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 directly to the first fluid volume defined by the hydraulic cylinder, with no intervening valve, 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 directly to the first fluid volume defined by the hydraulic cylinder, with no intervening valve, 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 fluidly connected directly to the fluid volume of the hydraulic cylinder, with no intervening valve; 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 fluidly connected directly to the first fluid volume of the hydraulic cylinder, with no intervening valve; 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, which is fluidly connected directly to the first fluid volume of the hydraulic cylinder, with no intervening valve. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification