Abstract: A drive train system having a driving engine that has a cooling system for cooling the driving engine is provided. The cooling system has a coolant circuit, a cooling device, and a fan that is associated with the cooling device and that is in driveline connection with the driving engine. A controllable or regulatable clutch is arranged between the driving engine and the fan. The clutch is a hydrodynamic clutch having a primary wheel and a secondary wheel, which jointly form a working chamber that can be filled with a working fluid, and is provided with a working fluid supply system associated with the clutch and with means for influencing the transmission behavior of the hydrodynamic clutch.

Abstract: Actual temperatures of intake air, hydraulic oil, and coolant, to be cooled by a cooling fan, are detected. Target fan revolution speeds are determined by PI control units based on differences between the actual temperatures and target temperatures. The cooling fan is controlled based on the target fan revolution speeds. To restrict accumulation of negative integral elements when performing integration by the PI control units an integration start control system adapted to control the timing for each PI control unit to initiate integration is provided. Target temperatures for initiating integration are respectively set, and control is performed so that integral elements of each PI control unit are kept invalid until the actual temperature of the corresponding cooling target fluid, i.e. the intake air, the hydraulic oil, or the coolant, reaches the corresponding target temperature. Delay in rise of fan revolution speed is prevented.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly for use in an on/off fan drive is provided having a simplified method for retention of the friction liner between the clutch housing and rotating drive shaft. The friction clutch assembly introduces a groove within the inner rearward portion of the clutch housing. A spiral snap ring is installed into the groove to retain the friction liner between the clutch housing and rotating drive shaft. The spiral snap ring functions to axially retain the friction liner between the clutch housing and rotating drive shaft during use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling thermal energy within a fan drive. The fan drive includes an input member rotating at an input speed, and an output member attached to the fan and rotating at a fan speed, with a viscous fluid disposed therebetween. The fluid selectively transmits torque between the input member and the output member such that the fan speed is a function of a controllable parameter of the fluid. The parameter is continually controlled by a programmed controller. The method includes the steps of pre-determining a threshold temperature for the fan drive, with the threshold temperature approaching a maximum desirable temperature for the fan drive, and adjusting the fan speed as necessary to maintain a fan drive temperature below the threshold temperature. The controller may regulate fluid volume or fluid viscosity, or any other controllable parameter of the fluid.

Abstract: An improved vehicle cooling system is disclosed having the capability of controlling various thermal components of the system to effectively control the heating and cooling of an engine of the vehicle based on instantaneous vehicle and ambient conditions and also based upon predictive conditions. These predictive conditions can include information about the upcoming terrain of the route along which the vehicle will travel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling module for an engine (1) of a motor vehicle. Said cooling module comprises a heat exchanger (4), at least one fan (16) and a coolant pump (8), whereby a modular frame (3) forms an integral part of the cooling module (2) and the coolant pump (8) is disposed within and/or on said modular frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of cooling an engine for an automobile. The method operates using a predictive, feed-forward element combined with a fuzzy logic feedback controller to achieve accurate control over engine temperature. The fuzzy logic feedback is only utilized in the event that the predictive control results in a cylinder head temperature outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling an internal combustion engine system having an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The internal combustion engine includes an engine block defining a plurality of combustion chambers, an intake air system in fluid communication with the combustion chambers and providing intake air thereto, an exhaust gas system in fluid communication with the combustion chambers and carrying exhaust gas therefrom, a cooling system having a cooling fluid circulated therein and a recirculated gas system in fluid communication with the exhaust gas system and intake air system wherein a portion of the exhaust gas is routed from the exhaust gas system to the intake air system.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an engine cooling apparatus that cools an engine according to an operation state of an engine driven work machine. The invention provides an engine cooling apparatus that is adapted to, in an engine drive work machine including an engine and a work machine driven by the engine, cool a radiator of the engine with an electric fan, the engine cooling apparatus including: at least one sensor that senses an operation state of the engine; and a control device that has an inverter, which uses a detection signal of the sensor as an input and the electric fan as a load, and performs operation control for the electric fan according to the operation state of the engine.

