Patents Assigned to Zunum Aero, Inc.
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Patent number: 11866184Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for overcoming the disadvantages of current air transportation systems that might be used for regional travel by providing a more cost effective and convenient regional air transport system. In some embodiments, the inventive air transport system, operational methods, and associated aircraft include a highly efficient plug-in series hybrid-electric powertrain (specifically optimized for aircraft operating in regional ranges), a forward compatible, range-optimized aircraft design, enabling an earlier impact of electric-based air travel services as the overall transportation system and associated technologies are developed, and platforms for the semi-automated optimization and control of the powertrain, and for the semi-automated optimization of determining the flight path for a regional distance hybrid-electric aircraft flight.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Burton Matthew Knapp, Ashish Andrew Kumar
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Publication number: 20230182908Abstract: Hybrid-electric aircraft and a series hybrid powertrain configured to power the aircraft for a medium-haul flight. The series hybrid power train includes a plurality of energy storage units, at least one range extending generator, and a plurality of electric propulsors, each coupled to a distribution bus. The electric propulsors can produce a maximum thrust of at least 15 MW. During a cruise regime, the hybrid-electric aircraft can have an airspeed of at least 0.7 Mach at an altitude of less than 32000 feet, and the plurality of electric propulsors can have a fan pressure ratio of between 1.15 and 1.19. The hybrid-electric aircraft can have a degree of hybridization of at least 25% for the medium-haul flight and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) well-to-wake greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions less than 0.25 lbs/Available Seat Mile (ASM).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2022Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Ashish Andrew KUMAR, Burton Matthew KNAPP
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Patent number: 11465763Abstract: Hybrid-electric aircraft and a series hybrid powertrain configured to power the aircraft for a medium-haul flight. The series hybrid power train includes a plurality of energy storage units, at least one range extending generator, and a plurality of electric propulsors, each coupled to a distribution bus. The electric propulsors can produce a maximum thrust of at least 15 MW. During a cruise regime, the hybrid-electric aircraft can have an airspeed of at least 0.7 Mach at an altitude of less than 32000 feet, and the plurality of electric propulsors can have a fan pressure ratio of between 1.15 and 1.19. The hybrid-electric aircraft can have a degree of hybridization of at least 25% for the medium-haul flight and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) well-to-wake greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions less than 0.25 lbs/Available Seat Mile (ASM).Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Ashish Andrew Kumar, Burton Matthew Knapp
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Publication number: 20220219827Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for overcoming the disadvantages of current air transportation systems that might be used for regional travel by providing a more cost effective and convenient regional air transport system. In some embodiments, the inventive air transport system, operational methods, and associated aircraft include a highly efficient plug-in series hybrid-electric powertrain (specifically optimized for aircraft operating in regional ranges), a forward compatible, range-optimized aircraft design, enabling an earlier impact of electric-based air travel services as the overall transportation system and associated technologies are developed, and platforms for the semi-automated optimization and control of the powertrain, and for the semi-automated optimization of determining the flight path for a regional distance hybrid-electric aircraft flight.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2021Publication date: July 14, 2022Applicant: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Burton Matthew KNAPP, Ashish Andrew KUMAR
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Patent number: 11387764Abstract: An electric motor may comprise a rotor and a stator. One or more first cables connected to a first power converter circuit of are wrapped adjacent to at least some stator teeth of a stator core to form at least a first portion of one or more coil windings. One or more second cables connected to a second power converter circuit of the plurality of power converter circuit also may be wrapped adjacent to at least some of the stator teeth to form at least a second portion of the one or more coil windings.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2018Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Waleed Said, Chenggang Mei
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Patent number: 11312503Abstract: This invention pertains to reliable, lightweight and efficient hybrid electric powertrain and components thereof to power hybrid electric aircraft from one or more sources of electrical energy. In particular, a novel architecture is proposed for power panels that receive, condition and distribute high levels of electrical power to and from the propulsion electric motors and the one or several sources of electrical energy. Systems and methods for architecting the power panels using efficient, reusable and modular power electronics building blocks (PEBBs) is described, along with additional systems and methods for the optimal control of the power panels and components thereof. In addition, novel systems and methods are described for the efficient and lightweight thermal management for hybrid electric powertrain components, ranging from distribution manifolds for the powertrain or power panels, to micro fluid channels for cooling electronics with extreme heat flux.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Waleed Said, Rajib Datta, Matt Feddersen, Shashank Natesh
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Patent number: 11296569Abstract: A disclosed electric motor includes a rotor and a stator. One or more first cables that are connected to a first inverter circuit of are wrapped adjacent to at least some stator teeth of a stator core to form at least a first portion of one or more coil windings. One or more second cables that are connected to a second inverter circuit of the plurality of inverter also may be wrapped adjacent to at least some of the stator teeth to form at least a second portion of the one or more coil windings.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2018Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Daniel M. Saban, Waleed Said, Chenggang Mei
