U.S. patent application number 12/391177 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-09 for motor oil heating system, product and method.
Invention is credited to Richard D. Sposato.
Application Number | 20100307447 12/391177 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43299830 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100307447 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sposato; Richard D. |
December 9, 2010 |
Motor Oil Heating System, Product and Method
Abstract
A motor oil heating system for a vehicle comprising one or more
solar panels comprised of one or more photovoltaic cells; one or
more heaters thermally coupled to the motor oil, wherein the solar
panels are electrically coupled to the heaters and power the
heaters based on a voltage generated by the solar panel such that
the heaters warm the engine oil.
Inventors: |
Sposato; Richard D.;
(Pleasant Hill, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEST & ASSOCIATES, A PC
1255 Treat Blvd., 3rd Floor
WALNUT CREEK
CA
94597
US
|
Family ID: |
43299830 |
Appl. No.: |
12/391177 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11698649 |
Jan 25, 2007 |
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12391177 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
123/196AB ;
219/205 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01M 5/021 20130101;
F01M 5/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
123/196AB ;
219/205 |
International
Class: |
F01M 5/00 20060101
F01M005/00 |
Claims
1. An oil heating system for a vehicle comprising: one or more
solar panels comprised of one or more photovoltaic cells; and one
or more heaters physically connected to a component selected from
the group consisting of an oil reservoir of an engine, an oil pan
of an engine, and a transmission block, wherein the solar panels
are electrically coupled to the heaters and power the heaters based
on a voltage generated by the solar panel such that the heaters
warm the oil above ambient temperature reducing the viscosity of
the oil thus facilitating pumping the oil when the engine initially
begins to operate.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein one or more of the heaters is
thermally coupled to the motor oil,
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the heater is a heating pad
affixed to an exterior of an oil pan.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein the heater is physically
positioned to enter into either an interior of an engine block or
an oil pan.
5. The system of claim 2 further comprising: at least one battery;
and at least one control module electrically coupled to the
battery, the solar panel and the heater, wherein the control module
switches power to the heater between the battery and the solar
panel.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the control module is a timer.
7. The system of claim 2 further comprising: at least one battery
electrically coupled to said solar panel; and at least one voltage
regulator for controlling power between the battery, the solar
panels an the heaters, wherein the voltage regulator controls power
to heater based on the output of the solar panel and the charge
state of the battery.
8. The system of claim 2 further comprising: a control module; and
an electrical connector connected to a power supply, wherein the
control module switches power to the heaters between the power
supply and the solar panel.
9. The system of claim 2 further comprising a temperature probe for
measuring the temperature of the oil and selectively applying an
electrical current to the heaters based on the temperature of the
oil.
10. An oil heating system for a vehicle comprising: one or more
solar panels comprised of one or more photovoltaic cells; one or
more heaters physically connected to the oil, a timer; and a
battery, wherein the solar panels are electrically connected to the
battery, said battery being electrically connected to the timer,
said timer providing power to the heaters at a predetermined
interval such that the heaters heat the oil thus reducing the
viscosity of the oil and facilitating pumping the oil when the
engine initially begins to operate.
11. A motor oil heating system for a vehicle, comprising: one or
more solar panels comprised of one or more photovoltaic cells; one
or more heaters physically connected to an oil pan of an engine; a
battery; a control module; and a vehicle ignition component,
wherein the vehicle ignition component is electrically coupled to
the control module, the control module being electrically coupled
to the battery, said battery configured to provide an electrical
charge to the one or more heaters such that the one or more heaters
heat motor oil in the oil pan thus reducing viscosity of the motor
oil and facilitating pumping of the motor oil when the engine is
started.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the control module is a
switch.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein the switch is activated by an
ignition component.
14. The system of claim 11 further comprising: a plug electrically
coupled to the battery, wherein the plug is configured to provide
electrical charge to the battery.
15. A method of increasing fuel efficiency of an engine comprising
the following steps in any order: connecting at least one heater to
an oil reservoir of the engine, and coupling the heating element to
one or more solar panels, wherein when the engine is not operating,
the temperature of the oil is raised above ambient temperatures
reducing the viscosity of the oil thus facilitating pumping the oil
when the engine initially begins to operate.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the following steps
in any order: coupling the heating element to one or more control
modules; and coupling the control modules to one or more solar
panels, wherein said connecting at least one heater to an oil
reservoir of the engine is thermally coupled.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the control module is a timer
for providing power to the heaters at a predetermined interval such
that the oil is not continuously heated.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the coupling of at least one
heating element is to one or more power sources.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the power source is a solar
panel comprising one or more photovoltaic cells.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the heating element is coupled
to the power source though a control module so that power sources
are selectively coupled to the heating element.
21. The method of claim 20 further wherein one of the one or more
power sources is 120 VAC power.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein the control module is selected
from the group consisting of a timer, voltage regulator and
switch.
23. The method of claim 20 wherein the heating element is a heating
pad.
24. The method of claim 20 for increasing the fuel efficiency of an
engine further comprising: connecting at least one heating element
to an oil reservoir of the engine; coupling the heating element to
one or more solar panels; and heating the oil from a cold start
temperature to the operating temperature of the engine, wherein the
cold start temperature is greater than the freezing point of the
oil, wherein when the engine is not operating, the temperature of
the oil is raised reducing the viscosity of the oil thus
facilitating pumping the oil when the engine initially begins to
operate.
25. The method of claim 26 wherein the increased fuel efficiency is
maximized in a temperature range from about a cold start
temperature of greater than 32 degrees Fahrenheit to an optimal
heated temperature of 112 degrees Fahrenheit.
Description
CROSS REFRENCES TO RELATED APPLCACTIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/698,649, "Motor Oil Heating System, Product
and Method," filed Jan. 25, 2007, which is hereby incorporated
entirely herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The subject matter herein relates generally to a system and
method for heating engine motor oil and thereby improving engine
fuel efficiency. Further, the subject matter also relates generally
to a means for electrically coupling a heating element to one or
more power sources to directly or indirectly heat the engine motor
oil. The present disclosure relates more specifically to a solar
means of heating engine motor oil for providing improvements in
engine fuel efficiency.
[0003] One aspect of the current invention involves lubricants,
such as motor oil, and the affect on engines of the lubricants over
varying temperatures. The basic performance of an engine or other
machinery is based on the viscosity of the lubricant. Viscosity is
the resistance to the flowability of the oil. The thicker an oil,
the higher its viscosity. Multigrade motor oils work by having a
polymer added to a light base oil which prevents the oil from
thinning too much as it warms up. At low temperatures, the polymers
are coiled up and allow the oil to flow. As the oil heats up, the
polymers unwind into long chains which prevent the oil from
thinning as much as it normally would.
[0004] The viscosity index (VI) of a lubricant is an empirical
formula that allows the change in viscosity caused by heating to be
calculated. The higher the viscosity index, the less an oil will
thin at a specified temperature. Multi-viscosity motor oils will
have a viscosity index well over 100, while single viscosity motor
oils and most industrial oils will have a VI of about 100 or
less.
[0005] The viscosity of an engine's oil and the performance of an
automobile are related. If the viscosity is too high for the
ambient temperature, the oil pump will have to work too hard to
deliver the oil and result will be a lower fuel efficiency as
measured in miles per gallon (MPG). Conversely, if the oil
viscosity is too low then the engine will have an excessive amount
of internal friction also resulting in a lower MPG.
[0006] As such what is needed is a system and method for ensuring
motor oil is at an appropriate temperature for efficient engine
operation.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present disclosure is directed to a motor oil heating
system which improves fuel efficiency. The invention provides for a
motor oil heating system for a vehicle which utilizes solar panels
comprised of photovoltaic cells and a heater physically connected
to an oil reservoir, an oil pan or transmission block containing
motor oil. The solar panels are electrically coupled to the heaters
and power the heaters based on a voltage generated by the solar
panel such that the heaters warm the engine oil. By heating the
engine oil, the viscosity of the oil is reduced which allows for
the engine to run more efficiently.
