Abstract: The vehicle (1) comprises a driving wheel (2) driven by an electric motor (3) whose control circuit (4) is supplied by a generator (6) coupled to a fuel engine (5), and a sensor (18) supplying a power-setting control signal (SC) representative of the position of an accelerator pedal (17) and hence of the desired power that the electric motor (3) has to supply to the wheel (2). To avoid having to provide the vehicle (1) with a large capacity traction battery, the vehicle further comprises means (7, 14 to 16, 19, 20) responsive to the power setting signal (SC) to regulate the rotational speed of the fuel engine (5) to the value at which the latter supplies a mechanical power (Pm) that is equal, firstly, to the desired power and, secondly, to a predetermined fraction of its maximum power.

Abstract: A control method for an electrical appliance in a hybrid vehicle. When the electric appliance is connected, the output of the engine is maintained by reducing the output of the generator by the equivalent of the power consumed by the electric appliance while maintaining the revolution speed of the engine. The revolution speed of the engine is then gradually increased by adjusting the field current of the generator while monitoring the output of the generator. When the output of the engine is increased by the power consumed by the electric appliance, the engine is operated at a constant revolution speed and a constant output at the operation point on the output line of the engine with WOT. Thus, the engine is prevented from stopping due to a rapid increase in the load. Owing to a gentle change in the output, the emission is favorable. Since the output of the engine does not deviate from the output line of the engine with WOT (wide open throttle), the fuel consumption is also good.

Abstract: An electric generator system for a gas turbine converts the mechanical output power of the shaft of a gas turbine into electric energy with a plurality of electric generators (4, 5) mounted coaxially on the turbine shaft. When the electric energy is supplied to a motor vehicle drive unit (7), the electric output power of only one of the generators is converted and supplied to the drive unit (7) if both load on the motor vehicle is small, or the electric output powers of the generators are converted and supplied to the drive unit (7) if the load is large. Therefore, the effective efficiency of the generators (4, 5) is maintained at a high level.

Abstract: A control system for an electrical propulsion system for a large wheeled vehicle adapted to haul a payload, the vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric generating means driven by the engine. The control system measures selected parameters and controls the engine and generating means to maximize output, and records historical operating data relating to the vehicle and its systems, and has a 2 digit display that provides information useful in troubleshooting problems. The control system also enhances fuel consumption by conserving fuel use, particularly on flat terrain and when the vehicle is approaching the overspeed point. Depression of the foot pedal is no longer input directly to the engine controller. Based on the amount of depression of the foot pedal, a fuel enhancement means determines the horsepower request from the operator of the foot pedal, but generates an engine rpm signal which will run the engine at only the rpm necessary to provide the power.

Abstract: The motor vehicle drive system is for a motor vehicle having an electric motor system, an actuating system, an accelerator system, a mode selector and a battery.

Abstract: A control system for an electrical propulsion system for a large wheeled vehicle adapted to haul a payload, the vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric generating means driven by the engine. The control system measures selected parameters and controls the engine and generating means to maximize output, and records historical operating data relating to the vehicle and its systems, and has a 2 digit display that provides information useful in troubleshooting problems.

Abstract: An operating method for a hybrid car which has an electric motor for driving the vehicle and an internal combustion engine for power generation. Using an operational expression including a motor output correction factor whose value is variably adjusted to different values depending on whether the engine is operated for battery charging or the engine is stopped, a required motor current supply that matches the vehicle operating state represented by an actual vehicle speed and an accelerator pedal depression depth is calculated, and the motor current supply is controlled in accordance with the result of the calculation. Consequently, the cruising range of the hybrid car is increased, and also the power performances and exhaust gas characteristics of the hybrid car are improved.

Abstract: A control system for an electrical propulsion system for a large wheeled vehicle adapted to haul a payload, the vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric generating means driven by the engine. The control system measures selected parameters and controls the engine and generating means to maximize output, and records historical operating data relating to the vehicle and its systems, and has a 2 digit display that provides information useful in troubleshooting problem.

Abstract: A turbine helper drive apparatus includes a turbine for driving a load, a motor coupled to the turbine, and a power converter for controlling an output from the motor based on a predetermined power reference. The power converter controls the motor so that the motor performs either a motoring operation, wherein the motor drives the load together with the turbine, or a regenerating operation, wherein the motor serves as a load for the turbine to generate an electric power.

Abstract: The inventive control system introduces the current (.DELTA.I) and voltage (.DELTA.C) deviations simultaneously with the injection set point (C) to define a new injection set point (C') that is utilized in conjunction with the measurement of diesel engine speed (V.sub.rD) to adjust the injection and with the measurement of the injection flow rate C.sub.r to adjust the generator excitation current.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine-electric drive unit for a motor vehicle is provided with a setting means for the travel speed and a signal transmitter for the actual r.p.m. of the output shaft and with a nominal-value integrator, where the running time of the nominal-value integrator is shortened in the case of a desired braking or the like in order to prevent undesirable travel movements due to a divergence of the output of the nominal-value integrator from the actual travel speed after a desired braking.

