Hybrid flywheel/compressed-fluid propulsion system for nonstationary applications

Patent · Tue Aug 07 04:00:00 EDT 1979

OSTI ID:6067409

Yeh, G C

The adaptation of a compressed-fluid (such as compressed-air) powered turbine in conjunction with the use of a flywheel as a hybrid propulsion system for nonstationary applications, such as vehicle drive, is shown and its practicality demonstrated. This propulsion system requires a nonpolluting fluid, such as air, and a source of mechanical or electrical energy to compress the fluid and energize the flywheel, both of which act as energy storage media. An expander/compressor unit, such as a turbine, is used for converting the stored energy of the compressed-fluid into shaft power by expanding the fluid, and recovering the braking energy during vehicle deceleration by compressing and storing the atmospheric air (if air is used). The flywheel is used not only for providing peak powers necessary for vehicle accceleration but also for recovering the braking energy during vehicle deceleration and refilling the compressed-fluid in an emergency. The propulsion system can use the unlimited supply of air as the primary energy-storage medium and the flywheel as the secondary energy-storage medium. The propulsion system is not only regenerative but also quick-recharging. It has high energy-efficiencies and broad applications.

• Assignee: TIC; EDB-79-118414
• Patent Number(s): US 4163367
• OSTI ID: 6067409
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250200 -- Energy Storage-- Compressed & Liquified Gas
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330400* -- Advanced Propulsion Systems-- Hybrid Systems
330500 -- Advanced Propulsion Systems-- Flywheel Propulsion
COMPRESSED AIR ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
EQUIPMENT
FLYWHEEL-POWERED VEHICLES
GAS TURBINES
HYBRID SYSTEMS
REGENERATIVE BRAKING
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
VEHICLES