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 fluid driven rotating device being fluidly connected between the first fluid volume and the second fluid volume defined by the hydraulic cylinder and being operable to power a generator; and
a power storage system including at least one of a battery and a capacitor being in electrical communication with the generator and the electric motor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
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 power by a fluid driven rotating device that is fluidly connected to at least the first fluid volume. A generator is attached to the fluid-driven rotating device, and produces electrical power that is stored in a power storage system including at least one of a battery and a capacitor. The stored electrical 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 inexpensive and 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
19 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 fluid driven rotating device being fluidly connected between the first fluid volume and the second fluid volume defined by the hydraulic cylinder and being operable to power a generator; and a power storage system including at least one of a battery and a capacitor being in electrical communication with the generator and the electric motor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A power system, comprising:
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means for supplying a pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic cylinder; means for converting hydraulic power produced within said at least one hydraulic cylinder to mechanical power at least in part via a fluid driven rotating device; said fluid driven rotating device being disposed at least partially within a fluid passage connecting said means for supplying with said at least one hydraulic cylinder; means for converting the mechanical power to electrical power; means for storing the electrical power in at least one of a battery and a capacitor; means for supplying an electric motor coupled to the hydraulic pump with the electrical power from at least one of the battery and the capacitor; and means for supplying hydraulic fluid, via the hydraulic pump, to the at least one hydraulic cylinder. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. 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 at least a portion of hydraulic power created within a hydraulic cylinder to mechanical power via a fluid driven rotating device fluidly positioned between a first volume and a second volume of the hydraulic cylinder; storing electrical power created by the generator in at least one of a battery and a capacitor; powering a hydraulic pump, at least in part, by supplying electrical power from at least one of the battery and capacitor 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 (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A power system comprising:
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at least one of a battery and a capacitor being configured to supply stored electrical power to an electric motor; a hydraulic pump being configured to be powered by the electric motor; a hydraulic cylinder being configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump said hydraulic cylinder defining first and second fluid volumes; a fluid driven rotating device being configured to be powered by hydraulic power produced within the hydraulic cylinder; said fluid driven rotating device being positioned within a fluid pathway connecting said first and second volumes, wherein said fluid pathway includes at least two adjustable valves disposed in parallel; and a generator being configured to be powered by the fluid driven rotating device and to supply electrical power to at least one of the battery and the capacitor. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification