Heat recovery system

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards methods and systems for heating an engine, particularly during initial start-up of the engine. In one exemplary embodiment, a heat storage and release system for an engine is provided. The system may include a material capable of super cooling within an operating temperature range of the engine. The material is in thermal communication with the engine and may include an energy input device associated with the material. The energy input device may be configured to input energy to the material causing the material to undergo an exothermic phase change. During the phase change the material releases heat to the engine.

1 . A heat storage and release system for an engine, comprising
 a material, capable of super cooling within an operating temperature range of the engine, in thermal communication with the engine;   an energy input device associated with the material and operable to input energy to the material to initiate an exothermic phase change therein and delivery of heat to the engine.   
     
     
         2 . The heat storage and release system of  claim 1 , wherein the exothermic phase change is from a super cooled, liquid state the to a solid state of the material. 
     
     
         3 . The heat storage and release system of  claim 2 , wherein the material is further configured to absorb heat generated by the engine, to thereby undergo a phase change from the solid state to a liquid state. 
     
     
         4 . The heat storage and release system of  claim 1 , wherein the exothermic phases change may be initiated before the operation of the engine. 
     
     
         5 . The heat storage and release system of  claim 1 , wherein the material comprises sodium acetate or sodium ethanaote. 
     
     
         6 . The heat storage and release system of  claim 1 , further comprising a structure defined by an engine for holding the material. 
     
     
         7 . The heat storage and release system of  claim 1 , further comprising a separate structure associated with an engine for holding the material. 
     
     
         8 . The heat storage and release system of  claim 1 , wherein the material is in thermal communication with an engine coolant. 
     
     
         9 . The heat storage and release system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy input device comprises a mechanical input device configured to input mechanical energy to the material suitable for initiating the exothermic phase change. 
     
     
         10 . A method of storing and releasing heat for an engine, comprising:
 placing a material, capable of super cooling within an operating temperature range of the engine, in thermal communication with the engine;   absorbing heat generated by the engine with the material; and   inducing the material to undergo an exothermic phase change wherein during the phase change the material releases the absorbed heat to the engine.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the super cooled state of the material is at or below about 95° C. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the heat released by the material is about 54° F. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein during absorption of heat by the material the material undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid, and wherein during release of heat by the material the material undergoes a phase change from a super cooled liquid, to a solid. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the material comprises sodium acetate or sodium ethanaote. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising placing the material within the engine. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising placing the material within a separate structure that is associated with the engine. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the phase change occurs during operation of the engine. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the phase change occurs prior to operation of the engine. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein release of heat is initiated with an energy input device, and wherein the energy input device comprises a mechanical input device configured to input mechanical energy to the material suitable for initiate the phase change of the material.