Power system and work machine using same
First Claim
1. A power system comprising:
- an electric motor being operable to power a hydraulic pump;
at least one hydraulic cylinder being fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump and defining a first fluid volume and a second fluid volume separated from one another via a moveable plunger;
a variable displacement hydraulic motor being fluidly connected to at least the first fluid volume defined by the hydraulic cylinder and being operable to power a generator; and
a power storage system operably coupling the generator to the electric motor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Engineers are constantly seeking methods to reduce undesirable emissions, noise, and vibrations created by power systems. In the present invention, a power system includes at least one hydraulic cylinder that defines a first fluid volume and a second fluid volume separated from one another via a moveable plunger. Hydraulic power created within the hydraulic cylinder is converted to mechanical energy by a variable displacement hydraulic motor that is fluidly connected to at least the first fluid volume. A generator is attached to the variable displacement hydraulic motor, and produces electrical power that is stored in a power storage system. The stored power can be supplied to an electric motor that is operable to power a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder. The power system of the present invention is a relatively efficient alternative to a power system including a diesel engine that can be a source of undesirable emissions, noise and vibrations.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A power system comprising:
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an electric motor being operable to power a hydraulic pump;
at least one hydraulic cylinder being fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump and defining a first fluid volume and a second fluid volume separated from one another via a moveable plunger;
a variable displacement hydraulic motor being fluidly connected to at least the first fluid volume defined by the hydraulic cylinder and being operable to power a generator; and
a power storage system operably coupling the generator to the electric motor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A power system comprising:
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means for converting hydraulic power produced within at least one hydraulic cylinder to mechanical power via a variable displacement hydraulic motor;
means for converting the mechanical power to electrical power;
means for storing the electrical power;
means for supplying an electric motor coupled to a hydraulic pump with the stored electrical power; and
means for supplying hydraulic fluid, via the hydraulic pump, to the at least one hydraulic cylinder. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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8. A method of operating an electrical power system, comprising the steps of:
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powering a generator, at least in part, by converting hydraulic power produced within a hydraulic cylinder to mechanical power via a variable displacement hydraulic motor;
storing electrical power created by the generator within a power storage system;
powering a hydraulic pump, at least in part, by supplying electrical power from the power storage system to an electric motor coupled to the hydraulic pump; and
supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder, at least in part, by operating the hydraulic pump. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A power system comprising:
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a variable displacement hydraulic motor being configured to power a generator;
a power storage system being configured to store electrical power produced by the generator;
an electric motor being configured to power a hydraulic pump with the electrical power from the power storage system; and
a hydraulic cylinder being configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump and to produce hydraulic power that drives the variable displacement hydraulic motor. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification