Development of a Self-Powered Heater for Low Temperature Operation

An Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) system has been developed to provide vehicles with the capability of stand-alone operation down to -50°C. The system features an electronically-controlled 20 kW thermoelectric coolant heater which circulates heated coolant through the engine block, fuel and battery warmers, and cab heat exchangers. A description of the system is provided along with initial performance results.