Energy conversion apparatus for supplying variable voltage direct current power to an electrically propelled vehicle

Patent · Tue Sep 07 00:00:00 EDT 1976

OSTI ID:7334664

Jamison, W B; Burr, J F

A synchronous machine, operable as both a motor and a generator, is mounted on an electrically powered vehicle, such as a mine shuttle car, and includes a plurality of conductors having connections that are detachably engagable with receptacles of a stationary power bank. Engagement of the conductors with the receptacles supplies variable voltage alternating current power to the machine. The machine is drivingly connected to a flywheel on the vehicle and, operating as a motor, energizes the flywheel to store a preselected amount of mechanical energy. The electrical connection between the vehicle and the power bank is opened after the flywheel has been sufficiently charged. The stored energy in the flywheel is then available to drive the machine as a generator and produce high frequency, three phase, alternating current power. The generated power is transmitted to a full wave silicon controlled rectifier that converts the alternating current power to direct current for powering the traction motors of the vehicle. A variable voltage controller is connected to the rectifier and actuates the rectifier to supply direct current at a selected voltage level. The controller is responsive to an operator foot pedal. By manually depressing the foot pedal to a selected position, the voltage level of the rectified current is controlled. Thus, the speed of the traction motors is adjustable topropel the vehicle at a speed within a given range. After a portion of the energy stored by the flywheel is consumed, the vehicle is returned to the power bank to replenish the energy supply.

• Assignee: Consolidation Coal Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3979650
• OSTI ID: 7334664
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 4 Dec 1974
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
25 ENERGY STORAGE
ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
DESIGN
FLYWHEELS
FLYWHEEL ENERGY STORAGE
ENERGY CONVERSION
ALTERNATING CURRENT
CONTROL SYSTEMS
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ELECTRIC MOTORS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
CONVERSION
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ENERGY STORAGE
MOTORS
STORAGE
VEHICLES
330300* - Advanced Propulsion Systems- Electric-Powered Systems
330500 - Advanced Propulsion Systems- Flywheel Propulsion
250500 - Energy Storage- Flywheels