Abstract: An apparatus for recycling energy in a mechanical system has a variable-speed flywheel, a main mechanical load, and a continuously variable transmission coupled between the flywheel and the load. The continuously variable transmission accelerates the flywheel when the load decelerates and decelerates the flywheel when the load accelerates. A clutch is cooperative between the continuously variable transmission and the load. The load is a motor vehicle having a prime mover and a brake. A load shaft is connected between the motor vehicle and the transmission. A flywheel shaft is connected between the flywheel and the transmission.

Abstract: A control system for a transmission of a vehicle including an engine includes a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) module and an accumulator module. The DFCO module initiates a DECO period of engine operation. The accumulator module increases a working pressure of a transmission accumulator in response to a start of the DFCO period. A method for controlling a transmission of a vehicle including an engine includes initiating a DECO period of engine operation, and increasing a working pressure of a transmission accumulator in response to a start of the DFCO period.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle is provided having a cab portion, a trailer portion, and a coupling assembly positioned between the cab portion and the trailer portion. A front wheel assembly may support the cab portion, and a rear wheel assembly may support the trailer portion. The vehicle may include a modulated retarder system configured to slow the vehicle when descending a slope.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine (10) and a hybrid drive (12) that has an electric machine (11) and a transmission (13) having a drive output. During driving under purely internal combustion engine (10) power, only the internal combustion engine provides a drive torque at the drive output. During driving under purely electric motor power, only the electric machine (11) provides a drive torque at the drive output. During hybrid driving, the internal combustion engine (10) and the electric machine (11) each provide a drive torque at the drive output. The hybrid vehicle also has a pump unit (16, 20). The pump unit (16, 20) can be driven by the electric machine (11) of the hybrid drive (12).

Abstract: A machine for addition of motive force to a vehicle, with rotor-plate, rotor-arms, rotor permanent magnets, stator-plate, stator columns, stator electromagnets, and battery, cell, or other energy storage device.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to limiting the use of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by particular occupants based on permission data. More specifically, permission data may include destinations, routes, and/or other information that is predefined or set by a third party. The vehicle may then access the permission data in order to transport the particular occupant to the predefined destination, for example, without deviation from the predefined route. The vehicle may drop the particular occupant off at the destination and may wait until the passenger is ready to move to another predefined destination. The permission data may be used to limit the ability of the particular occupant to change the route of the vehicle completely or by some maximum deviation value. For example, the vehicle may be able to deviate from the route up to a particular distance from or along the route.

Abstract: A power exchange unit (PXU) is coupled to an existing manual transmission of a vehicle via a PTO port. An electric motor generator coupled to the PXU. A battery is electrically coupled to the motor generator for supplying power to propel the vehicle. A control unit is coupled to the motor generator and the battery and configured to switch operation of the vehicle between first and second modes, wherein in the first mode an internal combustion engine of the vehicle propels the vehicle, and in the second mode the motor generator propels the vehicle in a motoring mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an pneumatic hybrid internal combustion engine with at least one combustion chamber composed of a cylinder in which a piston is arranged mechanically interconnected to a crank shaft via a piston rod. An inlet valve and an exhaust valve are both mechanically interconnected via a valve gear to the crank shaft. The engine further includes at least one charge valve which is actuated by a charge valve actuator in a fully variable manner such that the engine can be operated in a four stroke hybrid mode.

Abstract: A power equipment apparatus includes an engine, a starter switch, a battery, a flywheel assembly, a power regulator, and a controller. The engine includes a crankshaft. The starter switch is configured for selective actuation by an operator. The flywheel assembly comprises a rotor and a stator. The power regulator is coupled with each of the battery and the stator. The power regulator is configured to regulate power transfer between the battery and the stator in response to a control signal. The controller is coupled with each of the battery, the starter switch, and the power regulator. The controller is configured to generate the control signal.

