Hybrid marine propulsion system
AssigneeKohler Co.
InventorsJoseph Raats, Isaac S. Frampton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A hybrid propulsion system for a marine vessel is described. The hybrid propulsion system includes a shaft coupled to a propeller, a planetary gear system configured to operate in a first configuration and a second configuration, and a motor-generator. The motor-generator is configured to selectively rotate with and provide torque to the shaft through the planetary gear system in the first configuration and to rotate independently from the shaft in the second configuration. The shaft extends from the propeller through the planetary gear system and the motor-generator to a torque producing device for the marine vessel.
Claims20
A hybrid propulsion system for a marine vessel, the hybrid propulsion system comprising:
- a shaft coupled to a propeller;
- a planetary gear system configured to operate in a first configuration and a second configuration;
- and
- a motor-generator configured to selectively rotate with and provide torque to the shaft through the planetary gear system in the first configuration and to rotate independently from the shaft in the second configuration,
- wherein the shaft extends from the propeller through the planetary gear system and the motor-generator to a torque producing device for the marine vessel.
A method for operation of a hybrid propulsion system, the method comprising:
- providing a torque from an engine to a shaft;
- supplying, from the shaft, mechanical power to a load of a marine vessel;
- engaging a clutch for a planetary gear system coupled to the shaft;
- and
- in response to the engaged clutch, connecting a motor-generator to the shaft through the planetary gear system to transfer torque between the shaft and motor generator.
A hybrid propulsion system for a marine vessel, the hybrid propulsion system comprising:
- a planetary gear system configured to operate in an engine propulsion configuration and an electric drive configuration;
- and
- a motor-generator configured to selectively rotate with an engine and charge at least one battery in the engine propulsion configuration and configured to provide torque for the marine vessel through the planetary gear system in the electric drive configuration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.