Patent ID: 6606578
Filing Date: 2003-08-12
Classification: F04D,H02K

Abstract:
An electromagnetic propulsion fan, comprising:a hub; a plurality of fan blades coupled to the hub; a rim coupled to the fan blades such that rotating the rim causes the fan blades to rotate, the rim including a plurality of magnets coupled thereto; a plurality of electromagnets in proximity to the rim, the electromagnets controllable to generate magnetic fields that interact with the magnetic fields of the magnets to cause the rim to rotate; an electrical source coupled to the electromagnets, the electrical source operable to controllably provide electrical power to the electromagnets, the electrical power facilitating the generation of the magnetic fields of the electromagnets; a sensor operable to make detections that facilitate determining the angular position of the rim at various times; and a computer coupled to the sensor and the electrical source, the computer, based on the detections by the sensor, operable to instruct the electrical source when to provide electrical power to the electromagnets.