Device for supporting at least part of engine

Abstract

An apparatus for supporting at least a portion of an engine, the apparatus comprising: an engine mount configured to support at least a portion of the engine; a hood defining an aperture; and a dehumidifier coupled to the aperture of the hood, the dehumidifier configured to remove water vapor from air within the hood.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This is the first application on this topic. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for supporting at least a portion of an engine. Background Art

[0004] Engines, such as gas turbine engines, may be supported by engine mounts. For example, when removing a gas turbine engine from an aircraft, the engine may be mounted on and attached to the engine mounts to enable transport to a maintenance facility for repair. During transportation and while in storage, the engine may be subjected to various conditions. For example, if the engine cowling is opened outward in humid conditions, water may enter the cowling and lodge on the engine, causing engine degradation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one example, a device for supporting at least a portion of an engine is provided, the device comprising: an engine mount configured to support at least a portion of the engine; an engine cover defining an aperture; and a dehumidifier coupled to the aperture of the engine cover, the dehumidifier configured to remove water vapor from air within the engine cover.

[0006] The apparatus may further include a controller configured to control operation of the dehumidifier.

[0007] The apparatus may further include a humidity sensor configured to measure humidity within the hood and generate humidity data.

[0008] The controller may be configured to receive humidity data and activate the dehumidifier in response to the measured humidity being greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0009] The controller may be configured to receive humidity data and deactivate the dehumidifier in response to the measured humidity being less than a predetermined threshold.

[0010] The apparatus may further include a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) sensor coupled to the engine mount. The GNSS sensor may be configured to determine a location of the engine mount. The controller may be configured to receive the determined location from the GNSS sensor and control emptying of the water tank of the dehumidifier in response to determining that the engine mount is located outside the building.

[0011] The controller may be configured to control emptying of the water tank by controlling the pumping of water from the water tank through the one or more tubes to release the water across the exterior surface of the hood.

[0012] The apparatus may further include a duct coupled between the inlet of the dehumidifier and the aperture of the hood.

[0013] The apparatus may further include a valve arrangement positioned within the aperture of the hood. The valve arrangement may include a first check valve configured to allow air to flow from within the hood to the inlet of the dehumidifier. The valve arrangement may include a second check valve configured to allow air to flow from the outlet of the dehumidifier to within the hood.

[0014] The device may further include a conduit including a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit may be coupled between the first check valve and the inlet of the dehumidifier. The second conduit may be coupled between the second check valve and the outlet of the dehumidifier.

[0015] The dehumidifier may include a funnel positioned within an aperture of the hood. The dehumidifier may be configured to reduce the temperature of the funnel so that water vapor condenses on the funnel.

[0016] A dehumidifier may be coupled to the engine mount.

[0017] The apparatus may further include an electrical energy storage device coupled to the engine mount and configured to power the dehumidifier.

[0018] The apparatus may further include an inductive charging circuit coupled to the engine mount and configured to supply power to the electrical energy storage device.

[0019] According to another example, a device for supporting at least a portion of an engine is provided, the device comprising: an engine mount configured to support at least a portion of the engine; an engine hood arranged to cover at least the portion of the engine; and an electric dehumidifier positioned within the engine hood and configured to remove water vapor from air within the engine hood. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are schematic only and not drawn to scale, and in which:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for supporting at least a portion of an engine according to one example is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of another apparatus for supporting at least a portion of an engine according to one example;

[0023] Figure 3 shows a side view of yet another apparatus for supporting at least a portion of an engine according to one example;

[0024] Figure 4shows a front view of a valve device according to one example;

[0025] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a pipeline according to one example;

[0026] Figure 6 Show Figure 4 The valve arrangement shown in Figure 5 a cross-sectional side view of the pipe shown in ;

[0027] Figure 7 shows a side view of another apparatus for supporting at least a portion of an engine according to one example;

[0028] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating yet another apparatus for supporting at least a portion of an engine according to one example is shown;

[0029] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a method according to one example; and

