A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine (ICE) selectable between a running state and a non-running state. A thermoelectric generator (TEG) is in thermal contact with the ICE for converting thermal energy from the ICE to output electrical energy. The vehicle has an electric pump for circulating a liquid coolant through a coolant circuit. The electric pump is selectively powerable by the electrical energy output from the TEG. The coolant circuit is in fluid communication with the ICE, a radiator, and the TEG; and the TEG is downstream of the radiator in the coolant circuit.

A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine (ICE) selectable between a running state and a non-running state. A thermoelectric generator (TEG) is in thermal contact with the ICE for converting thermal energy from the ICE to output electrical energy. The vehicle has an electric pump for circulating a liquid coolant through a coolant circuit. The electric pump is selectively powerable by the electrical energy output from the TEG. The coolant circuit is in fluid communication with the ICE, a radiator, and the TEG; and the TEG is downstream of the radiator in the coolant circuit.

A method and system of controlling an engine for vehicle interior heating is provided. The method includes performing a first engine control when the engine is not in an engine-on state for vehicle driving, to perform heating control for interior heating at a predetermined range of a reference coolant temperature. Additionally, the method includes performing a second engine control when the engine is in an engine-on state for vehicle driving, to prolong an engine-on time for vehicle driving by setting a minimum value of the range of the reference coolant temperature to a lower value and setting a maximum value of the range of the reference coolant temperature to a higher value and to determine a point of time of engine-off operation based on a real-time lock up time and an average lock up time of an engine clutch for vehicle driving.

A method and system of controlling an engine for vehicle interior heating is provided. The method includes performing a first engine control when the engine is not in an engine-on state for vehicle driving, to perform heating control for interior heating at a predetermined range of a reference coolant temperature. Additionally, the method includes performing a second engine control when the engine is in an engine-on state for vehicle driving, to prolong an engine-on time for vehicle driving by setting a minimum value of the range of the reference coolant temperature to a lower value and setting a maximum value of the range of the reference coolant temperature to a higher value and to determine a point of time of engine-off operation based on a real-time lock up time and an average lock up time of an engine clutch for vehicle driving.

Methods and systems are described for preventing condensation on a windshield and other windows of a parked vehicle. One method includes following the vehicle shut down, and when a temperature of a windshield is lower than ambient dew point, transferring heat from a powertrain of the vehicle to the windshield via a coolant if a powertrain temperature is higher than the windshield temperature, and transferring heat from ambient air to the windshield via the coolant if the powertrain temperature is lower than the windshield temperature, and ambient temperature is higher than the windshield temperature.

Methods and systems are described for preventing condensation on a windshield and other windows of a parked vehicle. One method includes following the vehicle shut down, and when a temperature of a windshield is lower than ambient dew point, transferring heat from a powertrain of the vehicle to the windshield via a coolant if a powertrain temperature is higher than the windshield temperature, and transferring heat from ambient air to the windshield via the coolant if the powertrain temperature is lower than the windshield temperature, and ambient temperature is higher than the windshield temperature.

A shutter system includes a housing, and a plurality of shutters coupled to the housing. Each of the shutters is rotatable about a respective rotation axis, between a first position and a second position. At least one actuator is attached to the housing, and is coupled to at least one of the shutters for moving that shutter between its respective first position and second position. Each of the shutters define a first angle relative to a reference axis when disposed in their respective first position, and a second angle relative to the reference axis when disposed in their respective second position. The first angle of each of the shutters is substantially equal to the first angle of all other of the shutters. The second angle of at least one of the shutters is different than the second angle of at least another of the shutters.

A shutter system includes a housing, and a plurality of shutters coupled to the housing. Each of the shutters is rotatable about a respective rotation axis, between a first position and a second position. At least one actuator is attached to the housing, and is coupled to at least one of the shutters for moving that shutter between its respective first position and second position. Each of the shutters define a first angle relative to a reference axis when disposed in their respective first position, and a second angle relative to the reference axis when disposed in their respective second position. The first angle of each of the shutters is substantially equal to the first angle of all other of the shutters. The second angle of at least one of the shutters is different than the second angle of at least another of the shutters.

A thermal management system and method for a vehicle can include providing an engine, a transmission, a radiator, and a thermostat. A first heat exchanger can be in fluid communication with the transmission to heat or cool transmission fluid. A hot branch line can extend from the engine to the first heat exchanger to supply engine coolant to the first heat exchanger. The hot branch line can be in fluid communication with each of the engine and the first heat exchanger. A heat exchanger return line can be in fluid communication with each of the first heat exchanger and an inlet of the thermostat.

A thermal management system and method for a vehicle can include providing an engine, a transmission, a radiator, and a thermostat. A first heat exchanger can be in fluid communication with the transmission to heat or cool transmission fluid. A hot branch line can extend from the engine to the first heat exchanger to supply engine coolant to the first heat exchanger. The hot branch line can be in fluid communication with each of the engine and the first heat exchanger. A heat exchanger return line can be in fluid communication with each of the first heat exchanger and an inlet of the thermostat.