Airflow generating device for alternator cooling and vapor canister purging
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorRoss Dykstra Pursifull
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Various systems and methods for an engine in a vehicle which includes an airflow generating device coupled between an alternator and a fuel vapor canister are described. In one example, airflow from the airflow generating device is directed to cool the alternator during a first mode such as when the alternator temperature is greater than a threshold temperature. During a second mode when the alternator temperature is less than the threshold temperature and the engine is boosted, for example, the airflow from the airflow generating device is directed to assist purging of fuel vapors from the fuel vapor canister.
Claims20
A method for an engine in a vehicle, comprising:
- during a first operating mode, cooling an alternator coupled to the engine via an airflow generating device;
- and
- during a second operating mode, purging a fuel vapor canister by assisting vapor flow into or out of the fuel vapor canister via the airflow generating device while a canister purge valve is open.
A method for a turbocharged engine in a vehicle, comprising:
- during a first operating mode:
- cooling an alternator coupled to the engine via an airflow generating device;
- under a first condition, routing a purge flow from a fuel vapor canister through a first check valve to a location upstream of a compressor;
- and
- under a second condition, routing the purge flow from the fuel vapor canister through a second check valve to an intake manifold of the engine;
- during a second operating mode, purging a fuel vapor canister by assisting flow into the fuel vapor canister via the airflow generating device while a canister purge valve is open, and routing the purge flow from the fuel vapor canister through the first check valve to the location upstream of the compressor;
- and
- during a third operating mode, routing airflow from the alternator to an exhaust manifold of the engine.
A system for an engine in a vehicle, comprising:
- an alternator;
- a fuel vapor canister;
- an airflow generating device coupled to the alternator;
- a turbocharger;
- and
- a control system comprising a computer readable storage medium, the medium comprising instructions for:
- during a first operating mode:
- cooling the alternator via the airflow generating device;
- under a first condition, routing a purge flow from a fuel vapor canister through a first check valve to a location upstream of a compressor;
- and
- under a second condition, routing the purge flow from the fuel vapor canister through a second check valve to an intake manifold of the engine;
- during a second operating mode, assisting flow into the fuel vapor canister via the airflow generating device while a canister purge valve is open, and routing the purge flow from the fuel vapor canister through the first check valve to the location upstream of the compressor;
- and
- during a third operating mode, routing airflow from the alternator to an exhaust manifold of the engine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.