Patent ID: 7467605
Filing Date: 2008-12-23
Classification: F01P

Abstract:
1. A thermal energy recovery and management system comprising: a thermally insulated primary reservoir for storing thermal energy; at least one sub-reservoir which is fully enclosed within said primary reservoir, in thermal energy exchange relationship with the primary reservoir and in fluid communication with at least one of an engine, a transmission, and an exhaust gas recirculator; a first fluid circuit providing communication between the primary reservoir and the engine; a second fluid circuit providing communication between the at least one sub-reservoir and at least one of the engine, the transmission, and the exhaust gas recirculator; a control unit for selectively controlling fluid communication in the first fluid circuit between the primary reservoir and the engine, and in the second fluid circuit between the at least one sub-reservoir and the at least one of the engine, the transmission, and the exhaust gas recirculator to maintain a balance of thermal energy in the reservoirs, the internal combustion engine, and the at least one of the engine, the transmission, and the exhaust gas recirculator; a means for providing a motive force for causing a thermal energy conveying fluid to flow between the primary reservoir and the engine; and a means for providing a motive force for causing a thermal energy conveying fluid to flow between the at least one sub-reservoir and at least one of the engine, the transmission, and the exhaust gas recirculator.