Hybrid electric propulsion system using a dual shaft turbine engine

• US 5,762,156 A
• Filed: 10/31/1995
• Issued: 06/09/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Stephan, Craig Hammann, Bates, Bradford, Belaire, Richard C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Johnson, Brian L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): YU, MIN SON
• Application Number:
  US08/551,261
• Time in Patent Office: 952 Days
• Field of Search: 180/165, 180/65.2, 180/65.3, 180/65.4, 180/301, 180/302, 180/69.4, 180/69.5, 60/39.161, 60/39.75, 60/39.163, 415/101
• US Class Current: 180/165
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 6/30 characterised by chargeable mechanical accumulators, e.g. flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 6/46 Series type
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2710/06 Combustion engines, Gas turbines
• CPC Class Codes: F01D 15/02 Adaptations for driving vehicles, e.g. locomotives
• CPC Class Codes: F01D 15/10 Adaptations for driving, or combinations with, electric generators
• CPC Class Codes: F02C 6/14 Gas-turbine plants having means for storing energy, e.g. for meeting peak loads
• CPC Class Codes: F02C 6/20 Adaptations of gas-turbine plants for driving vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/62 Hybrid vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 903/96 having chargeable mechanical accumulator

Abstract

An electric propulsion system for a vehicle having an electric drive motor. A generator supplies electric current to the motor. A dual shaft turbine engine having a compressor and a gasifier coupled with a first shaft and a power turbine, flywheel and generator coupled to a second shaft provide electric current to the electric drive motor. The first and second drive shafts are uncoupled and are allowed to spin independently of one another. Exhaust gases from the gasifier turn the power turbine, thus the turning power turbine turns the generator and flywheel as a unit.

Claims

1. A hybrid electric propulsion system for a vehicle comprising:

an electric drive motor;

a generator supplying electric current to said motor; and

a dual shaft turbine engine, said engine having a compressor and a gasifier coupled to a first shaft and a power turbine, a flywheel and said generator coupled to a second shaft, said first and second shafts being uncoupled and exhaust gases from said gasifier cause said power turbine to rotate, whereby said rotating power turbine turns said generator and flywheel.

2. The hybrid electric propulsion system of claim 1, wherein said generator also operates as a motor and accepts electric current.

3. The hybrid electric propulsion system of claim 2, wherein said drive motor also operates as a generator when said vehicle is braking to generate electric current, said electric current generated from said drive motor/generator is supplied to said generator/motor to turn said flywheel.

4. The hybrid electric propulsion system of claim 1, wherein said power turbine, generator and flywheel are attached to and concentrically rotate about said second shaft.

5. The hybrid electric propulsion system of claim 4, wherein said generator is mounted between said power turbine and said flywheel.

6. A hybrid electric propulsion system for a vehicle comprising:

an electric drive motor/generator attached to vehicle drive wheels;

a generator/motor supplying and receiving electric current to and from said motor/generator; and

a dual shaft turbine engine, said engine having a compressor and a gasifier coupled to a first shaft and a power turbine, a flywheel and said generator/motor coupled to a second shaft, said first and second shafts being uncoupled and exhaust gases from said gasifier turning said power turbine, said turning power turbine turns said generator/motor and said flywheel and causes said generator to generate electric current and operate said motor/generator to rotate said drive wheels, and said drive wheels cause said motor/generator to generate electric current under regenerative braking and operate said generator/motor to rotate said flywheel.

7. The hybrid electric propulsion system of claim 6, wherein said power turbine, generator and flywheel are attached to and concentricity rotate about said second shaft.

8. The hybrid electric propulsion system of claim 7, wherein said generator is mounted between said power turbine and said flywheel.