US 8,403,091 B2 · Pneumatic-IC engine based power management system for automobiles and the like

Abstract

A pneumatic-internal combustion (IC) engine based power management system with improved energy efficiency for automobile application. More particularly, the pneumatic IC engine based power management system comprises a compressor, a pressure vessel, a pneumatic motor and related control mechanisms to provide energy on demand and reduce environmental pollution. The compressor is driven by the IC engine during low power demand by the vehicle. The lightweight pressure vessel wrapped with high strength metal wire and/or fibers provide impact resistance adequate to store compressed air at rated pressure. For low/no load condition of engine or compressor, the IC engine will shut off rather than idling to save fuel. The stored compressed air drives the air motor that powers the vehicle's initial motion and then starts the IC engine to provide continuous power. A controller monitors the power demand and actuates different system components accordingly through sensors. The system also supports accessories such as air conditioning, heater etc. and a wheel-rim system for inflation maintenance and easy change over of tires.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A pneumatic-Internal Combustion (IC) engine based power management system for automobiles and other light vehicles comprising:

an internal combustion engine operatively connected to an air motor;
a pneumatic power center supported by a pneumatic compressor adapted to be powered by said internal combustion engine or kinetic energy of the automobile and adapted to store air in a pressure vessel;
controller means adapted to monitor the power demands for the operation of the automobile, the IC engines RPM and torque and air motors RPM and torque and send signals to the IC engine and its fuel injector systems and to the air motor control valves to respond based thereon;
and
wherein if the pressure vessel has above 50% or more of the rated pressure of the air motor, during no power demand periods, the IC engine is adapted to be completely shut off, or idle at a very low 0-70% of the normal idle RPM.

2 more elements

A pneumatic-Internal Combustion (IC) engine based power management system for automobiles and other light vehicles comprising:

an internal combustion engine operatively connected to an air motor;
a pneumatic power center supported by a pneumatic compressor adapted to be powered by said internal combustion engine or kinetic energy of the automobile and adapted to store air in a pressure vessel;
controller means adapted to monitor the power demands for the operation of the automobile, the IC engines RPM and torque and air motors RPM and torque and send signals to the IC engine and its fuel injector systems and to the air motor control valves to respond based thereon;
and
wherein the IC engine is adapted to act as a compressor itself, preferably wherein the cylinder block of the IC engine, in addition to standard inlet and exhaust valves, is provided with an additional opening for a one way valve whereby following shut off of the fuel supply, the valve may open to divert compressed air during the compression cycle to the pressure vessel.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pneumatic-IC engine based power management system for automobiles and the like

Life of this patent

Pneumatic-IC engine based power management system for automobiles and the like

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20