System and method for generating power from a fan
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsDAVID J. VERBRUGGE, MARK DE BACKER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for generating power for a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a fan positioned to receive a flow of air, a turbine coupled to the fan, the turbine adapted to rotate the fan when operating in a first mode and to receive power from the fan when operating in a second mode, the turbine adapted to generate electrical power from the power received from the fan, and an electronic control unit adapted to selectively engage the first and second modes of the turbine.
Claims20
A system for generating power for a vehicle, the system comprising:
- a fan positioned to receive a flow of air;
- a turbine coupled to the fan, the turbine adapted to rotate the fan when operating in a first mode and to receive power from the fan when operating in a second mode, the turbine adapted to generate electrical power from the power received from the fan;
- and
- an electronic control unit (ECU) adapted to selectively engage the first and second modes of the turbine.
A method of generating power for a vehicle comprising a fan, a power relay, and a heat exchanger, the method comprising:
- detecting that the heat exchanger has a temperature below a first predetermined temperature;
- engaging a turbine to the fan, the fan positioned to receive a flow of air;
- generating electrical power with the turbine from a rotation of the fan;
- and
- providing the electrical power to the power relay.
A method of generating power for a vehicle comprising a cooling fan, a heat exchanger, and a power relay, the method comprising:
- engaging a turbine to the cooling fan, the cooling fan positioned to receive a flow of air from outside the vehicle;
- generating electrical power with the turbine from a rotation of the cooling fan;
- and
- providing the electrical power to the power relay.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.