Abstract: A monitoring system is for an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle supply equipment. The electric vehicle supply equipment is structured to communicate with the electric vehicle to charge the electric vehicle. The monitoring system includes a monitoring component structured to monitor communication and monitor energy or power flow between the electric vehicle supply equipment and the electric vehicle, a storage component cooperating with the monitoring component to store information corresponding to the monitored communication and the monitored energy or power flow between the electric vehicle supply equipment and the electric vehicle, and a power supply structured to power at least one of the monitoring component and the storage component.

Abstract: Ultra efficient hydraulic hybrid drivetrain of vehicle with a single cylinder module of engine, air compressor, hydraulic pump and motor transmit power without crankshaft, pipes and hoses. The engine piston fastened to pump plunger located within rotor comprised two diametrically opposite axial rods associated with the plunger, compressor piston and swash plate. This plate turn and independently shift by digital control changes the engine piston stroke, changes the engine compression ratio for super efficient homogeneous charge compression ignition and either kind of fuel use. The hybrid by hydraulic accumulator provides start, idling and work mode of operation. Compressor's piston diameter greater than engine piston diameter and plunger pumping fluid and simultaneously driving additional plungers enables to provide more than 130 hp per liter engine displacement. Such unique features and energy recuperation enables to achieve 80 mile per gallon for the 1500 kg weight medium car in city conditions.

Abstract: Vehicle wheels may be equipped with a stator and rotor to induce current to generate electricity as the vehicle wheels rotate or to slow down the vehicle wheels in response to the application of a brake of the vehicle. Air may be sucked through the vehicle wheels through mesh screens to create air flow that passes through ductwork to reach a turbine generator, which generates electricity in response to blade rotation from air flow. A roof mounted solar energy conversion system may generate electricity. A vehicle power supply boosts its energy from all the electricity generated.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of an energy system for a hybrid vehicle, the energy system including a combustion engine controlled to work at a desired engine rotational speed; an electric generator/motor driven by the combustion engine to output a generated electric power; a power consuming device driven by the combustion engine and drivable by the electric generator/motor; and an energy storage device connected to the electric generator/motor and arranged to receive the generated electric power output by the electric generator/motor. The method includes the steps of: monitoring an actual engine rotational speed; and if the actual engine rotational speed decreases from the desired engine rotational speed, controlling the electric generator/motor to output a gradually reducing generated electric power. Hereby, the combustion engine can be allowed to remain in an operating range where it works efficiently, while at the same time fulfilling the need for power of the power consuming device.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling a vehicle speed during a downhill travel. Based on the estimated grade of the downhill travel and further based on an input received from the operator, different combinations of an engine braking torque and a regenerative braking torque are used to maintain the vehicle speed during the downhill travel. A battery rate of charging is also adjusted based on the duration or distance of the downhill travel, as indicated by the operator input.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle having three motors, i.e. an electric motor, hydraulic motor, and heat engine, and to a method for managing the energy stored onboard. The three motors (19, 25, 15) are particularly used for driving the vehicle, and are associated with means for storing electrical energy (21), hydraulic energy (28, 29), and fossil energy (18), respectively. The heat engine (15) is arranged so as to be connected in series and so as to recharge the means (28, 29) for storing hydraulic energy, but not the means (21) for storing electrical energy. During travel, the means (21) for storing electrical energy is not recharged by the heat engine (15) which can recharge the means (28, 29) for storing hydraulic energy of the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: Vehicle operating conditions are computed and the instant variable cost of operation is displayed, enabling operators to learn to operate the vehicle in ways that maximize value, minimize fuel consumption, and reduce or avoid operations that are excessively costly or wasteful. The display quantity is termed “Dynamic Fuel Cost” or DFC, usually measured and displayed in currency (such as Dollars or Euros) per hour. Once every second or so, up to six modes of vehicle operation are detected, including steady speed, acceleration, deceleration by coasting (reduced power or parasitic drag), regenerative braking (in vehicles so equipped such as hybrids), friction braking, and zero speed idling. Then DFC is computed and displayed to the operator. Operators can choose to operate the vehicle in ways that maximize the value of their time and minimize fuel consumption and resulting emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Abstract: Vehicles of embodiments of the invention are propelled by an electric motor (DC or AC motor) coupled to one of the vehicle's axles. The electric motor is powered by two or more electrical storage devices (e.g., batteries or battery banks or capacitors). The electrical storage devices are charged by alternators driven by a rotating flywheel. The flywheel is selectively coupled to a different one of the vehicle axles, such that movement of the vehicle (caused by the electric motor) causes the rotation of the flywheel.