[0030] Figure 10 A flow chart of another method according to one example is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In the following description, the terms "connected" and "coupled" refer to being operationally connected and coupled. It should be understood that any number of intermediate components may exist between the features mentioned, and intermediate components may not be included.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an apparatus 10 for supporting at least a portion of an engine 12 is shown. The apparatus 10 includes an engine mount 14, an engine hood 16, and a dehumidifier 18. In some examples, the apparatus 10 may be a module. As used herein, the term "module" refers to a device or apparatus in which one or more components are included later and which may be included by another manufacturer or by an end user. For example, if the apparatus 10 is a module, the apparatus 10 may include only the engine mount 14, the engine hood 16, and the dehumidifier 18, and other features (such as Figure 2 The controller shown in ) can be added by another manufacturer or by the end user.

[0033] The engine 12 may be a heat engine, such as a gas turbine engine, a reciprocating engine (which may also be referred to as a piston engine), a rocket engine, or a nuclear reactor. Alternatively, the engine 12 may be an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, or a hydraulic motor. A portion of the engine 12 may be one or more components or subsystems of the engine 12. For example, a portion of a gas turbine engine may be a fan module, which includes a fan case and a fan, but does not include the engine core of the gas turbine engine (i.e., the fan module does not include the combustion equipment and the turbine). For another example, a portion of a gas turbine engine may be an engine core of a gas turbine engine, which includes the combustion equipment and the turbine, but does not include the fan module (i.e., the engine core does not include the fan case and the fan).

[0034] The engine mount 14 is configured to support at least a portion of the engine 12. For example, the engine 12 (or a portion of the engine) can rest on the engine mount 14 and be held in a stationary position relative to the engine mount 14 by frictional contact with the engine mount and one or more clamping devices. Additionally or alternatively, the engine 12 (or a portion of the engine) can be held in a stationary position relative to the engine mount 14 by one or more fasteners coupling the engine 12 to the engine mount 14. For example, one or more screws can extend through the engine mount 14 and into the engine 12, thereby attaching the engine 12 to the engine mount 14.

[0035] The hood 16 is configured to at least partially surround the engine 12 and may include a waterproof or water-blocking material. For example, the hood 16 may include a waterproof fabric sheet shaped and sized to wrap around and thereby enclose the engine 12. The hood 16 defines an aperture 20 that is arranged to be coupled to the dehumidifier 18. For example, the aperture 20 may be located in the hood 16 and sized and shaped to receive an inlet of the dehumidifier 18, or to receive a conduit connected to the dehumidifier 18 (e.g., a duct). Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown), or a funnel to receive the dehumidifier 18 (as Figure 7 When the engine cover 16 at least partially encloses the engine 12 , the engine cover 16 defines an exterior surface 22 , an interior surface 24 , and an interior volume 26 .

[0036] The dehumidifier 18 is coupled to an aperture 20 of the hood 16 and is configured to remove water vapor from the air within the hood 16. The dehumidifier 18 may be positioned external to the hood 16 (i.e., the dehumidifier 18 is not positioned within the interior volume 26 of the hood 16), or may be positioned partially within the hood 16 (e.g., where the dehumidifier 18 includes a funnel that extends into the interior volume, as in FIG. Figure 7 ). The dehumidifier 18 may be coupled to the engine mount 18 (eg, via one or more fasteners, such as screws, or nuts and bolts), or may be positioned on the ground adjacent to the engine mount 14.

[0037] The dehumidifier 18 may be any suitable type of dehumidifier. For example, the dehumidifier 18 may be a condensate dehumidifier that uses a refrigeration cycle to remove water vapor from the air within the interior volume 26 of the engine hood 16. For another example, the dehumidifier 18 may be a desiccant dehumidifier that uses a hydrophilic material, such as silica gel, to remove water vapor from the air within the interior volume 26 of the engine hood 16. For another example, the dehumidifier 18 may be a Peltier dehumidifier that uses a thermoelectric device to remove water vapor from the air within the interior volume 26 of the engine hood 16.

[0038] During use, the engine 12 may be supported by the engine cradle 14, enclosed within the engine cowling 16, and transported between various locations (e.g., between an aircraft and a maintenance area). During such use, the engine cradle 14 may be subjected to various atmospheric conditions (e.g., rain, fog, sun, and snow). When the engine cowling 16 is opened in wet, humid, or snowy conditions, water may enter the interior volume 26 of the engine cowling 16 and lodge on the engine 12 and interior surfaces 24.

[0039] An advantage of the apparatus 10 is that by removing water vapor from within the engine hood 16 via the dehumidifier 18, degradation of the engine 12 due to condensation of water vapor on the engine 12 can be prevented. Additionally, by reducing the relative humidity within the interior volume 26 of the engine hood 16, the apparatus 10 can advantageously increase the evaporation rate of water that comes into contact with the engine 12 and the interior surfaces 24.

[0040] It should be understood that the apparatus 10 can be advantageous even when the engine 12 is not present within the interior volume 26 of the engine hood 16. Specifically, the dehumidifier 18 can be used to dehumidify and remove water from the engine hood 16 before the engine 12 is mounted on the engine mount 14 and covered by the engine hood 16. The apparatus 10 can thus prevent water from being introduced into the engine 12 from an already wet engine hood 16.

[0041] Figure 2A schematic diagram of another apparatus 101 according to one example is shown. Apparatus 101 is similar to apparatus 10 and, where features are similar, the same reference numerals are used. Apparatus 101 includes an engine mount 14, an engine hood 16, a controller 28, a humidity sensor 30, a global navigation satellite system sensor 32, an output device 33, and a dehumidifier 18. Apparatus 10 may include Figure 2 For example, apparatus 10 may additionally include one or more of the following: a controller 28 , a humidity sensor 30 , a global navigation satellite system sensor 32 , and an output device 33 .

[0042] The controller 28 may be integrated with the dehumidifier 18, may be integrated with the humidity sensor 30, or may be a standalone unit (either coupled to the engine mount 28 or provided in the "cloud"). The controller 28 is coupled to the engine mount 14 and may include any suitable circuitry to enable the dehumidifier 18 as described herein and as described herein. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The method shown is performed. The controller 28 may include: control circuitry; and / or processor circuitry; and / or at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); and / or at least one field-programmable gate array (FPGA); and / or a single-processor or multi-processor architecture; and / or a sequential / parallel architecture; and / or at least one programmable logic controller (PLC); and / or at least one microprocessor; and / or at least one microcontroller; and / or a central processing unit (CPU); and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU); and / or a neural processing unit (NPU) to perform the method.

[0043] In various examples, the controller 28 may include at least one processor 34 and at least one memory 36. The memory 36 stores a computer program 38 including computer readable instructions that, when read by the processor 34, cause the operations described herein and as described herein to proceed. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The method shown is performed. The computer program 38 may be software or firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0044] Processor 34 may include at least one microprocessor and may include a single-core processor, may include multiple processor cores (such as a quad-core processor or an octa-core processor), or may include multiple processors (at least one of which may include multiple processor cores).

[0045] The memory 36 may be any suitable non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, one or more data storage devices, and may include a hard disk and / or solid-state memory (such as flash memory). The memory 36 may be a permanent, non-removable memory, or may be a removable memory (such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive or a Secure Digital (SD) card). The memory 36 may include: local memory employed during actual execution of the computer program 38; mass storage; and cache memory, which provides temporary storage of at least some computer-readable or computer-usable program code to reduce the number of times the code may be retrieved from the mass storage during execution of the code.

[0046] Computer program 38 may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 40. Computer program 38 may be transferred from non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 40 to memory 36. Non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 40 may be, for example, a USB flash drive, a secure digital (SD) card, an optical disk (such as a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a Blu-ray disk). In some examples, computer program 38 may be transferred to memory 36 via a signal 42 (such as a wireless signal or a wired signal).

[0047] Input / output devices may be coupled to controller 28 directly or through an intervening input / output controller. Various communication adapters may also be coupled to controller 28 to enable device 101 to connect to other devices or remote printers or storage devices through an intervening private or public network. Non-limiting examples of such communication adapters include modems and network adapters.

