Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed related to utilization of energy including utilization of latent energy from electricity generating processes. According to one exemplary implementation, steam is produced from thermal energy, such as fossil fuel energy, nuclear energy and solar thermal energy; generating electricity from the steam using a turbine; and directing steam exhausted from the turbine to an absorption chiller or desalination apparatus as a condenser to drive an industrial process therein. In one exemplary implementation the absorption chiller may be an atmospheric control system to produce a gas of a desired temperature such as in an air-conditioning system. In another exemplary implementation the heat exchange apparatus is a desalination system employed to produce water of a desired purity.

Abstract: A system for adjusting ambient air temperature shielding an engine. The system includes an engine having first and second ends and a heat generating source, and a shield having a substantially cylindrical portion defining an interior cavity. At least a portion of the heat generating source is disposed in the cavity. The shield has a heat reflecting interior surface facing the cavity and an opposing exterior surface. The interior surface reflects heat generated by the heat source.

Abstract: The conventional automobile is powered solely by gasoline. Recent automobiles have been produced which incorporate electric motors either in tandem with a gasoline-powered engine or alone. This improvement aims to add an external-combustion steam engine to the mix. The envisioned automobile can be thought of as a gas-electric-steam power trihybrid automobile. By utilizing steam power, the fuel efficiency of the current state of automotive technology can be significantly augmented. The envisioned automobile is powered primarily by a steam engine along with an electric motor and a gasoline-powered boiler. The automobile uses the electric motor to start and after warming-up utilizes a steam powered external combustion engine whose steam is produced by a boiler which utilizes gasoline or other hydrocarbon as a fuel source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conversion of energy, to a module for storage of energy, and to a method for conversion and storage of energy, in which provision is made that at least one module, which is designed to store mechanical energy, is held in a number of holding stations of at least one device which is designed for conversion of energy, such that the least one module, which is held in one of the holding stations, is connected simultaneously via a transmission of the at least one device to a first energy converter and to a second energy converter, such that it is possible simultaneously to transfer energy from the first energy converter to the at least one module and to transfer energy from the at least one module to the second energy converter.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention may provide a variable speed booster, which receives air from a compressor of a gas turbine through an intercooler, to supply air at a relatively constant pressure to an air processing unit. An embodiment of the present invention may provide a speed adjustable booster turbine to energize a variable speed booster; which provides air at a relatively constant pressure to an air processing unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a group of wind power plants for positioning in approximately the same wind climate, comprising at least a first and at least a second wind power plant, where the first wind power plant exhibits maximised power output within a first interval of wind speeds, and the second wind power plant is designed to exhibit maximised power output within a second interval of wind speeds which is different from and starting from lower wind speeds than the first wind speed interval to the effect that the total power output of the group of wind power plants is increased at lower wind speeds. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of designing a group of wind power plants in accordance with the above. This can be accomplished eg by designing the supplementary wind power plant(s) with a larger rotor area and with a lower cut-out wind speed or, alternatively, by using a wind power plant without power-regulating means.

Abstract: Raw MSW is delivered through an organic digester (12) within which an organic fraction of the MSW is broken down by a combination of aerobic microbial activity and mechanical action and converted into a solid bio fuel material. Treated waste material comprising a mixture of the solid bio fuel material and insert inorganic waste material is discharged from the digester (12). The treated material is delivered through a separator (20) for removal of the inorganic fraction. A substantially homogenous solid bio fuel material is discharged from the separator (20), and passed through a dryer (26) and into a gasifier (30). Within the gasifier (30) the homogenous solid bio fuel material is heated in a depleted oxygen atmosphere to generate a bio fuel gas rich in methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The bio fuel gas is delivered through a cleaner (35) and then collected in a storage tank. Bio fuel gas is fed as required from the storage tank to a power plant (50) for generating electrical energy.

