Transmission heating and storage device
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsPAULO A. RIEDEL, RENATO FREITAS SILVA
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A heat storage and release system for a transmission includes a material capable of super cooling within an operating temperature range of the transmission. The material is in thermal communication with the transmission. An energy input device is associated with the material and operable to input energy to the material to initiate an exothermic phase change within the material in order to deliver heat to the transmission.
Claims23
A heat storage and release system for a transmission, the heat storage and release system comprising:
- a material capable of super cooling within an operating temperature range of the transmission, wherein the material is in thermal communication with the transmission;
- an energy input device associated with the material and operable to input energy to the material to initiate an exothermic phase change within the material in order to deliver heat to the transmission.
A system in a transmission, the system comprising:
- a transmission hydraulic fluid;
- and
- a heat storage and release system in contact with the hydraulic fluid, the heat storage and release system comprising:
- a housing that defines a cavity;
- a material capable of storing and releasing heat, wherein the material is in thermal communication with the transmission hydraulic fluid;
- and
- an energy input device associated with the material and operable to input energy to the material to initiate an exothermic phase change within the material in order to deliver heat to the transmission hydraulic fluid.
A transmission comprising:
- a transmission case;
- a sump located at a bottom of the transmission case;
- a hydraulic fluid disposed within the sump;
- and
- a heat storage and release system in contact with the hydraulic fluid, the heat storage and release system comprising:
- a housing that defines a cavity, wherein the housing is connected to a portion of the sump;
- a material capable of storing and releasing heat, wherein the material is in thermal communication with the hydraulic fluid;
- and
- an energy input device associated with the material and operable to input energy to the material to initiate an exothermic phase change within the material in order to deliver heat to the hydraulic fluid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.