US20080178825A1

US20080178825A1 - System and method for cooling a power source enclosure

Info

Publication number: US20080178825A1
Application number: US11/700,180
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark R. Mitchell
Original assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Current assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Priority date: 2007-01-31
Filing date: 2007-01-31
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Also published as: WO2008094604A2; WO2008094604A3

Abstract

A system for cooling a power source enclosure may include a power source enclosure configured to substantially enclose a power source, and a cooling package, including an airflow provider, located separately from the power source enclosure. The system may further include a conduit configured to provide a fluid connection between a section of the airflow provider and an area inside the power source enclosure, wherein the conduit includes a first end disposed near the section of the airflow provider, such that during operation of the airflow provider a pressure differential exists between the first end and a second end, and wherein the second end is disposed near and in fluid communication with an area within the power source enclosure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to cooling systems and, more particularly, to generating a cooling airflow associated with an enclosed power source compartment.

BACKGROUND

Machines, including off-highway haul trucks, motor graders, wheel loaders, and other types of large machines associated with, for example, the construction and mining industries, are typically powered by internal combustion engines. These engines are generally housed within a semi- or fully-enclosed engine compartment for the primary purpose of protecting the engine and associated components from the typically harsh environments in which such machines are operated.
During operation, internal combustion engines and other power sources produce large amounts of heat which may accumulate within the enclosed power source compartment, resulting in a corresponding rise in temperature. This accumulated heat can cause a variety of problems, for example, temperature limits of particular key components within the engine compartment cannot be exceeded without causing damage thereto (e.g., alternator, air conditioner compressor, engine control module, etc.). Thus, overheating and component damage may result where heat within the power source compartment is not removed quickly enough.
Therefore, it is of particular importance that waste heat from the power source and surrounding air be removed. To that end, power sources have been provided with one or more closed system fluid cooling packages as well as with varying forms of airflow for the power source. Such airflow can be provided to a power source in numerous ways, for example, a “push” system where cooling air is blown by a fan over and around the power source followed by circulation through a heat exchanger (e.g., a radiator); a “pull” system where the fan creates a low pressure gradient within the power source compartment thereby pulling air through available vents (e.g., designed openings, assembly seams, and other vents) into the power source compartment; and/or a venturi system where hot exhaust gases escaping through a stack cause a low pressure gradient to be created within the stack, thereby drawing out air within the power source compartment through available vents. However, cooling packages, which are configured to cool fluids associated with a power source may include fluid cooling heat exchangers, airflow providers, cooling lines, and the like, are typically placed in a separate compartment located away from the engine compartment. Separate, as used herein, means kept apart, divided, or otherwise set apart by an intervening barrier or space. Because cooling packages, and hence airflow providers, are typically separate from the power source compartment, airflow generated by the airflow provider within the cooling package may not reach the power source within the power source compartment. Such a configuration may negate or substantially limit the cooling benefit to the engine compartment from airflow generated by an airflow provider associated with the cooling package.
One system for ventilating an enclosed engine compartment is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,080 to Rudert (“the '080 patent”). The '080 patent discloses an air impeller arranged within a finned annular housing with an air guiding housing configured to direct flow from the air impeller into the engine compartment. The device allows the compressed flow from the air impeller to be throttled over an oil cooler and an optional fuel cooler before entering the low pressure area of the engine compartment.
While the system of the '080 patent may provide ventilation to an engine compartment, the device presents several problems. First, the arrangement is configured to provide spent cooling air (i.e., air that has already been passed through a fluid heat exchanger) to the engine compartment, providing little benefit to temperature critical components. Further, the system of the '080 patent requires that the cooling system be located directly adjacent to the power source compartment. This may lead to design limitations, among other problems.
The present disclosure is directed at overcoming one or more of the problems or disadvantages set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a system for cooling a power source enclosure. The system may include a power source enclosure configured to substantially enclose a power source and a cooling package, including an airflow provider, located separately from the power source enclosure. The system may further include a conduit configured to provide a fluid connection between a section of the airflow provider and an area inside the power source enclosure, wherein the conduit includes a first end disposed near the section of the airflow provider, such that during operation of the airflow provider a pressure differential exists between the first end and a second end, and wherein the second end is disposed near and in fluid communication with an area within the power source enclosure. Thus, airflow is directed either to or from the engine compartment, thereby providing a cooling effect within the engine compartment.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method for cooling a power source enclosure. The method may include operating an airflow provider associated with a cooling package, wherein the cooling package is located separately from the power source enclosure, inducing within a conduit, a flow of air, wherein the conduit includes a first end disposed near the airflow provider, and a second end terminating near the power source enclosure, and utilizing the flow of air to cool one or more components within the power source enclosure.