Abstract: The idea within the scope of the present invention is for a vehicle to be driven by an electric motor. An external combustion engine drive a generator which supplies electricity for the electric motor. Surplus energy is stored in the batteries. The external combustion engine would be a preferred gasoline or diesel fueled steam engine. Steam is probably the best currently understood technology for the engine of the present invention. The combination use of steam and electric has advantages. A steam engine takes time to build pressure in a boiler before it can produce power. During this time the batteries will power the electric motor. The system of the present invention overcomes the problem of limited range in a pure electric powered vehicle, inefficiency of an internal combustion powered vehicle and long startup problems of pure steam driven vehicles. The present invention does not require a whole new fuel delivery infrastructure like a hydrogen fuel cell does.

Abstract: A gas delivery system includes a gas booster module for delivering natural gas from a utility gas service to power generation equipment installed in or around a building in a manner that meets the minimum volume and pressure requirements of the power generation equipment. The gas delivery system advantageously uses pipe of a relatively small size for delivering gas to the power generation equipment, thereby substantially reducing installation costs and eliminating the need for a welded gas line. The gas delivery system also provides a control system that facilitates close control over the gas flow and ensures compliance with local building codes and safety regulations and requirements.

Abstract: An air-hybrid engine operates in two operational modes. It employs uniquely designed camshafts with cam lobe activators, and camshaft phase shifters to operate and control the engine valves. It uses a different cam lobe for operating an engine valve during each of the two operational modes, and it uses camshaft phase shifters to vary the valve event timing and duration. The system exploits non-linearity that exists in relationship between the piston motion and the camshaft rotation. Varying the phase relationship between the camshaft and the engine crankshaft in a pre-determined specific way varies the duration of the engine valve opening in the required way, thus varying the volumes of air received into and discharged from the engine.

Abstract: Operation of a second or additional engine is initiated based on throttle position, vehicle speed and output level of the operating engine or engines. A second or additional engine is stopped based on throttle position and operation of the first engine when the second or additional engine has been idling for a predetermined period of time. Idling of an engine is started or stopped based on various conditions of the vehicle, such as battery voltage, ambient air temperature, brake cylinder pressure, operator input, battery charging current, and direction input.

Abstract: A heat absorbing radiator and a gas turbine engine or a reciprocating piston engine are used to recapture and reconvert wasted heat energies into electric power and finally into hydrogen-deuterium fuel by having the engine's tailpipes submerged in cold compressed air inside the heat absorbing radiator pipes in reverse air flow to further drive the same engine. In order to capture fusion heat energy a hydrogen bomb is detonated in deep ocean to catch the flames by the water and the hot water energizes compressed air inside heat absorbing radiator pipes. In order to produce fusion energy an electric arc is passed thru/across liquid or gaseous deuterium by an electro-plasma torch and by a sparkplug in an internal combustion engine, or by detonating a dynamite inside liquid deuterium. Diamond is produced by placing carbon inside a hydrogen bomb which is then detonated in deepwater. Deuterium fusion flame is used first in smelting glass into large structural sizes before running an engine.

Abstract: Diesel engine particulate trap regeneration is obtained by concurrently supplying two exhaust gas streams to a particulate trap requiring regeneration. One stream is produced in a reactor/diesel engine operating an efficient stoichiometric ratio. The second stream is produced in a second reactor/diesel engine burning fuel at a low air/fuel ratio to produce an exhaust gas stream carrying a substantial load of unburned hydrocarbons, hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The two streams together carry sufficient thermal energy to ignite the unburned hydrocarbons, hydrogen and carbon monoxide using oxygen from the first exhaust gas stream as oxidizer.

Abstract: A method of increasing the production rate and operational flexibility of an LNG facility by overfiring one or more modular gas turbines employed to drive one or more refrigerant compressors in the LNG facility.