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Patent number: 11214378Abstract: Briefly, example methods, apparatuses, and/or articles of manufacture are disclosed that may be implemented, in whole or in part, to facilitate and/or support one or more operations and/or techniques for a system controller for a series hybrid powertrain, such as employed for propulsion of a hybrid electric aircraft, for example.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Feddersen, Waleed Said
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Patent number: 11196310Abstract: Disclosed is a rotor for an electrical machine includes a rotor hub comprising a multifaceted surface extending along a perimeter of the rotor hub. Each facet of the multi-faceted surface may have a substantially planar surface. A plurality of permanent magnet assemblies is disposed circumferentially around the multifaceted surface. Each individual permanent magnet assembly of the plurality of permanent magnet assemblies is coupled to the substantially planar surface of a corresponding facet.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Daniel M. Saban, Matthew Feddersen
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Patent number: 11104444Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for overcoming the disadvantages of current air transportation systems that might be used for regional travel by providing a more cost effective and convenient regional air transport system. In some embodiments, the inventive air transport system, operational methods, and associated aircraft include a highly efficient plug-in series hybrid-electric powertrain (specifically optimized for aircraft operating in regional ranges), a forward compatible, range-optimized aircraft design, enabling an earlier impact of electric-based air travel services as the overall transportation system and associated technologies are developed, and platforms for the semi-automated optimization and control of the powertrain, and for the semi-automated optimization of determining the flight path for a regional distance hybrid-electric aircraft flight.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Burton Matthew Knapp, Ashish Andrew Kumar
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Publication number: 20200346769Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for overcoming the disadvantages of current air transportation systems that might be used for regional travel by providing a more cost effective and convenient regional air transport system. In some embodiments, the inventive air transport system, operational methods, and associated aircraft include a highly efficient plug-in series hybrid-electric powertrain (specifically optimized for aircraft operating in regional ranges), a forward compatible, range-optimized aircraft design, enabling an earlier impact of electric-based air travel services as the overall transportation system and associated technologies are developed, and platforms for the semi-automated optimization and control of the powertrain, and for the semi-automated optimization of determining the flight path for a regional distance hybrid-electric aircraft flight.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Applicant: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Burton Matthew KNAPP, Ashish Andrew KUMAR
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Publication number: 20200290742Abstract: This invention relates to electrically-driven propulsors for regional aircraft. These combine fans optimized for quiet regional operations with rotating variable pitch mechanisms contained within the hubs and highly efficient ring electric motors. The ring motors are used to drive annular fans at the inner or outer radius, or a conventional fan at the inner radius. The assembly combines a single fan, fixed or variable pitch, with a row of stators, or multiple counter-rotating fans without stators. Our focus is on propulsors optimized for quiet and efficient regional flights, but many elements apply to long-haul air and several other applications referred to herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2019Publication date: September 17, 2020Applicant: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Ashish Andrew KUMAR, Burton Matthew KNAPP
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Publication number: 20200182637Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for implementing multi-modal transport transform generalized transport objectives for a segment of a journey from an origin to destination (e.g., as specified by a traveler or shipper) into generalized and specific transport requests to various sources/providers of transport services (e.g. operators, platforms and marketplaces) across different modes of transport. In one example, generalized and specific itineraries received from various sources/providers of transport services are managed to meet objectives, and are requested iteratively over time, up to the day of transport, to seek improvements toward meeting transport objectives. In another example, real-time monitoring of different legs of a journey across a transport segment leverages flexibility and addresses changeability options.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2017Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Ashish Andrew KUMAR, Burton Matthew KNAPP
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Patent number: 10501194Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for overcoming the disadvantages of current air transportation systems that might be used for regional travel by providing a more cost effective and convenient regional air transport system. In some embodiments, the inventive air transport system, operational methods, and associated aircraft include a highly efficient plug-in series hybrid-electric powertrain (specifically optimized for aircraft operating in regional ranges), a forward compatible, range-optimized aircraft design, enabling an earlier impact of electric-based air travel services as the overall transportation system and associated technologies are developed, and platforms for the semi-automated optimization and control of the powertrain, and for the semi-automated optimization of determining the flight path for a regional distance hybrid-electric aircraft flight.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Zunum Aero, Inc.Inventors: Burton Matthew Knapp, Ashish Andrew Kumar