Series (ipc) Patents (Class 180/65.245)
  • Publication number: 20110073394
    Abstract: In cooling apparatus for a hybrid vehicle having driving apparatus including a generator driven by an engine and an electric motor (12) for driving the vehicle, the driving apparatus, a radiator arranged in a front portion of an engine compartment and an inverter (41) are coupled by a cooling circuit for the motor equipment. An electric water pump (45) for circulating cooling water is arranged in the cooling circuit. Mounting apparatus (15) for supporting the driving apparatus to the vehicle body is arranged laterally in the vehicle width direction of the driving apparatus. The electric water pump (45) is arranged under the mounting apparatus (15). By the use of such a structure, a situation in which the electric water pump (45) gets sandwiched between the engine radiator which has been shifted backwardly in the presence of an external force acting from the front of the vehicle, and the driving apparatus and gets damaged can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sunao Wakatsuki
  • Publication number: 20110073402
    Abstract: A hybrid construction machine includes an engine, a generator motor, and a hydraulic pump. They constitute a power unit, and are connected in series, with the generator motor being disposed between the engine and the hydraulic pump and with a center of gravity of the entire power unit being positioned closer to the generator motor than the center of gravity of the engine. A mount installation bracket is mounted at a side of each flange disposed at a corresponding side of the generator motor. A generator-motor-side mount device is mounted to the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsunori MANABE, Takao Sugano
  • Publication number: 20110071716
    Abstract: A method for operating a series hybrid vehicle is provided, in which an engine generates secondary power that is either stored or used as direct input energy by a secondary power source to provide motive power to the vehicle. Regenerative braking is used to convert kinetic energy of the vehicle into secondary energy, which is also stored. When the vehicle driver makes a power demand, the secondary power source is powered by secondary energy from an energy storage device, direct input energy generated by the engine, or both, depending on the amount of stored secondary energy in combination with vehicle speed. When in use, the power level at which the engine is operated is also determined on the basis of available stored energy and vehicle speed. At higher vehicle speeds, the amount of stored energy is allowed to be depleted in order to increase the available storage capacity for regenerative braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE U.S. EPA
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110061957
    Abstract: This apparatus is a mobile self-contained unit. The invention utilizes two distinct existing devices. The first device is an internal combustion engine. The second device is an electric generator that produces electric current. This apparatus is used to create electricity on board an electric vehicle while it is in motion. This invention burns many types of fuels for its power source, such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, bio diesel and ethanol to mention some of the most popular fuels. In the description for this application we are using hydrogen as its fuel. This would be considered a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is mated together mechanically with an electric generator to produce electrical current. The hydrogen gas is burned as the fuel as it is produced. The hydrogen can be stored or made on board by using an electrolysis system. The invention in this application would be considered a hydrogen generator set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Steven Hargett
  • Publication number: 20110048827
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an engine, a first traction element, a second traction element, a first electric drive system, and a second electric drive system. The engine is coupled operatively to the first traction element via the first electric drive system and to the second traction element via the second electric drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Mark J. Cherney, Eric Vilar
  • Patent number: 7891449
    Abstract: A hybrid drive apparatus includes a drive apparatus input shaft that is connected to an engine; a rotary electric machine; a transmission that is capable of changing a speed of rotation from a transmission input shaft and outputting a resulting rotation to a transmission output shaft, an output mechanism that connects the transmission output shaft and drive wheels; a drive transfer mechanism that links a rotor of the rotary electric machine and the transmission input shaft; and a clutch that enables interrupting and connecting of drive power between the drive apparatus input shaft and the transmission input shaft, wherein the drive transfer mechanism includes a speed reduction mechanism that reduces a rotation speed from the rotary electric machine and transmits a resulting rotation to the transmission input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Sanji
  • Publication number: 20110036658
