초록 ▼

Described is a thermal energy storage and delivery system for delivering thermal energy to both a passenger compartment of a vehicle and a component, such as a battery, located externally of the passenger compartment. The system capitalizes on excess capacity stored in a thermal energy storage appar

Described is a thermal energy storage and delivery system for delivering thermal energy to both a passenger compartment of a vehicle and a component, such as a battery, located externally of the passenger compartment. The system capitalizes on excess capacity stored in a thermal energy storage apparatus, to heat the external component in addition to the passenger compartment.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A thermal energy storage and delivery system operable to discharge thermal potential to both a passenger compartment of a vehicle and a vehicle component located externally of the passenger compartment, said system comprising:(i) a main environmental control system for im

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A thermal energy storage and delivery system operable to discharge thermal potential to both a passenger compartment of a vehicle and a vehicle component located externally of the passenger compartment, said system comprising:(i) a main environmental control system for imparting thermal potential to the passenger compartment to maintain a non-ambient temperature within the passenger compartment while an engine of the vehicle is in operation, said main environmental control system including:a primary thermal supply loop for circulating a primary thermal energy transfer medium;a primary heat exchange means within said primary thermal supply loop;an air duct opening into the passenger compartment and within which said primary heat exchange means is located; andmeans for creating a forced air flow through said duct across said primary heat exchange means and then into the passenger compartment; and(ii) a supplemental environmental control system including:thermal energy storage means containing a thermal storage medium operable to store thermal potential;coupling means for coupling said thermal energy storage means to said primary thermal supply loop so that thermal potential is delivered to said thermal energy storage means in a charging cycle during operation of the engine;first transfer means for transferring thermal potential from said thermal energy storage means to the passenger compartment of the vehicle while the engine is not in operation;external heat exchange means located externally of the passenger compartment for transferring thermal potential to an adjacent vehicle component also located externally of the passenger compartment; andsecond transfer means for transferring thermal potential from said thermal storage means to said external heat exchange means while the engine is not in operation.