In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a machine. The machine may include a frame, a power source, one or more traction devices operatively connected to the power source and the frame, a power source enclosure configured to substantially enclose a power source, and a cooling package, including an airflow provider, located separately from the power source enclosure. The machine may further include a conduit configured to provide a fluid connection between a section of the airflow provider and an area inside the power source enclosure, wherein the conduit includes a first end disposed near the section of the airflow provider, such that during operation of the airflow provider a pressure differential exists between the first end and a second end, and wherein the second end is disposed near and in fluid communication with an area within the power source enclosure, whereby air flow from the engine compartment to the cooling compartment provides a desired cooling effect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A provides a diagrammatic perspective view of a machine according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 1B provides a diagrammatic overhead view of a power source enclosure and cooling package according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of an airflow conduit consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are alternate views of a conduit connector consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of airflow conduit interface points consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting one method for utilizing systems of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A provides a diagrammatic perspective view of a machine 10 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. Machine, as the term is used herein, refers to any machine that performs some type of operation associated with a particular industry, such as mining, construction, farming, etc. and operates between or within work environments (e.g., construction site, mine site, power plants, etc.). Non-limiting examples of machines include commercial machines, such as wheel loaders, trucks, cranes, earth moving vehicles, mining vehicles, backhoes, material handling equipment, farming equipment, marine vessels, aircraft, and any type of machine that operates in a work environment.
A machine 10 may include a frame 9, a power source 12, a power-conversion unit 14, traction devices 20, cooling package 30, power source enclosure 34 forming a power source compartment 35, and venturi ventilation assembly 38. While machine 10 is illustrated as a wheel loader, machine 10 may be any type of machine that includes a power source 12.
Power source 12 may be any type of machine component configured to provide power to machine 10. Power source 12 may include machine components such as a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a natural gas engine, a turbine engine, or a fuel cell operable to generate a power output. Alternatively, power source 12 may include a power-pick-up system configured to receive electrical energy from an off-board electrical transmission system, such as a trolley system. In the preferred embodiment, power source 12 is a gasoline or diesel engine.
Power source 12 may be associated with one or more heat sensitive components (not shown) configured to provide and/or perform ancillary services associated with power source 12. For example, power source 12 may be associated with an alternator configured to provide electrical power, an air conditioner compressor configured to provide cooling, and a controller (also known as an engine control module) configured to provide control functions for machine 10, among other things. Such components may be configured to operate at particular temperatures and may have maximum operating temperatures that should not be exceeded to avoid damaging the component. For example, an alternator associated with power source 12 may have an operating temperature of approximately 90 degrees C. and a maximum temperature of 95 degrees C. Therefore, to avoid damage, cooling should be provided such that the alternator is not operated at greater than 95 degrees C.
Power source 12 may also be associated with one or more high temperature components that, during operation, generate heat. Such components may include, for example, a turbocharger. For example, power source 12 may include a turbocharger configured to boost a pressure associated with charge air for power source 12. Such a device may operate at or above 250 degrees C. and may, therefore, contribute significantly to heat accumulation near power source 12.
In one embodiment, a power-conversion unit 14 may be operatively coupled to power source 12. Power-conversion unit 14 may be any type of device configured for converting at least a portion of the power output supplied by power source 12 into a form useable at traction devices 20. For instance, power-conversion unit 14 may be a mechanical transmission including planetary gears configured to modify gear ratios associated with power-conversion unit 14. In another embodiment, power-conversion unit 14 may include an electric generator that converts at least a portion of the power output of power source 12 into electrical energy. Power-conversion unit 14 may also be a hydraulic pump that converts at least a portion of the power output of power source 12 into a flow of pressurized fluid, or any other power conversion device.
Multiple traction devices 20 may be operatively coupled to power-conversion unit 14 and configured to propel and support machine 10. While traction devices 20 are illustrated as wheels, they may also be track units or any other device adapted to receive power from power-conversion unit 14.
