust after-treatment system for treating an exhaust produced by an engine. The exhaust after-treatment system may include an exhaust passageway in communication with the engine, and an exhaust treatment component provided in the exhaust passageway. A dosing module for dispensing an exhaust treatment fluid into the exhaust passageway can be located between the engine and the exhaust treatment component. A coolant source and a modular liquid-cooled mount for supporting and cooling the dosing module is also provided. The liquid-cooled mount communicates with the coolant source and includes an inlet sub-mount including a first coolant passageway, a base sub-mount including a second coolant passageway, and at least one intermediate mount disposed between the inlet sub-mount and the base sub-mount that includes a third coolant passageway, wherein each of the first, second, and third coolant passageways are in communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Shovels
  • Patent number: 8973353
    Abstract: An exhaust gas post-treatment unit includes a diesel particulate filtering device that treats engine exhaust gas, a selective catalyst reduction device that treats the engine exhaust gas, a connecting pipe, an injection device, a cooling water supply pipe and a cooling water return pipe. The connecting pipe connects the diesel particulate filtering device and the selective catalyst reduction device. The injection device is disposed on the connecting pipe and injects a reducing agent into the exhaust gas supplied to the selective catalyst reduction device. The a cooling water supply pipe guides cooling water to the injection device to cool the injection device. The cooling water return pipe discharges the cooling water from the injection device. At least one of the cooling water supply pipe and the cooling water return pipe has a convection section extending upward along the connecting pipe from a connecting portion with the injection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Sawada, Takashi Katou, Kanji Namimatsu
  • Publication number: 20150052881
    Abstract: A safety device for operating a catalytic converter, including: a heat screen installed substantially on a portion of an outer wall of the catalytic converter, and including an opening through which a measuring device attached onto the catalytic converter is to pass, the measuring device including a substantially cylindrical base configured to engage with the catalytic converter; a safety device to be arranged on the heat screen, the safety device including a plate including a circular opening having a diameter that is greater than a diameter of a base, the opening being delimited by a lip; and a device for attaching the plate to the heat screen such that the lip surrounds the base with a minimum clearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Pascal Hottebart, Jean-Luc Gateau
  • Patent number: 8959901
    Abstract: A metal-gas battery that utilizes an exhaust gas stream from a combustion engine as reactive gases is provided. Almost constant concentration of exhaust gases are supplied to the metal-gas battery via an existing engine systematic combustion system. The systematic combustion system keeps a definite air fuel mixture (A/F) that acts to enhance the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, and the metal-gas battery leverages the existing vehicle air management system. Exhaust heat of the exhaust gases is sometimes utilized for the heat control of the vehicle, and then the cooled exhaust gases are introduced into the metal-air battery to be consumed during a cathode reduction reaction to create and store electrical energy. The metal-gas battery supports the cleaning of exhausted gases using existing emission catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Fuminori Mizuno, Paul T. Fanson
  • Patent number: 8959904
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle having an engine with an exhaust heat recovery system, includes generating a signal to control exhaust gas flow through an exhaust gas heat exchanger, and generating a diagnostic code based on the signal and a rate of change of coolant temperature. A vehicle has an engine and an exhaust heat recovery system with an exhaust gas heat exchanger and a temperature sensor. A controller for the vehicle is configured to (i) generate a signal to control exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas heat exchanger, and (ii) generate a diagnostic code based on the signal and a rate of change of coolant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Douglas Raymond Martin
  • Patent number: 8955314
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods to increase the speed of engine warm up by heating oil with a thermoelectric device and also to generate electricity using the same thermoelectric device, exploiting a temperature gradient between engine oil and exhaust gases. The disclosure describes a vehicle engine, comprising: an engine oil reservoir; an exhaust gas system; and a thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side and connected to a battery, wherein, the thermoelectric device is configured such that the hot side is thermally coupled to the exhaust gas system and the cold side is thermally coupled to the engine oil reservoir. A diverter valve and duct are provided in the exhaust gas system to selectively convey exhaust gases to the thermoelectric device located in or adjacent to the engine oil reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Graham Pegg, Robert Helle-Lorentzen
