Fan configuration for an engine driven generator

Some embodiments relate to a generator that includes an alternator and an engine. The engine includes an output shaft that is coupled to a rotor of the alternator. The generator further includes a first fan that initially directs air in a first direction which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the output shaft. A second fan that directs air in a second direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the output shaft. The generator further includes an enclosure such that the alternator, the engine, the first fan and the second fan are within the enclosure. In some embodiments, the generator may further include a third fan that directs air in the direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the output shaft and a fourth fan that directs air in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the output shaft.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments pertain to an engine generator cooling system, and more particularly to a fan configuration for an engine driven generator.

BACKGROUND

Existing cooling systems for engine driven generators typically include belt-driven fans that are used to remove heat from a radiator that serves to cool the engine. These belt-driven fans are usually driven by the engines themselves.

One of the drawbacks with belt-driven fans is that they require the engine to be running in order to perform cooling. In addition, the belt-driven fans typically occupy valuable space within an enclosure that includes the engine driven generator.

Another drawback with belt-driven fans is that the speed of the fan is usually dependent upon the speed of the engine. Therefore, the degree of cooling provided by the belt-driven fan changes based on the speed of the engine instead of being based on the amount of load on the engine. In addition, belt-driven fan commonly generate an undesirable amount of audible noise because of the size and speed of the belt driven fans.

A single fan configuration can result in no cooling being provided when the single fan becomes inoperative. In addition, a single fan configuration also typically only provides a limited number of available air flow paths in which to provide cooling and/or move air through/in/from the engine driven generator.

Therefore, a need exists for an engine driven generator cooling system that may provide adequate cooling while minimizing audible noise. The cooling system may also provide cooling to the radiator even when the engine is not running. Finally, the cooling system may provide cooling even when a fan that forms part of the cooling system becomes inoperative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-12illustrate an example generator10that includes an alternator12and an engine14. The engine14includes an output shaft (not shown) that is coupled to a rotor (not shown) of the alternator12.

The generator10further includes a first fan21A that initially directs air in a first direction X which is parallel to a longitudinal axis A of the output shaft. A second fan21B that directs air in a second direction Y that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A of the output shaft. In the illustrated example embodiment, the first fan21A is a centrifugal alternator fan, although in other embodiments the first fan21A may be something other than a centrifugal alternator fan.

The generator10further includes an enclosure75such that the alternator12, the engine14, the first fan21A and the second fan21B are within the enclosure40. The size, shape and orientation of the enclosure75will depend in part on (i) the size and number of the components that are to be placed within the enclosure75; and/or (ii) the environment where the enclosure75is to be located (among other factors).

In some embodiments, the generator10may further include a third fan21C that directs air in the direction Y that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A of the output shaft and a fourth fan21D that directs air in a direction X that is parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the output shaft. In the illustrated example embodiment, the first fan21A is aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the output shaft and the fourth fan21D is not aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the output shaft. It should be noted that embodiments are contemplated where the first fan21A is not aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the output shaft. As examples, one, some or all of the first, second, third and fourth electrical fans21A,21B,21C,21D may be a 12 volt direct current fan.

In addition, the generator10may further include a power supply (not shown) that provides power to the first, second, third and fourth electrical fans21A,21B,21C,21D. As an example, the power supply may be a DC battery, although other types of power supplies are contemplated. It is also contemplated that the power supply may be powered directly from the alternator12or some other power generating device.

As shown most clearly inFIGS. 2-4,7and8, the generator10may further include a radiator50such that the second fan21B and the third fan21C direct (push or pull) air through the radiator50. In the illustrated example embodiment, the second fan21B and the third fan21C are positioned horizontally (FIG. 1) or vertically (FIGS. 2-10) adjacent to one another. It should be noted that embodiments are contemplated where one of the second fan21B or the third fan21C do not direct air through the radiator50.

In some embodiments, the enclosure75includes an alternator air intake compartment70A, engine compartment70B, radiator air intake compartment70C and exhaust compartment70D. In the illustrated example embodiment, the first fan21A directs air from the alternator air intake compartment70A to the engine compartment70B. In addition, the second fan21B and the third fan21C may direct air from the radiator air intake compartment70C to the exhaust compartment70D, and the fourth21D fan may direct air from the engine compartment70B to the exhaust compartment70D.

Embodiments are also contemplated where the fourth fan21D directs air outside the enclosure75from the engine compartment70B. In addition, it should be noted that other fans may be added inside the enclosure75of the generator10.

Embodiments are contemplated where the enclosure75may include vents80A (seeFIG. 11) such that air is able to exit the enclosure75from the exhaust compartment70D through the vents80A. In addition, the enclosure may alternatively (or also) include vents80B (seeFIG. 12) such that air is able to enter the enclosure75into the alternator air intake compartment70A and/or the radiator air intake compartment70C through the additional vents80B.

It should be noted that references numbers80A,80B,80C refer to example vent locations inFIGS. 2-5. The size, shape and number of individual vents80A,80B,80C may vary depending on particular generator10(see, e.g.,FIGS. 11-12. The illustration of specific vent details is omitted fromFIGS. 2-5for purposes of clarity.

As shown most clearly inFIG. 12, the enclosure75may include vents80C such that air is able to enter the enclosure75from the engine compartment70B through the vents80C. Embodiments are also contemplated where vents80A direct air outside the enclosure75from the engine compartment70B (vents80A of this type are not shown). The type, size, number, location and style of the vents80A,80B,80C will depend on a variety of design considerations associated with each embodiment.

The fan configuration for an engine driven generator described herein may provide cooling while minimizing audible noise. The cooling system may also provide cooling to the radiator even when the engine is not running. Finally, the cooling system may provide cooling even when a fan that forms part of the cooling system becomes inoperative.