Variable-speed-drive system for a grid blower

摘要

A drive system for a grid blower of a vehicle is provided. The system includes: an electrical bus, a grid of resistive elements connected to the electrical bus, the grid of resistive elements configured to thermally dissipate electrical power generated from braking of the vehicle, the electrical power being transmitted on the electrical bus to the grid of resistive elements, an electrical power modulation device configured to modify electrical power received from at least one of the electrical bus and the grid of resistive elements, and a grid blower motor coupled to an output of the electrical power modulation device, wherein a speed of the grid blower motor varies based on the electrical power that has been modified by the electrical power modulation device.

主权项

1. A method of controlling a grid blower to provide forced-air for a grid of resistive elements of a vehicle, the method comprising:
generating an amount of electrical power across the grid of resistive elements based on an operation of the vehicle; operating a motor of the grid blower with the electrical power generated across the grid of resistive elements, the grid blower positioned proximate the grid of resistive elements and operated to blow air over the grid of resistive elements; and modulating at least some of the amount of electrical power to adjust at least one of a speed and a direction of the motor of the grid blower based on an operating condition; wherein the operation of the vehicle includes a dynamic braking operation in which the amount of electrical power is generated by a traction motor, and wherein operating the motor of the grid blower comprises operating the motor of the grid blower at a speed independent of the amount of electrical power generated across the grid of resistive elements.