[0048] Humidity sensor 30 is configured to measure humidity within engine hood 16 and generate humidity data. For example, humidity sensor 30 may include any suitable hygrometer and may include a capacitive hygrometer, a resistive hygrometer, or an optical hygrometer. Controller 28 is configured to receive humidity data from humidity sensor 30 and may control storage of the humidity data in memory 36. Humidity sensor 30 may be coupled to engine mount 14 or to interior surface 24 of engine hood 16.

[0049] The GNSS sensor 32 may include any suitable sensor configured to determine the location (e.g., longitude and latitude) of the GNSS sensor 32 on Earth and generate location data. For example, the GNSS sensor 32 may be a GPS sensor or a Galileo sensor. The controller 28 is configured to receive the location data from the GNSS sensor 32 and may control the storage of the location data in the memory 36. In addition, the controller 28 may compare the determined location of the GNSS sensor 32 with a map of at least a portion of the Earth to determine whether the device is located inside or outside a building.

[0050] The output device 33 is configured to provide an alert to a person and may be integrated with the dehumidifier 18 or may be a separate unit. For example, the output device 33 may include a speaker that can output an audible alert to a person. As another example, the output device 33 may additionally or alternatively include a display that can output a visual alert to a person. The controller 28 is configured to control the operation of the output device 33 to provide an alert to a person, which will be discussed below. Figure 10 Explain in more detail.

[0051] The dehumidifier 18 includes a water vapor extractor 44, a water tank 46, and a water outlet 48. The controller 28 is configured to control the operation of the dehumidifier 18. Specifically, the controller 28 is configured to activate the dehumidifier 18 (e.g., turn the dehumidifier 18 on) and deactivate the dehumidifier 18 (e.g., turn the dehumidifier 18 off).

[0052] The water vapor extractor 44 may include a refrigerator, a thermoelectric device, or a desiccant. In some examples, the water vapor extractor 44 may include a pump configured to move air from the interior volume 26 of the hood 16 to the water vapor extractor 44 of the dehumidifier 18. The controller 28 is configured to control the operation of the water vapor extractor 44. For example, when the water vapor extractor 44 includes a refrigerator, the controller 28 may control the compressor to compress the refrigerant and control the rotation of the fan to circulate air through the evaporator. For another example, when the water vapor extractor 44 includes a thermoelectric device, the controller 28 may control the power supply to the thermoelectric device to cause a temperature gradient across the thermoelectric device. For another example, when the water vapor extractor 44 includes a desiccant, the controller 28 may control the rotation of the desiccant wheel, the rotation of the fan, and the power supply to the heater.

[0053] The water tank 46 is arranged to receive and store condensed water from the water vapor extractor 44. In some examples, the water tank 46 may include a water level sensor 47 configured to detect the water level in the water tank 46 and generate water level data. The controller 28 is configured to receive the water level data from the water level sensor 47.

[0054] The water outlet 48 is arranged to allow water to flow from the water tank 46. In some examples, the water outlet 48 includes a valve positioned in the bottom of the water tank 46, and the controller 28 is configured to control the valve to open and close to enable the water tank 46 to be emptied. For example, the controller 28 may control the valve to open for a predetermined period of time in response to determining that the water level in the water tank 46 has exceeded a threshold and / or in response to determining that the engine cradle 14 is positioned outside the building. In other examples, the water outlet 48 includes a pump and one or more pipes having an inlet at the water tank 46 and an outlet on the outer surface 22 of the hood 16. The controller 28 may control the pump of the water outlet 48 to pump water from the water tank 46 to the outer surface 22 of the hood 16 through the one or more pipes (e.g., in response to determining that the water level in the water tank 46 has exceeded a threshold and / or in response to determining that the engine cradle 14 is positioned outside the building).

[0055] Figure 3 A side view of another apparatus 102 and a gas turbine engine 12 is shown according to one example. Apparatus 102 is similar to apparatuses 10 and 101 and, where features are similar, the same reference numerals are used. Apparatus 102 includes an engine mount 14, an engine cover 16, a dehumidifier 18, a controller 28, a humidity sensor 30, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) sensor 32, an output device 33, a conduit 50, an electrical energy storage device 52, and an inductive charging circuit 54.

