Abstract: A system and method for managing the electrical power associated with a vehicle detects whether an engine speed is below a speed set point for a minimum duration. A thermal sensor is arranged to detect whether a first temperature associated with a first cooling fan, a first coolant, or a first vehicle component is below a first target temperature. A fan controller or a power management controller is configured to disable or slow the first cooling fan to conserve a first level of electrical energy if the first temperature is below a target temperature and if the engine speed is below the speed set point for a minimum duration.

Abstract: The system and method manages an electrical output of a turbogenerator in accordance with multiple modes. In a first mode, a direct current (DC) bus receives power from a turbogenerator output via a rectifier where turbogenerator revolutions per unit time (e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM)) or an electrical output level of a turbogenerator output meet or exceed a minimum threshold. In a second mode, if the turbogenerator revolutions per unit time or electrical output level of a turbogenerator output are less than the minimum threshold, the electric drive motor or a generator mechanically powered by the engine provides electrical energy to the direct current bus.

Abstract: An engine system incorporating an air breathing, reciprocating internal combustion engine having an inlet for air and an exhaust for products of combustion. A centripetal turbine receives products of the combustion and has a housing in which a turbine wheel is rotatable. The housing has first and second passages leading from the inlet to discrete, approximately 180°, portions of the circumference of the turbine wheel. The passages have fixed vanes adjacent the periphery of the turbine wheel and the angle of the vanes in one of the passages is different than those in the other so as to accommodate different power levels providing optimum approach angles between the gases passing the vanes and the blades of the turbine wheel. Flow through the passages is controlled by a flapper valve to direct it to one or the other or both passages depending upon the load factor for the engine.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.

Abstract: The system and method manages an electrical output of a turbogenerator in accordance with multiple modes. In a first mode, a direct current (DC) bus receives power from a turbogenerator output via a rectifier where turbogenerator revolutions per unit time (e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM)) or an electrical output level of a turbogenerator output meet or exceed a minimum threshold. In a second mode, if the turbogenerator revolutions per unit time or electrical output level of a turbogenerator output are less than the minimum threshold, the electric drive motor or a generator mechanically powered by the engine provides electrical energy to the direct current bus.

Abstract: An engine system incorporating an air breathing, reciprocating internal combustion engine having an inlet for air and an exhaust for products of combustion. A centripetal turbine receives products of the combustion and has a housing in which a turbine wheel is rotatable. The housing has first and second passages leading from the inlet to discrete, approximately 180°, portions of the circumference of the turbine wheel. The passages have fixed vanes adjacent the periphery of the turbine wheel and the angle of the vanes in one of the passages is different than those in the other so as to accommodate different power levels providing optimum approach angles between the gases passing the vanes and the blades of the turbine wheel. Flow through the passages is controlled by a flapper valve to direct it to one or the other or both passages depending upon the load factor for the engine.

Abstract: A system and method controls a rotational speed of a rotor or shaft of a turbogenerator in accordance with a present voltage level on a direct current bus. A lower threshold and a higher threshold are established for a speed of a rotor or shaft of a turbogenerator. A speed sensor determines speed data or a speed signal for the rotor or shaft associated with a turbogenerator. A voltage regulator adjusts a voltage level associated with a direct current bus within a target voltage range if the speed data or speed signal indicates that the speed is above the higher threshold or below the lower threshold.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust manifold; an intake manifold; and a turbocharger including a turbine in communication with the exhaust manifold, and a compressor in communication with the intake manifold. An electrical generator is coupled with the turbine. A motor receives electrical input power from the generator and provides mechanical output power. A combustor selectively provides additional input power to the motor.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the electrical power associated with a vehicle detects whether an engine speed is below a speed set point for a minimum duration. A thermal sensor is arranged to detect whether a first temperature associated with a first cooling fan, a first coolant, or a first vehicle component is below a first target temperature. A fan controller or a power management controller is configured to disable or slow the first cooling fan to conserve a first level of electrical energy if the first temperature is below a target temperature and if the engine speed is below the speed set point for a minimum duration.

Abstract: A speed monitor for establishing a lower threshold and an upper threshold for a speed of a rotor or shaft of a turbogenerator. A speed detector detects speed data or a speed signal for a rotor or shaft associated with a turbogenerator. A turbogenerator controller controls an output current of the turbogenerator based on the detected speed data or speed signal to control a rotational speed of the rotor or the shaft. A voltage monitor establishes a lower voltage limit and an upper voltage limit for a generator. A voltage detector detects an output voltage level associated with the generator. A motor/generator controller controls the output voltage level of the generator electrical output by invoking at least one of a motor mode and a generator mode based on the detected output voltage level to maintain a desired operational voltage range.

