Patent · US Expired

Flywheel electric transmission apparatus

US4309620A · kind A · utility

75Cited by
6References
49Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 3, 1979
Grant dateJan 5, 1982
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 3, 1999

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T74/2117
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

In a preferred embodiment, the flywheel electric transmission system is made up of three electric machines and a flywheel and is adapted for use in an automobile. The first electric machine is driven or energized by a prime mover such as a heat engine and is selectively clutched to the second machine. The flywheel and the armatures for both the first and second machines rotate as a unit. The third machine is connected to the second machine through gearing and, under the control of a computer, supplies excess electrical power to or consumes excess electrical power from the first and second machines that are functioning as either a motor or generator as required. In a second embodiment, the energy source is a battery pack.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.