Continuously charged flywheel type power delivery system
First Claim
1. In a method of controlling the operation of a flywheel-type power delivery system having an energy-storing flywheel, an internal combustion engine operatively coupled to the flywheel for delivering power to the flywheel, and a continuously variable ratio transmission operatively coupled to the flywheel for delivering power to an output shaft, the improvement comprising:
- predetermining a desired maximum output shaft speed limit; and
adjusting the working displacement of the engine in proportion to the output shaft speed limit, whereby the efficient power output of the engine is tailored to the power requirements of the system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved control system and method for controlling the operation of a flywheel type power delivery system, such as used in an automotive vehicle. A predetermined maximum vehicle speed limit dictates the working displacement of a variable displacement engine to match efficient engine output to the power requirements of the system. Above a threshold vehicle speed of approximately 45 miles per hour, the flywheel is completely uncoupled from the system and vehicle propulsion is provided by direct coupling of the engine (at maximum displacement) through the continuously variable ratio transmission (CVT) to the vehicle driving wheels.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. In a method of controlling the operation of a flywheel-type power delivery system having an energy-storing flywheel, an internal combustion engine operatively coupled to the flywheel for delivering power to the flywheel, and a continuously variable ratio transmission operatively coupled to the flywheel for delivering power to an output shaft, the improvement comprising:
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predetermining a desired maximum output shaft speed limit; and adjusting the working displacement of the engine in proportion to the output shaft speed limit, whereby the efficient power output of the engine is tailored to the power requirements of the system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. In a flywheel-type power delivery system having an energy-storing flywheel, an internal combustion engine operatively coupled to the flywheel for delivering power to the flywheel, and a continuously variable ratio transmission operatively coupled to the flywheel for delivering power to an output shaft, the improvement comprising:
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displacement adjusting means for varying the working displacement of the engine; and displacement control means operatively coupled to said displacement adjusting means for effecting adjustment of said working displacement in proportion to a desired maximum output shaft speed limit, whereby the efficient power output of the engine is tailored to the power requirements of the system. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification