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THERMAL MANAGEMENT METHODS

  • US 20110232890A9
  • Filed: 10/02/2006
  • Published: 09/29/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/04/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A thermal management method for a vehicle, comprising:

  • providing a heat exchanger having a thermal energy storage material disposed therein;

    providing first and second coolant loops configured to circulate distinct coolant mixtures through the respective first and second coolant loops;

    thermally coupling the first coolant loop to a battery module located within the first coolant loop;

    thermally coupling the second coolant loop to the heat exchanger;

    providing an interface in close proximity to the second coolant loop, wherein the interface is configured to transfer heat generated by an internal combustion engine of the vehicle to the heat exchanger, via the second coolant loop, for storage within the thermal energy storage material; and

    selectively performing one or more of preheating the battery module, heating a passenger cabin of the vehicle, increasing sensible heat or latent heat of fusion of the material from a first thermal state to a higher second thermal state using the heat stored within the thermal energy storage material.

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