[0008] In another embodiment, heaters may also be thermally coupled
to the motor oil. In one embodiment, a heating pad may be affixed
to the exterior of an oil pan. Alternatively, a heater may be
physically positioned to enter into the interior of an engine block
or oil pan. In another embodiment, a battery may be electronically
coupled to a control module, solar panel and heater. The control
module serves to switch power to the heater between the battery and
the solar panel. In certain aspects, the control module may be a
timer.
[0009] Additionally, a battery and solar panel may be electrically
coupled together with a voltage regulator utilized to control power
between the battery, solar panel and the heater in another
embodiment. The voltage regulator is utilized to control the power
to the heater based upon the solar panel output and the charge of
the battery. If there is insufficient light for powering the
heating pad, a control module may be used to provide an alternative
energy source. The control module is electrically connected to a
power supply and allows for power to the heaters to be switched
between a power supply and the solar panel. Further, a temperature
probe may be utilized as a sensor to determine if the oil is below
a predetermined value. Should the oil fall below this predetermined
value, the circuit is closed which allows current to pass into the
heating element to heat the oil. When the oil reaches the
predetermined temperature, the probe senses the temperature and
opens to shut off the current to the heating element.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, a timer and battery
may be coupled to the solar panel and heater in order to heat oil
in the transmission or motor of a vehicle. A solar panel is
electrically connected to a battery, which in turn is electrically
connected to a timer. The timer controls the heater which is
physically coupled to the motor oil. The solar panel charges the
battery until the battery contains enough power to operate the
heater. The timer directs power to the heater and also provides for
charging the battery such that the heaters heat the motor oil thus
reducing the viscosity of the oil and facilitating pumping the
motor oil when the engine initially begins to operate.
[0011] Another embodiment may be configured so as to utilize the
ignition of a vehicle to facilitate the heating of motor oil. Here,
the vehicle ignition is electrically coupled to a control module,
which is in turn electrically coupled to the battery. The battery
is configured to provide an electric charge to the heater so that
the motor oil will begin to heat as the vehicle starts. As an
example, the control module may be a switch and is activated by an
ignition component. Additionally, a plug may be electrically
coupled to the battery in order to provide an electrical charge to
the battery.
[0012] Another embodiment provides for a method of increasing fuel
efficiency comprising certain steps which may be performed in any
order. The following is an example of an order of steps for such a
method: (1) connecting at least one heater to an oil reservoir of
the engine, and (2) coupling the heating element to one or more
solar panels, so that when the engine is not operating, the
temperature of the oil is raised above ambient temperatures
reducing the viscosity of the oil thus facilitating pumping the oil
when the engine initially begins to operate.
[0013] Another embodiment provides for a method of increasing fuel
efficiency comprising certain steps which may be performed in any
order. The steps in any order: (1) thermally coupling at least one
heating element to an oil reservoir of the engine; (2) coupling the
heating element to one or more control modules; and (3) coupling
the control modules to one or more solar panels, such that when the
engine is not operating, the temperature of the oil is raised above
the ambient temperature reducing the viscosity of the oil thus
facilitating pumping the oil when the engine initially begins to
operate. Here, the control module may be a timer utilized to
provide power to a heater at a predetermined interval such that the
oil is not continuously heated.
[0014] Another embodiment provides for a method comprising certain
steps which may be performed in any order. The steps: (1) thermally
coupling at least one heating element to an oil reservoir of the
engine; (2) coupling the heating element to one or more power
sources, so that when the engine is not operating, the temperature
of the oil is raised above ambient temperature reducing the
viscosity of the oil thus facilitating pumping the oil when the
engine initially begins to operate. In this embodiment, the power
source may be a solar panel comprising one or more photovoltaic
cells. Alternatively the power source may be 120 VAC power.
Additionally, the heating element is coupled to the power source
though a control module so that power sources may be connected to
the heating element. In the present embodiment, the control module
may be a timer, a voltage regulator, or a switch. Further, the
heater may be a heating pad.
