Method and apparatus for improved cooling fans
US8368329B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02P23/22
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for improving cooling fan operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling fan's speed is maximized by adjusting a PWM signal driving the fan to change the switching point of the fan motor. In another embodiment, a method for starting a low speed cooling fan by incrementally increasing the amplitude of the PWM signal applied to the fan is disclosed. In a further embodiment, a method for controlling a fan and a fan sensor is disclosed. In this embodiment, a PWM signal is generated, a fan is driven using the PWM signal, a cycle of the PWM signal is modified, and the fan sensors is driven using the PWM signal during the cycle. In a further embodiment, a fan incorporating these improvements is disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.