Abstract: A regulator system for both the Diesel and the electric portions of a Diesel electric locomotive allowing more reliable operation at all locomotive speeds. Said regulator has a regulator to regulate the electric power by varying the excitation (43) of the main generator by means of orders coming from a driver control (1, 8) which set a reference current level and (17) a voltage reference level (19) for the main generator and a Diesel engine gas oil reference level (18). These levels are compared with measurements of true corresponding values (24, 30, 27) and orders (43) for increasing or decreasing excitation are delivered so that the excitation of the main generator remains inside the scope delimited by the various reference levels and a Diesel power regulator which sends out orders to increase or decrease the gas oil injection in accordance with a predetermined Diesel engine speed/injection law and in comparison with the true measurements of the injection and of the Diesel engine speed.

Abstract: An energy-conserving control system for an electrically driven vehicle comprises a traction motor (3) converting electricity generated by a first generator (1) into mechanical propulsion, and combined with a second generator into a single induction motor/generator (3) operative during deceleration to convert vehicle kinetic energy into electricity; a second motor (2) to convert electricity into mechanical energy stored in a flywheel, and a third generator operative during subsequent acceleration to convert energy stored in a flywheel into electricity to drive the traction motor (3). The second motor and the third generator are also combined as a single induction motor/generator (2). The respective functions of the various motors and generators during acceleration and deceleration are largely determined by variations in the direction and magnitude of the currents applied to their energizing or field windings.

Abstract: A marine propulson system is described that includes a gas turbine, an alternating current generator, a fixed pitch propeller, a synchronous motor and a frequency converter. The frequency converted is connected electrically between the generator and motor during starting and reversal procedures when the motor would normally have to operate as an induction motor. Means are provided to brake the system dynamically to speeds within the capacity of the frequency converter. At speeds within the frequency converter's design capacity, the motor can be operated synchronously while it is running at a speed below the minimum operating speed of the turbine and generator.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the flywheel electric transmission system is made up of three electric machines and a flywheel and is adapted for use in an automobile. The first electric machine is driven or energized by a prime mover such as a heat engine and is selectively clutched to the second machine. The flywheel and the armatures for both the first and second machines rotate as a unit. The third machine is connected to the second machine through gearing and, under the control of a computer, supplies excess electrical power to or consumes excess electrical power from the first and second machines that are functioning as either a motor or generator as required. In a second embodiment, the energy source is a battery pack.

Abstract: A primary power source in the form of a direct energy converter provides d.c. voltage to a d.c. to a.c. converter. This in turn provides energy to an a.c. motor. The motor with appropriate speed control drives a mechanical load. When the energy of the primary source is depleted, an auxiliary engine is automatically started. The engine drives a d.c. generator which now supplies energy to the d.c. to a.c. converter. In addition, the d.c. generator can recharge the primary source. The primary power source may also be charged by an external power source. A computer controls the elements or components of the system.

Abstract: A self-propelled traction vehicle equipped with an a-c traction motor energized by the a-c output of a controlled current inverter is propelled by a process comprising the steps of providing a traction alternator on-board the vehicle, rotating the rotor of the alternator, exciting the field winding of the alternator, converting the output current of the armature windings of the alternator to a unidirectional current, and feeding the unidirectional current to d-c terminals of the controlled current inverter without appreciably smoothing the unidirectional current. A system for carrying out this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric motor car wherein an electric motor for driving the car is energized by a fuel engine driven generator and a battery is connected in parallel with the motor to be float charged by the generator. Control apparatus is provided for always maintaining the output of the generator at a constant value irrespective of variations in the load and for supplying the varying component of the load from the battery.

Abstract: A mixed propulsion system comprising a turbine unit having two output shafts which drive two counter rotating flywheels and, via a reduction gearbox, two generators which generate electricity to drive two electric drive motors the output shafts of which are connected to the wheels of the vehicle. A control system is provided, linked to the accelerator and brake pedal of the vehicle, for controlling the excitation of the field windings of the generators and the motors such that a predetermined excitation pattern is followed. The turbine unit is automatically controlled to run when the speed of the flywheels falls below a lower threshold value and is turned off when the flywheels reach a predetermined maximum threshold speed.

Abstract: An electrical propulsion control system for self-propelled earthmoving traction vehicles of the type having integral earthmoving means and having a prime mover-driven electric generator supplying energy to traction motors, wherein the electrical output of the generator is regulated within predetermined maximum limits which are reduced in response to the application of a predetermined lifting force to the earthmoving means.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system includes a gas turbine, a generator, a motor and a fixed pitch propeller. Means are provided to operate the motor synchronously in the normal ahead and astern directions and to operate the motor asynchronously in the slow ahead and astern directions with the gas turbine operating at its idle setting. Means are also provided to brake the propeller before astern torque is applied when the power propulsion lever is rapidly moved from the normal ahead setting to the normal astern setting by operating the motor as a generator.

Abstract: An electrical propulsion control system for self-propelled traction vehicles of the type having a thermal prime mover-driven electric generator supplying energy to traction motors, wherein the electrical output of the generator is regulated within predetermined maximum voltage, current, and power limits and is independently reduced, without reducing the voltage or current limit, in response to the prime mover decelerating to speeds at which it is subject to bogging.