Power source 12, and ancillary components (e.g., alternator, turbocharger, etc.) may be enclosed within power source enclosure 34 such that power source 12 and ancillary components exist substantially within enclosed power source compartment 35. Power source enclosure 34 may include any material suitable for forming an enclosure of a desired contour and may further include various materials configured to minimize sound transmission between an outside area of power source enclosure 34 and power source compartment 35, as well as preventing debris accumulation within. For example, power source enclosure 34 may include a steel material formed such that power source 12 is substantially enclosed except for resulting assembly seams and/or air flow ports. These assembly seams and airflow ports may be positioned around power source 12 to allow external air to infiltrate into power source compartment 35. Additionally, various access doors or other devices allowing entry to engine compartment 35 may be provided on power source enclosure 34.
Power source enclosure 34 may further include a venturi ventilation assembly 38 in fluid communication with power source compartment 35 and the atmosphere. Venturi ventilation assembly 38 further may be in fluid communication with an exhaust system (not shown) associated with power source 12 and configured to provide a stream of exhaust gas to venturi ventilation assembly 38. Venturi ventilation assembly 38 may include appropriately shaped tubing or piping (e.g., a pipe with a tapering flow restriction) configured to generate a venturi effect when exposed to certain gas flows, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, venturi ventilation assembly 38 may be configured to receive a flow of exhaust gas from an exhaust system (not shown). The exhaust gas may be caused to accelerate through a tapering restriction within venturi ventilation assembly 38, reducing the exhaust gas pressure (but accelerating the flow), thereby producing a partial vacuum within venturi ventilation assembly 38. This vacuum or “venturi effect” may be configured to cause a flow of air at a higher pressure to be drawn from power source compartment 35 through venturi ventilation assembly 38 and exhausted, with the flow of exhaust gas, to the atmosphere.
FIG. 1B provides a diagrammatic overhead view of a portion of power source compartment 35 disposed within power source enclosure 34, and cooling package 30 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. Power source enclosure 34 may also include an enclosure interface 65 for accepting a connection to a conduit connector 60. Enclosure interface 65 may include one or more holes or orifices allowing a fluid connection between power source compartment 35 and conduit connector 60. In addition, power source enclosure 34 may include one or more fastening points for affixing a conduit connector 60 to enclosure interface 65. Such fastening points may enable insertion of bolts and/or screws configured to fasten conduit connector 60 to an interface.
Enclosure interface 65 may be located at various positions on power source enclosure 34 as desired. For example, enclosure interface 65 may be located on a portion of power source enclosure 34 near one or more heat sensitive components (e.g., an alternator) such that air flowing to or from enclosure interface 65 may pass over the one or more heat sensitive components. In another embodiment, enclosure interface 65 may be located near one or more high temperature components (e.g., turbocharger) such that cooling air traveling to or from enclosure interface 65 may flow over the high temperature components. Such air flowing to enclosure interface 65 and through conduit 50 may be provided by assembly seams or other infiltration points associated with power source enclosure 34, while air flowing from enclosure interface 65 may be provided by an airflow provider 40.
Power source enclosure 34 may include more or fewer elements as desired. For example, a stack may be provided external to power source enclosure 34 to supply charge air from the atmosphere directly to power source 12.
Cooling package 30 should be located separately from power source enclosure 34 and further may be located anywhere on machine 10. For example, cooling package 30 may be located on a front, back, or side of machine 10. Cooling package 30 may include a cooling package enclosure (not shown), an airflow provider 40, one or more fluid cooling heat exchangers 42, one or more cooling lines 44, cooling air exhaust ports 74, and an airflow conduit 50. Portions of cooling package 30 may be fluidly connected to a cooling system associated with power source 12 and configured to cool a cooling fluid associated with power source 12. Fluid cooling heat exchanger 42 may include shell and tube heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers, coil heat exchangers, regenerative heat exchangers, and/or any other suitable heat exchanger. Further, one or more fluid cooling heat exchangers 42 may be used, for example, a charge-air cooler, an oil cooler, and a radiator, among others, may be provided within cooling package 30. For example, fluid cooling heat exchanger 42 may be fluidly connected to fluid jackets of power source 12 via cooling lines 44, such that a cooling fluid may be caused to circulate between power source 12 and fluid cooling heat exchanger 42. Fluid cooling heat exchanger 42 may further include passages configured to allow a flow of air to pass through such passages while contacting other passages associated with the cooling fluid. As the flow of air contacts various surfaces of fluid cooling heat exchanger 42, the airflow may absorb heat from the cooling fluid.
Airflow provider 40 may include one or more fans, such as an axial fan, and/or any other device configured to impart a velocity to surrounding air. Airflow provider 40 may have a high pressure section 41 (e.g., exhaust side of a fan) and a low pressure section 43 (e.g., suction side of fan). Airflow provider 40 should be located external to and separately from power source enclosure 34 and configured to produce an airflow, the airflow being directed through cooling package 30 and caused to contact one or more fluid cooling heat exchangers 42. The airflow produced by airflow provider 40 may be caused to contact fluid cooling heat exchanger 42 via a push or pull type arrangement. For example, fluid cooling heat exchanger 42 may be mounted on low pressure section 43 of airflow provider 40 and fluidly connected via a shaped shroud 45, such that an airflow generated by airflow provider 40 is first pulled through fluid cooling heat exchanger 42 and then into low pressure section 43 of airflow provider 40. Alternatively, fluid cooling heat exchanger 42 may be mounted on high pressure section 41 of the airflow provider 40 such that the airflow may enter low pressure section 43 of airflow provider 40 and then exit high pressure section 41 of airflow provider 40 to be pushed through fluid cooling heat exchanger 42.