[0056] The engine cradle 14 includes a base frame 56, a first engine support frame 58, and a second engine support frame 60. The base frame 56 is configured to rest on the floor and may include wheels and / or casters 62 that enable the engine cradle 14 to be positioned on the floor (e.g., by being pushed or pulled). The first engine support frame 58 is configured to support the middle portion of the core casing of the gas turbine engine 12 and may also be referred to as an engine cradle or inter-casing support tower. The second engine support frame 60 is configured to support the turbine portion of the core casing of the gas turbine engine 12 and may also be referred to as a turbine support tower. Shock absorbers may be provided between the base frame 56, the first engine support frame 58, and the second engine support frame 60 and may include one or more of the following: springs, pneumatic shock absorbers, and hydraulic shock absorbers. The shock absorbers are configured to provide shock absorption when forces are applied to the engine 12 and / or the engine cradle 14.

[0057] The size and shape of the hood 16 are designed to enclose the gas turbine engine 12. The aperture 20 is positioned in the hood 16 so that when the hood 16 encloses the gas turbine engine 12, the aperture 20 is located above the bottom of the hood 16 to prevent the aperture 20 from being submerged in water. For example, the aperture 20 may be positioned in the hood 16 so that when the hood 16 encloses the gas turbine engine 12, the aperture 20 is located one-third, one-quarter, or halfway up the hood 16.

[0058] Dehumidifier 18 includes a water vapor extractor 44, a water tank 46, and a water outlet 48. Dehumidifier 18 is coupled to engine cradle 14 and positioned exterior of hood 16 (i.e., dehumidifier 18 is positioned exterior of interior volume 26 of hood 16). Specifically, water vapor extractor 44 is positioned atop a base frame 56 of engine cradle 14 and coupled thereto adjacent to second engine support frame 60. Water tank 46 and water outlet 48 are positioned within base frame 56 and coupled to water vapor extractor 44.

[0059] The water vapor extractor 44 includes an air inlet 64 and an air outlet 66. In some examples, the duct 50 is coupled between the aperture 20 of the hood 16 and the air inlet 64 and the air outlet 66 (e.g., Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). In other examples, the duct 50 may be coupled between the aperture 20 and the air inlet 64, and the air outlet 66 may be vented to the atmosphere or may be coupled to a second aperture in the hood 16 via a second duct. The duct 50 may include a fan configured to move air from the interior volume 26 of the hood 16 to the water vapor extractor 44 of the dehumidifier 18.

[0060] The electrical energy storage device 52 is coupled to the engine mount 14 (e.g., Figure 3 10) and is configured to supply electrical energy to at least the dehumidifier 18. The electrical energy storage device 52 may include one or more electrochemical cells and / or one or more supercapacitors. In some examples, the electrical energy storage device 52 may also be configured to supply electrical energy to one or more of the following: the controller 28, the humidity sensor 30, the global navigation satellite system sensor 32, and the output device 33. In other examples, the apparatus 101 may include one or more additional electrical energy storage devices for supplying electrical energy to the controller 28, the humidity sensor 30, the global navigation satellite system sensor 32, and the output device 33.

[0061] The inductive charging circuit 54 is coupled to the engine mount 14 (e.g., on the underside of the base frame 56) and is configured to provide power to the electrical energy storage device 52. When the engine mount 14 is positioned above the inductive charging circuit 68 on the ground, the inductive charging circuit 68 may induce current in the inductive charging circuit 54 to charge the electrical energy storage device 52.

[0062] Figure 4 A front view of a valve arrangement 70 is shown that is configured to fit within the aperture 20 of the hood 16. The valve arrangement 70 includes a first check valve 72 that is configured to allow air to flow from within the hood 16 to the air inlet 64 of the dehumidifier 18. The valve arrangement 70 also includes a second check valve 74 that is configured to allow air to flow from the air outlet 66 of the dehumidifier 18 to within the hood 16.

