Heated PCV system
View Patent ↗A PCV system includes heated PCV valve for metering a flow of crankcase gases therethrough and a heated inlet manifold fitting for receiving a flow of crankcase gases therethrough. The PCV valve and the heated inlet manifold fitting are in communication with a current source to apply current to heaters associated with each as required.
1. A heated positive crankcase ventilation system comprising:
a PCV valve for regulating the flow of crankcase gases out of a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, said PCV valve including a heating element secured thereto;
an inlet manifold fitting for heating crankcase gases as the gases enter a manifold, said inlet manifold fitting including a heating element secured thereto;
a current source operatively connected to each of said PCV valve and said inlet manifold fitting to provide power to said respective heating elements; and
a closure/make-up air tube heating element disposed in a closure/make-up air tube to heat air entering said cylinder head and where in said closure/make-up air tube heating element is operatively connected to said current source;
whereby freezing in the positive crankcase ventilation is minimized.
2. A heated positive crankcase ventilation system, comprising:
a first heating element in communication with a cam cover for heating crankcase gases exiting said cam cover;
a second heating element for heating gases within the positive crankcase ventilation system, wherein said second heating element is disposed in a closure/make-up air tube that extends between an air induction tube and said cam cover; and
a current source operatively connected to each of said first heating element and said second heating element to provide power to each of said heating elements;
whereby freezing in the positive crankcase ventilation is minimized.
3. A heated positive crankcase ventilation system, comprising:
a first heating element in communication with a cam cover for heating crankcase gases exiting said cam cover;
a second heating element for heating gases within the positive crankcase ventilation system, wherein said second heating element is disposed in an air induction tube between an air supply and a throttle body;
a third heating element disposed in a closure/make-up air tube that extends between an air induction tube and said cam cover and wherein said third heating element is operatively connected to said current source; and
a current source operatively connected to each of said first heating element and said second heating element to provide power to each of said heating elements;
whereby freezing in the positive crankcase ventilation is minimized.
4. A method of heating a positive crankcase ventilation system to minimize freezing therein, comprising:
providing a PCV valve including a first heating element for regulating the flow of crankcase gases out of a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine;
providing a second heating element for heating gases within the positive crankcase ventilation system, wherein said second heating element is disposed in a closure/make-up air tube that extends between an air induction tube and said cylinder head;
operatively connecting a current source to said first heating element of said PCV valve and said second heating element; and
controlling the application of power to said first heating element and said second heating element such that heat is applied within the system at predetermined conditions to minimize freezing.