Patent ID: 8878047
Filing Date: 2014-11-04
Classification: B60K,B60L,F03G,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A heat engine system for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is operable on a road surface, the heat engine system comprising: a collector configured for collecting an air layer disposed adjacent the road surface, wherein the collector is disposed on an underside surface of the vehicle and spaced opposite the road surface; 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, wherein the air layer has a first temperature and the ambient air has a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature; a guide configured for transferring the air layer from the collector to the heat engine; and a spoiler configured for transitioning between a retracted position wherein the spoiler is disposed substantially flush with the underside surface, and a deployed position wherein the spoiler extends from the underside surface to thereby deflect debris from the collector.