[0015] An other embodiment provides for an additional method of
increasing fuel efficiency of an engine comprising certain steps
which may be performed in any order. The steps: (1) connecting at
least one heating element to an oil reservoir of the engine; (2)
coupling the heating element to one or more solar panels; and (3
such that the cold start temperature is greater than the freezing
point of the oil. Thus, when the engine is not operating, the
temperature of the oil is raised reducing the viscosity of the oil
thus facilitating pumping the oil when the engine initially begins
to operate. With such a method, the increased fuel efficiency is
maximized in a temperature range from about a cold start
temperature of greater than 32 degrees Fahrenheit to an optimal
heated temperature of 112 degrees Fahrenheit.
[0016] This disclosure provides for a motor oil heating system for
a vehicle comprising one or more solar panels each comprised of one
or more photovoltaic cells; one or more heaters thermally coupled
to the motor oil, wherein the solar panels are electrically coupled
to the heaters and power the heaters based on a voltage generated
by the solar panel such that the heaters warm the engine oil.
[0017] The construction and method of operation of the invention,
together with additional objectives and advantages thereof, will be
best understood from the following description of specific
embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an oil heating system
for a vehicle.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment utilizing one or more
heating pads.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment with a control module.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment with a battery connected to
the control module.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment using a timer and a
battery.
[0023] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment using a timer, a battery, an
electrical plug and a switch.
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment with two heating elements
and a switch.
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment with two heating
elements.
[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment with a solar panel, a
battery and a heating element with a temperature probe.
[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment with a solar panel, a
battery, a switch and a vehicle ignition component.
[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment with s solar panel, a
battery, a plug, a switch, and a vehicle ignition component.
[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates a method of increasing fuel efficiency
of an engine.
[0030] FIG. 13 illustrates a method further comprising thermally
coupling.
[0031] FIG. 14 illustrates a method of increasing fuel efficiency
of an engine with one or more power sources.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] Specific examples of components and arrangements are
described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of
course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In
addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals
and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the
purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a
relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations
discussed.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present
invention. A solar panel 10 comprised of one or more photovoltaic
cells is connected to a heating element 14 using electrical wiring
12 such that the solar panel collects energy from light, converts
it into electricity and supplies the electricity to a heating
element 14. The heating element 14 is thermally coupled to the
motor oil reservoir of an engine such that the motor oil is kept
warm when there is sufficient light impacting the photovoltaic
cells. This is accomplished by placing the heating element 14 on or
near an oil pan of a vehicle, such that when the vehicle is not
operating, the oil temperature is maintained above ambient
temperature when there is sufficient light to power the heating
element 14.
[0034] A single solar cell normally produces voltage and current
much less than the typical requirement of a heating element. A
photovoltaic cell typically provides 0.2-1.4 V and 0.1-5 A,
depending on the photovoltaic cell and its operating conditions,
e.g. direct sun light, cloudy, etc., while the electrical load most
likely requires a greater operating voltage and current. Thus a
number of photovoltaic cells are arranged in series to provide the
needed voltage requirement, and arranged in parallel to provide the
needed current requirement.
[0035] One having skill in the art will recognize that there are
many ways to effect the collection of solar power and conversion
into electricity. For vehicles, a thin film flexible solar panel
may be used to conform to existing vehicle designs so that
environmental and operating conditions are not adversely
affected.
[0036] There are many types of heating elements known in the art. A
heating element converts electricity into heat through the process
of Joule heating. Electrical current running through the element
encounters resistance, resulting in heating of the element. One
having skill in the art would recognize that thermally coupling the
heating element to the vehicle oil requires selection of an
appropriate means so that the oil, which may be flammable, it not
overheated. The heating element 14 may be thermally coupled by
attaching it to the exterior of the oil pan using a variety of
means.
[0037] This invention provides increased fuel efficiency by heating
the engine oil from a "cold start" temperature, which is determined
by environmental settings, to a temperature where the oil viscosity
is reduced such that pumping the oil through the engine is
facilitated. The cold start temperature may be determined by the
ambient temperature or the other factors wherein the oil
temperature is below its optimum viscosity. One having skill in the
art will appreciate that the further from the optimum operating
temperature the oil is, the more fuel efficiency can be increased
with the current invention. Also one having skill in the art will
appreciate that the current invention may be used for motor oil,
for transmission oil or other fluids where increasing their
temperature increases overall engine efficiency.
