18060512. SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO HEAT A FLUID CONTAINED IN A TANK ATTACHED TO A VEHICLE simplified abstract (Ford Global Technologies, LLC)
Contents
- 1 SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO HEAT A FLUID CONTAINED IN A TANK ATTACHED TO A VEHICLE
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO HEAT A FLUID CONTAINED IN A TANK ATTACHED TO A VEHICLE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 Original Abstract Submitted
SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO HEAT A FLUID CONTAINED IN A TANK ATTACHED TO A VEHICLE
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Aed M. Dudar of Canton MI (US)
SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO HEAT A FLUID CONTAINED IN A TANK ATTACHED TO A VEHICLE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18060512 titled 'SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO HEAT A FLUID CONTAINED IN A TANK ATTACHED TO A VEHICLE
Simplified Explanation
The disclosure relates to systems and methods for heating a fluid in a vehicle using an inductive heating element embedded in a road.
- Target fluid temperature is identified and a separation distance between the tank and the heating element is determined.
- The tank is lowered to a heating position above the heating element based on the separation distance.
- The tank is retained in the heating position to heat the fluid in the tank.
- The tank is raised to a retracted position once the fluid reaches the target temperature.
- The tank is lowered back to the heating position if a drop in temperature is detected while in the retracted position.
Potential Applications
This technology could be used in electric vehicles to efficiently heat fluids such as coolant or battery thermal management systems.
Problems Solved
This innovation solves the problem of efficiently heating fluids in a vehicle without the need for traditional heating systems that consume energy.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include energy efficiency, reduced reliance on traditional heating systems, and improved performance of vehicle fluid systems.
Potential Commercial Applications
One potential commercial application of this technology could be in the automotive industry for electric vehicles looking to improve energy efficiency and battery performance.
Possible Prior Art
There may be prior art related to inductive heating systems for vehicles, but the specific application of heating fluids in a tank using an inductive heating element embedded in a road may be a novel approach.
Unanswered Questions
How does this technology impact the overall energy consumption of a vehicle?
This technology could potentially reduce energy consumption by providing a more efficient method of heating fluids in a vehicle, but the exact impact would depend on various factors such as the size of the tank and the heating requirements of the fluid system.
What are the potential maintenance requirements for the inductive heating element embedded in the road?
The maintenance requirements for the heating element would need to be considered, such as durability, longevity, and potential repair or replacement costs over time.
Original Abstract Submitted
The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for heating a fluid being transported in a vehicle. An example method includes identifying, by a processor, a target fluid temperature and determining, based on the target fluid temperature, a separation distance between a tank attached to an underbody of the vehicle and an inductive heating element embedded in a road. The processor lowers the tank to a heating position above the inductive heating element based on the separation distance, and retains the tank in the heating position for using the inductive heating element to heat a fluid contained in the tank. The processor may raise the tank to a retracted position upon determining that the fluid has been heated to the target fluid temperature. The processor re-lowers the tank to the heating position upon detecting a drop in temperature of the fluid when the tank is in the retracted position.