Abstract: The present invention is to drive a hydraulic pump and a generator motor by an engine, to electrically charge a battery by a generator action of the generator motor, and to drive the generator motor by electric power of the battery so as to assist the engine. A governor position is changed by operations of a potentiometer for accelerator and a mode selection switch so as to control rotation speed of the engine. On the premise of the above configuration, generator output is limited by a controller at the time of accelerating the engine until the rotation speed of the engine reaches set speed determined on the basis of the operations of the potentiometer for accelerator and the mode selection switch, and hence engine load is reduced so as to assist acceleration.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system. In a first embodiment the hydraulic drive system comprises a hydraulic circuit, at least one battery, an electric motor and an alternator. The hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir containing hydraulic fluid. In a second embodiment the hydraulic drive system also includes a combustion engine, a fuel tank, and an electrical generator. In another embodiment, the hydraulic drive system includes primary and secondary hydraulic circuits with the secondary hydraulic circuit featuring throttle functionality. In another embodiment the hydraulic drive system provides power generation to a building such as a family home or dwelling. In a further embodiment the hydraulic drive system is adapted to function as a building power generator system.

Abstract: An energy conversion device includes batteries and a DC motor. A rotary member is driven by a hydraulic pump, which acts through pistons engaging a eccentric U-shaped rod to impart torque to the rotary member. Bevel gears transfer the torque to the rotary member, which can be connected to a DC generator or a battery charger. The pistons include hollow piston head and piston rods, which reduce the amount of hydraulic fluid that must be pumped. This energy conversion device may be employed in a vehicle, which may also employ a windmill as an auxiliary power source. Air is outlet from this windmill through hollow rotating windmill arms and through a hollow central shaft.

Abstract: A device for producing a net force against a base comprising a mass change object, an accelerator, a power source operatively connected to the mass change object and configured to selectively apply to the mass change object (1) a mass-increasing waveform, characterized in that the time rate of change of the power of the mass-increasing waveform is positive, and (2) a mass-decreasing waveform, characterized in that the time rate of change of the power of the mass-decreasing waveform is negative; the power source being configured to apply the mass-increasing waveform to the mass change object when the acceleration of the mass change object has at least a component opposite to the net force direction, and to apply the mass-decreasing waveform to the mass change object when the acceleration of mass change object has at least a component in the net force direction; wherein the mass-increasing waveform is a different waveform, as a function of time, than the mass decreasing waveform.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power control architecture for a vehicle, particularly a locomotive, in which a number of energy sources are connected to a common electrical bus and selectively provide energy to the bus based on the relationship between their respective output voltages and the bus voltage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure to heat up or keep warm an exhaust gas emission control assembly of a motor vehicle with a drive train containing one transmission. The drive train is powered by an internal combustion engine and at least one second drive unit. It is proposed that also in an operating state, which lies outside of the idle speed, a rotational speed or a torque of the internal combustion engine deviating from values for the engine rotational speed and the torque is set, which would exist during an identical driving condition without the heating-up or keeping warm of the exhaust gas emission control assembly.

Abstract: A quick connect power take-off assembly adapted for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The quick connect power take-off assembly includes a housing, a driving assembly that is fixedly mounted to the ATV, a driven assembly that is releasably connected to the driving assembly, and either directly to an implement or to a power transfer assembly. The power transfer assembly includes a rotationally-driven power transfer assembly and a second slip joint coupler connected to the input shaft of the power transfer assembly, and a quick connect plate on the engine-facing side of the rotationally-driven power transfer assembly. The quick connect plate is releasably connected to the power transfer assembly on an outwardly facing side and releasably connected to the second slip joint coupler on an engine-facing side thereof. The power transfer assembly is axially engaged with the engine shaft and receives rotational energy there from.

Abstract: A power generation system and method includes a first gas turbine system comprising a first combustion chamber configured to combust a first fuel stream of primarily hydrogen that is substantially free of carbon-based fuels. The first gas turbine system also includes a first compressor configured to supply a first portion of compressed oxidant to the first combustion chamber and a first turbine configured to receive a first discharge from the first combustion chamber and generate a first exhaust and electrical energy. The power generation system further includes a second gas turbine system comprising a second combustion chamber configured to combust a second fuel stream to generate a second discharge. The first compressor of the first gas turbine system is configured to supply a second portion of compressed oxidant to the second combustion chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of supplying DC power to equipment using proton exchange membranes (PEMs). PEMs run on hydrogen to produce DC electrical power. In the disclosed embodiment these PEMs are used as an alternative source of power to AC sources. One of these other sources is generated by an array of gas turbines. Another source is provided by a commercial utility. AC from these sources is converted using rectifiers. Capacitors are used to bridge when switching between energy sources.