Abstract: A variable fan drive for a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine is provided. A drive side assembly utilizes a hydraulic actuator to actuate a variable sheave assembly. The variable sheave assembly drives a sheave assembly of a driven side assembly by way of a v-belt. The hydraulic actuator has a piston coupled to the variable sheave assembly. The piston is hydraulically translated by pressurized engine oil from the internal combustion engine. An electronically controlled solenoid valve controlled by an engine or vehicle controller selectively controls the flow of engine oil for piston actuation. Thus the speed of the fan can be controlled based on various engine or vehicle operating parameters.

Abstract: An on/off clutch assembly is disclosed having a two component spring end cap. The spring end cap includes a steel cap portion and a non-metallic portion. The non-metallic portion extends along the entire length of the steel cap portion and is located between the steel cap portion and the piston rod. The new design insulates the steel piston rod from the steel spring end cap. This results in reduced corrosion of seals within the clutch assembly and contributes to improved conditions for bearings within the clutch assembly.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to a road vehicle's axial flow cooling fan which normally draws cooling air from in front of the vehicle and blows it into the engine bay. The instant invention includes a control circuit for the fan motor that provides variable speed and bi-directional, or reverse and normal, fan operation. Reverse fan operation blows air from the engine bay through the radiator and out the front of the vehicle, and normal fan operation blows into the engine bay. Two input sensors feed the control circuit, one for road speed of the vehicle and other for engine temperature. When the engine is below its operating temperature and the vehicle is moving, the fan is made to blows in reverse at a speed proportional to road speed so as to block cold ram air from entering and blasting onto a warming engine. This speeds engine warm-up to reduce emissions, improve fuel economy, and speed windshield defogging.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for facilitating the cooling of engine coolant flowing through a radiator operatively connected to the engine of an engine-driven, electrical generator set. The engine has a crankshaft rotatable about a first axis and a radiator having a first side directed towards the engine and a second side. The apparatus includes a fan positionable on the second side of the radiator that is rotatable about a second axis generally parallel to and vertically spaced from the first axis. The apparatus includes a thermally responsive clutch having a driven portion. The clutch is movable between a first disengaged position wherein the driven portion is isolated from the crankshaft and a second engaged position wherein the driven portion rotates in unison with the crankshaft in response to a predetermined temperature. A fan drive system interconnects the driven portion of the clutch and the fan for translating rotation of the driven portion to the fan.

Abstract: An on/off clutch assembly is disclosed having a simplified method for attaching the drive shaft to the hub portion of the drive pulley. The rotating shaft is formed with an integral external threaded portion that is designed to mate with a corresponding internal threaded portion of the hub. The external threaded portion, in conjunction with the internal threaded portion, replace the holes and corresponding cap screws that are used to attach the drive shaft to the hub in current designs. The new design limits the complexity of design and manufacture of the fan drive.

Abstract: Early stage detection of engine liquid cooling problems is provided with temperature, pressure and other sensors and associated logic circuits configured for detecting alarm conditions including below normal static coolant pressure coupled with an elevated coolant temperature, above normal static coolant pressure, below normal coolant pump pressure condition, coolant voids due to coolant loss or boiling, and external steam or liquid leakage from the cooling system. A gauge displays the difference between coolant pump output pressure and static coolant pressure.