[0063] Figure 5 Shown can be connected to Figure 4 A perspective view of the duct 50 between the valve arrangement 70 and the air inlet 64 and air outlet 66 of the dehumidifier 18 is shown. The duct 50 includes a first conduit 76 and a second conduit 78. The first conduit 76 may be coupled between the first check valve 72 and the air inlet 64 of the dehumidifier 18. The second conduit 78 may be coupled between the second check valve 74 and the air outlet 66 of the dehumidifier 18.

[0064] Figure 6 Shown Figure 4 The valve arrangement 70 and Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of duct 50 is shown. Valve arrangement 70 also includes an inlet vane 80 and an outlet vane 82 positioned at first check valve 72 and second check valve 74, respectively. Inlet vane 80 is oriented to draw air 84 from the bottom of interior volume 26 of hood 16. Air 84 then moves through first check valve 72 and through first conduit 76 to air inlet 64 of dehumidifier 18. Outlet vane 82 is arranged to receive air 86 from second conduit 78 and second check valve 74 and is oriented to direct air 86 toward the top of interior volume 26 of hood 16. It should be understood that in some examples, valve arrangement 70 may include inlet vane 80 but not outlet vane 82. In other examples, valve arrangement 70 may include outlet vane 82 but not inlet vane 80. In still other examples, valve arrangement 70 may not include either inlet vane 80 or outlet vane 82.

[0065] Device 102 can advantageously be relatively quick and simple to operate. For example, dehumidifier 18 can be coupled to orifice 20 of engine hood 16 via a single conduit (i.e., conduit 50). Furthermore, by positioning inductive charging circuit 54 of engine mount 14 above inductive charging circuit 68 in the ground, electrical energy storage device 52 can be charged relatively easily. Device 102 is also advantageous in that inlet vanes 80 and / or outlet vanes 82 of valve assembly 70 can increase air circulation within interior volume 26 of engine hood 16, which can increase the water vapor extraction rate of dehumidifier 18.

[0066] Figure 7 A side view of another apparatus 103 and a gas turbine engine 12 according to one example is shown. The apparatus 103 is similar to the apparatuses 10, 101, 102 and where features are similar, the same reference numerals are used.

[0067] Device 103 differs from device 102 in that water vapor extractor 44 includes a funnel 88 positioned within aperture 20 and extending into interior volume 26 of hood 16. Dehumidifier 18 is configured to reduce the temperature of funnel 88 so that water vapor in interior volume 26 condenses on funnel 88. For example, if dehumidifier 18 is a Peltier dehumidifier, funnel 88 may be part of, all of, or connected to a cold surface of a thermoelectric device. The temperature of funnel 88 may be reduced by applying a voltage across the thermoelectric device. For another example, if dehumidifier 18 is a condensate dehumidifier, funnel 88 may be part of or connected to the evaporator of water vapor extractor 44. The temperature of funnel 88 may be reduced by providing power to the refrigerator of water vapor extractor 44 and activating the refrigerator compressor and evaporator fan.

[0068] In some examples, the funnel 88 may include a spring-loaded gravity valve arranged to remain sealed until a critical mass of liquid water forces the spring-loaded gravity valve to release the stored water into the water tank 46 .

[0069] An advantage of device 103 is that the operation of dehumidifier 18 is less likely to be interrupted by an accident than device 102. Specifically, funnel 88 is located within engine hood 16 and is therefore less likely to be dislodged by a person or object passing through engine cradle 14 than duct 50 of device 102. Additionally, because funnel 88 is located within engine hood 18 and does not require any fan to move air from interior volume 26 to water vapor extractor 44, device 103 requires less electricity to operate than device 102.

[0070] Figure 8A schematic diagram of yet another device 104 and engine 12 according to one example is shown. The device 104 is similar to the devices 10, 101, 102, 103 and where features are similar, the same reference numerals are used.