Abstract: A power unit for a vehicle, such as an automobile, includes an internal combustion engine 1 as a prime mover for the vehicle, a generator 3, and a Stirling engine 4 for driving the generator 3. The Stirling engine 4 uses the exhaust gas discharged by the internal combustion engine 1 as a high-temperature heat source. Power generated by the generator 3 is supplied to an electric motor 2 for driving auxiliary machines 7, 8 and 9, and to a battery 5 for supplying power to the electric motor 2. The engine speed of the Stirling engine 4 is controlled through the control of the load on the generator 3 by a field regulator 15. An optimum engine speed of the Stirling engine 4 is determined such that the brake horsepower of the Stirling engine 4 increases to a maximum or substantially maximum brake horsepower.

Abstract: A vehicle having a combustion engine, a fuel cell device having a fuel cell unit, a compressed air storage for supply of a compressed air, a supply conduit provided between the fuel cell unit of the fuel cell device and the compressed air storage, for supplying the fuel cell unit with compressed air, and a further supply conduit provided between the combustion engine and the compressed air storage for supply of the combustion engine with compressed air.

Abstract: In an engine cogeneration system in which power generators 5 to 8 are driven by a plurality of engines 1 to 4 to thereby supply electric power to power load 22 of a general household, at the same time, heat produced by cooling each of the engines 1 to 4 and heat generated from the exhaust gas are recovered by heat exchangers 18 and 19 to be stored as hot water into a hot-water tank 20 to supply heat to heat load 21 of the general household, the amount of power to be supplied and of the amount of heat to be supplied are controlled by a number of the engines 1 to 4 and the combustion modes of these engines 1 to 4. This engine cogeneration system can follow both the head demand and power demand in a high efficiency.

Abstract: There are provided NOx trap catalyst to trap and release NOx based on air-fuel ratio, first fuel supply means for supplying gasoline, second fuel supply means for supplying hydrogen, engine operation detecting means for detecting engine operating condition, fuel ratio changing means for changing the ratio of gasoline and hydrogen, NOx release determining means for determining whether it is required for the NOx to be released based on a state of the trapped NOx, NOx releasing means for releasing the NOx trapped by making the air-fuel ratio rich when the NOx releasing requirement is determined, gasoline ratio increasing means for increasing the ratio of gasoline when NOx releasing requirement is determined and the air-fuel-ratio rich control is executed. Accordingly, improper vibrations or noises can be restrained from occurring when the rich air-fuel-ratio control is executed to release the trapped NOx from the NOx trap catalyst.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for operating an internal combustion engine disposed in a hybrid vehicle, in which engine operation is selected to provide secondary vehicular functions, such as cabin heating, cabin cooling, and exhaust aftertreatment of exhaust components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing mechanical energy. Said device contains an internal combustion engine and an expansion engine (20, 21) which is fed with superheated steam from a steam generator. Exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine are injected into the steam generator (24) to use the waste heat thereof. In order to eliminate pollutants and non-burned fuel in the exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine in a simple and effective manner, the steam generator (24) is heated by a non-catalytic burner (16) at a burner temperature of between 1100° and 1300° C. The exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine can be combined with the combustion gases in the burner (16). The after-burning of non-burned fuel and the combustion of pollutants is thus carried out in a burner (16) in a non-catalytic manner.

Abstract: High-efficiency combustion engines, including Otto cycle engines, use a steam-diluted fuel charge at elevated pressure. Air is compressed, and water is evaporated into the compressed air via the partial pressure effect using waste heat from the engine. The resultant pressurized air-steam mixture then burned in the engine with fuel, preferably containing hydrogen to maintain flame front propagation. The high-pressure, steam-laden engine exhaust is used to drive an expander to provide additional mechanical power. The exhaust can also be used to reform fuel to provide hydrogen for the engine combustion. The engine advantageously uses the partial pressure effect to convert low-grade waste heat from engine into useful mechanical power. The engine is capable of high efficiencies (e.g. >50%), with minimal emissions.

