A hybrid vehicle engine system has a thermoelectric device to warm engine oil

摘要

A hybrid vehicle engine system 10 comprises an engine oil reservoir or sump 18, an exhaust gas system 20 and a thermoelectric device 30 having a hot side thermally coupled to exhaust gas from an engine 12 and a cold side thermally coupled to the engine oil sum 18. The thermoelectric device 30 is connected to a source of electricity such as a battery 40 and operates in two modes. In a first mode the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of the device 30 is utilised to generate electricity which is used in a vehicle. In a second mode electricity from the battery is applied to the device 30 to generate heat which is used in the vehicle. The device 30 may be attached to a substantially planar part of the sump 18 which may have fin members to assist heat exchange between the sump 18 and the device 30.