Method for controlling exhaust gas heat recovery systems in vehicles

Patent · 11 June 2013

OSTI ID:1084201

Spohn, Brian L.; Claypole, George M.; Starr, Richard D

A method of operating a vehicle including an engine, a transmission, an exhaust gas heat recovery (EGHR) heat exchanger, and an oil-to-water heat exchanger providing selective heat-exchange communication between the engine and transmission. The method includes controlling a two-way valve, which is configured to be set to one of an engine position and a transmission position. The engine position allows heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger and the engine, but does not allow heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger and the oil-to-water heat exchanger. The transmission position allows heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger, the oil-to-water heat exchanger, and the engine. The method also includes monitoring an ambient air temperature and comparing the monitored ambient air temperature to a predetermined cold ambient temperature. If the monitored ambient air temperature is greater than the predetermined cold ambient temperature, the two-way valve is set to the transmission position.

• Research Organization: DOESC (USDOE Office of Science (SC) (United States))
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: FC26-08NT04386
• Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (Detroit, MI)
• Patent Number(s): 8,463,495
• Application Number: 12/957,755
• OSTI ID: 1084201
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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