Abstract: A pneumatic hybrid electric engine includes an electric source, an air supply part for compressing air and storing the compressed air, a pneumatic engine part for generating power using air supplied from the air supply part, an electric engine part for generating power using electric power applied from the electric source, a power transmission part for transmitting the power generated by the pneumatic engine part and the electric engine part, and a control part for selectively operating the pneumatic engine part and the electric engine part so that the pneumatic and electric engines parts can be switched on the basis of a predetermined torque range.

Abstract: An auxiliary power system for a motor vehicle primary engine used to drive primary engine accessories when the primary engine is not operating. The system comprises a secondary engine that drives a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is connected to a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor is integrated with an accessory belt drive system on a primary engine. The secondary engine drives the ABDS system through the hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor when the primary engine is not operating, thus allowing various primary engine accessories such as air conditioning to be operated while the primary engine is off. A one-way clutch on the primary engine crankshaft prevents the primary engine crankshaft from being turned when the hydraulic motor is driving the belt. A one-way clutch on the hydraulic motor prevents it from being driven when the primary engine is in operation.

Abstract: A hybrid clean-energy power-supply framework integrates a fuel cell, solar cell, and wind energy, applies a max power tracking rule, raises the output power of a solar cell and wind energy to supply a power load and transfer the surplus electrical energy to a water-electrolyzing apparatus for producing hydrogen and oxygen, and provides a fuel for a fuel cell power generating system. Furthermore, the present invention utilizes features of each clean-energy power generating system, depends on the powerful calculation capacity of a central processing unit to monitor and dispatch each power generation and supply system, and thus ensures the reliability of supply power and reduces the power generation cost. Such a framework can selectively grid-connect with the utility power or run as a stand-alone power supply system and has a mechanism for preventing the island effect.

Abstract: A regenerative fuel cell is combined with a combustion engine such as a Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE) to create a closed-loop power generation system. Stored hydrogen and oxygen are used by the regenerative fuel cell, and by the combustion engine, in which the reaction of the hydrogen and oxygen produces water in the gas phase (steam). The steam is used to generate work from a turbine shaft, which is used to drive a propulsion system for the marine vessel. After the steam passes through the turbine, the steam is cooled back to liquid water by a condenser, and stored with the water produced by the regenerative fuel cell. The stored water can be converted back into hydrogen and oxygen by using electrical power external to the closed-loop system. After regeneration of the water into hydrogen and oxygen, the closed-loop power system would be ready for operation again.

Abstract: A hybrid piston engine-pulsed detonation engine structure is provided for obtaining shaft power from a pulsed detonation engine wherein a piston engine operatively connected to a PDE. A deflagration to detonation transition is used to achieve detonations. The piston engine has a piston that is located in the deflagration region of the deflagration to detonation transition. The hybrid engine has a critical starting frequency, above which the engine will self-actuate and produce excess power.

Abstract: In an engine cogeneration system in which power generators 5 to 8 are driven by a plurality of engines 1 to 4 to thereby supply electric power to power load 22 of a general household, at the same time, heat produced by cooling each of the engines 1 to 4 and heat generated from the exhaust gas are recovered by heat exchangers 18 and 19 to be stored as hot water into a hot-water tank 20 to supply heat to heat load 21 of the general household, the amount of power to be supplied and of the amount of heat to be supplied are controlled by a number of the engines 1 to 4 and the combustion modes of these engines 1 to 4. This engine cogeneration system can follow both the head demand and power demand in a high efficiency.

