Unit for recovering thermal energy from exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine

Abstract

A unit for recovering thermal energy from exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine comprises: - an inlet (10); - an outlet (11); - a heat exchanger (5) arranged downstream of the inlet (10) and upstream of the outlet (11); and - a valve capable of being switched between a recovery position, in which the exhaust gas flows from the inlet (10) through the heat exchanger (5) to the outlet (11), and a bypass position, in which the exhaust gas flows from the inlet (10) through a bypass (8) to the outlet (11), wherein the valve comprises separate first (40) and second (41) valve bodies and associated separate first (430, 431) and second (440, 441) valve seats arranged upstream and downstream of the heat exchanger (5), respectively, and wherein the first (4) and second (41) valve bodies are adapted to be switched only simultaneously from the recovery position to the bypass position and vice versa.

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a unit for recovering thermal energy. Background technique

[0002] The automotive industry is increasingly focusing on reducing fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, recycling of materials, and recovery and conversion of otherwise dissipated heat energy in the design of engines, on-board systems, and vehicles themselves.

[0003] With regard to the recovery and conversion of heat energy, the exhaust gases from internal combustion engines, after being treated by catalytic converters or even more complex treatment units, carry a certain amount of heat energy which can be recovered for various useful purposes. For example, it has been proposed to recover thermal energy from the exhaust for the following purposes: heating the cabin of the vehicle (by heating the engine's cooling water more rapidly); heating the lubricating oil more rapidly after a cold start of the engine to the optimum temperature (low viscosity); or to convert...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0030] figure 1 and figure 2 are perspective views viewed from opposite sides (front view and rear view) of an embodiment of a thermal energy recovery unit according to the invention. As can be seen, the inflow exhaust gas Ein from the internal combustion engine or from a catalytic converter arranged downstream of the engine enters the thermal energy recovery unit via the inlet 10 of the housing 1 of the thermal energy recovery unit, flows through the thermal energy recovery unit, The thermal energy recovery unit then exits as outgoing exhaust gas Eout via outlet 11 of the housing. The housing 1 also includes a top wall 12 , two side walls 13 and 14 and a bottom 15 . as available from figure 1 It can be seen that the actuator 2 of the thermal energy recovery unit is coupled to the first shaft 45 of the first disc 40 by means of the mechanical linkage system 3 (see image 3 or Figure 4 ) and is coupled to the second shaft 46 of the second disc 41 (see image 3 or Figu...

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a unit for recovering thermal energy. Background technique

[0002] The automotive industry is increasingly focusing on reducing fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, recycling of materials, and recovery and conversion of otherwise dissipated heat energy in the design of engines, on-board systems, and vehicles themselves.

[0003] With regard to the recovery and conversion of heat energy, the exhaust gases from internal combustion engines, after being treated by catalytic converters or even more complex treatment units, carry a certain amount of heat energy which can be recovered for various useful purposes. For example, it has been proposed to recover thermal energy from the exhaust for the following purposes: heating the cabin of the vehicle (by heating the engine's cooling water more rapidly); heating the lubricating oil more rapidly after a cold start of the engine to the optimum temperature (low viscosity); or to convert...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0030] figure 1 and figure 2 are perspective views viewed from opposite sides (front view and rear view) of an embodiment of a thermal energy recovery unit according to the invention. As can be seen, the inflow exhaust gas Ein from the internal combustion engine or from a catalytic converter arranged downstream of the engine enters the thermal energy recovery unit via the inlet 10 of the housing 1 of the thermal energy recovery unit, flows through the thermal energy recovery unit, The thermal energy recovery unit then exits as outgoing exhaust gas Eout via outlet 11 of the housing. The housing 1 also includes a top wall 12 , two side walls 13 and 14 and a bottom 15 . as available from figure 1 It can be seen that the actuator 2 of the thermal energy recovery unit is coupled to the first shaft 45 of the first disc 40 by means of the mechanical linkage system 3 (see image 3 or Figure 4 ) and is coupled to the second shaft 46 of the second disc 41 (see image 3 or Figu...

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