    Abstract: A powertrain is adapted to drive ground-engaging elements disposed along longitudinally-opposing sides of a vehicle. The powertrain includes at least one engine, a first electric machine, a second electric machine, a third electric machine, a first differential mechanism and a second differential mechanism. The engine and first electric machine are operatively connected to the first and second differential mechanisms. The second electric machine is operatively connected to the first differential mechanism and the third electric machine is operatively connected to the second differential mechanism. The first and second differential mechanisms are each operatively connected to drivably engage one or more ground-engaging elements disposed on a different one of the longitudinally-opposing sides of the associated vehicle. A vehicle including such a powertrain as well as methods of using the same are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Codrin-Gruie Cantemir, Gabriel G. Ursescu, Giorgio Rizzoni
  • Publication number: 20110024212
    Abstract: An electric powertrain for use with an engine and a traction device is disclosed. The electric powertrain has a DC motor/generator operable to receive at least a portion of a first mechanical output from the engine and produce a DC power output. The DC motor/generator is also operable to receive DC power and produce a second mechanical output. The electric powertrain further has a drivetrain operable to receive the DC power output and use the DC power output to drive the traction device. The drivetrain is also operable to generate DC power when the traction device is operated in a dynamic braking mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventor: Rodwan Tarek Adra
  • Publication number: 20110011659
    Abstract: An energy storage module (30, 32) for an electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle (12). Multiple low-voltage storage batteries (36) disposed on a tray (60) and connected in parallel circuit relationship form a low-voltage battery bank. A DC-to-DC converter (42) has an input connected to the low-voltage battery bank and an output connected to a high-voltage energy storage bank (34). An AC-to-DC converter (40) is connected to the low-voltage battery bank for charging the low-voltage battery bank from a source of AC electricity (45).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Sailor, Colin J. Casey
  • Publication number: 20110000725
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle including an engine; a generator for generating electrical power from the engine; a battery charged with electrical power generated by the generator; and a motor driven by electrical power generated by the generator or by electrical power output by the battery, and with a view to reducing energy consumption from the battery without using complicated control operations while preventing overcharging of the battery, the hybrid vehicle further includes a motoring control unit for starting motoring, i.e., mechanical driving of the engine, in addition to regenerative power generation when a state of charge of the battery reaches a first set value and stopping the motoring of the engine when the state of charge of the battery reaches a second set value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoya Murota, Masakazu Ono, Fumihiko Takekoshi, Hiroyuki Konno
  • Publication number: 20100326752
    Abstract: A drivetrain for a hybrid-electric vehicle (200), including an engine (210), a first electrical machine (220), a second electrical machine (230), and at least one driveshaft (260). The first (220) and second (230) electrical machines are axial-flux electrical machines. The first electrical machine (220) is arranged to be driven by the engine (210) so as to operate as a generator and to supply electrical power for the second electrical machine (230). The second electrical machine (230) is arranged to receive electrical power so as to operate as a motor and to drive the at least one driveshaft (260). The drivetrain includes a clutch (225) selectively operable to provide inter- engagement between the rotor of the first electrical machine (220) and the rotor of the second electrical machine (230) to transmit rotary power therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: EVO ELECTRIC LTD
    Inventor: Michael Ulrich Lamperth
  • Publication number: 20100326751
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid drive apparatus for motor vehicles, having an internal combustion engine and an electric drive motor which act connected in series on at least one driven shaft which drives an axle differential. To achieve a drive apparatus which is favorable in efficiency and installation size, it is proposed that in addition, by means of transmission stages, there is at least one constant gear which, bypassing the electric drive motor, selectively drives the driven shaft from the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Johann Märkl
  • Publication number: 20100326753
    Abstract: A power unit (14) which has a spark-ignition engine unit (1) of the Wankel type including a three flanked rotary piston (R) mounted on an eccentric shaft (63) rotating eccentrically within a cavity within a two lobed epitroochoidal inner peripheral surface (14), the cavity including an inlet port (7) through which air at ambient pressure is induced into the working chambers, and an outlet port (45) through which exhaust gasses are exhausted from the working chambers, and the power unit also including a rotary expander unit (4) which has a two flanked rotor (24) mounted on an eccentric shaft (12) rotating eccentrically within a single lobed epitrochoidal chamber (25), both shafts (62, 63) being coupled to rotate together, and the exhaust port (45) of epitrochoidal cavity of the engine unit (1) being connected to an inlet port (26) of the expander unit (4) so that the exhaust gasses from the engine unit (1) are further expanded in the expander unit (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: David W. Garside