Abstract: A multi-engine power plant, includes a first internal combustion engine module having an air intake and an output shaft for delivering power, a second internal combustion engine module having an air intake and an output shaft for delivering power, and a single throttle body operatively connected to the air intakes of both the first and second engine modules, for controlling a flow of air to the intakes of the engine modules at a common manifold absolute pressure (MAP) of both engine modules during operation of one or both of the engine modules. The power plant also includes a selectively engagable clutch for operatively coupling the output shaft of the second engine module to the output shaft of the first engine module, to thereby produce a common torque output from the first and second engine modules.

Abstract: The braking force control apparatus for a vehicle which has a function of applying a braking force to the vehicle by rotational resistance of the engine, by stopping the fuel supply to the engine during coasting of the vehicle and by controlling a torque capacity of a torque capacity control device that is provided between the engine and a wheel so that the torque capacity becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and of decreasing the torque capacity of the torque capacity control device when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and has a function of applying the braking force to the vehicle by a function of an electric power generator which is coupled with the wheel such that power can be transmitted. The braking force control apparatus includes braking force control means which increases a braking force that is generated by the function of the electric power generator when the torque capacity of the torque capacity control device is decreased.

Abstract: In this driving force transmission apparatus, with a simple constitution employing a one-way clutch 20 instead of an electromagnetic clutch, the driving force derived from the motor 33 can be transmitted to the rotating shaft 1 during engine stops, and the driving force of the engine can be transmitted to the rotating shaft 1 during engine operations. Also, the pulley 3 is held against the connecting portion 11 and the fixed-side member 26 by means of first and second two ball bearings 21, 30 disposed axially adjacent to first and second inner cylinder portions 6, 7, respectively, between which the opening portion 5 of the pulley 2 is interposed. This simple driving force transmission apparatus can switch between transmission and non-transmission of driving force from pulley to rotating shaft, and transmits the driving force of a motor directly to the rotating shaft in the non-transmission state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manipulating acoustic energy are presented. In some embodiments, a combustion zone provides heat to a regenerator using a mean flow of compressible fluid. In other embodiments, a thermoacoustic driver is concentrically disposed within a shell to permit radial heat transfer from the thermoacoustic driver to compressible fluid within the shell, thereby preheating the compressible fluid within the shell. In other embodiments, burning of a combustible mixture within the combustion zone is pulsed in phase with the acoustic pressure oscillations to increase acoustic power output.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided that lowers the cost of series hybrid vehicles in order to make it easier for series hybrid vehicles to gain popularity. A hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a first rotary electric machine and a second rotary electric machine. The first rotary electric machine is coupled to the output shaft of the engine, while the second rotary electric machine is electrically coupled to the first rotary electric machine and coupled to the drive wheels of the vehicle. The maximum generated electric power of the first rotary electric machine is substantially equal to the maximum output power of the second rotary electric machine.

Abstract: A method for producing power to drive a load (17) using a working fluid circulating through a system that includes a prime mover (12) having an inlet and an accumulator (20) containing discharge fluid exiting the prime mover. A stream of heated vaporized fluid is supplied at relatively high pressure to the prime mover inlet and is expanded through the prime mover (12) to a lower pressure discharge side where discharge fluid enters an accumulator (20). The discharge fluid is vaporized by passing it through an expansion device (28) across a pressure differential to a lower pressure than the pressure at the prime mover discharge side. Latent heat of condensation in the discharge fluid being discharged from the prime mover is transferred by a heat exchanger (14) to discharge fluid that has passed through the expansion device (28).

Abstract: An integrated-cycle power system and method, comprising thermal transfer assembly, recuperating heat exchanger assembly, heat integrator, thermal conduit assembly and gas turbine. The thermal transfer assembly receives heat emitted from the effluent of a heat source, wherein the heat is preferably in the form of high temperature gas. Within the thermal transfer assembly, the energy of the high temperature gas is transferred to a conductive medium carried within a thermal conduit assembly. Due to a thermal potential between the augmenting heat source effluent and the heat integrator, the augmenting heat-source energy is transferred to the heat integrator, wherein energy from a novel recuperating heat exchange assembly is integrated therewith and introduced into the combustion chamber of a gas turbine. The recuperating heat exchanger assembly receives exhaust heat from the gas turbine and recuperates this energy via the heat integrator back into the combustion chamber of the gas turbine.

