SOLID STATE /THERMOELECTRICALLY HEATED OIL/DIESEL
FILTER FOR AUTOMOBILE IN COLD REGION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to improved filter assembly for automobile
engines for facilitating its quick starting under cold environmental conditions. In
particular, the present invention relates to filter for automobiles capable of storing
the heat energy lost during running Of automobile engines in extreme cold
conditions, in a thermal storage device by utilizing a thermic fluid or any suitable,
phase change material or an eutectic compound and using the heat so stored, later,
to remove clogged material from the filter, facilitating quick starting of automobile
engines, in extreme cold conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Automobile Engines, in general, suffer from the problem of inability of quick starting,
during sub-zero temperatures prevalent throughout the year in cold countries. Even
in tropical countries like India, temperature in winter season drops down to as low as
-30 deg C in certain geographical regions of the country. Under such sub-zero
conditions, the diesel engine oil and lubricating oil separates out paraffins from them.
As is well known in the art, engine oil is passed through a fuel filter and the micro
sized pores of filter paper allows only oil to pass through it, trapping every smallest
bit of dirt and crud in it.
However, in cold environments, when vehicles are left parked overnight, paraffins
are formed out of engine oils, as stated before. Such paraffins choke the minute
pores of these filters which in turn prevent the passage of oil through it, resulting in
decreasing, if not debarring the quick starting ability of the Automobile Engine. To
sort out this common problem, conventional systems use a heating wire resistor
mounted on the filter shell to heat the oil prior to start-up of the vehicle such as
disclosed in United States Patent 4675503. This system involves considerable power
consumption, from the automobile battery during its operation and lacks the ability
to melt down paraffins, formed by the engine oil, within a short time.
Hence a need for an alternative system cropped up to melt the frozen paraffins
within a very short time. On investigation it was found that the freezing temperature
of diesel engine oil is -3 deg C. Lubricating oil thickens at cold temperature and forms
wax at sub zero temperatures. The high viscosity of lubricating oil with the wax
formed; clog the filter pore at temperature below -2 deg C.
While anti-freeze coolants used in motor vehicles can provide freezing protection
below 35 deg C, fuel solidifies at higher temperatures. Some components in the fuel
circuit such as fuel pumps can usually start moving the fuel and dissolving paraffins.
However, paraffins in the filter, block the whole fuel circuit and create the biggest
problem, when trying to start-up the engine.
Some diesel cars include electrical resistors mounted on the base of the filter to
supply heat during cold engine start-up. However, these devices do not ensure quick
start-up of automobile engines in extremely cold temperature conditions, the main
reasons being the low conductivity of the paraffin and the distance between the
electrical resistor and the fuel that must be melted to unblock the circuit. In addition,
this device involves consumption of significant amount of electrical energy from the
battery of the car.
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Accordingly, there was a long felt need to configure a filter assembly for automobile
engines fitted with a thermoelectric system, which would facilitate quick starting of
automobile engines in extreme cold conditions and yet ensure consumption of far
less power than the devices known in the art as discussed hereinbefore. This is
achieved by storing the heat energy lost during running of automobile engines in
extreme cold conditions, in a thermal storage device and extracting the heat later
using thermoelectric heat pump to remove the clogged materials from the filter,
thereby ensuring quick starting of the engine in extreme cold conditions.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved filter
assembly for automobile engines, capable of storing the heat energy lost during
running of automobile engines in extreme cold conditions, in a thermal storage
device by utilizing a suitable phase change material , a thermic fluid or any other
ingredient including an eutectic compound, and using the heat so stored, later, to
remove clogged material from the filter, facilitating quick starting of automobile
engines, in extreme cold conditions.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved filter assembly
for automobile engines to ensure low consumption of battery power, during its quick
starting in extreme cold conditions.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an automobile engine with
improved filter assembly for quick starting in extreme cold conditions and an
automobile incorporating such engine with improved filter system.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method for facilitating
quick starting of automobile engines in extreme cold conditions.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for configuring an
improved filter assembly for an automobile engine, to facilitate its quick staring in
extreme cold conditions and to simultaneously ensure, low power consumption of the
battery, during its operation.
