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Auxiliary starter unit for use with a diesel engine, and method for starting a diesel engine

  • US 6,109,229 A
  • Filed: 09/03/1999
  • Issued: 08/29/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/06/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. For use with a vehicle having a diesel engine and an electrical system, the electrical system being associated with a first operating voltage level, an auxiliary starting unit for facilitating starting of the diesel engine comprising:

  • at least one heater positioned to improve a starting characteristic of the diesel engine;

    an inverter having an intermediate circuit, the intermediate circuit being associated with a second operating voltage, the second operating voltage being higher than the first operating voltage;

    an energy storage device located to receive electrical energy from the intermediate circuit;

    a controlled switch having a closed state and an open state, the controlled switch being positioned to couple the energy storage device in circuit with the at least one heater to deliver electrical energy thereto; and

    a heating controller in communication with the controlled switch for selectively causing the controlled switch to enter the closed state to thereby supply the at least one heater with electrical energy at a third operating voltage, the third operating voltage being higher than the first operating voltage.

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