Abstract: A lawn moving vehicle (1) is for mowing lawn along the travel path of the vehicle. The lawn moving vehicle (1) includes: at least one electric reel unit having an electric reel (22) driven by a motor (24); sensors (34a-34c) for detecting the travel speed of the vehicle; and a control device (37) for controlling the motor (24) according to the result of the detection by the sensors (34a-34c) to thereby control the rotational speed of the electric reel (22) provided to the electric reel unit.

Abstract: A machine includes a frame, at least one implement, and a linkage assembly movably coupled to the implement and to the frame. The machine also has an energy recovery system that includes an energy storage system. The energy storage system includes at least one of a hydraulic accumulator, a battery, a flywheel, an ultra-capacitor, a fuel cell, and an auxiliary power unit. At least a portion of the energy storage system is disposed as counterweight to the implement.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to hybrid power systems for vehicles. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to hybrid power systems for various types of transportation vehicles where the hybrid power systems is partially, or even totally, based on the use of at least one hydraulic system to provide supplemental, or even the primary, motion power for a hybrid vehicle. In another embodiment, the hybrid power systems of the present invention are capable of providing both motion power as well as cabin comfort heating and/or cooling.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to lower the fuel consumption of a vehicle having a pneumatic brake system during operation of the vehicle by utilizing existing components to their full capacity, thus contributing to energy conservation. The invention relates to a method for controlling pressure, wherein modes of compressed air expansion are provided: in a second compressed-air expansion mode, compressed air is channeled from a second compressed-air storage container to the compression chamber of the air compressor during expansion phases of the air compressor. In a third compressed-air expansion mode, compressed air is channeled from a third compressed-air storage container to the compression chamber of the air compressor during expansion phases of the air compressor. The invention further relates to a pressure control device.

Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery system for a belt driven accessory system comprising a kinetic energy storage device, a driver having a driver output, a transmission having a gear ratio connected to the driver output, a belt driven accessory system connected to the transmission through a first clutch, the kinetic energy storage device connected to the belt driven accessory system through a second clutch, and the kinetic energy storage device and the transmission connectable through the first clutch and second clutch.

Abstract: An electric hydraulic motor system for large vehicles. An electric motor and standard fuel engine of the vehicle together create hydraulic pressure via hydraulic pumps. Hydraulic pumps supply the hydraulic motor with hydraulic pressure to drive the wheels of the vehicle in drive mode by reversing the hydraulic flow from the wheels of the vehicle. The standard fuel engine creates hydraulic pressure via hydraulic pumps, both of which supply the hydraulic motor with hydraulic pressure to drive an electric generator and charge the batteries in braking mode. In some embodiments, this alternative system works at low speed than switches to internal combustion engine at high speed.

Abstract: A method for commissioning a hybrid vehicle includes providing a vehicle having a chassis, a first power source disposed on the chassis and a second power source disposed on the chassis. The first power source includes a prime mover and a transmission. The prime mover is selectively engaged to a driveline of the vehicle. The second power source includes a pump/motor assembly, a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the pump/motor assembly and an energy storage unit in fluid communication with the pump/motor assembly. A neutral position of the pump/motor assembly is determined. The pump/motor assembly of the second power source is coupled to the prime mover of the first power source during pumping mode of the pump/motor assembly. Gas is purged from the second power source by routing fluid from the energy storage unit to the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy storage system comprised of a heat block having a relatively high specific energy capacity. The heat block can be used, for example, with a regenerative braking system for gas turbine powered vehicles to improve fuel efficiency.

Abstract: Vehicle wheels may be equipped with a stator and rotor to induce current to generate electricity as the vehicle wheels rotate or to slow down the vehicle wheels in response to the application of a brake of the vehicle. Air may be sucked through the vehicle wheels through mesh screens to create air flow that passes through ductwork to reach a turbine generator, which generates electricity in response to blade rotation from air flow. A roof mounted solar energy conversion system may generate electricity. A vehicle power supply boosts its energy from all the electricity generated.