It is a further object of the invention to control the viscosity of engine fuel oil and
lubricating oil by application of thermoelectric filter, to reduce high frictional force
and loss in transmission efficiency, while warming up of the automobile engine,
during its operation.
It is a further object of the present invention, to reduce emissions of the vehicle
during cold start.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved filter assembly for
automobile engines, for facilitating its quick starting during cold environmental
conditions, comprising: at least a filter cartridge operatively connected to at least a
thermoelectric module by suitable means, wherein said module is operatively
connected to at least a storage container by suitable means ,said container is
configured to contain an appropriate thermic fluid or phase change material or
eutectic compound, selected depending upon the ambient temperature, to store the
heat lost during running of the automobile engine in cold conditions and in the event
of ambient temperature going down substantially , said thermoelectric module is
adapted to pump the heat stored in said material to the base of said filter cartridge,
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whereby melting of clogged material on said cartridge is achieved resulting in quick
starting of said engine.
According to preferred embodiments of the filter assembly in accordance with the
invention,
---said means for connecting the filter cartridge to said thermoelectric module
comprises a hot sink, one side of said hot sink has the profile that fits to the base of
the cartridge and the other side is flat, which is attached to the thermoelectric
module with conducting paste.
--said hot sink is preferably a circular block made of aluminium.
--said means for connecting said module to said storage container comprises a cold
sink , one end of which is connected to said module by a conductive paste and the
other end is finned.
-said cold sink is preferably a circular aluminium block.
--there are a plurality of thermoelectric modules, said modules being attached to
each other by thermal epoxies/adhesive for making a permanent thermal bond.
--the filter of said assembly is fitted with anti drain back valve adapted to retain the
filter oil lest the oil pressure inside the filter drops.
-said valve is preferably made of nitrile.
-said valve is preferably made of superior silicon rubber.
--said filter cartridge is made of composite elements made of paper, cellulose, and
fiberglass, and are effective down to 15 microns or less.
--said thermic fluid includes industrially inhibited propylene and ethylene glycol-
based fluids.
The present invention also provides a method for facilitating quick starting of
automobile engines during cold environmental conditions, said method comprising:
providing at least a filter cartridge and operatively connecting it to at least a
thermoelectric module, configuring said thermoelectric module for operatively
connecting it to a storage container containing an appropriate thermic fluid or phase
change material or eutectic compound, adjusting said container in a manner such
that it allows said appropriate thermic fluid or phase change material or eutectic
compound, to store heat lost during running of the said engine in cold conditions,
and in the event of engine temperature going down substantially ,running said
thermoelectric module, to pump the heat stored in said material to the base of said
filter cartridge, whereby melting of clogged material on said cartridge is achieved,
resulting in quick starting of said engine.
The present invention further provides an automobile engine having an improved
filter assembly as described hereinbefore for quick starting in extreme cold conditions
and an automobile incorporating such engine with improved filter system.
The present invention also provides an automobile incorporating an automobile
engine as described hereinbefore.
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The present invention has been described referring to thermic fluid as an example of
heat storing material used but it is to be understood that other suitable materials
such as phase change materials or eutectic material may be selected as well.
Examples of such material may include but are not limited to benzene alkylates,
alkyldiphenylethers, Sb-Pb, Cd-Bi, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The scope and purpose of the present invention will be better understood from the
description of the following preferred embodiments, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, but of course the invention is not limited to such preferred
embodiments and drawings, which have been disclosed purely for explaining the
invention. In the accompanying drawings:
FIG 1(a) to (k) illustrate graphical representation of results, obtained by conducting
experiments on diesel oil under different ambient conditions of -15 deg C to -17
deg.
FIG 2(a) to (I) illustrate graphical representation of results obtained by conducting
experiments on lubricating oil under different ambient conditions of -15 deg C to -17
deg C.
Fig 3 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary oil filter of the filter assembly used
in the instant invention.
Fig 4(a) to (b) illustrate top view and side view respectively of spacer block/hot sink
of the filter assembly implemented in the invention.
Fig 5 (a) to (b) illustrates isometric view and top view of the cold sink of the filter
assembly in accordance with the invention.
Fig 6 illustrates the thermoelectric module of the filter assembly in accordance with
the invention.
