Title: THERMAL INSULATION OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

 Number/Link: WO2014/195153 (German)

Applicant/Assignee: BASF

Publication date: 11-12-2014

“Gist”:  Engine parts are encapsulated in PU foam using moulds.

Why it is interesting: Encapsulating (part of) motor car engines with heat-insulating rigid PU foam is useful because it can reduce fuel consumption and exhaust. When the mass of the foam is increased (e.g. by filling with BaSO4) the encapsulation can also reduce noise levels. BASF has been working on this concept for more than 15 years now (see e.g. DE19935335) and the current application only relates to a process improvement:  an engine part is brought into a closed mould leaving a gap between part and mould which is then filled with PU foam. This is an interesting concept but I wonder if it is actually used in current motor cars.  And if not, why not?

Car with thermally encapsulated engine.