[0038] The benefit to the current invention is that the engine oil
is warmed using energy from renewable sources. Since it is easier
for an engine to pump a warm oil than a cold oil, the engine will
have less of a load and consequently consume less power. In effect
this invention provides increased fuel economy by reducing gasoline
consumption for the same engine performance.
[0039] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "an example embodiment", etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure or
characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include
the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such
phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
Further, when a particular feature, structure or characteristic is
described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it
is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to
affect such feature, structure or characteristic in connection with
other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Parts of the
description are presented using terminology commonly employed by
those of ordinary skill in the art to convey the substance of their
work to others of ordinary skill in the art.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment using a heating pad 24
instead of a heating element discussed above. A solar panel 20
comprised of one or more photovoltaic cells is connected to a
heating pad 24 using electrical wiring 22 such that the solar panel
collects energy from light, converts it into electricity and
supplies the electricity to a heating pad 24. The heating pad 24 is
thermally coupled to the motor oil reservoir of the engine such
that the motor oil is kept warm when there is sufficient light
impacting the photovoltaic cells. This is accomplished by placing
the heating pad 24 on or near an oil pan of a vehicle, such that
when the vehicle is not operating, the oil temperature is
maintained above ambient temperature when there is sufficient light
to power the heating pad 24.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the current invention
with a control module. A solar panel 30 comprised of one or more
photovoltaic cells is coupled to a heating pad 34 through a control
module 32. An electrical plug 36 is connected to the control module
32 for supplying the control module with electrical power. In
normal operation the solar panel collects energy from light,
converts it into electricity and supplies the electricity to a
heating pad 34. The heating pad 34 is thermally coupled to the
motor oil reservoir of the engine such that the motor oil is kept
warm when there is sufficient light impacting the photovoltaic
cells. This is accomplished by placing the heating pad 34 on or
near an oil pan of a vehicle, such that when the vehicle is not
operating, the oil temperature is maintained above ambient
temperature when there is sufficient light to power the heating pad
34.
[0042] When there is insufficient light for powering the heating
pad 34, the control module 32 is used to provide an alternative
means for powering the heating pad 34. At its most basic level the
control module 32 may contain a switch. When there is insufficient
light a user can switch the power to the heating pad 34 such that
it is powered by the electrical power supply instead of the solar
panel 30. On another level the control module 32 may also contain a
voltage regulator circuit that detects when the voltage from the
solar panel 30 is insufficient and automatically switches between
an electrical power supply and the solar panel 30 depending on the
output of the solar panel 30.
[0043] One having skill in the art would appreciate that the
heating pad 34 of the current embodiment may be replaced by other
heaters including the earlier described heating element.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment with a battery connected to
the control module. A solar panel 40 comprised of one or more
photovoltaic cells coupled to one or more heaters such as a heating
pad 44, or a heating element 48 or a combination thereof through a
control module 42. A battery 46 is connected to the control module
42 for supplying the control module 42 with electrical power. In
normal operation the solar panel collects energy from light,
converts it into electricity and supplies the electricity to a
heating pad 44 or heating element 48. The heating pad 44 or heating
element 48 is thermally coupled to the motor oil reservoir of the
engine such that the motor oil is kept warm when there is
sufficient light impacting the photovoltaic cells. This is
accomplished by placing the heating pad 44 on an oil pan or heating
element 48 near a transmission oil pan of a vehicle, such that when
the vehicle is not operating, the oil temperature is maintained
above ambient temperature when there is sufficient light to power
the heating pad 44 or heating element 48.
[0045] When there is insufficient light for powering the heating
pad 44 or the heating element 48, the control module 42 is used to
provide an alternative means of power from the battery 46. At its
most basic level the control module 42 may contain a switch. When
there is insufficient light a user can switch the power from the
solar panel 40 to the battery 46. The control module 42 may also
contain a voltage regulator circuit that detects when the voltage
from the solar panel 40 is insufficient and automatically switches
between a battery 46 and the solar panel 40 depending on the output
of the solar panel 40.