  • Patent number: 7848858
    Abstract: Vehicular drive system which is small-sized and/or improved in its fuel economy. A power distributing mechanism 16, which is provided with a differential-state switching device in the form of a switching clutch C0 and a switching brake B0, is switchable by the switching device between a differential state (continuously-variable shifting state) in which the mechanism is operable as an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission, and a fixed-speed-ratio shifting state in which the mechanism is operable as a transmission having a fixed speed ratio or ratios. The power distributing mechanism 16 is placed in the fixed-speed-ratio shifting state during a high-speed running of the vehicle or a high-speed operation of engine 8, so that the output of the engine 8 is transmitted to drive wheels 38 primarily through a mechanical power transmitting path, whereby fuel economy of the vehicle is improved owing to reduction of a loss of conversion of a mechanical energy into an electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga
  • Publication number: 20100294585
    Abstract: A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce E. Wolff, Douglas E. Berry, Mark D. Bowdich, Gerhard Kramer, Scott D. Woodruff
  • Publication number: 20100285702
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a hybrid electric power system for use in a multi-wheeled hybrid electric vehicle, and particularly for use in hybrid electric vehicles designed for operation in hostile environments where reliability and survivability of the propulsion system of the vehicle are important. The hybrid electric power system advantageously comprises at least one segmented electrical machine having multiple pairs of parallel stator segments with a magnetic rotor segment between each pair, for generating power from a thermodynamic engine, or for providing power to a driven wheel of the hybrid electric vehicle. A hybrid electric power system is also provided which comprises at least one distributed segmented electrical machine which comprises a distributed electrical energy storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: CLEAN CURRENT POWER SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Mihai C. Platon
  • Patent number: 7813848
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid vehicle control system, which comprises a current conversion device for changing an amplitude or a frequency of an alternating current generated by a generator, unit for determining a required output of a vehicle-driving motor in conformity to a required vehicle-driving force, unit for determining a current waveform to be supplied to the vehicle-driving motor, in conformity to the required output of the vehicle-driving motor, and controllably determine a strategy of how to supply an AC electric power, and a bypass line adapted to bypass the current conversion device. When there is a waveform difference between a current waveform required for the vehicle-driving motor and a current waveform output from the generator, an AC electric power is supply to the vehicle-driving motor after eliminating the waveform difference through the current conversion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhide Seo, Kei Yonemori
  • Patent number: 7753149
    Abstract: A rotor shaft of a first electric motor is connected to a crankshaft of the engine by being fit to a transmitting member that is coupled to the crankshaft. The stator and rotor shaft of the first electric motor are supported by a case housing the first electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga, Terufumi Miyazaki, Ryuji Ibaraki
  • Publication number: 20100170732
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system (10) for an agricultural or industrial vehicle, preferably a tractor (12). Said drive system (19) comprises at least one electric generator (24, 26) as well as a first and a second electric machine (28, 30). The at least one electric generator (24, 26) can be driven using torque generated by a vehicle engine (22). At least one of the two electric machines (28, 30) can be driven using the electric power generated by the electric generator (24, 26). The mechanical torque generated by the first and/or the second electric machine (28, 30) can be transmitted to at least one driving axle (14, 16) of the vehicle in order to allow the vehicle to move. The invention further relates to an agricultural vehicle comprising such a drive system (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Fritz Glaser, Nicolai Tarasinski, Rainer Gugel
  • Publication number: 20100140000
    Abstract: A system for selectively consuming and storing electrical energy in a hybrid vehicle. The system includes an electric motor/generator unit having a rotary shaft and an internal combustion engine having a main shaft. A continuously variable transmission mechanically couples the electric motor/generator rotary shaft to the engine main shaft. A control circuit varies the amount of torque of the electric motor/generator unit rotary shaft between a negative and a positive value as a function of the operating condition of the vehicle. The control circuit also controls the transmission to vary the transmission ratio as a function of the engine operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Jeremy Moore
  • Publication number: 20100140002
