US 11,535,240 B2Granted

Computer controlled solid state switching device for electrical system in a Stirling-electric hybrid vehicle

OwnerJoseph S. McDowell, Mirley K. Balasubramanya +2inventors

InventorsJoseph S. McDowell, Mirley K. Balasubramanya, Kevin M. Chandler, Harold J. Idell

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Abstract

A control system algorithm is provided for the computer control of a solid-state switching device in a Stirling-electric hybrid vehicle. The algorithm satisfies the demands for electrical energy management, regulation, allocation and distribution to the electrical system of the vehicle during the operation thereof. The control system controls the management, regulation, allocation and distribution of electrical current throughout the vehicle's electrical system in response to the commands of the vehicle operator. This includes the operation of wheel motors, electrical storage systems, the drivetrain and a plurality of other components, accessories and subsystems.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for controlling the operation of a Sterling-electric hybrid vehicle, comprising:

providing a Sterling-electric hybrid vehicle which includes
(a) an electric storage system,
(b) a controller,
(c) a solid-state switching device,
(d) a plurality of power sources that includes a primary power source selected from the group consisting of Sterling cycle engines and Sterling cycle generators, and
(e) a plurality of powered devices selected from the group consisting of vehicle components and subsystems, wherein the controller operates in conjunction with the solid state switching device to switch the mode of operation of the vehicle between an all-electric mode and a hybrid mode, and wherein the controller controls the operation of the plurality of power sources and the plurality of powered devices;
receiving input selections to operate the vehicle in the all-electric mode or the hybrid mode;
and
if an input selection is received to operate the vehicle in the all-electric mode, then
(a) ascertaining the level of charge in the electrical storage system,
(b) if the level of charge in the electrical storage system is above a threshold amount, then initiating the all-electric mode, and
(c) if the level of charge in the electrical storage system is not above a threshold amount, then producing an electrical current by initiating the primary power source;
wherein the Sterling cycle engine is equipped with a crank shaft, and wherein, if an input selection is received to operate the vehicle in the hybrid mode, then:
determining whether the Sterling cycle engine is at a sufficient operating temperature to sustain a Stirling cycle;
and
if the Sterling cycle engine is at a sufficient operating temperature to sustain a Stirling cycle, then rotating the crank shaft to commence a sustained Sterling cycle.

13 more elements

A method for controlling the operation of a Sterling-electric hybrid vehicle, comprising:

providing a Sterling-electric hybrid vehicle which includes
(a) an electric storage system,
(b) a controller,
(c) a solid-state switching device,
(d) a plurality of power sources that includes a primary power source selected from the group consisting of Sterling cycle engines and Sterling cycle generators, and
(e) a plurality of powered devices selected from the group consisting of vehicle components and subsystems, wherein the controller operates in conjunction with the solid-state switching device to switch the mode of operation of the vehicle between an all-electric mode and a hybrid mode, and wherein the controller controls the operation of the plurality of power sources and the plurality of powered devices;
receiving input selections to operate the vehicle in the all-electric mode or the hybrid mode;
and
if an input selection is received to operate the vehicle in the all-electric mode, then
(a) ascertaining the level of charge in the electrical storage system,
(b) if the level of charge in the electrical storage system is above a threshold amount, then initiating the all-electric mode, and
(c) if the level of charge in the electrical storage system is not above a threshold amount, then producing an electrical current by initiating the primary power source;
wherein the controller operates in conjunction with the solid-state switching device to switch the mode of operation of the vehicle between the all-electric mode, the hybrid mode and a dormancy mode, and wherein receiving input selections to operate the vehicle in the all-electric mode or the hybrid mode further includes receiving input selections to operate the vehicle in the all-electric mode, the hybrid mode or the dormancy mode;
and
wherein the Stirling cycle engine includes a combustion chamber, and wherein, when an input selection is received to operate the vehicle in the dormancy mode, combustion is commenced in the combustion chamber without initiating a sustained Sterling cycle.

12 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 16/614,333Filed 15 May 2018 · us provisional application
Priority: 15 May 2017
Published: US 2020/0148193 A114 May 2020
Granted: 27 Dec 2022
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification25 codes

B60W 20/40
Control systems specially adapted for hybrid vehicles: controlling the engagement or disengagement of prime movers, e.g. for transition between…
B60K 6/24
Characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs: characterised by the combustion engines
B60K 6/26
Characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs: characterised by the motors or the generators
B60K 6/28
Characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs: characterised by the electric energy storing means, e.g. batteries or…