Abstract: A system for reducing the time that it takes a vehicle fuel cell engine to reach its operating temperature at vehicle start-up. The system includes a radiator and a fan, where a cooling fluid from the engine is directed through the radiator where it is cooled by airflow from the fan during high load conditions. The radiator also receives ambient air through a front grill from movement of the vehicle. During vehicle start-up, when the engine is below its optimal operating temperature, the fan is operated in a reverse direction at variable speeds depending on the speed of the vehicle, so that the airflow through the grill that may otherwise convectively cool the engine is significantly reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled fan drive system for controlling the cooling of an engine and having a method of engagement includes a housing assembly containing a hydraulic fluid and an engaging circuit. The engaging circuit includes a pitot tube coupled within the housing assembly that receives at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid as the housing assembly rotates to drive a clutch pack (and coupled fan) via static pressure. A fluid controller having binary control adjusts the static pressure within the pitot tube at a given rotational speed, thereby controlling the engagement of the clutch pack to a fully engaged drive (utilizing friction type engagement), a fully disengaged drive, and at least two partially engaged clutch positions (i.e. partially engaged utilizing a wet viscous type clutch engagement). To control static pressure release, the fluid controller may utilize a dual spool system valving arrangement or a parallel fixed orifice binary control.

Abstract: A clutchless viscous fan drive system is formed in which the body of the fan drive is attached directly to the input shaft and rotates at full input speed. A seal is pressed into the cover at the output drive and seals against a cast-in seal ring on the body. The fan drive formed does not need a clutch and thus will not trap heat inside the viscous fluid chamber between the body and cover. The body rotates at full input speed with the input shaft and will improve airflow across the body side fins, therein improving fan drive cooling performance.

Abstract: The cooling system of a skid-steer loader provides for heat exchangers, e.g. liquid, oil coolers, mounted in the upper portion of an engine compartment and in direct communication with a forced air flow. Circulating air is drawn into the engine compartment from the rear, is carried over the engine and is blown out through the heat exchangers to cool the liquid within the heat exchangers. The housing of a centrifugal fan is rigidly coupled to the engine block and the fan is also directly coupled to the engine flywheel. This allows for closer tolerances between the fan and its housing which results in higher efficiency because this dual coupling to the engine inhibits differential vibration between the fan and the housing. Interconnection between the heat exchangers and fan housing is via a flexible bellows and an air diffuser.

Abstract: A driving load of a cooling fan unit is selectively determined from a plurality of predetermined loads corresponding to vehicle parameters including a coolant temperature and a vehicle speed. Also, on the basis of a plurality of coolant temperature ranges and a plurality of vehicle speed ranges. The cooling fan unit is driven with the determined driving load. The vehicle parameters preferably further include a refrigerant pressure and a state of an air/con switch.

Abstract: A method is provided for cooling an engine driven, electrical generator set and for reducing the fan noise associated with operation of the same. The method includes positioning a fan on the first side of the radiator. The temperature adjacent a first side of the radiator is monitored and the fan is rotated in response to the temperature of the air on the first side of the radiator exceeding a threshold. The fan urges air through the radiator in order to cool the engine coolant flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A method of operating a cooling and heating circuit of a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine includes providing a first cooling medium path through a bypass conduit, a second cooling medium path through a main cooler of the internal combustion engine, a third cooling medium path through a heating heat exchanger, subdividing the cooling medium paths by an electrically actuated valves and forming cooling medium flows by an electrically driven pump, controlling both the valves and the pump by an electronic control unit in dependence on operational and environmental parameters as well as nominal values, reversing a feeding direction of the electrically operated pump in a first operational phase of the internal combustion engine at low temperatures of the internal combustion engine and turned on first cooling medium path, and feeding the cooling medium by the pump in a lower region of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A cooling system for use in a work machine is provided, in which an increase in the load imposed on a fan driving circuit and occurrence of abnormal noise can be prevented without fail by means of an inexpensive arrangement at the time of switching the rotating direction of a cooling fan. To this end, the cooling system comprises: (1) a variable displacement hydraulic pump driven by the engine; (2) a forwardly and reversely rotatable hydraulic motor operated by hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump; (3) a cooling fan driven by the hydraulic motor; (4) an electromagnetic selector valve for switching the rotating direction of the hydraulic motor between a forward direction and a reverse direction; (5) controlling means for controlling switching of the electromagnetic selector valve and controlling the hydraulic pump so as to minimize the discharge oil rate of the hydraulic pump during switching of the electromagnetic selector valve.

