Long range hybrid electric airplane
First Claim
1. Parallel internal combustion-electric hybrid propulsion system for airplanes, comprising:
- a smaller internal combustion engine than an internal combustion engine of an equivalent internal combustion-only airplane;
an electric motor/generator in one unit;
an electric control unit for controlling said motor;
an electric clutch between said engine and said motor/generator;
at least one battery electrically connected to said motor/generator through said control unit;
a propeller which can be driven by said engine, or by said electric motor, or by both, selectively through said clutch;
and a fuel storage.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An advanced internal combustion-electric hybrid airplane, having at least double the flight range and flight duration than a conventional equivalent airplane, while using the same amount of any desirable fuel. This is achieved by using 2-3× smaller and ultra-lightweight engine for cruising, and ultra-lightweight electric motor powered by lithium batteries during take-off and climbing. The electric motor becomes a generator during cruising and descent, recharging said batteries. The airplane has also temporary silent electric stealth capability and added safety by the electric back-up power. Due to its high efficiency, the operational cost is substantially reduced. Additional features include highly advanced, minimum drag and weight airframe.
96 Citations
14 Claims
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1. Parallel internal combustion-electric hybrid propulsion system for airplanes, comprising:
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a smaller internal combustion engine than an internal combustion engine of an equivalent internal combustion-only airplane; an electric motor/generator in one unit; an electric control unit for controlling said motor; an electric clutch between said engine and said motor/generator; at least one battery electrically connected to said motor/generator through said control unit; a propeller which can be driven by said engine, or by said electric motor, or by both, selectively through said clutch; and a fuel storage. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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2. Series internal combustion-electric hybrid propulsion system for airplanes, comprising:
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a smaller internal combustion engine than an internal combustion engine of an equivalent internal combustion-only airplane, and said smaller engine drives an electric generator; an electric motor which drives a propeller; a first electric control unit for controlling said motor; at least one battery electrically connected to said motor through said first control unit; a second electric control unit for controlling said motor, electrically connected to said motor and to said generator; and a fuel storage. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 8, 9)
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Specification