Fig 7(a) shows exemplary paper element of filter used in the instant invention in
expanded form.
Fig 7(b) shows exemplary synthetic element of filter used in the instant invention in
expanded form.
Fig 8(a) to (b) illustrates top view and side view respectively of an exemplary o-ring
used in the instant invention.
Fig 9 is an exemplary anti-drain back valve of the filter used in the instant invention.
Fig 10 illustrates a schematic drawing of the filter assembly in accordance with the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As stated before, there was a long felt need to configure a filter assembly for
automobile engines fitted with a thermoelectric system, which would facilitate quick
starting of automobile engines in extreme cold conditions and yet ensure
consumption of far less power than the devices known in the art. This is achieved by
storing the heat energy lost during running of automobile engines in extreme cold
conditions, in a thermal storage device. This storing is facilitated with the help of a
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thermic fluid or any suitable phase change material or an eutectic compound. This
stored heat energy is extracted, using a thermoelectric heat pump. It is this heat
energy, which is used to purge the blocked filter during extreme cold climates,
thereby facilitating quick starting of the engine in extreme cold conditions.
As illustrated in Fig 10, in general the filter assembly in accordance with the
invention comprises a filter cartridge(l), a spacer block/hot sink(2), one
thermoelectric module(3), a circular cold sink(4) and a storage container(5) having a
thermoelectric fluid therein.
The following are examples of the components, described before, of the filter
assembly in accordance with the invention.
1. Filter Catridge
2. Hot Sink / Spacer Block
3. Cold Sink
4. Thermoelectric Modules
5. Thermic Fluid
6. Thermic Fluid Container

7. Filter Cap
8. O-Ring
9. Anti drain back valve
In the construction of the oil filter assembly, filter cartridge and the hot sink /spacer
block and the cold sink are washed with acetone. Thermal conducting paste is then
applied between : 1. Filter cartridge and the Hot sink; 2 Thermoelectric modules
and the Hot sink and 3. Thermoelectric modules and the Cold Sink. The
thermoelectric modules are attached to each other by thermal epoxies/adhesive for
making a permanent thermal bond. These epoxies are suitable where materials of
mismatched coefficients of thermal expansion are to be interfaced. These epoxies are
silver filled and can be used from (-) 55 deg C to (+) 125 deg C.
Normal oil filter may be used in the construction of the assembly .
The hot sink is preferably a circular aluminium block attached to the base of the filter
cartridge. One side of the hot sink has the profile that fits to the base of the cartridge
and the other side is flat, which is attached to the thermoelectric module with
conducting paste.
The Cold sink may be an aluminium circular block whose one end is attached to the
thermoelectric module with a conducting paste and other end is finned. The fins are
cylindrical in shape and preferably of_1.5 cms in height. The diameter of the fins
preferably is 3 mm.The fins are dipped in thermic fluid.
Standard thermoelectric module may be used for heating the filter assembly.
Normally three types of filter media may be used for the filtration process:
a) Resin impregnated synthetic blended cellulose media (Nominal rated)
b) Micro glass fiber media also known as Absolute media (Micron) mainly used for
hydraulic filtration
All the three media are resistant to heat to a temperature of 220 deg C.
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Most oil filters have filter elements made of paper and are effective down to about 40
microns. Fig 7(a) is an expanded view of the paper element of filter used in the
instant invention. The advanced filters normally have composite elements made of
paper, cellulose, and fiberglass, and are effective down to 15 microns or less.
Advanced filters also have more surface area on their elements, and therefore more
capacity.
Figure7(b) shows the synthetic element in its expanded form.
O-ring is normally made up of synthetic rubbers based on polychloroprene (polymer
form of Chloroprene) material with low thermal conductivity of about 0.05 W/mK and
this is known in the art. This is an oil-resistant substitute for natural rubber.
Oil filters usually come with an anti- drain back valve. This is not necessary in a filter
which is mounted vertically, with the opening pointed up. However, is they are
mounted horizontally then it becomes very important. This is typically a piece of
nitrile or silicone rubber which retains the filter oil lest the oil pressure drops. After
having used a filter for a while, the filter is full of 20 to 50 micron particles which are
harmful for the bearings.
If the engine is turned off and if the filter has no anti-drain back valve, whatever oil
is in the filter will drain back into the oil pan, bringing with it a whole bunch of dirt
and junk. So, a filter with good anti- drain back valves is a must.
Thermic fluids are heat transfer fluids which are formulated and are hydrocarbon
based fluids designed to provide high levels of performance and protection in a wide
range of applications may be used in this invention.
The various examples of the components have been illustrated in figures 3 to 10.
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
During running of engine the temperature of the engine reaches in the vicinity of 65-
75 deg C. Immediately after the engine is shut down the temperature of the filter as
well as oil in it reaches near about 65-75 deg C. A part of this heat energy is stored
by a thermic fluid in a storage device fitted to the filter. When the temperature
drops down below zero degree C, the viscosity of oil increases to a few thousand
centistrokes. At temperatures near about -2 deg C to -3 deg C, the lubricating
oil/diesel oil held back by the anti drain back valve separates paraffins from it which
solidifies inside the pores of the filter paper. This clogs the filter paper which
prevents the entry of the oil into the engine. The thermic fluid is so selected so as to
ensure that it does not get frozen at the ambient temperature of -20 deg C. At this
stage when thermoelectric module is switched on the heat energy stored in the
thermic fluid is pumped using thermoelectric module into the base of the filter
cartridge. Filter paper being made of synthetic conducting material conducts this heat
uniformly along its surface causing meltdown of frozen paraffins. By purging a small
surface area of filter paper initial start up of engine can be given. Once the engine
gets started enough amount of heat is generated which can melt all of the paraffin
present in the oil.
It has to be noted that no insulation was done in the fuel filter to avoid possible
deflagration of fuel due to gaseous emanations at high temperatures (around 85 deg
C).
To decipher the behavioural pattern of engine fuel oil and lubricating oil,
experiments were conducted under different ambient conditions of -15 deg C to -17
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deg using diesel(fuel) oil and lubricating oil , results whereof have been manifested in
Figures l(a) to (k) and Figures 2(a) to (k) It was found that diesel engine oil which
solidified at temperature between -15 deg C to -17 deg C took 160 seconds to melt
as compared to lubricating oil which took 40 seconds to reach -2 deg C, subject to
proper selection of thermal storage compound.
EXPERIMENTAL SET UP
The experimental set up containing all the parts is shown as below. This setup was
for both the diesel engine oil as well as lubricating oil. However, this must be noted
that the experiments are carried out with preferred embodiments of the invention
and the test results will vary depending on the nature of the materials used.
The filter cartridge and the hot sink /spacer block and the cold sink are washed with
acetone. Thermal conducting paste is then applied between:
1.Filter cartridge and the Hot sink
2.Thermoelectric modules and the Hot sink
3.Thermoelectric modules and the Cold Sink.
Thermal Conducting Paste
The thermoelectric modules are attached to each other by thermal epoxies/adhesive
for making a permanent thermal bond. These epoxies are suitable where materials of
mismatched coefficients of thermal expansion are to be interfaced. These epoxies are
silver filled and can be used from (-) 55 deg C to (+) 125 deg C.
Temperature monitoring
Temperature of the filter during experimentation was monitored and recorded by
sixteen channel thermocouple input model. The thermocouple had 'T' type welded tip
wire (1 meter).
POWER SUPPLY
The power supply used for the experiment was Regulated DC Power Supply.
RESULTS [Diesel Engine Oil]
Diesel oil was first tested for an ambient temperature of -15 deg C to -18 deg C. Few
initial tests were conducted prior to the actual experiment. One test was done at
optimum mode in which thermic fluid was heated for 5 mins and then the whole set
up was operated at optimum mode of 6.2 V and 1.5 Amp current.
Diesel engine oil near the hot sink reached the temperature of -3 deg C after 9
minutes. This shows that heat was being pumped into the hot sink which transferred
the heat to the diesel engine oil. However the optimum run was not sufficient to melt
the diesel engine oil in this mode of operation.
In the actual sets of experiment the experiment was operated in critical mode.
[Voltage = 9.9 V , Current = 2.1 A]. The volume of thermic fluid was taken to be 50
ml.
