Zero-energy consuming thermal energy management system for vehicles

A method for managing a zero-energy consumption operation for a vehicle, the method comprising:

• providing an exhaust loop in fluid communication with a power generating unit, and in thermal communication with each of a first adsorption-based thermal battery, a second adsorption-based thermal battery, and a thermoelectric generator;
• operating a climate control system powered by the first thermal battery;
• and
• concurrently recharging an adsorbent medium of the second thermal battery using waste heat from the exhaust loop.

A method for a continuous operation of a climate control system in a hybrid electric vehicle, the method comprising:

• providing an exhaust loop in fluid communication with an engine, and in thermal communication with each of a first group of adsorption-based thermal batteries, a second group of adsorption-based thermal batteries, and at least one thermoelectric generator;
• alternating the continuous operation of the climate control system powered by one of the first and second groups of thermal batteries;
• and
• concurrently recharging an adsorbent medium of the other one of the first and second groups of thermal batteries using waste heat from the exhaust loop.