  • Patent number: 8955312
    Abstract: A mixing device of an exhaust aftertreatment device includes: an elbow pipe attached to an outlet pipe of a filter device; a straight pipe connected to a downstream side of the elbow pipe to extend in a direction intersecting an axial line of the outlet pipe; and an injector attached to the elbow pipe, the injector injecting a reductant aqueous solution into inside the elbow pipe toward the straight pipe. The elbow pipe includes: an inlet connected with the outlet pipe; an outlet connected with the straight pipe; a direction-changing section provided between the inlet and the outlet; and an injector attachment provided outside the direction-changing section and attached with the injector. The injector attachment is offset toward the outlet. The direction-changing section includes a first bulging portion provided by bulging outward a portion thereof opposite to the injector attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Watahiki, Hidehiko Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Chino
  • Publication number: 20150040546
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a chamber and inlet valving operable to admit constituents of a combustible mixture into the chamber for combustion therein to provide a pressure increase in the chamber. First input valving admits a liquid into the chamber and a control system controls the first input valving such that the liquid is admitted to the chamber to compress at least one constituent of the combustible mixture. Outlet valving releases an outflow of the liquid from the chamber under an influence of the pressure increase as an energy output of the chamber. Second input valving selectively admits a heated aqueous fluid into a region of the chamber in which combustion of the combustible mixture occurs to promote a hydrogen separation process in the chamber to provide hydrogen that is combusted in the chamber. A supply system supplies the heated aqueous fluid to the second input valving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Nigel A. Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20150040545
    Abstract: A device for use in a truck for lowering the temperature of exhaust gas of a combustion engine has a diffuser 1, which is provided with a cylindrical housing 3 provided with an inlet opening 5 in an end wall 7 and an elongated axially extending outlet opening 9 in the cylinder wall. The device furthermore has a bent guide plate 25 which extends from the outlet opening 9, so that, as a result of the Coanda effect, the hot exhaust gas is diverted along the plate and the jet widens, so that a better mixing with the ambient air, and hence greater cooling, takes place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Franciscus Thomas Everardus Janssen, Josef Saberi
  • Publication number: 20150040544
    Abstract: A structure for utilizing exhaust heat of a vehicle is provided. The structure includes a first part that has an exhaust pipe in which exhaust gas having a predetermined temperature passes through and which is heated by exchanging heat with the exhaust gas. A bypass passageway is installed within the exhaust pipe and the exhaust gas is bypassed through the bypass passageway. A thermoelectric element is attached to an exterior of the exhaust pipe, formed by bonding a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor, and produces electricity using a thermoelectric effect. A second part is attached to the exterior of the thermoelectric element and coolant flows therein. A first exhaust gas passageway is installed in the second part in a longitudinal direction and the exhaust gas passes through the first exhaust gas passageway to heat the coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Ho-Chan An, Jong-Ho Seon
  • Publication number: 20150033700
    Abstract: Systems and methods for defrosting sensing components in fluid sensing system. In one embodiment, the invention provides a defrosting system that includes a sensing system. The sensing system includes a sensor operable to sense a characteristic of the fluid in a tank. The defrosting system includes a fluid pickup line spaced apart from the sensor, and a fluid return line. The fluid return line includes an output. The output is positioned to direct fluid onto the sensing system. In one embodiment, the defrosting system further comprises a pipe configured to provide the fluid to a system external to the tank. The fluid is heated by heat generated by the external system and directed onto the sensing system at least partially defrosts fluid contained within the sensing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David T. Schlenke
  • Publication number: 20150033778
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating and distributing electric power for localized use. The method entails providing an enclosed building having an air conditioning and ventilation unit for supplying cooled air within the building, the unit including a closed loop circuit configured to operate a closed loop refrigeration cycle, including a compressor operable to compress a working fluid of the closed loop circuit. The method further includes engaging an internal combustion engine with the compressor and operating the internal combustion engine to drive the compressor, thereby transferring energy to the refrigeration cycle. The method may also involve engaging an electric motor with the compressor and operating the electric motor to drive the compressor, thereby transferring energy to the refrigeration cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Donald Williams