[0046] In the current embodiment the control module also provides
circuitry to direct surplus power from the solar panel 40 to the
battery 46 thus charging the battery during times of increased
sunlight and storing power for later use in times of reduced
sunlight.
[0047] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment using a timer 54 and a
battery 52. The timer 54 is connected to the battery 52 which in
turn is connected to a solar panel 50. The timer 54 controls a
heater 56. In this embodiment the solar panel 50 will charge the
battery 52 until the battery 52 has sufficient power to operate the
heater 56 effectively. The battery 52 is used to store power when
the solar panel does not provide enough power to operate the
heater. In this embodiment the heater is on for 2 hours and off for
10 hours.
[0048] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment using a timer 64, a battery
62, an AC electrical outlet and plug 66 and a switch 68. Here when
the switch is set to connect electricity from the electrical plug
and AC outlet 66 to a heater 70, power is supplied to the heater 70
from a conventional source such as a home electrical power plug and
AC outlet. When the switch is set to connect the heater to the
timer 64, power is supplied to the heater 70 from the battery 62.
The timer 64 directs power to heater 70 and provides for charging
the battery 62. The switch 68 can be activated in a plurality of
methods including sensors, programmable controls and manual.
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment with one or more heating
elements and a switch. Here the solar panel 70 provides power to a
switch 72 which can be switched to a first heating element 74
(shown as a heating pad) or to a second heating element 76.
Additional heating elements can be added to the application as
required to heat a plurality of oil reservoirs, as feasible with
the designed battery circuit and voltage. By having two or more
heating elements this embodiment can be heat a plurality of oil
reservoirs on a vehicle, both the motor oil and the transmission
oil 79. Also a heating pad can be used to externally heat the oil
pan, while another heating element is used to heat transmission oil
by an insert mechanism either threaded or snapped into a prepared
opening. The switch 72 is used to select one or more of the heating
elements to operate.
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment with two or more
heating elements wherein all heating elements utilize an internal
mounting protruding inside a plurality of oil reservoirs to obtain
maximum heat transfer to said oil contained within said plurality
of oil reservoirs. Here, the solar panel 80 provides power to a
first heating element 82 and a second heating element 84. More
heating elements can be provided in further embodiments. By having
two or more heating elements, the invention can be used to heat two
or more oil reservoirs on a vehicle at the same time, depending on
the respective circuit currents and power source sizes and
circuitry. In certain aspects, both the motor oil and the
transmission oil are heated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8. Also
a heating pad can be used to externally heat the oil pan, while
another heating element is used to protrude internally into other
oil reservoirs, such as where a heating element in a transmission
oil reservoir may heat a plurality of vehicle fluids, such as
transmission oil.
[0051] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the current invention
with a solar panel 90, a battery 92 and a heating element with a
temperature probe 94. In this embodiment the temperature probe is
in thermal contact with the oil. When the probe senses the oil is
below a predetermined value, it closes the circuit and allows for
an electrical current to pass into the heating element for heating
the oil. One embodiment of such an internally mounted probe sensor
is a thermistor or thermocouple, wherein said electrical device,
heating element assembly device transfers heat to a plurality of
vehicle fluids and measures the reservoir fluid temperature. One
embodiment of the heating element, temperature probe is to measure
the temperature and heat the fluid of engine oil. When the oil
reaches a predetermined temperature, the probe senses the
predetermined temperature and opens, thus shutting off the
electrical current to the heating element. Further embodiments of
said temperature probe heating element assembly is a method to
maximize the fuel efficiency by operating within an optimized
temperature delta measured between T1, the temperature above the
cold starting temperature of the vehicle fluid, and T2, the
temperature below the operating temperature of the vehicle
fluid.