Cooling package enclosure (not shown) may include any material suitable for forming an enclosure of a desired contour and may further include various materials configured to maximize cooling airflow through cooling package 30. For example, cooling package enclosure (not shown) may include a steel material formed to surround cooling package 30. Cooling package enclosure (not shown) may include cooling airflow exhaust ports and cooling air inlets, among other things. Such elements may be positioned at locations around cooling package enclosure (not shown) to allow external air to flow into and out of cooling package 30. Additionally, various access doors or other devices allowing entry to cooling package 30 may be provided on cooling package enclosure (not shown).
One or more cooling lines 44 may be in fluid connection with power source 12 and fluid cooling heat exchanger 42, and configured to carry a cooling fluid associated with power source 12. Cooling lines may include rubber hoses, metal tubing, or any other suitable material configured to carry a fluid. For example, a mixture of water and antifreeze may be circulated between a water jacket associated with power source 12 and fluid cooling heat exchanger 42 via one or more cooling lines 44 composed of steel tubing. Various fittings and/or clamping mechanisms may be utilized to ensure such circulation remains substantially uninterrupted during operation of power source 12. One of skill in the art will recognize that numerous materials may be used for constructing cooling lines 44 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
In addition, cooling package 30 may include a cooling package interface 67 for accepting a connection to a conduit connector 60 (not shown in FIG. 1B). Cooling package interface 67 may include one or more holes or orifices allowing a fluid connection between low pressure section 43 or high pressure section 41 of airflow provider 40 and a conduit connector 60 (not shown in FIG. 1B). Cooling package interface 67 may be located at any suitable position on cooling package 30 allowing a fluid connection to airflow provider 40. For example, cooling package interface 67 may be located on shaped shroud 45, fluid cooling heat exchanger 42, or any other suitable location. Based on a desired design, cooling package 30 may include one or more fastening points at the location of cooling package interface 67 for affixing conduit connector 60.
Cooling air exhaust ports (not shown) may be located on cooling package enclosure (not shown) and may include holes, seams, and/or other orifices. Cooling air ports may be configured to allow one or more airflows resulting from high pressure side 41 of airflow provider 40 to be exhausted to the atmosphere. For example, air flows drawn through fluid cooling heat exchanger 42 and induced from within power source compartment 35 may be mixed by airflow provider 40, exhausted at high pressure side 41 of airflow provider 40, and forced through cooling air exhaust ports (not shown).
FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of an airflow conduit 50 consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Airflow conduit 50 may be configured to receive an airflow from within power source compartment 35 at a second end 62 terminating within power source compartment 35, and direct such an airflow to low pressure section 43 of airflow provider 40 at a first end 61 terminating at a low pressure section 43 of airflow provider 40. Such an airflow may be induced by the low pressure section 43 of airflow provider 40 at first end 61 and/or by heating of air within power source enclosure 34 near second end 62. Alternatively, airflow conduit 50 may be configured to receive an airflow from high pressure section 41 of airflow provider 40 at a first end 61 terminating at high pressure section 41 of airflow provider 40, and direct such an airflow to power source compartment 35 at a second end 62 terminating within power source compartment 35. One of skill in the art will recognize that the choice of first end 61 and second end 62 are used only for example and that first end 61 could instead be located at power source enclosure 34 while second end 62 may be located near airflow provider 40. The inducement of airflow may operate in the same manner.
Airflow conduit 50 may include a hose, duct, or other suitable structure for carrying and directing a flow of air. Airflow conduit 50 may be designed and constructed to provide for minimal boundary layer resistance in a flow of air such that flow may be maximized through airflow conduit 50. Further, airflow conduit 50 may be designed to navigate around obstacles between power source compartment 35 and airflow provider 40.
Airflow conduit 50 may include one or more geometry modifications configured to increase a velocity associated with an airflow. Such geometries may be designed to provide an acceleration of the airflow while resulting in a pressure drop across the flow restriction. The geometries may include tapers, bends, and/or other suitable configurations designed to maximize the flow of air through airflow conduit 50. For example, airflow conduit 50 may include a taper resulting in a 30 percent reduction in cross-sectional area of airflow conduit 50. In addition, airflow conduit may include a bend resulting in, for example, a directional change of 90 degrees to airflow conduit 50. Therefore, airflow conduit 50 may include materials allowing such geometries to be created. For example, airflow conduit 50 may include fiberglass, metal, rubber, or other suitable materials. Further, flow analysis may be undertaken for any desired airflow provider 40 such that a design for airflow conduit 50 may be determined based on characteristics of the airflow provider chosen. Alternatively, a standard conduit design similar to that shown may be utilized where desired. One of skill in the art will recognize that any number of designs may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are alternate views of a conduit connector 60 consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Conduit connectors 60 may be configured to fluidly connect airflow conduit 50 with enclosure interface 65 and cooling package interface 67. Fastening points 70 of conduit connectors 60 may, therefore, allow bolts and/or other fasteners to be connected through fastening points 70 to a receiving section of an interface. Conduit connectors 60 may be designed to maximize a flow of air within airflow conduit 50. In addition, conduit connectors 60 may be designed for maximum cost savings, ease of connection, and/or any other suitable concerns. Therefore, conduit connectors 60 may include any suitable material (fiberglass, metal, plastic, etc.) based on a desired design.
FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of airflow conduit interface points consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure. It is important to note that FIG. 5 is a simplified illustration and some elements associated with cooling package 30 (e.g., airflow provider, fluid cooling heat exchanger, etc.) and power source compartment 35 (e.g., power source 12) have been omitted for clarity. As can be seen in FIG. 5, enclosure interface 65 may be located such that airflows directed through enclosure interface 65 may be caused to flow over ancillary components 100 (e.g., alternator, turbocharger, etc.). The position of enclosure interface 65 is meant to be exemplary only and one of skill in the art will recognize that enclosure interface 65 may be located as desired, for example, to maximize cooling efficiency; or to cool specific components associated with power source 12. Further, multiple enclosure interfaces may be utilized with multiple airflow conduits.
Cooling package interface 67, as noted above, may be located at any position near airflow provider 40 based on the desired pressure differential. Where a negative pressure is desired at first end 61, cooling package interface 67 may be located near low pressure section 43 of airflow provider 40. Alternatively, where a positive pressure differential is desired between first end 61 and second end 62 of conduit 50, cooling package interface 67 may be located near high pressure section 41 of airflow provider 40.
An airflow control (not shown) may also be utilized and configured to provide volume and/or other airflow control associated with airflow conduit 50. Airflow control section (not shown) may include flaps, valves, and other suitable devices and may include rubber, metal, and/or other suitable materials designed to provide control of airflow through airflow conduit 50. Airflow control (not shown) may be configured to pivot and/or otherwise move in response to signals from a controller (not shown). For example, airflow control (not shown) may be communicatively connected to a controller (not shown) configured to determine an airflow volume flowing to/from engine compartment 35 via airflow conduit 50. The controller (not shown) may further determine a desired airflow to/from engine compartment 35 based on algorithms, flow through venturi ventilation device 38, and/or other considerations. Airflow control (not shown) may, therefore, receive signals from the controller (not shown) and react by opening, closing, or otherwise responding to control airflow through airflow conduit 50. One of skill in the art will recognize that numerous other methods and devices for controlling airflow may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure may be applicable to any machine that includes a power source 12 resulting in heat generation. Systems and methods of the present disclosure may be particularly applicable where such a power source is disposed within a power source enclosure along with heat sensitive components.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart 600 illustrating one method for utilizing the system of the present disclosure. Airflow provider 40 may be operated thereby inducing air to flow through airflow conduit 50 to or from power source compartment 35 (step 605). Because airflow conduit 50 may be fluidly connected to low pressure section 43 or high pressure section 41 of airflow provider 40 via cooling package interface 67, a pressure differential may be generated within airflow conduit 50 between first end 61 and second end 62. In one embodiment, this pressure differential may be negative resulting in a vacuum that may induce airflow from power source compartment 35 at second end 62 through airflow conduit 50, to cooling package interface 67 (step 606). For example, air may be drawn through assembly seams and other infiltration points into engine compartment 35. Such air may then be drawn over ancillary components 100 based on the position of enclosure interface 65 and into airflow conduit 50. The airflow may then be directed, via airflow conduit 50, to first end 61, and through cooling package interface 67 into low pressure section 43 of airflow provider 40. Once the airflow has been provided to low pressure section 43 of airflow provider 40, it may be mixed with airflows being drawn through fluid cooling heat exchanger 42 and/or other airflows (step 607). The combined airflows may then be exhausted through high pressure side 41 of airflow provider 40 and then to the atmosphere through cooling air exhaust ports (not shown) (step 608).
In another embodiment, the pressure differential at first end 61 may be positive, resulting in an airflow being directed from airflow provider 40, through airflow conduit 50, and into power source compartment 35 via second end 62 (step 606). Such air may then be forced over ancillary components 100 based on the position of enclosure interface 65, and mixed with the heated air within power source compartment 35 (step 607). The airflow may then exit power source enclosure 34 via assembly seams (step 608).
The portion of air induced through airflow conduit 50 may be configured such that a desired cooling of critical components is effected. Further, it may be possible to adjust and/or control this flow by design and modification of airflow conduit 50, conduit connectors 60, and other components of the disclosed system.
By utilizing systems and methods of the present disclosure, fresh external airflow may be induced to flow through assembly seams of a power source enclosure, through a power source compartment associated with a power source, and then to an external, separate cooling package. This may result in additional cooling capabilities. Further, because the systems and methods of the present disclosure may be located at any position on a machine, design considerations related to cooling of a power source compartment may be reduced while still maximizing cooling airflow.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed systems and methods for providing enhanced airflow without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, other embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods for removing heat from a power source enclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for cooling a power source enclosure, the system comprising:

a power source enclosure configured to substantially enclose a power source;

a cooling package, including an airflow provider, located separately from the power source enclosure; and

a conduit configured to provide a fluid connection between a section of the airflow provider and an area inside the power source enclosure, wherein the conduit includes a first end disposed near the section of the airflow provider, such that during operation of the airflow provider a pressure differential exists between the first end and a second end, and wherein the second end is disposed near and in fluid communication with an area within the power source enclosure.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the section of the airflow provider is a low pressure section and the pressure differential is negative.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the section of the airflow provider is a high pressure section and the pressure differential is positive

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end is positioned to provide a cooling flow of air over one or more temperature sensitive components within the power source enclosure.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more temperature sensitive components includes at least one of an alternator, an air conditioner compressor, and an engine control module.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second end is positioned to provide a cooling flow of air over one or more high temperature components.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the one or more high temperature components includes a turbocharger.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein the negative pressure differential induces a flow of air from within the power source enclosure to the first end.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the flow of air is exhausted outside the cooling package via one or more cooling air exhaust ports associated with the cooling package.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the conduit includes a venturi section configured to increase a velocity associated with the flow of air.

11. The system of claim 1, further including:

a venturi ventilation assembly in fluid communication with the power source enclosure; and

an exhaust assembly associated with the power source and configured to direct a flow of exhaust associated with the power source through the venturi ventilation assembly.

12. The system of claim 1, further including:

a control section configured to control a flow of air associated with the conduit; and

a controller communicatively connected to the control section.

13. A method for cooling a power source enclosure, the method comprising:

operating an airflow provider associated with a cooling package, wherein the cooling package is located separately from the power source enclosure;

inducing within a conduit, a flow of air, wherein the conduit includes a first end disposed near the airflow provider, and a second end terminating near the power source enclosure; and

utilizing the flow of air to cool one or more components within the power source enclosure.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second end is positioned to provide a cooling flow of air over one or more temperature sensitive components within the power source enclosure.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more temperature sensitive components includes at least one of an alternator, an air conditioner compressor, and an engine control module.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the conduit includes a venturi section configured to increase a velocity associated with the flow of air.

17. The method of claim 15, further including controlling the flow of air such that a temperature associated with the power source enclosure is maintained at or below about 95 degrees C.

18. A machine comprising:

a frame;

a power source;

one or more traction devices operatively connected to the power source and the frame;

a power source enclosure configured to substantially enclose a power source;

19. The machine of claim 18, wherein the second end is positioned to provide a cooling flow of air over one or more temperature sensitive components within the power source enclosure.

20. The machine of claim 18, wherein the section of the airflow provider is a low pressure section and the pressure differential is negative.