HEAT STORAGE SYSTEM FOR ENGINES IN COLD WEATHER

摘要

The invention provides a system and method of maintaining the temperature of the coolant in conventional liquid cooled engines at satisfactorily high levels to ensure st arting in cold weather. The invention increases the amount of coolant in the cooling system and stores a portion of the total coolant in an insulated vessel, where its temperature may be maintained for an extended period while the engine is not operating. When it is time to restart the engine, the warm coolant from the insulated vessel is pumped into th e engine and the cold coolant is drawn into said vessel, where it is retained until norma l operating temperatures are achieved. A divider in the insulated vessel prevents the warm a nd cold coolant from mixing. Removing the cold coolant from circulation decreases the ti me required to achieve normal operating temperatures. The invention is also useful in storing heat in the lubricating oil of engines and equipment.