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US 10,207,575 B2Granted
Efficient vehicle power systems
Assignee3B Technologies II
InventorsRobert D. Washburn, Robert F. McClanahan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A power delivery system utilizing an array of electric generators connected to an array of electric drive motors, which in turn are connected to loads of varying power demand, the generators configured to turn on and off to match the loads of varying power demands. The electric generators may be connected to an array of engines, each engine configured to run at peak efficiency. As load demands change, the engines turn on and off to meet the load demands. The engines and electrical generators may also connect to a battery to maintain the battery charge in response to demands on the battery by the electric drive motor array.
Claims20
A gas-electric power delivery system comprising:
- a) a means for electrical energy storage;
- b) an array of engines, each engine connected to a means for producing electrical energy;
- c) an electric drive motor, wherein the electric drive motor is connected to a mechanical load of varying power demand;
- d) a sensor receiving data based on the mechanical load of varying power demand;
- and
- e) a controller operatively connected to the sensor and the array of engines to calculate power requirements based on the data,
- f) wherein the array of engines charges the means for electrical energy storage, and the array of engines directly powers the electric drive motor in response to the power requirements calculated by the controller based on the demands placed upon the electric drive motor by the mechanical load of varying power demand, wherein the number of engines in the array of engines, and the peak power output of each engine is sufficient such that one or more of the engines can turn on and off to match any given power demand of the mechanical load at the time the power is being delivered to the mechanical load, wherein the controller is configured to turn the engines on and off to match the power demand of the mechanical load, and wherein the means for electrical energy storage powers the electric drive motor in short, predetermined maximum time periods for rapid high-energy usage.
4 more elements
A gas-electric power delivery system comprising:
- a) a means for electrical energy storage;
- b) an array of engine-powered electric alternators;
- and
- c) an array of electric drive motors, each electric drive motor having a power output, wherein each electric drive motor is connected to a common shaft, and wherein the common shaft of the array of electric drive motors is connected to a mechanical load of varying power demand;
- d) a sensor receiving data based on the mechanical load of varying power demand;
- and
- e) a controller operatively connected to the sensor and the array of engine-powered electric alternators to calculate power requirements based on the data,
- f) wherein the array of electric alternators charges the means for electrical energy storage, and the array of electric alternators directly powers the array of electric drive motors in response to the power requirements calculated by the controller based on the demands placed upon the array of electric drive motors by the mechanical load of varying power demand, and wherein the number of engine-powered alternators in the array of engine-powered alternators, and the peak power output of each engine-powered alternator is sufficient such that one or more of the engine-powered alternators can turn on and off to match any given power demand of the mechanical load at the time the power is being delivered to the mechanical load, wherein the controller is configured to turn the engines on and off to match the power demand of the mechanical load, and wherein the means for electrical energy storage powers the array of electric motors in short, predetermined maximum time periods for rapid high-energy usage.
5 more elements
A power delivery system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a) an array of engines;
- b) an array of engine-powered electric alternators connected to the array of engines, wherein each engine is configured to power a respective engine-powered electric alternator, wherein each engine runs at a substantially constant RPM, the substantially constant RPM being that at which each engine achieves substantially peak efficiency;
- c) a means for electrical energy storage operatively connected to the array of engine-powered electric alternators;
- d) an array of electric drive motors operatively connected to the array of engines and to loads of varying power demand;
- e) one or more sensors for collecting data based on the loads of varying power demand;
- and
- f) a controller operatively connected to the one or more sensors and the array of engines to calculate power requirements based on the one or more sensors, wherein the controller is configured to turn each engine on and off, as needed, during operation of the vehicle, to match the loads of varying power demand at a point in time when the loads are being delivered.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.