US 12,438,424 B2
Electric fan
David H. Menheere, Norval (CA)
Assigned to PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP., Longueuil (CA)
Filed by PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP., Longueuil (CA)
Filed on Oct. 18, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/968,365.
Application 17/968,365 is a division of application No. 16/018,162, filed on Jun. 26, 2018, granted, now 11,509,201.
Prior Publication US 2023/0042278 A1, Feb. 9, 2023
Int. Cl. H05K 7/20 (2006.01); B64D 35/021 (2024.01); F04D 25/04 (2006.01); H02K 9/06 (2006.01); H02K 16/00 (2006.01); H02K 16/02 (2006.01); B64D 27/34 (2024.01); F16H 1/22 (2006.01); H02K 7/116 (2006.01)
CPC H02K 16/00 (2013.01) [B64D 35/021 (2024.01); F04D 25/045 (2013.01); H02K 16/02 (2013.01); B64D 27/34 (2024.01); F16H 1/22 (2013.01); H02K 7/116 (2013.01); H02K 9/06 (2013.01); H05K 7/20163 (2013.01); H05K 7/20918 (2013.01)] 6 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of operating an electric fan mounted to an aircraft, the method comprising:
electrically driving a bladed rotor of the electric fan to rotate in a first direction to generate forward thrust to propel the aircraft;
electrically driving the bladed rotor of the electric fan to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction to generate reverse thrust;
during a descent phase of the aircraft:
ceasing to electrically drive the bladed rotor to rotate in the first direction:
allowing windmilling of the bladed rotor; and
generating electricity from the windmilling of the bladed rotor.