Generac Power Systems, Inc.

Other

Allen D Gillette

Robert D Kern

Gerald C Ruehlow

Bret Baird

Peter D Winnie

Patrick Forsythe

Rodney Nicosen

Steven J Wilcox

Graham W McLean

Francis X Wedel

Michael J Roll

Robert Iles

Phillip Harrison

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.

Apparatus and method for cooling engine coolant flowing through a radiator

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.

Method and apparatus for reducing fan noise in an electrical generator

A method is provided for controlling a bi-fuel generator set. The generator set includes a controller, a generator for generating electrical power, and an engine for driving the generator. A flow of gaseous fuel is provided, and operation of the engine and the generator is monitored. The flow of gaseous fuel is adjusted in response to various predetermined operating conditions on the engine. In addition, the flow of gaseous fuel may be selectively passed through a charge cooler remote from a radiator for the engine. The flow of gaseous fuel may be cooled by the charge cooler in response to certain operating conditions on the engine.

Method of controlling a bi-fuel generator set

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.

Method of cooling engine coolant flowing through a radiator

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.

Variable pitch sheave assembly for fan drive system

A generator structure is provided having an improved air flow arrangement. The generator structure includes an enclosure having an interior for receiving an engine and an alternator therein. A roof structure is positioned on the enclosure and includes an eave portion and an attic portion. The eave portion has an inlet which communicates with the ambient air external of the generator structure, an outlet communicating with the interior of the enclosure and input flow path therebetween. The attic portion has an inlet communicating with the interior of the enclosure, an outlet communicating with the ambient air external of the generator structure and an exit flow path therebetween. An air flow generator draws ambient air through the inlet flow path in the eave portion of the roof structure into the interior of the enclosure to cool the engine and the alternator and urges air from the interior of the enclosure through the exit flow path in the attic portion and out of the generator structure.

Air flow arrangement for generator enclosure

A generator structure is provided for generating electrical power. The generator structure includes an enclosure having first and second spaced sidewalls interconnected by first and second end walls so as to define an interior. First and second generator sets are positioned within the interior of the enclosure. Each generator set includes an engine, an alternator driven by the engine for generating the electrical power and a radiator operatively connected to the engine. Means are provided for synchronizing the electrical power generated by each alternator.

Growing community of inventors

Muskego, WI, United States of America

Allen D Gillette