Operating an air-hybrid vehicle with two-stage compression and expansion
US7543668B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/62
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle engine has a system of valves that permits various cylinders to operate in different modes of operation. During braking, some of the engine cylinders receive air, compress it, and transfer it to an intermediate air container. Other cylinders receive compressed air from the intermediate air container, further compress it, and transfer it to a high-pressure air reservoir for storage. During acceleration, some of the engine cylinders receive compressed air from the high-pressure air reservoir, expand it to a lower level of pressure, and transfer it to the intermediate air container. Other cylinders receive air from the intermediate air container, further expand it, and use it for combustion in an internal-combustion cycle. During short stops, the engine is shut down, for the duration of the stop, and then, it is restarted with compressed air. During cruise, the engine operates as a conventional internal-combustion engine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.