Abstract: An engine for use in an air hybrid vehicle comprises at least one cylinder having a piston (20) defining a variable volume working chamber (10) and intake (12, 14) and exhaust (16) valves controlling the flow of air into and out of the working chamber. The cylinder is operable in any one of at least two modes, namely a first mode in which power is generated by burning fuel in the working chamber (10), and a second mode in which the cylinder acts to compress air drawn into the working chamber (10) and to store the compressed air in an air tank (36). The engine further comprises a non-return valve (32) in an intake port leading to an intake valve (12) of the cylinder so as to define an auxiliary chamber (30) in the intake port between the intake valve (12) and the non-return valve (32). A passage (24) connecting the auxiliary chamber (30) to the air tank (36) contains a valve (34) for controlling the flow of compressed air between the auxiliary chamber (30) and the air tank (36).

Abstract: An energy-producing system comprising an axle configured to be driven by an electric vehicle's wheels when in motion. The axle supports a series of wind-catching cups contained within an aerodynamic housing configured to direct air to the cups while also increasing the air speed. During vehicle motion, the cups are acted upon by rushing air causing the rotation of the axle such that the rotation may be transferred into energy via a generator/alternator linked thereto. A series of similarly polarized magnets integrated on said cups and/or spacers and/or housing proximate thereto further maintain the axle in motion during short vehicle stops. The system extends the life of the batteries between charges as well the distance the vehicle can travel between charges.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle includes an electric vibration damper which is affixed to the vehicle body and which has a generator that can be driven by translational wheel movements of the vehicle wheel in order to generate an induced voltage. The stator and the rotor of the generator are interconnected via at least one gear stage, wherein a gear element of the gear stage is a drive gear wheel of a rack-and-pinion drive that is drivingly connected to a wheel carrier of the wheel suspension, with the wheel carrier following the wheel movements.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for operating an internal combustion engine are provided. In one embodiment, an example method for operating an internal combustion engine includes, under a first condition, charging a compressed air storage vessel via a compressor. The method further includes, under a second condition, directly injecting compressed air from the storage vessel to a cylinder of the engine to enhance fuel combustion.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle which runs on power from at least one of an electric motor and an engine. When a required output exceeds a sum of an output of the electric motor which is driven by electric power supplied from a battery and an output of the engine while the hybrid vehicle is running on a drive mode in which at least the engine works as a drive source with a clutch engaged, a transmission ratio changing unit increases a ratio of electrical transmission to mechanical transmission of the output of the engine, and an engaging/disengaging control unit releases the clutch at a time point when the mechanically-transmitted output of the engine becomes 0, with the clutch engaged.

Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic power transmission system for all terrestrial's vehicles comprises a prime mover and an accumulator which could also be used as the main load bearing full or partial frame for all those vehicles. A hydraulic power integrator is operatively connected to the prime mover and the accumulator and selectively able to draw power for the vehicle from the prime mover, the accumulator, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: When an economy switch signal is ON to instruct that fuel economy should be given priority, a blower of an air conditioning device is operated using a blower characteristic map for fuel economy so that a blower level of the air conditioning device is changed with respect to the change in an engine coolant temperature at a low rate. Also, it is determined whether an engine needs to be operated or stopped using an engine operation map for fuel economy so that the engine is likely to be stopped.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement in power transmission of a forest machine (1), the forest machine including a primary power source (5) for generating power required for moving and controlling the forest machine and/or actuators (6, 7) therein. In the present method and arrangement, at least part of the power generated by the primary power source (5) is converted into electric energy by a generator arrangement (8). This electric energy can be stored at least partly in an electricity storage unit (9), from which part thereof can be used, when required, for generating pressure medium-transmitted power for implementing a pressure medium-transmitted function of the forest machine (1) or at least one actuator (6, 7) therein.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror includes a main body, a mirror fixed on the main body, and a generator. The generator includes a generating assembly received in the main body. The generating assembly includes a fan, a stator, and a rotor. The rotor is connected to the fan and is capable of rotating relative to the stator when the fan is rotated by wind, such that the generator generates electrical energy.

Abstract: An auxiliary power device of a bicycle includes a driving member and a base member provided at a first section and a second section of the bicycle respectively. The first section and the second section are two parts of the bicycle, which has a relative motion therebetween in cycling. An input member is provided to the base member to be driven by the driving member when the first section moves relative to the second section. The input member turns a power storage member to store a power. A control member is provided for manipulation to release the power stored in the power storage member for moving the bicycle forward.

Abstract: A hybrid drive apparatus includes: a drive power source that includes an internal combustion engine, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor; a power transmission mechanism that includes a carrier, a sun gear, and a ring gear, and that is configured to rotate the output shaft of the internal combustion engine by the first electric motor; and plural bearings that each includes an outer ring member and an inner ring member fitted to the outer ring member through a rolling element, and that are provided apart from each other in an axial direction of the output shaft with the carrier being positioned between the bearings. An inner periphery of the outer ring member is positioned more inward in a radial direction of the ring gear relative to a meshing portion between inner teeth of the ring gear and outer teeth of one of the pinion gears.

Abstract: A powersplit transmission having a compact configuration that readily can be incorporated in a vehicle, particularly within the vehicle frame, includes (a) a mechanical transmission having a rotatable input shaft, a rotatable output shaft, and multiple gears for mechanically transmitting power between the input shaft and the output shaft; and (b) a hydraulic transmission containing a fluid for transmitting power between the input shaft and the output shaft. The mechanical transmission has a housing from which the input shaft and the output shaft extend. The hydraulic transmission includes first and second hydraulic units, each of which can function as a pump or a motor. The first hydraulic unit is coupled to the mechanical transmission system and the second hydraulic unit is coupled to the output shaft. The first and second hydraulic units are offset to the same side of the input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: In order to cause a computer to execute integral calculation of an integrand, to thereby calculate a value of a second variable used at each calculation time point, the integrand being defined by: a first variable to which a value is given at all calculation time points; and the second variable to which only an initial value is given, the following processing is executed. First, a partial derivative which is obtained by partially differentiating the integrand for the second variable is read out from a storage device. At each calculation time point, the initial value or a value of the second variable calculated at a last calculation time point and a value of the first variable given at a current calculation time point are substituted into each of the integrand and the partial derivative, to thereby calculate a value of the integrand and a value of the partial derivative at the current calculation time point.

Abstract: A reduce electric power consumption when an electric motor starts an engine and the time required to start the engine. Engine start control is implemented as follows. The RPM of the engine is increased to an RPM (R1) by the electric motor. Fuel is supplied to the engine of which RPM has reached to the RPM (R1) and further increases in the RPM are detected. If a further increase in the RPM is not detected, the supply of electric power to the electric motor is temporarily stopped. If the RPM has decreased to a RPM (R2), the supply of fuel to the engine is interrupted and also the supply of electric power to the electric motor is resumed. If a further increase in the RPM is detected or if the RPM has not decreased to the RPM (R2), it is determined that the engine has been started.

Abstract: A pressurized air system is provided. The air system includes a compressed air tank, a turbine coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the compressed air tank and structured to convert mechanical energy, an electric motor, the electric motor coupled to and in electrical communication with the turbine and having an output shaft, an electrical compressor structured to compress air, the electrical compressor coupled to and in electrical communication with the turbine, the electrical compressor also coupled to, and in fluid communication with the compressed air tank. Wherein the turbine receives compressed air from the tank and the turbine generates electricity. Further, a portion of the electricity is directed to the motor and the remaining electricity is directed to the electrical compressor, and, whereby the electrical compressor provides compressed air to the compressed air tank.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system particularly adaptable for use in connection with golf carts which are driven over a charge station having a pair of elongated slots such that electrical pickups are lowered from the golf cart into engagement with electrically charged contact bars disposed within the slots thereby causing activation of a flywheel assembly to power the golf cart wheels.

