Parallel hybrid propulsion system
AssigneeAmpaire, Inc.
InventorJeffrey Spitzer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for controlling flight via a parallel hybrid aircraft having an electric propulsion system and a combustion propulsion system are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may include: a combustion propulsion system including a combustion engine; an electric propulsion system including a motor and an electric power source, wherein the motor comprises a stator, a rotor coupled to the engine shaft, and support bearings between the rotor and the stator; a mechanical link coupled to the stator and the combustion engine, wherein the mechanical link substantially prevents movement of the stator in a rotational degree of freedom; and a propeller coupled to the engine shaft, wherein the rotor is coupled to the engine shaft between the propeller and the combustion engine.
Claims20
A parallel hybrid propulsion system for an aircraft, the parallel hybrid propulsion system comprising:
- a combustion engine;
- an electric motor, wherein the electric motor comprises a stator and a rotor;
- a power consuming element;
- at least one shaft coupled to the combustion engine, the rotor, and the power consuming element;
- and
- a mechanical link coupled to the stator and the combustion engine, wherein the mechanical link substantially prevents rotation of the stator with respect to the combustion engine, and wherein the mechanical link allows movement of the stator relative to the combustion engine in degrees of freedom other than the rotation of the stator with respect to the combustion engine.
A method for controlling flight via a parallel hybrid aircraft having an electric propulsion system and a combustion propulsion system, the method comprising:
- initiating the electric propulsion system, which is independently operable from the combustion propulsion system and which includes an electric motor and an electric power source, wherein the electric motor comprises a stator and a rotor;
- initiating the combustion propulsion system, which is independently operable from the electric propulsion system and which includes a combustion engine;
- and
- controlling both the electric propulsion system and the combustion propulsion system to provide propulsion and/or thrust to a power consuming element via at least one shaft;
- wherein a mechanical link is coupled to the stator and the combustion engine, wherein the mechanical link substantially prevents rotation of the stator with respect to the combustion engine, and wherein the mechanical link allows movement of the stator relative to the combustion engine in degrees of freedom other than the rotation of the stator with respect to the combustion engine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.