  • Publication number: 20150035278
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an auxiliary power unit. In one embodiment, an auxiliary power unit comprises a plurality of independent modules configured to be installed in respective different locations within a rail vehicle or other vehicle. Each module of the plurality of independent modules is configured to carry out one or more respective functions of the auxiliary power unit for providing auxiliary power in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Hafiz Hassan EISA, Mike MELTSER, Alessandro Simoes CORREA
  • Publication number: 20150033716
    Abstract: A DPF system for an engine generator that performing a recovery process on a filter (DPF) provided to remove particulate matter generated by combustion of fuel when an amount of the particulate matter in the DPF exceeds a predetermined value, the engine generator performing the recovery process by carrying out an automatic recovery operation to raise a temperature of exhaust gas to combust the particulate matter, the system comprising: a dummy load connected to the engine generator when necessary; and control device for allowing the engine to perform a recovery preparation operation in such a manner that, once the amount of the particulate matter exceeds the predetermined value, the recovery operation is performed when the temperature of exhaust gas reaches a reference temperature, and the dummy load is connected to the generator to raise the temperature of exhaust gas when the temperature thereof fails to reach the reference temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: DENYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seiji MATSUO, Yasuhiro KOBAYASHI, Shinji MATSUDA, Tadahiro FUJITA
  • Patent number: 8943815
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The exchanger has a thermoelectric generator which comprises a hot side and a cold side with a heating pipe arranged on one hot side of the thermoelectric generator, and with a cooling pipe arranged on one cold side of the thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator the heating pipe, and the cooling pipe are stacked in a stack direction on top of one another and form a pipe stack, in which the respective thermoelectric generator, heating pipe and cold pipe extend parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction of the pipe stack. An increased energetic efficiency is obtained. A heat transfer structure has a heat transfer capability favoring a heat transfer between the respective pipe and the respective media conducted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Eberspacher Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Resch
  • Patent number: 8943814
    Abstract: A warm-up system for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine includes an electronic control unit that performs warm-up control for warming up an exhaust system component upon start-up of the internal combustion engine and a failure diagnosis performing module of the electronic control unit that performs failure diagnosis for the exhaust system component after the completion of warm-up of the exhaust system component. If the internal combustion engine repeatedly stops before completion of the failure diagnosis for a predetermined period of time, then the electronic control unit changes the warm-up control performed upon start-up of the internal combustion engine to a control that raises the temperature of the exhaust system component more quickly than the warm-up control performed during the predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Shibata, Toru Kidokoro, Hiroshi Sawada, Kazuya Takaoka
  • Publication number: 20150027683
    Abstract: A heat exchange device includes a thermoactuator usable over a long period of time is disclosed. The thermoactuator includes a case. In the case, there is formed a stopper providing an advancement limit of a rod to limit an opening degree of a valve of the thermoactuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Toru HISANAGA, Tomoyuki UCHIDA, Teruaki HYODO
  • Patent number: 8938946
    Abstract: An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine has a thermoelectric power generator with a hot side and a cold side. The hot side is arranged on the exhaust gas system and is heatable by exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. A first heat exchanger having a first thermal conductivity is arranged between the hot side and the exhaust gas flow. At least a second thermoelectric power generator is arranged on the exhaust gas system and has a second heat exchanger with a thermal conductivity that is different from the first thermal conductivity. The arrangement of thermoelectric power generators can generate electric power over a significantly wider operating point range of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rainer Richter
  • Patent number: 8936070
    Abstract: A device for cooling a gas flow of an internal combustion engine includes a housing, an inlet and an outlet for a gas of the internal combustion engine, which is to be cooled, an inlet and an outlet for a liquid coolant, a heat exchanger for heat transfer between the gas and the coolant, a first wall section of the housing, wherein the first wall section is arranged between the coolant and the gas flow, and a second wall section of the housing, wherein the second wall section is arranged between the coolant and the atmosphere, wherein the first wall section and the second wall section are integrally formed in one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventors: Peter Geskes, Bernd Grünenwald, Wolfgang Knödler