Abstract: In a motor device 300 mounted on a mobile body, a pressurizing mechanism for increasing the pressure in a motor chamber 14 in which a motor is installed has a compressor 30, which is driven to rotate by an engine 20 serving as driving means for driving the mobile body, to produce compressed air for motor chamber pressurization, and the compressed air coming from the compressor 30 is fed into the motor chamber 14 through a pipe 72 almost constantly while the engine 20 is being driven.

Abstract: An energy storage system, for a hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine having an output shaft and a transmission operably coupled to the output shaft, includes a reservoir containing working fluid, a reversible pump/motor in fluid communication with the reservoir, a first clutch selectively drivably coupling the output shaft of the engine and the reversible pump/motor, a second clutch selectively drivably coupling an output shaft of the transmission and the reversible pump/motor, and an accumulator containing working fluid and gas. The accumulator is in fluid communication with the reversible pump/motor to deliver pressurized working fluid to the reversible pump/motor when operating as a motor to drive one of the respective output shafts of the engine and the transmission, and to receive pressurized working fluid discharged by the reversible pump/motor when operating as a pump driven by the one of the respective output shafts of the engine and the transmission.

Abstract: The present invention combines the principles of a gas turbine engine with an electric transmission system. A method and apparatus are disclosed for utilizing metallic and ceramic elements to store heat energy derived from a regenerative braking system. The subject invention uses this regenerated electrical energy to provide additional energy storage over conventional electrical storage methods suitable for a gas turbine engine. The subject invention provides engine braking for a gas turbine engine as well as reducing fuel consumption.

Abstract: A flywheel energy storage assembly and a method for dissipating energy stored in a flywheel assembly is provided. The flywheel energy storage assembly includes a flywheel rotatably disposed in a flywheel housing, a fluid source, a braking actuator in fluid communication with the fluid source and an interior of the flywheel housing, a sensor, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the braking actuator. In response to a stimulus detected by the sensor, the controller directs the braking actuator to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid source and the interior of the flywheel housing to dissipate energy stored in the flywheel energy storage assembly.

Abstract: A power generation system for a surface transport vehicle having at least two wheels. The power generation system includes a primary power generation device and a secondary power generation device. A connector attaches the secondary power generation device to at least two wheels of the surface transport vehicle. The power generation system also includes a power storage unit capable of storing energy received from either the primary or secondary power generation devices. Furthermore, the power generation system includes a torque converter which is capable of transferring power from the secondary power generation device to the power storage unit.

Abstract: The motive power of a hybrid vehicle is the driving power of a gasoline engine, the electric power produced by a generator coupled to the engine, and the electric power obtained by conversion from kinetic energy into electric energy through a regeneration brake during deceleration. Also, an electric vehicle uses the electric power of a battery as its motive power by converting kinetic energy into electric energy through a regeneration brake during deceleration and storing the electric energy. However, the regenerated energy is little. While keeping intact the damping effect of shock absorbers conventionally mounted on the suspension of a vehicle, an oil pump function is added. The electric power produced by storing, in an accumulator, oil pressure-fed from the shock absorbers, driving a hydraulic motor under increased oil pressure, driving a generator coupled to the hydraulic motor is used as part of the motive power.

Abstract: In a vehicle charging system, conservation of energy may be achieved by an energy-routing device that selectively routes electrical energy generated from moving air to an energy-storage device, to an energy-dissipation device, or to both. The determination of where to route the electrical energy may be based on sensor measurements of voltage, current, and temperature. A processor may use measurements of sensors within the system to determine whether the energy-storage device may safely or efficiently store additional electrical energy.

Abstract: An energy-producing system comprising an axle configured to be driven by an electric vehicle's wheels when in motion. The axle supports a series of wind-catching cups contained within an aerodynamic housing configured to direct air to the cups while also increasing the air speed. During vehicle motion, the cups are acted upon by rushing air causing the rotation of the axle such that the rotation may be transferred into energy via a generator/alternator linked thereto. A series of similarly polarized magnets integrated on said cups and proximate thereto further maintain the axle in motion during short vehicle stops. The system extends the life of the batteries between charges as well the distance the vehicle can travel between charges.