[0071] Device 104 differs from devices 10, 101, 102, and 103 in that dehumidifier 18 is coupled to engine mount 14 at a location such that the dehumidifier is positioned within engine hood 16 (i.e., dehumidifier 18 is positioned within interior volume 26). Thus, aperture 20 may not be defined within engine hood 16 because device 104 does not require air to move from within engine hood 16 to outside of engine hood 16 in order to extract water vapor from interior volume 26.

[0072] The dehumidifier 18 of the device 104 is an electric dehumidifier and consumes electrical energy to extract water vapor from the air in the interior volume 26. For example, the electric dehumidifier 18 may consume electrical energy to compress the refrigerant and control the rotation of the fan to circulate air through the evaporator. For another example, the electric dehumidifier 18 may consume electrical energy to induce a temperature gradient across the thermoelectric device. For another example, the electric dehumidifier 18 may consume electrical energy to rotate the dehumidification wheel, rotate the fan, and increase the temperature of the heater.

[0073] An advantage of device 104 is that (similar to device 103), operation of dehumidifier 18 is less likely to be interrupted by an accident than with device 102. Specifically, the entire dehumidifier 18 is located within hood 16 and is therefore less likely to be dislodged or rendered inoperable by passing persons or objects than with device 102.

[0074] Figure 9 1 shows a flow chart of a method of controlling the dehumidifier 18. It should be understood that Figure 9 The method shown in may be performed by any of devices 10 , 101 , 102 , 103 , and 104 .

[0075] At block 90 , the method includes receiving humidity data. For example, the humidity sensor 30 may measure the humidity within the hood 16 and thereby generate humidity data. The controller 28 may receive the humidity data generated by the humidity sensor 30 .

[0076] At block 92, the method includes comparing the measured humidity to one or more predetermined thresholds. For example, the controller 28 may compare the measured humidity in the received humidity data to a single predetermined threshold (e.g., 40 percent). If the measured humidity is greater than the predetermined threshold, the method proceeds to block 94, and if the measured humidity is less than the predetermined threshold, the method proceeds to block 96.

[0077] For another example, the controller 28 may compare the measured humidity in the received humidity data with one of two predetermined thresholds depending on the activation state of the dehumidifier 18. For example, if the dehumidifier 18 is not activated (e.g., turned off and not removing water vapor), the controller 28 may compare the measured humidity with a first predetermined threshold, and if the dehumidifier 18 is activated (e.g., turned on and removing water vapor), the controller 28 may compare the measured humidity with a second predetermined threshold. The second predetermined threshold may be lower than the first predetermined threshold. For example, the second predetermined threshold may be 40 percent, while the first predetermined threshold may be 50 percent.

[0078] At block 94, the method includes controlling activation of the dehumidifier 18 in response to the measured humidity being greater than a predetermined threshold. For example, the controller 28 may control the power supply to the dehumidifier 18 in response to the measured humidity being greater than the predetermined threshold. The method may then return to block 90 and repeat.

[0079] At box 96, the method includes controlling deactivation of the dehumidifier 18 in response to the measured humidity being less than a predetermined threshold. For example, the controller 28 may disconnect power to the dehumidifier 18 in response to the measured humidity being less than a predetermined threshold. The method may then return to box 90 and repeat.

[0080] Figure 9 The method shown in can advantageously reduce the electrical energy consumption of the apparatus 10, 101, 102, 103, 104 because the dehumidifier 18 can be activated only when needed (i.e., when the humidity in the interior volume 26 exceeds a predetermined threshold). This can enable the dehumidifier 18 to be operable for a longer period of time and require less operator maintenance (e.g., charging the electrical energy storage device 52).

[0081] Figure 10 A flow chart of a method of operating an apparatus 10 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 is shown.

[0082] At block 110 , the method includes receiving position data and water level data. For example, the controller 28 may receive position data from the global navigation satellite system sensor 32 and may receive water level data from the water level sensor 47 .

[0083] At block 112, the method includes determining whether the measured water level exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, the controller 28 may compare the measured water level in the received water level data with the predetermined threshold. If the measured water level is greater than the predetermined threshold, the method proceeds to block 114. If the measured water level is less than the predetermined threshold, the method returns to block 110.