Abstract: A dual motor configuration 10 is provided for driving two fans for moving air to cool an engine. The dual motor configuration includes a primary brushless motor 18 constructed and arranged to be electronically controlled to drive a first fan 16 over a range of speeds. A secondary brush motor 24 is constructed and arranged to be electronically controlled to drive a second fan 22 over a range of speeds. The secondary brush motor includes an electronic switching device 26 associated therewith for receiving a pulse width modulated signal for controlling speed of the secondary brush motor. Thus, different combinations of speeds of the first and second motors can be selectively chosen to meet cooling requirements.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one engine cooling fan for a compression ignition internal combustion engine, the method includes turning on the at least one cooling fan when an intake manifold air temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined turn-on threshold temperature for a predetermined turn-on time, and turning off the at least one cooling fan when the intake manifold air temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined turn-off threshold temperature for a predetermined turn-off time, wherein the predetermined turn-on threshold temperature is greater than the predetermined turn-off threshold temperature.

Abstract: A method is provided for facilitating the cooling of engine coolant flowing through a radiator operatively connected to the engine. The method includes the steps of monitoring the temperature of the engine coolant flowing through the radiator and positioning a fan adjacent the radiator. The fan is initially rotated at a predetermined speed. Thereafter, the speed of the fan is varied in response to the temperature of the engine coolant.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive fluid type fan coupling apparatus obtains linear characteristics without spoiling the drag performance. The fan coupling apparatus has a sealed case divided by a partition into an oil reservoir chamber and a torque transfer chamber. A valve is adapted to open and close an outflow regulating port in the partition in accordance with external ambient temperature. A driving disk is in the torque transfer chamber, and the transfer of torque is controlled by increasing and decreasing an effective contact surface of the oil with the driving disk. An idle oil reservoir chamber is formed in a hollow inner portion of the driving disk. A communication port is made in a side wall of the oil reservoir chamber and communicates with the torque transfer clearance. The communication port is closer to an inner circumference of the torque transfer chamber.

Abstract: An outside control type fan coupling apparatus has a double valve structure with plural oil supply adjustment holes. Temperature of engine coolant, acceleration of the engine, an air conditioner, vehicle speed and so on are parameters for controlling opening and closing valves of the oil supply adjustment holes. This rotation of the fan is fluctuated so that fan noises at the time of fan rotation fluctuation are suppressed. Also, if engine rotation accelerates to more than a certain level, the fan coupling apparatus is turned Off, and fan noise due to coupling rotation is prevented. Further, if engine rotation is less than a constant rotational speed, the fan coupling apparatus is turned Off, Middle, and fan noise due to coupling rotation of the fan at the time of acceleration and fan noise due to coupling rotation at the time of startup of the engine are prevented.

Abstract: An engine cooling system and method that will allow an engine cooling fan to be driven independently of the engine speed. The engine cooling fan is driven by the engine crankshaft, but includes an electronically controllable fan clutch between the fan and the crankshaft. A control module electronically controls the engagement of the fan clutch based upon engine and vehicle operating conditions. A water pump for pumping coolant through the engine cooling system may also be driven by the crankshaft of the engine, but with an electronically controlled pump clutch between the engine crankshaft and the water pump.

