Multi-use torpedo propulsion system starter
AssigneeHamilton Sundstrand Corporation
InventorRichard A. Himmelmann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed is a hybrid electric torpedo that includes an igniter having a resistance, a current source, and a contactor. The torpedo includes a controller having input channels operable to receive a battery state of charge and the resistance and output channels configured to operate the contactor to control the current source of the igniter. The controller includes stored memory instructions operable upon execution to operate the contactor to conduct current through the igniter such that a temperature of the igniter increases. The contactor is operated responsive to the battery state of charge being less than a predetermined state of charge threshold and the resistance being less than a predetermined open circuit threshold.
Claims19
A hybrid electric torpedo comprising:
- an igniter having a resistance, a current source, and a contactor;
- and
- a controller having input channels operable to receive a battery state of charge and the resistance and output channels configured to operate the contactor to control the current source of the igniter, the controller having stored memory instructions operable upon execution to, responsive to the battery state of charge being less than a predetermined state of charge threshold and the resistance being less than a predetermined open circuit threshold, operate the contactor to conduct current through the igniter such that a temperature of the igniter increases.
A hybrid electric torpedo comprising:
- a combustion chamber defining an aperture;
- and
- an igniter having a resistance, a current source, and a contactor, the igniter includes
- a housing having terminals configured to receive electrical conductors, and
- a unitary ignition element having ends conductively joined with the terminals and having an ignition element material composition, the igniter including an Inconel hermetic coating that encapsulates the unitary ignition element and including an Inconel hermetic seal formed to join the aperture.
A method comprising:
- receiving a state of charge of a battery less than a predetermined state of charge threshold during an OFF evolution of a combustion engine of a hybrid electric torpedo propulsion system;
- receiving a resistance of an igniter less than a predetermined open circuit threshold;
- and
- operating a switch associated with the igniter such that current flows through the igniter and a temperature of the igniter increases.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.