    Abstract: First and second motors have structures different from each other. A control device estimates a first magnet temperature of the first motor and a second magnet temperature of the second motor and controls a drive unit based on the first and second magnet temperatures. The control device estimates the first magnet temperature using a first parameter (the temperature of cooling oil of the first and second motors) and estimates the second magnet temperature using the temperature of the stator of the second motor. Since an appropriate parameter is selected from among a plurality of parameters concerning the state of the first and second motors, the first and second magnet temperatures can be estimated more accurately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miura, Akira Takasaki
  • Patent number: 7689331
    Abstract: A start-stop or idle-stop method for a heavy-duty hybrid vehicle that turns off the fuel supply while maintaining the crankshaft rotation of the internal combustion engine when the vehicle stops or, optionally, when the vehicle travels downhill, travels in a noise sensitive location, travels in an exhaust emissions sensitive location, or operates in an emergency situation. The stop-start or idle-stop method automatically turns on the engine fuel supply to restart combustion when the vehicle starts accelerating, is no longer traveling downhill, is no longer traveling in a noise sensitive or exhaust sensitive location, is no longer in an emergency situation, or has dropped below the minimum energy storage restart level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Moran
  • Patent number: 7689330
    Abstract: This invention relates to a Start-Stop method for a heavy-duty hybrid vehicle that turns off the internal combustion engine when the vehicle stops or, optionally, when the vehicle travels downhill. The Stop-Start method automatically restarts the internal combustion engine when the vehicle starts accelerating or is no longer traveling downhill. The software instructions for the Stop-Start method reside within the programming of the hybrid vehicle control computer as a subset of the hybrid vehicle control strategy in hybrid-electric or hybrid-hydraulic heavy-duty vehicle. During the time the internal combustion engine is turned off the necessary vehicle accessories operate from the available power of the hybrid high power energy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Moran
  • Patent number: 7680568
    Abstract: A start-stop or idle-stop method for a heavy-duty hybrid vehicle that turns off the fuel supply while maintaining the crankshaft rotation of the internal combustion engine when the vehicle stops or, optionally, when the vehicle travels downhill, travels in a noise sensitive location, travels in an exhaust emissions sensitive location, or operates in an emergency situation. The stop-start or idle-stop method automatically turns on the engine fuel supply to restart combustion when the vehicle starts accelerating, is no longer traveling downhill, is no longer traveling in a noise sensitive or exhaust sensitive location, is no longer in an emergency situation, or has dropped below the minimum energy storage restart level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Moran
  • Patent number: 7673713
    Abstract: A dual purpose mobile machine is disclosed. The mobile machine may have a power source configured to propel the mobile machine and generate electrical power for use offboard the mobile machine. The machine may also have a work tool driven by the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Betz, Michael A. Caruthers, Stephen C. Garnett, Richard F. Shults, Bruce E. Unger
  • Patent number: 7657351
    Abstract: A start-stop or idle-stop method for a heavy-duty hybrid vehicle that turns off the fuel supply while maintaining the crankshaft rotation of the internal combustion engine when the vehicle stops or, optionally, when the vehicle travels downhill, travels in a noise sensitive location, travels in an exhaust emissions sensitive location, or operates in an emergency situation. The stop-start or idle-stop method automatically turns on the engine fuel supply to restart combustion when the vehicle starts accelerating, is no longer traveling downhill, is no longer traveling in a noise sensitive or exhaust sensitive location, is no longer in an emergency situation, or has dropped below the minimum energy storage restart level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Moran
  • Patent number: 7657350
    Abstract: This invention relates to a Start-Stop method for a heavy-duty hybrid vehicle that turns off the internal combustion engine when the vehicle stops or, optionally, when the vehicle travels downhill. The Stop-Start method automatically restarts the internal combustion engine when the vehicle starts accelerating or is no longer traveling downhill. The software instructions for the Stop-Start method reside within the programming of the hybrid vehicle control computer as a subset of the hybrid vehicle control strategy in hybrid-electric or hybrid-hydraulic heavy-duty vehicle. During the time the internal combustion engine is turned off the necessary vehicle accessories operate from the available power of the hybrid high power energy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Moran
  • Publication number: 20090312144
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid drive train of a vehicle having, in series, an internal combustion engine, a clutch, an electric motor and a transmission with an output connected to the drive axle. During traction operation, the vehicle changes from an electric driving mode into a combination driving mode or a combustion engine driving mode, in that the clutch is engaged and the combustion engine torque is temporarily increased. The method includes regulating engagement of the clutch at least until reaching a starting rotational speed of the combustion engine such that the acceleration of the combustion engine occurs according to a predetermined progression of rotational speed and that the torque of the combustion engine is increased by the same amount as the transferable torque of the clutch is increased by the engagement process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Allgaier, Friedrich Tenbrock, Thomas Lemp, Michael Gromus