Experiments were conducted using different sets concentration of Thermic Fluid of :
1. 100 % Thermic fluid, 0 % Water
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2. 70 % Thermic Fluid , 30 % Water
3. 50 % Thermic Fluid, 50 % Water
4. 30 % Thermic Fluid, 70 % Water
CASE I
100 % Thermic Fluid, 0 % Water
1. Voltage 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -11 deg C
Time Taken = 180 secs
2. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -15 deg C
Time Taken = 200 Secs
CASE II
70 % Thermic Fluid, 30 % Water
1. Voltage = 12 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -19 deg C
Time Taken = 190 secs
2. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
26
Initial Temperature = -16 deg C
Time Taken = 230 secs
3. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = . 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -15 deg C
Time Taken = 230 sees
CASE III
50 % Thermic Fluid, 50 % Water
1. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -17 deg C
Time Taken = 250 secs
2. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -15.5 deg C
Time Taken = 240 secs
3. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
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Initial Temperature = -16 deg C
Time Taken = 250 secs
CASE IV
30 % Thermic Fluid, 70% Water
1. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -12 deg C
Time Taken = 160 secs
2. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -12 deg C
Time Taken = 120 secs
3. Voltage 12 V
Current = 2.6 A
Initial Temperature = -15 deg C
Time Taken = 160 secs
RESULTS [LUBRICATING OIL]
The actual experiment was operated in critical mode. [Voltage = 9.9 V,Current = 2.1
A] The volume of thermic fluid was taken to be 50 ml. Experiments were conducted
using different sets of concentration of thermic fluid of:
1. 100 % Thermic Fluid, 0 % Water
2. 70 % Thermic Fluid, 30 % Water
3. 50 % Thermic Fluid , 50 % Water
4. 30 % Thermic Fluid, 70 % Water
CASE I
100 % Thermic Fluid, 0 % water
1. Voltage 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -16 deg C
Time Taken = 50 seconds
2. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -16.5 deg C
Time Taken = 40 seconds
3. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -17.5 deg C
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10

Time Taken = 50 seconds
CASE II
70 % Thermic Fluid, 30 % Water
1. Voltage = -15 deg C
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -15 deg C
Time Taken = 40 seconds
2. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -17 deg C
Time Taken = 50 seconds
3. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -16 deg C
Time Taken = 40 seconds
CASE III
50 % Thermic Fluid, 50 % Water
1. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -17 deg C
Time Taken = 50 seconds
2. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -15.3 deg C
Time Taken = 40 seconds
3. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -16 deg C
Time Taken = 50 seconds
CASE IV
30 % Thermic Fluid, 70 % Water
1. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current , = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -15.8 deg C
Time Taken = 40 seconds
2. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -16.5 deg C
Time Taken = 50 seconds
3. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -16.4 deg C
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Time Taken = 40 seconds
Experiments Taking Water as Heat Storage Medium
1. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -17.5 deg C
Time Taken = 50 seconds
2. Voltage = 9.9 V
urrent 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -16.8deg C
Time Taken = 50 seconds
3. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -16 deg C
Time Taken = 40 seconds
Experiments Taking Air as Heat Storage Medium
1. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -18 deg C
Time Taken = 50 seconds
2. Voltage = 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -20.5 deg C
Time Taken = 60 seconds
3. Voltage 9.9 V
Current = 2.1 A
Initial Temperature = -17.4 deg C
Time Taken = 50 seconds
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded from the above experiments, that thermic fluid facilitates storing
of latent heat when applied from a storage device attached to the improved filter
assembly for automobile engine in accordance with the invention and it melts diesel
engine oil by virtue of its latent heat in extreme cold conditions during operation of
the automobile engine.
In case of lubricating oil, the specific heat storage as well as latent heat storage
capacity proved equally efficient to melt down the paraffin separated from the
lubricating oil, thereby preventing clogging of the filter of the automobile engine,
thus facilitating quick starting of automobile engine during extreme cold conditions.
The present invention has been described with reference to some preferred
embodiments but in no way is limited to such embodiments and it includes all
legitimate developments within the scope of what has been described hereinbefore
and claimed in the claims hereinafter.