[0052] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a motor oil heating
system 100 for a vehicle comprising a solar panel 101, a battery
102, a switch 108, an oil pan heater 106 and a vehicle ignition
component 109. Here, a solar panel 101 comprised of one or more
photovoltaic cells is electrically coupled to one or more oil pan
heaters 106. The solar panel is coupled to a battery 102 using
electrical wiring, which in turn is coupled to a switch 108. The
switch 108 is coupled to both the oil pan heater 106 and the
ignition component 109 of a vehicle. The solar panel 101 charges
the battery 102. When the vehicle is started, the ignition
component 109 sends a signal to the switch 108, wherein the signal
turns on the switch 108. This, in turn, allows the battery 102 to
discharge stored electrical energy into the oil pan heater 106. The
oil pan heats up in response to the electrical energy from the
battery 102. Thus, the oil begins heating as soon as the vehicle is
started. Heating the oil reduces its viscosity, resulting in
improved fuel efficiency for the vehicle.
[0053] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a motor oil heating
system 110 for a vehicle comprising a solar panel 111, a battery
112, a plug 117, an oil pan heater 116, a switch 118 and a vehicle
ignition component 119. The plug 117 is electrically coupled to the
battery 112. The plug 117 may be coupled to the battery 112 and may
provide direct current to charge the battery 112. The plug 117 may
have an associated transformer to convert alternating current to
direct current and supply the direct current to charge the battery
112. Here, a solar panel 111 comprised of one or more photovoltaic
cells is electrically coupled to one or more oil pan heaters 116.
The solar panel 111 is coupled to a battery 112 using electrical
wiring, which in turn is coupled to a switch 118. The switch 118 is
coupled to both the oil pan heater 116 and the ignition component
of a vehicle 119. The solar panel 111 charges the battery 112. When
the vehicle is started, the ignition component 119 sends a signal
to the switch 118, wherein the signal turns on the switch 118.
This, in turn, allows the battery 112 to discharge stored
electrical energy into the oil pan heater 116. The oil pan heats up
in response to the electrical energy from the battery 112. Thus,
the oil begins heating as soon as the vehicle is started. Heating
the oil reduces its viscosity, resulting in improved fuel
efficiency for the vehicle.
[0054] Another embodiment as shown in FIG. 12 provides for a method
120 of increasing fuel efficiency comprising certain steps which
may be performed in any order. The following steps in any order:
connecting at least one heater 126 to an oil reservoir of the
engine 123, and coupling the heating element to one or more solar
panels 121, so that when the engine is not operating, the
temperature of the oil is raised above ambient temperatures
reducing the viscosity of the oil thus facilitating pumping the oil
when the engine initially begins to operate.
[0055] Another embodiment as shown in FIG. 13 provides for a method
130 of increasing fuel efficiency comprising certain steps which
may be performed in any order. The steps in any order: thermally
coupling at least one heating element 136 to an oil reservoir of
the engine 133; coupling the heating element to one or more control
modules 135; and coupling the control modules 135 to one or more
solar panels 131, such that when the engine is not operating, the
temperature of the oil is raised above the ambient temperature
reducing the viscosity of the oil thus facilitating pumping the oil
when the engine initially begins to operate. Here, the control
module may be a timer utilized to provide power to a heater at a
predetermined interval such that the oil is not continuously
heated.
[0056] Another embodiment as shown in FIG. 14 provides for a method
140 comprising certain steps which may be performed in any order.
The steps in any order: thermally coupling at least one heating
element to an oil reservoir of the engine 143; coupling the heating
element 146 to one or more power sources 141, so that when the
engine is not operating, the temperature of the oil is raised above
ambient temperature reducing the viscosity of the oil thus
facilitating pumping the oil when the engine initially begins to
operate. In this embodiment, the power source may be a solar panel
141 comprising one or more photovoltaic cells. Alternatively the
power source may be 120 VAC power 141. Additionally, the heating
element is coupled to the power source though a control module 145
so that power sources may be connected to the heating element. In
the present embodiment, the control module may be a timer, a
voltage regulator, or a switch. Further, the heater may be a
heating pad.
[0057] The above illustrations provide many different embodiments
for implementing different features of the invention. Specific
embodiments of components and processes are described to help
clarify the invention. These are, of course, merely embodiments and
are not intended to limit the invention from that described in the
claims.
[0058] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless
not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various
modifications and structural changes may be made therein without
departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and
range of equivalents of the claims. Accordingly, it is appropriate
that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner
consistent with the scope of the invention, as set forth in the
following claims.
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