  • Publication number: 20090294192
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating electricity, and also to a motor vehicle with an electric drive, and an apparatus of this type. The apparatus for generating electricity has a heating device, in particular an internal combustion engine for providing kinetic energy, with the additional output of thermal energy, which internal combustion engine is firstly coupled to a generator for converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy and secondly is coupled to a device for converting the thermal energy into electrical energy, wherein the internal combustion engine is designed in such a way that it is constantly operated with maximum efficiency. The motor vehicle with an electric drive has a storage device for electrical energy which is charged by the above-described apparatus for generating electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Veit Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7610975
    Abstract: An electric drive mower includes an electric traction drive as well as electric drive to the cutting units carried on the mower. A hybrid electric drive system supplies electric power to these motors. The electric drive system includes a genset (an internal combustion engine driving an electrical power generating device such as an alternator) and a battery pack which supply the electric power to the electric motors either individually or jointly. A switch may be provided to permit all battery operation of the mower. A steering system having a non-powered pump is used to effect steering of the steerable wheel(s) of the mower to avoid having a heated oil damage the turf in the event of a leak. A crankshaft driven by a single electric drive motor is linked to all the cutting units through various crankarm and connecting rod linkages to lift and lower the cutting units in a timed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jackie R. Gust, Eric A. Metheny, Dana R. Lonn, Heinrich F. Tetzlaff, Dennis J. Pavlik, Mark S. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20090179424
    Abstract: A piston compression system converts energy from a conventional combustion cycle engine driving a piston to displace a working gas for flow through a turbine for output power. The working gas is derived by diverting a portion of the charge during combustion at near peak combustion pressure (PCP) into a closed working volume. The working gas is maintained at high pressure within the working volume. The working volume has a first displacement compartment and a second displacement compartment, a supply manifold connected for receiving pressurized working gas alternately from the first and second compartments and connected to an inlet of the turbine, and a return manifold connected to an outlet of the turbine and alternately returning working gas to the second and first compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNAL COMBUSTION TURBINES LLC
    Inventor: Ran Yaron
  • Publication number: 20090115282
    Abstract: An electrical machine includes a stator that includes: a yoke formed with laminated annular steel sheets; and a plurality of magnetic poles which protrude towards an inner diameter side of the yoke and on which a field coil is wound. In the stator, a radial width of apart of the yoke corresponding to a magnetic pole width is broader to an outer diameter side than a radial width of a part of the yoke provided throughout between the magnetic poles; and the stator is provided with a thorough-hole for a tightening bolt in the part of the yoke with the broad radial width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke NISHIDATE, Masaru Ito, Shingo Obara, Shin Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20090090573
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an array of batteries that recharge with a generator connected to a Stirling engine, steam engine and/or steam turbine powered by combusting a solid fuel product. The battery array for this vehicle, which is a series hybrid, can be recharged using residential electrical current. A preferred solid fuel product for burning in the generator-charging engine of this vehicle is selected from cellulose, lignin and combinations thereof, most preferably in the form of pellets or small logs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel J. Boone
  • Publication number: 20090033101
    Abstract: A process for generation of electrical power comprises the exothermic, possibly catalytic, decomposition of a medium, preferably hydrogen peroxide, with the addition of water and the use of the steam to drive a steam machine, which is connected to an electricity generator. In order to improve the process specifically for use in electrical vehicles, highly concentrated medium, preferably hydrogen peroxide, is decomposed and the steam is condensed after emerging from the steam machine, and is fed back into the process. An electrical vehicle is advantageously operated in such a way that the electrical power is generated as explained above and is fed to at least one rechargeable battery, with the electrical power for at least one electric motor being taken from the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Spielberger