Dual Electrical Fan Cooling Circuit for Engine Driven Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine driven generator cooling systems rely on belt-driven or direct current fans that require the engine to be running, occupy space, generate noise, and often fail to provide cooling when a single fan becomes inoperative, necessitating complex control systems and inefficient cooling.
Innovation Solution
An engine driven generator cooling system utilizing two electrical fans connected in series or parallel by a circuit with relays, allowing for independent operation and reduced noise, with the ability to maintain cooling even when one fan fails or the engine is not running.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fan is used for cooling, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because no cooling is provided when the fan becomes inoperative
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent fan units (first fan and second fan) that can operate independently. Each fan is connected to the radiator through separate circuit paths with individual switches, allowing one fan to continue providing cooling even if the other fails. This segmentation increases reliability without requiring complex centralized control systems.
2Device complexity
If belt-driven fans are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because cooling is not provided when the engine is not running
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical belt-driven fan system (which is engine-dependent) with electrically-powered fan units. These electric fans can be activated independently of engine operation through electrical switches and circuitry, ensuring cooling availability whether the engine is running or not, while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single fan operates at variable speeds, then the adaptability is improved, but the harmful factors worsen due to undesirable audible noise at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the cooling function across multiple fan units, the system can distribute the cooling load. When high cooling capacity is needed, multiple fans can operate together; when less cooling is needed, fewer fans can operate at lower speeds, reducing audible noise while maintaining adequate adaptability to match cooling demands.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fan units work together to provide cooling capacity. The combined output of multiple fans operating at moderate speeds can achieve the same cooling effect as a single fan operating at high speed, thereby reducing audible noise while maintaining cooling effectiveness and adaptability.
4Device complexity
If belt-driven fans are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the volume worsens due to valuable space occupied within the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces large mechanical belt-driven fans with more compact electrically-powered fan units. These electric fans require less space within the generator enclosure while providing equivalent or superior cooling performance, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the cooling system components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system eliminates the need for complex control systems, provides effective cooling with reduced noise, and ensures continuous operation even when a fan becomes inoperative or the engine is off, enhancing reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical fan 20 and a second electrical fan 30. The circuit 50 is configured to selectively connect the first electrical fan 20 and the second electrical fan 30 in series (see FIG. 3) or in parallel (see FIG. 2)
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to an engine driven generator that includes a first electrical fan and a second electrical fan. The engine driven generator further includes a power source and a circuit connecting the power source to the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan. The circuit is configured to selectively connect the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan in series or in parallel. The circuit may operate the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan at full speed when the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan are electrically connected in parallel. The circuit may operate the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan at less than full speed when the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan are electrically connected in series.