Abstract: A control device for a motor fan of a vehicle, which controls the motor fan to cool a radiator for engine coolant and a condenser for air conditioner refrigerant, includes: a first command value calculation section which calculates a first command value for control of the motor fan according to refrigerant pressure; a second command value calculation section which calculates a second command value for control of the motor fan according to coolant temperature; a first target value setting section which sets the greater of the first command value and the second command value as a first target value; a second target value setting section which obtains a second target value for control of the motor fan which corresponds to a total torque which is smaller than a total torque of a torque of an alternator and a torque of a compressor corresponding to the first target value; and a control section which controls the motor fan according to the second target value.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a cooling fan in a vehicle engine compartment, such as a tractor or combine. A fan control receives inputs from sensors and uses the sensor inputs in determining fan speeds which meet cooling needs while limiting fan energy consumption. Sensor data include at least one of PTO and transmission settings, throttle command and engine speed, and fan speed and air conditioner settings. Sensor data is received and processed in the fan control, which sends the greatest determined fan speed to a fan actuator. When the PTO is activated and the transmission is in park, fan speed can be controlled according to an alternate coolant temperature table. When throttle command is zero and engine speed is above a maximum, fan speed is set at maximum. When air conditioning is activated, fan speed is set at least at a predetermined minimum speed.

Abstract: A cooling unit includes a radiator and an axial flow blower that draws air through the radiator along a longitudinal axis and a cross-flow fan that draws air along a lateral axis. The cross-flow fan forces air through the radiator along the longitudinal axis. The axial flow fan draws air through the radiator long the longitudinal axis. A moveable baffle is operable to selectively block air flow from the cross-flow fan.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating a cooling fan in a coolant system of fuel cell power plant having a high temperature coolant loop and a low temperature coolant loop. The fan controller generates a fan control signal based on a first control signal from the high temperature coolant loop and a second control signal from the low temperature coolant loop. The first control signal is a function of the waste heat energy in the high temperature coolant loop, and the second control signal is a function of the temperature in the low temperature coolant loop. The fan control signal may also be generated based on a third control signal which is a function of a localized ambient temperature such as the under hood temperature of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for determining the existence of a “short time” type state within a vehicle control assembly 10. The method requires the measurement of the temperature 59 of engine coolant 16 at a first time 61 and the determination and/or the inferential creation of the temperature 60 of the engine coolant 16 at a second and later time 62. A “short time” type state is identified when the temperature 60 at the second time 62 is greater than or equal to the temperature 59 at the first time 61.

Abstract: A temperature control system includes an enclosure having a plurality of adjoining walls. At least one inlet is disposed within at least one of the walls. The at least one inlet has an electrically controlled inlet fan associated with it. A plurality of outlet louver assemblies are disposed within at least an other wall and include a plurality of moveable louvers. An actuator is coupled with each outlet louver assembly to move the plurality of moveable louvers. An ambient air sensor is disposed within the enclosure for sensing the ambient temperature within the enclosure and providing an output signal which is conducted to an electrical processing circuit. Alternatively, the ambient air sensor may be located without the enclosure. Temperature sensors are also coupled with the engine, charge air and transmission cooler for sensing their respective temperatures and providing output signals which are conducted to the electrical processing circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying air to radiators of motor vehicles and the like, comprising a fan (10) having a plurality of blades (12) each radially mounted by means of its own coupling device (31) on a central body (11) and able to be rotationally actuated about its longitudinal axis by means of actuating means (41,42,43) depending on the quantity of air required for correct cooling of the fluid, said apparatus comprising means (60;160;260;360;460) for engaging/ disengaging the transmission of the rotational movement from the means (23,21;321a,21;421a,21) generating said movement to the said fan (10).

Abstract: An engine cooling system and method that will allow an engine cooling fan to be driven independently of the engine speed. The engine cooling fan is driven by the engine crankshaft, but includes an electronically controllable fan clutch between the fan and the crankshaft. A control module electronically controls the engagement of the fan clutch based upon engine and vehicle operating conditions. A water pump for pumping coolant through the engine cooling system may also be driven by the crankshaft of the engine, but with an electronically controlled pump clutch between the engine crankshaft and the water pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulation of a cooling fan drive on an internal combustion engine, in particular equipped with several independent cooling circuits, in a construction or working machine, whereby the power drain of the cooling fan drive is set to approximately zero during certain working stages of the construction and/or working and said power drain may be added to the capacity for the working stage.

