Improving Vehicle Warm-Up Performance Using Phase-Change Materials and Thermal Storage Methods

Abstract

This study investigates the enhancement of vehicle warm-up performance using phase-change materials (PCMs) and various thermal storage methods. The primary objective is to utilize the thermal energy lost during engine cooling to improve the cold-start performance, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Thermal storage devices incorporating PCMs were developed and tested by measuring temperature changes and energy transfer over soaking periods of 4, 8, 16, and 24 h. The results show energy transfers of 591, 489, 446, and 315 kJ at 4, 8, 16, and 24 h, respectively. In terms of the warm-up time, the use of thermal storage devices reduced the time required to reach 70 °C by up to 24.45%, with significant reductions observed across all soaking periods. This reduction in the warm-up time directly contributes to faster engine stabilization, leading to proportional improvements in fuel efficiency and a corresponding decrease in exhaust emissions, including CO2. The findings highlight the effectiveness of PCMs in improving the engine warm-up performance and emphasize the importance of optimizing thermal storage systems to balance energy efficiency and practical application considerations. Additionally, the experimental data provide useful benchmark information for computational simulation validation, enabling the further optimization of automotive thermal management systems. Integrating a PCM-based thermal storage device can significantly enhance a vehicle’s warm-up performance, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.