Efficient vehicle component heating
First Claim
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1. A method warming powertrain lubricating oil and cabin air during engine warm-up from a cold start, comprising:
- selectively driving an oil shear device via engagement and disengagement of a clutch coupled between a crankshaft and the oil shear device during the cold start based on powertrain lubricating oil temperature;
directing the powertrain lubricating oil to the oil shear device;
directing the powertrain lubricating oil to an electrical heater powered by an alternator; and
flowing cabin air via ducting to the alternator, warming the cabin air via alternator waste heat.
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Abstract
Methods for achieving efficient vehicle component heating are provided. One example method for controlling the warming of powertrain lubricants during engine warm-up from a cold start, the engine having an output crankshaft, includes selectively driving a lubricant heating device with the crankshaft during the cold start based on lubricant temperature. The method further includes directing the powertrain lubricants to the lubricant heating device.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method warming powertrain lubricating oil and cabin air during engine warm-up from a cold start, comprising:
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selectively driving an oil shear device via engagement and disengagement of a clutch coupled between a crankshaft and the oil shear device during the cold start based on powertrain lubricating oil temperature; directing the powertrain lubricating oil to the oil shear device; directing the powertrain lubricating oil to an electrical heater powered by an alternator; and flowing cabin air via ducting to the alternator, warming the cabin air via alternator waste heat. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for controlling warming of powertrain lubricants during engine warm-up operation from a cold start, the engine having an output crankshaft, comprising:
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selectively driving a heating system with the crankshaft during the cold start based on lubricating oil temperature and at least when catalyst temperature is less than a threshold value, and further while maintaining engine idle speed; and directing the powertrain lubricants to the heating system, wherein the heat generating system includes an electric machine and an electric heater, where the engine crankshaft drives the electric machine, and where the electric machine generates electrical energy to power the electric heater. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A method of operating a vehicle having a powertrain including an engine, the powertrain further including a first lubricant heating device configured to selectively heat powertrain lubricating oil, comprising:
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during a first non-warmed engine start, selectively mechanically driving the first lubricant heating device from a crankshaft of the engine based on lubricant oil temperature, at least during a portion of the start, with ignition timing at a first location relative to a peak torque timing; and during a second engine start, operating with the first lubricant heating device driven to a lesser extent by the crankshaft of the engine than in the first condition, at least during a portion of the second start, with ignition timing at a second location more retarded than the first location, and with lubricant oil temperature higher during the second start than during the first start. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A method for controlling warming of powertrain lubricants during engine warm-up operation from a cold start, the engine having an output crankshaft, comprising:
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during a first engine start, selectively driving a first heating system with the crankshaft during the first start based on lubricating oil temperature and while maintaining engine idle speed, the first heating system including an electric machine and an electric heater, where the engine crankshaft drives the electric machine, and where the electric machine generates electrical energy to power the electric heater; and during a second engine start, selectively and mechanically driving a second heat generating system with the crankshaft during the second start based on lubricating oil temperature and while maintaining engine idle speed, the second heat generating system including a clutch selectively coupling a shear device mechanically to the crankshaft; and
directing the powertrain lubricants to the first and second heat generating systems. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A method, comprising:
heating a passenger compartment of a vehicle by ducting airflow to absorb waste heat from an engine alternator en route to the passenger compartment, during engine warm-up before coolant temperature has warmed to a threshold.
Specification