Abstract: A system and method for improving the operation of a cooling system and AC system for an engine, without sacrificing engine performance is disclosed. The system includes a cooling module positioned within an engine compartment of the vehicle, a cooling fan mounted in front of the cooling module, and a control strategy for controlling operation of the cooling fan based on engine conditions. The system includes incorporating at least one sensor, include a pressure sensor installed within the high pressure side of the AC system. The method includes providing an AC system having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, providing at least one sensor on the high pressure side for producing an electrical signal in response to an operating condition, determining which sensor has a highest electrical signal value for controlling the speed of the fan.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the engine braking capacity for a vehicle is disclosed. The system and method include providing a compression release braking system, providing an energy drawing component for increasing power draw on the vehicle engine, and, increasing the engine braking capability by synchronizing operation of the energy drawing component with operation of the compression release braking system. The energy drawing component includes a hydraulic fan, which is part of the cooling system of the vehicle. Increasing the speed of the fan draws energy from the engine, which in turn, increases the braking capability of the engine.

Abstract: An auxiliary electrical power system for a motor vehicle is described. Generally speaking, the system includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor and an auxiliary alternator. The pump is coupled to and driven by the vehicle engine mounted within the engine compartment of the vehicle, and the pump operates to pump fluid at a pressure. The hydraulic motor is operatively coupled to the hydraulic pump and turns a gear coupled to the motor. The alternator has a gear coupled by a belt to the gear of the hydraulic motor. the auxiliary alternator is positioned outside the vehicle engine compartment to conserve space for other critical engine components. Further, the hydraulic pump may be coupled to the engine power-take-off shaft. The motor gear to alternator gear ratio is about 1:4 to allow charging even at low engine idle.