Patent attributes
An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes: an exhaust heat recovery unit that produces motive power by recovering thermal energy from exhaust gas discharged from a heat engine; an electric generator that is driven by the exhaust heat recovery unit; a first power transmission-switching device that switches between connection and disconnection between the heat engine and the exhaust heat recovery unit; and a second power transmission-switching device that switches between connection and disconnection between the exhaust heat recovery unit and the electric generator, wherein the heat engine or the electric generator is selectively connected to the exhaust heat recovery unit, depending on the operational status of the heat engine. The exhaust heat recovery apparatus makes it possible to effectively use surplus motive power produced by an exhaust heat recovery unit.
