Modular auxiliary power unit assembly for an electric vehicle
US8376070B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/7072
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for a propulsion system includes an electric motor and an energy storage unit configured to supply a primary power to the electric motor. The propulsion system also includes a plurality of auxiliary power units (APUs) configured to supply a secondary power to at least one of the electric motor and the energy storage unit. Each of the plurality of APUs includes a free-piston engine configured to generate a mechanical output, a linear generator configured to transform the mechanical output to an electrical power, and a controller. The controller receives a power command from the electric motor and/or the energy storage unit, determines an amount of secondary power needed to meet the power command, and selectively activates a number of the plurality of APUs to generate the needed amount of secondary power.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.