[0084] At block 114, the method includes determining whether the engine mount 14 is located outside the building. For example, the controller 28 may compare the location in the received location data with a map stored in the memory 36 to determine whether the engine mount 14 is located outside the building. If it is determined that the engine mount 14 is located outside the building, the method proceeds to block 116. If it is determined that the engine mount 14 is located inside the building, the method proceeds to block 118.

[0085] At block 116, the method includes controlling the emptying of the water tank 46 of the dehumidifier 18. For example, the controller 28 may control the valve of the water outlet 48 to be open for a predetermined period of time. For another example, the controller 28 may control the pump of the water outlet 48 to pump water from the water tank 46 through one or more pipes to the outer surface 22 of the hood 16 for a predetermined period of time. The method may then return to block 110.

[0086] At block 118, the method includes controlling the output device 33 to provide an alert. For example, the controller 28 may control the speaker of the output device 33 to provide an audible alert. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 28 may control the display of the output device 33 to present a visual alert. A person may notice the alert and then manually empty the water tank 46 of the dehumidifier 18.

[0087] Figure 10 The method shown in can advantageously increase the automation of the operation of the devices 10, 101, 102, 103, 104, because the water tank 46 can be automatically emptied by the controller 28 when the engine cradle 14 is outside the building, or the water tank 46 can be manually emptied when the engine cradle 14 is positioned inside the building and the water tank 46 is full.

[0088] In some examples, Figure 10 The method shown in may not include block 112, and therefore, whenever the water tank 46 is positioned outside the building (whether or not it is full), the water tank may be emptied. Figure 10 The method shown in may not include block 114 and, therefore, the water tank 46 may be emptied whenever it is full (whether or not it is outside the building).

[0089] A variety of examples have been described, each including a combination of various feature parts. Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless clearly mutually exclusive, any feature may be used alone or in combination with any other feature, and that the present invention extends to and includes all combinations and subcombinations of one or more features described herein.

Claims

1. A device for supporting at least a portion of an engine, the device comprising: an engine mount configured to support at least a portion of the engine; an engine hood defining an aperture; A dehumidifier is coupled to the aperture of the hood, the dehumidifier being configured to remove water vapor from air within the hood.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A controller is configured to control operation of the dehumidifier. 3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a humidity sensor configured to measure humidity within the hood and generate humidity data. 4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to receive the humidity data and activate the dehumidifier in response to the measured humidity being greater than a predetermined threshold. 5 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to receive the humidity data and deactivate the dehumidifier in response to the measured humidity being less than a predetermined threshold.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) sensor coupled to the engine mount, the GNSS sensor configured to determine a location of the engine mount, the controller configured to receive the determined location from the GNSS sensor and control emptying of the water tank of the dehumidifier in response to determining that the engine mount is located outside a building.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to control emptying of the water tank by controlling the pumping of water from the water tank through one or more tubes to release water across the exterior surface of the hood.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A duct is coupled between the inlet of the dehumidifier and the aperture of the hood.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a valve arrangement positioned within the aperture of the hood, the valve arrangement comprising a first check valve configured to allow air to flow from within the hood to the inlet of the dehumidifier, and a second check valve configured to allow air to flow from the outlet of the dehumidifier to within the hood.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a conduit including a first conduit coupled between the first check valve and the inlet of the dehumidifier and a second conduit coupled between the second check valve and the outlet of the dehumidifier.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the dehumidifier comprises a funnel positioned within the aperture of the hood, the dehumidifier being configured to reduce a temperature of the funnel to cause the water vapor to condense on the funnel.

12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the dehumidifier is coupled to the engine mount.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising an electrical energy storage device coupled to the engine mount and configured to power the dehumidifier.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising an inductive charging circuit coupled to the engine mount and configured to provide power to the electrical energy storage device.

15. A device for supporting at least a portion of an engine, the device comprising: an engine mount configured to support at least a portion of the engine; an engine hood arranged to cover at least said portion of said engine; An electric dehumidifier is positioned within the hood and is configured to remove water vapor from air within the hood.

Images