Patent attributes
A portable range extender can be used to supply electrical power to an electric vehicle operable by an electric traction motor. The portable range extender includes an engine, a dynamoelectric machine coupled to the engine by a shaft, an autonomous range extender controller for controlling operations of the range extender independently of a controller for the vehicle, and circuitry associated with the engine and machine. The range extender and its controlling circuitry are self contained within an enclosure. The enclosure is partitioned to form two sections, a first section housing the dynamoelectric machine and the second section housing the engine. Windows in the enclosure provide a path for air cooling of the range extender components. Air cooling is facilitated by a first set of cooling fins mounted on the rotor of the dynamoelectric machine at an end proximate an air inlet window, a second set of cooling fins mounted on the rotor of the dynamoelectric machine in the vicinity of an opening in the partition, and a third set of cooling fins mounted on the engine at the opposite side of the partition opening.