Abstract: A fan drive arrangement and method is provided for facilitating the cooling of engine coolant flowing through a radiator and an engine. The fan drive arrangement includes a variable pitch sheave assembly which moves between a first high speed position and a second low speed position. Variable pitch sheave assembly is interconnected by first and second drive belts to first and second drive pulleys operatively connected to the crankshaft of the engine and by first and second fan belts to corresponding fan pulleys connected to a fan shaft of a fan. Variable pitch sheave assembly includes first and second drive belt receiving grooves for receiving corresponding drive belts therein and first and second fan belt grooves for receiving corresponding fan belts therein. The depths of the fan belt grooves and the drive belt grooves of the variable pitch sheave assembly are varied in response to the temperature of the engine coolant flowing through the radiator so as to vary the fan speed accordingly.

Abstract: An outside control type fan coupling apparatus has a double valve structure with plural oil supply adjustment holes. Temperature of engine coolant, acceleration of the engine, an air conditioner, vehicle speed and so on are parameters for controlling opening and closing valves of the oil supply adjustment holes. This rotation of the fan is fluctuated so that fan noises at the time of fan rotation fluctuation are suppressed. Also, if engine rotation accelerates to more than a certain level, the fan coupling apparatus is turned Off, and fan noise due to coupling rotation is prevented. Further, if engine rotation is less than a constant rotational speed, the fan coupling apparatus is turned Off, Middle, and fan noise due to coupling rotation of the fan at the time of acceleration and fan noise due to coupling rotation at the time of startup of the engine are prevented.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for an internal combustion engine includes a turbocharger unit having a turbocharger turbine receiving exhaust from the engine and a second turbine driven by the exhaust gasses. The second turbine drives an electrical generator. The generator supplies electrical power to an electrical control unit, which supplies power to an electric fan motor which drives an engine cooling fan driven by. The control unit also supplies electrical power to an electric coolant pump motor which drives an engine coolant pump. The second turbine is preferably a variable geometry turbine whose geometry is controlled so that its power absorption matches the electrical load of the generator.

Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle includes a shroud attachable to a fixed portion of the vehicle. A stator assembly for a brushless DC ring motor is attached to at least one mounting support of the shroud. A cooling fan is piloted on the stator assembly, and includes a ring supporting a plurality of fan blades for sweeping an area inside the shroud. A rotor assembly for the brushless DC ring motor is attached to the ring of the cooling fan. The rotor assembly confronts the stator assembly around an outer diameter of the stator assembly. The cooling system is controlled by an electronic controller to rotate the cooling fan to provide appropriate cooling for the vehicle.

Abstract: A cooling system controller for a vehicle includes a radiating rate measurement unit measuring the radiating rate of a radiator, a heating rate estimation unit estimating the heating rate of a heat generating device such as an engine, transmission and brake, a heat balance comparing unit calculating a heat balance error quantity by comparing the radiating rate measured by the radiating rate measuring unit with the heating rate estimation forecasted by the heating rate estimating unit, and calculating a radiating rate follow-up value in order to achieve a heat balance with the heating rate estimate, an adaptive control unit learning state changes of the radiating device and the heat generating device and adaptively-controlling the cooling system according to the heat balance comparison by the heat balance comparing unit, and a cooling fan control unit controlling the operation of a cooling fan in order to meet the radiating rate follow-up value calculated by the heat balance comparing unit.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a method and apparatus for controlling a fan on a work machine is provided. The method includes the steps of sensing a temperature of air at an inlet manifold, sensing a temperature of an engine coolant fluid, sensing a temperature of a hydraulic fluid, and sensing a temperature of a transmission fluid. The method also includes the step of controlling the fan responsive to at least one of the sensed temperatures.

Abstract: A water-cooled magnetorheological fluid controlled combination fan drive and water pump (60) used in a cooling system. Introducing a magnetic field within a working chamber (91) between a drive ring (74) and a driven ring (84) increases the viscosity of a magnetorheological fluid by changing the state of the magnetorheological fluid from a free flowing liquid to a semi-solid state. The shear rate of the magnetorheological fluid in an activated state creates additional torque to drive an output shaft (108), and coupled fan (110), at a higher rotational speed to cool the engine coolant flowing through a closely coupled radiator. The rotation of the drive ring (74) also rotates an attached impeller assembly (112) having impellers (114) to move engine coolant through the cooling system.

Abstract: An electronically controlled magnetorheological fluid based fan drive assembly 60 used to increase the rotational speed of a coupled radiator cooling fan. Introducing a magnetic field within a working chamber 99 between a drive ring 74 and an output member 86 increases the viscosity of a magnetorheological fluid by changing the state of the fluid from a free flowing liquid to a semi-solid state. The shear rate of the magnetorheological fluid can be increased to create additional torque to drive the output member 86 and coupled radiator fan at a higher rotational speed to cool the engine coolant flowing through a closely coupled radiator. The magnetic field is induced by directing a flow of electrical current through an electronic coil 62 coupled within the fan drive assembly 60, and an electronic control unit coupled to the electronic coil 62 controls the amount of electrical current flowing through the coil 62.

Abstract: An engine cooling module 10 includes a shroud 12 having at least one fan opening 15 and at least one additional opening 18 in the wall generally adjacent to the fan opening to permit air to pass though the shroud 12. A fan 14 is coupled to the shroud to permit air moved by the fan to pass through the shroud 12. An electric motor drives the fan. Closure structure 20 is movable to prevent and permit air flow through the additional opening 18. An actuator 28 moves the closure structure 20 from a closed position, covering the additional opening 18, to an opened position, uncovering the additional opening 18. A sensor 34 detects ram air at the shroud 12. A controller 32 receives a signal from the sensor 34 indicating the initial presence of ram air and, in response thereto, sends a signal to the actuator 28 to move the closure structure 20 to the opened position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a cooling fan in a vehicle engine compartment, such as a tractor or combine. A fan control receives inputs from sensors and uses the sensor inputs in determining fan speeds which meet cooling needs while limiting fan energy consumption. Sensor data include at least one of PTO and transmission settings, throttle command and engine speed, and fan speed and air conditioner settings. Sensor data is received and processed in the fan control, which sends the greatest determined fan speed to a fan actuator. When the PTO is activated and the transmission is in park, fan speed can be controlled according to an alternate coolant temperature table. When throttle command is zero and engine speed is above a maximum, fan speed is set at maximum. When air conditioning is activated, fan speed is set at least at a predetermined minimum speed.

Abstract: There is provided a cooling system for a liquid-cooled engine wherein the cooling effect exerted by the combination of a pump and a blower is optimized according to the state of the load on the engine so that the necessary cooling effect can be provided by the pump and the blower and that the power consumption can be reduced. In the cooling system, according to the load on the engine, a target cooling water temperature (Tmap) value and a combination of the operation duty ratios of the pump (500) and the blower (230), which produce the target water temperature (Tmap), are formed into a map. In an actual cooling system, when the target water temperature (Tmap) is obtained, the pump and the blower are respectively controlled by the duty ratios so that the sum (Lc) of the power consumptions thereof can be minimized.

Abstract: A variable speed drive assembly for driving an auxiliary member in an internal combustion engine. The auxiliary member may be a fan connected to a pulley is driven by a drive pulley connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine via a V-belt. At least one of the pulleys is an adjustable drive ratio pulley. An actuator is operatively connected to the drive assembly to controllable change the drive ratio of the pulley. By controlling the drive ratio of the pulley, the speed of the fan can be selectively controlled. The adjustable drive ratio pulley may have an inner idler freely rotatable mounted therein. The actuator may cause the V-belt to engage the inner idler to substantially disconnect a rotatable connection between the fan and the crankshaft thus allowing the fan to windmill.