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We Claim:
1.An improved filter assembly for automobile engines, for facilitating its quick
starting during cold environmental conditions, comprising: at least a filter cartridge
operatively connected to at least a thermoelectric module by suitable means, wherein
said module is operatively connected to at least a storage container by suitable
means ,said container is configured to contain an appropriate thermic fluid or phase
change material or eutectic compound, selected depending upon the ambient
temperature, to store the heat lost during running of the automobile engine in cold
conditions and in the event of ambient temperature going down substantially , said
thermoelectric module is adapted to pump the heat stored in said material to the
base of said filter cartridge, whereby melting of clogged material on said cartridge is
achieved resulting in quick starting of said engine.
2.The filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for connecting the
filter cartridge to said thermoelectric module comprises a hot sink, one side of said
hot sink has the profile that fits to the base of the cartridge and the other side is flat,
which is attached to the thermoelectric module with conducting paste.
3.The filter assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein said hot sink is a circular block
made of aluminium.
4.The filter assembly as claimed any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said means for
connecting said module to said storage container comprises a cold sink , one end of
which is connected to said module by a conductive paste and the other end is finned.
5.The filter assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein said cold sink is a circular
aluminium block.
6. The filter assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein there are a
plurality of thermoelectric modules, said modules being attached to each other by
thermal epoxies/adhesive for making a permanent thermal bond.
7. The filter assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the filter of said
assembly is fitted with anti drain back valve adapted to retain the filter oil lest the
oil pressure inside the filter drops.
8. The filter assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein said valve is made of nitrile.
9. The filter assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein said valve is made of superior
silicone rubber.

10. The filter assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said filter cartridge
is made of composite elements made of paper, cellulose, and fiberglass, and are
effective down to 15 microns or less.
11. The filter assembly as claimed in any preceding daim,wherein said thermic fluid
comprises industrially inhibited propylene and ethylene glycol based fluids.
12. An improved filter assembly for automobile engines, for facilitating its quick
starting during cold environmental conditions, comprising: at least a filter cartridge
operatively connected to at least a thermoelectric module by a circular aluminium hot
sink, wherein said module is connected operatively to at least a storage container by
a circular aluminium cold sink and said container is configured to contain an
appropriate thermic fluid or phase change material or eutectic compound, which is
selected depending upon the ambient temperature, to store the heat lost during
running of the automobile engine in cold conditions and in the event of engine
13

temperature going down below zero degrees C, said thermoelectric module is
adapted to pump the heat stored in said material to the base of said filter cartridge,
whereby melting of clogged material on said cartridge is achieved resulting in quick
starting of said engine.
13. A method for facilitating quick starting of automobile engines during cold
environmental conditions, said method comprising: providing at least a filter
cartridge and operatively connecting it to at least a thermoelectric module,
configuring said thermoelectric module for operatively connecting it to a storage
container containing an appropriate thermic fluid or phase change material or
eutectic compound, adjusting said container in a manner such that it allows said
appropriate thermic fluid or phase change material or eutectic compound, to store
heat lost during running of the said engine in cold conditions, and in the event of
engine temperature going down substantially ,running said thermoelectric module, to
pump the heat stored in said material to the base of said filter cartridge, whereby
melting of clogged material on said cartridge is achieved, resulting in quick starting
of said engine.
14.An automobile engine having an improved filter assembly as claimed in any of the
claims 1 to 12, for quick starting in extreme cold conditions.
14
15. An automobile incorporating an automobile engine as claimed in claim 14.

An improved filter assembly for automobile engines, for facilitating its quick starting
during cold environmental conditions, comprising: at least a filter cartridge(1)
operatively connected to at least a thermoelectric module(3) by suitable means(2),
wherein said module(3) is connected operatively to at least a storage container(5)
by suitable means(4) and said container(5) is configured to contain appropriate
thermic fluid or phase change material or eutectic compound to store the heat lost
during running of the automobile engine in cold conditions and in the event of
ambient temperature going down substantially, said thermoelectric module is
adapted to pump heat stored in said material to the base of the filter cartridge,
enabling melting of clogged material on said cartridge, thereby resulting in quick
starting of said engine.