Abstract: The system and method manages an electrical output of a turbogenerator in accordance with multiple modes. In a first mode, a direct current (DC) bus receives power from a turbogenerator output via a rectifier where turbogenerator revolutions per unit time (e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM)) or an electrical output level of a turbogenerator output meet or exceed a minimum threshold. In a second mode, if the turbogenerator revolutions per unit time or electrical output level of a turbogenerator output are less than the minimum threshold, the electric drive motor or a generator mechanically powered by the engine provides electrical energy to the direct current bus.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes at least one cylinder block having at least one combustion cylinder. A number of cylinder liners are respectively associated with each combustion cylinder. Each cylinder liner defines a corresponding cylinder inside surface. Each cylinder liner includes a plurality of discrete oil retaining indentations in a predefined pattern on the cylinder inside surface. The plurality of oil retaining indentations are bounded in both peripheral and longitudinal directions of the corresponding cylinder liner.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes a manifold having a plurality of fuel cell connecting zones. At least some of the zones have differing characteristics such as area and arrangement of electrical connections and inlet and outlet ports corresponding to differing electrical power capacities. The assembly also includes one or more fuel cell stacks. At least some of the stacks have differing electrical power capacities, differing characteristics corresponding to the differing characteristics of the manifold zone, and corresponding differing arrangements of electrical connections and inlet and outlet ports. These differing characteristics are designed so that a fuel cell stack of a particular capacity can be connected only to a manifold zone corresponding to such capacity.

Abstract: A non-rail off-road vehicle, such as an agricultural tractor having an engine with a horizontally oriented rotation axis and a hood covering the engine, includes a cooling system. The cooling system includes an engine cooling radiator positioned above the engine and between the engine and the hood and a fan unit with electric motor-driven fans blowing air upwardly through the radiator. The fan unit is positioned above the engine and between the engine and the radiator. An engine charge air cooler is also positioned above the engine and between the engine and the hood, and a charge air cooler fan unit has electric motor-driven fans which blow air upwardly through the cooler. The hood has openings in its upper surface through which passes air blown by the radiator fan unit and the charge air cooler fan unit.

Abstract: An engine/electric generator system includes an internal combustion engine, a primary electric generator driven by an output shaft of the engine and providing electrical power. A turbocharger has a first turbine driven by exhaust gasses from the engine and a compressor driven by the first turbine and provides inlet air to the engine. The system also includes a secondary turbine, and an exhaust line which communicates exhaust gas from the first turbine to an input of the secondary turbine. A secondary electric generator is driven by the secondary turbine. An electric power combining circuit combines electric power from the primary electric generator and the secondary electric generator, and delivers combined electric power to a transmission line.

Abstract: A cooling system is connected to a fuel cell stack which has a hydrogen inlet, an air inlet, a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet and an exhaust water outlet. The cooling system includes a heat exchange unit coupled to the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, a coolant pump, and a blower for blowing air through the unit. An evaporator is exposed to the blown air, and a conduit communicates exhaust water from the exhaust water outlet to the evaporator. The exhaust water evaporates in and cools the blown air. The evaporator may be a wick mounted on an exterior surface of the heat exchange unit. The evaporator unit may include water injectors which spray exhaust water into the blown air. The injectors are mounted between a blower and a radiator. A removable porous evaporator element is mounted between the injectors and the radiator.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes a manifold having a plurality of fuel cell connecting zones. At least some of the zones have differing characteristics such as area and arrangement of electrical connections and inlet and outlet ports corresponding to differing electrical power capacities. The assembly also includes one or more fuel cell stacks. At least some of the stacks have differing electrical power capacities, differing characteristics corresponding to the differing characteristics of the manifold zone, and corresponding differing arrangements of electrical connections and inlet and outlet ports. These differing characteristics are designed so that a fuel cell stack of a particular capacity can be connected only to a manifold zone corresponding to such capacity. A block-off plate is provided for coupling to a manifold zone where it is desired not to place a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A cooling system is connected to a fuel cell stack which has a hydrogen inlet, an air inlet, a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet and an exhaust water outlet. The cooling system includes a heat exchange unit coupled to the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, a coolant pump for circulating coolant therethrough, and a blower for blowing air through the heat exchange unit. The cooling system also includes an evaporator unit exposed to the blown air, and a conduit which communicates exhaust water from the fuel cell stack exhaust water outlet to the evaporator unit. The exhaust water evaporates in the blown air and thereby cools the air and reduces the amount of liquid exhaust water. In one embodiment, the evaporator unit is a wick mounted on an exterior surface of the heat exchange unit. As the exhaust water evaporates it increases the cooling performance of the heat exchange unit.

Abstract: A starting system is provided for an engine having a starting ring gear on the engine flywheel. The starting system includes an integrated starter generator having a rotor coupled to the flywheel, a starter motor having a drive gear which selectively engages the ring gear, and an electronic controller coupled to the starter motor and to the starter generator. The electronic controller activates only the starter generator when only low starting torque is required. The electronic controller activates both the starter generator and the starter motor when high starting torque is required.

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.