Electric powertrain for machine

US7950481B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Caterpillar Inc. · US

Inventors

• Michael D. Betz · Knoxville, US
• Kent A. Casey · Nashville, US
• Stephen C. Garnett · Princeville, US
• Chih Chieh Liang · Peoria, US
• Andrew J. Tonsor · East Peoria, US
• Michael Vanderham · East Peoria, US
• Edward L. Zwilling · Nashville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 29, 2005
• Grant date: May 31, 2011
• Expiry date: Dec 16, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/72
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An electric powertrain includes an engine configured to provide mechanical energy and a generator operably coupled to the engine and configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical energy into electric energy. The electric powertrain further includes at least one electric motor operably coupled to the generator, a plurality of driving members, and at least one power electronics unit configured to control at least one of the engine and the generator. The at least one electric motor is configured to provide torque for the plurality of driving members.