Abstract: A new thermodynamic cycle is disclosed for converting energy from a low temperature stream, external source into useable energy using a working fluid comprising of a mixture of a low boiling component and a higher boiling component and including a higher pressure circuit and a lower pressure circuit. The cycle is designed to improve the efficiency of the energy extraction process by recirculating a portion of a liquid stream prior to further cooling. The new thermodynamic processes and systems for accomplishing these improved efficiencies are especially well-suited for streams from low-temperature geothermal sources.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle provides variable displacement by selectively driving one or more engine crankshafts mounted within a single unitary engine block. In several embodiments the crankshafts are connected to a common output shaft with a one-way clutch between the common output shaft and at least one of the crankshafts. In one aspect starter gearing is independently associated with each of the first and second crankshafts and a starter is provided for selective engagement with the starter gearing of either of the crankshafts. In another aspect, an accessory drive for driving accessory systems of the vehicle receives power from any crankshaft which is operating, yet is isolated from any crankshaft that is not operating by a one-way clutch.

Abstract: This invention describes a miniaturized hybrid diesel-electric engine formed by a closed-loop system powered by plasma-aided combustion of JP-8 fuel (or other hydrocarbon fuels) working in tandem with a vapor cycle utilizing miniaturized expanders and condensers. The output of this engine is electric power and mechanical work. Water, or organic fluids, heated by the combustion product developed inside a special burner, undergoes an explosive, quasi-supersonic conversion to steam. This steam drives a high-speed turbine connected together with a gas turbine outputting shaft work. This work output is utilized to power internal subsystems, cool down the miniaturized condensers, and to produce torque and electric power. The dimensions of this miniaturized hybrid-engine are so compact that it can fit inside the battery compartment of most applications requiring high-density miniaturized power sources.

Abstract: A parallel mixed power unit includes a storage battery, an electron controlling module, an internal combustion engine with an output shaft, a planetary gear differential device having a shell, at least one planetary gear unit having two planetary gears provided inside the planetary gear differential device and disposed on a planetary arm by a bearing, with the planetary arm fixed on the shell, a solar gear meshed with one of the two planetary gears and fixed with the output shaft of the internal combustion engine, and another solar gear meshed with the other of the two planetary gears and fixed with a transmission shaft. The transmission shaft has one end connected with the output shaft of an electric motor by a rotary transmission device and the other end connected with the output shaft of a load terminal by another rotary transmission device.

Abstract: A control apparatus for automatically stopping and restarting an engine of a vehicle is provided, which is equipped with an engine, a motor, a compressor and an air conditioner. The apparatus has a first section for making a judgment on stopping the engine and a second section for making a judgment on restarting the engine. The apparatus has features that the apparatus provides the air conditioner with a plurality of operational modes selected by a user, and when the vehicle is not in motion with selection of a first mode, the first section permits the engine to stop if a first power that the motor can supply is greater than a second power of the compressor required by the air conditioner, and the second section permits the engine to restart if the second power exceeds the first power.

Abstract: An electric motor diagnosing apparatus is provided in a vehicle having a generator driven by a drive torque of a drive source, an electric motor driven by electric power supplied from the generator, and a wheel driven by the electric motor. The electric motor diagnosing apparatus comprises a counterelectromotive force determining section and an electric motor diagnosing section. The counterelectromotive force determining section determines whether a voltage of electric power supplied from the generator to the electric motor is greater than an induced voltage of a counterelectromotive force of the electric motor. The electric motor diagnosing section drives the electric motor by controlling the generator to supply the electric power to the electric motor, and determines whether the electric motor is rotating, upon determining that the voltage of the electric power supplied from the generator to the electric motor is greater than the electric motor induced voltage.

Abstract: A hybrid engine including an electric generator, an electric motor, and a rotary internal combustion engine including pivoted vane elements mounted on a rotor and biased into engagement to sequentially form intake, compression, combustion and exhaust chambers between the rotor and its annular wall.