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US 7,679,234 B1Granted
Spray cool means for cooling a modular inverter electric motor system
AssigneeIsothermal Systems Research, Inc.
InventorsCharles L. Tilton, Bruce A. Smetana, Tom D. Weir
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure an apparatus includes a means for converting a first type of electrical power to a second type of electrical power. The apparatus also includes a means for spraying a coolant on the means for converting.
Claims9
An apparatus, comprising:
- an electric motor configured to operate on a first type of electrical power;
- a converter electrically connected to the motor, and configured to convert a second type of electrical power to the first type of electrical power to thereby supply power to the electric motor;
- and
- a coolant system configured to spray coolant on the converter and on the electric motor;
- a housing configured to enclose at least a portion of the converter and the coolant system;
- a converter module comprising the housing, the converter, and the coolant system, wherein the converter module is configured to be removably mounted on the electric motor;
- a first fluid connector portion supported on the converter module;
- and
- a second fluid connector portion supported on the motor, wherein the first fluid connector portion and the second fluid connector portion are configured to couple in fluid communication in response to mounting the converter module on the electric motor to thereby connect in fluid communication the coolant system with the electric motor.
6 more elements
An apparatus, comprising:
- a chassis;
- at least one drive wheel supported by the chassis;
- an electric motor configured to operate on a first type of electrical power, and supported by the chassis, and connectable with the drive wheel to thereby drive the drive wheel;
- a converter module configured to be removably mounted on the motor and comprising:
- a converter electrically connected to the electric motor, and configured to convert a second type of electrical power to the first type of electrical power to thereby supply power to the electric motor;
- a coolant system configured to spray a coolant on the converter;
- and
- a housing configured to enclose at least a portion of the converter and the coolant system;
- a first fluid connector portion supported on the converter module;
- and
- a second fluid connector portion supported on the motor, wherein the first fluid connector portion and the second fluid connector portion are configured to couple in fluid communication in response to mounting the converter module on the electric motor to thereby connect in fluid communication the coolant system with the electric motor.
8 more elements
A hybrid vehicle, comprising:
- a chassis;
- a plurality of wheels supported by the chassis, wherein at least one of the wheels is a drive wheel configured to propel the vehicle;
- an electric motor configured to operate on a first type of electrical power, and supported by the chassis, and connectable with the drive wheel to thereby drive the drive wheel;
- a converter module comprising:
- a converter electrically connected to the electric motor, and configured to convert a second type of electrical power to the first type of electrical power to thereby supply power to the electric motor;
- a coolant system configured to spray a coolant on the converter;
- and
- a housing configured to enclose at least a portion of the converter and at least a portion of the coolant system;
- a first fluid connector portion supported on the converter module;
- and
- a second fluid connector portion supported on the electric motor, wherein the first fluid connector portion and the second fluid connector portion are configured to couple in fluid communication in response to mounting the converter module on the electric motor to thereby connect in fluid communication the coolant system with the electric motor;
- an internal combustion engine mechanically connected to the electric motor;
- and
- a battery configured to receive power from, and provide power to, the electric motor.
11 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.