  • Patent number: 8931545
    Abstract: A heat exchanger arrangement is provided for an internal-combustion engine having a heat engine, which converts hot steam of a working medium by way of an expansion device to kinetic energy. The working medium, that can be delivered by a pump, can be heated in a first heat exchanger by a coolant and in a second heat exchanger by an exhaust gas of the internal-combustion engine. In the delivery direction, the working medium first flows through the first heat exchanger and, subsequently, through the second heat exchanger. The exhaust gas can flow through the first heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Raymond Freymann, Wolfgang Strobl, Walter Huebner, Andreas Obieglo, Peter Doemeland, Norbert Kraus, Juergen Becker, Michael Hoetger, Christian Goebel, Goeran Gensicke
  • Patent number: 8931260
    Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction system that can defrost urea aqueous solution without interruption of warm air of an engine or heating of a vehicle cabin. The system includes a defrosting control unit to open a tank heater valve at the time of starting the engine and close the tank heater valve when the temperature of the urea aqueous solution detected by a temperature sensor reaches a predetermined defrosting completion determination value, and a warm air priority control unit to prohibit the opening of the valve by the defrosting control unit when the temperature of the cooling water is less than a predetermined defrosting permission value and permit the opening of the valve by the defrosting control unit when the temperature of the cooling water is equal to or more than the defrosting permission value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Masanobu Minezawa, Shinji Hara, Tetsuya Murata
  • Publication number: 20150007554
    Abstract: A vehicle having an engine is disclosed. The vehicle includes an exhaust pipe receiving exhaust gas from the engine and a muffler connected to the exhaust pipe. An oxygen concentration sensor is disposed in a boss defining a port in the exhaust pipe. The boss includes a diameter greater than a widest dimension of the oxygen concentration sensor which may be in the form of a fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Rodney M. Frijas
  • Publication number: 20150007562
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to the invention is applied to an internal combustion engine that is equipped with an exhaust gas treatment device that is provided in an exhaust passage, and a burner device that is provided in the exhaust passage upstream of the exhaust gas treatment device so as to raise a temperature of exhaust gas supplied to the exhaust gas treatment device. The control apparatus performs an increase control for increasing a concentration of oxygen in exhaust gas supplied to the burner device if the concentration of oxygen is not higher than a predetermined required concentration of oxygen when there is a request to operate the burner device. The combustion performance of the burner device is stably ensured by securing or compensating for an insufficient concentration of oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akinori Morishima, Kenichi Tsujimoto
  • Patent number: 8925318
    Abstract: A waste heat retrieval system of a vehicle may include a reservoir disposed in a lower side of a exhaust gas boiler and in which a predetermined space is formed, a retrieval line that connects the exhaust gas boiler with the reservoir, a retrieval supply control valve disposed to open or close the retrieval line, and a control portion that controls the retrieval supply control valve to open the retrieval line such that working fluid of the exhaust gas boiler is returned to the reservoir if a retrieval condition is satisfied. Accordingly, the working fluid of the exhaust gas boiler in a waste heat retrieval system may be retrieved to the reservoir and therefore the freezing problem of the working fluid can be substantially resolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jungmin Seo
  • Publication number: 20150000259
    Abstract: A component of an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine. The component comprises an exhaust system structure (20) having an interior (22) through which exhaust gases flow and an exterior (21), and a thermal insulating wrap (10) for thermally insulating at least a portion of the exterior (21) of the exhaust system structure (20). The thermal insulating wrap (10) comprises an aqueous mixture comprising an inorganic binder and inorganic filler particles, and a fabric comprising inorganic fibers. The fabric is impregnated with the aqueous mixture so as to form a pliable binder wrap (11). The pliable binder wrap (11) is wound completely around at least a portion of the exhaust system structure (20). It can be desirable for the component to further comprise at least one thermal insulator comprising inorganic fibers, where the thermal insulator is disposed between the pliable binder wrap (11) and the exterior 21 of the exhaust system structure (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Peter T. Dietz