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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Propulsion unit for vehicles

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6284260

A mixed propulsion system is disclosed which is comprised of a turbine unit having two output shafts which drive two counter rotating flywheels and, via a reduction gearbox, two generators which generate electricity to drive two electric drive motors the output shafts of which are connected to the wheels of the vehicle. A control system is provided, linked to the accelerator and brake pedal of the vehicle, for controlling the excitation of the field windings of the generators and the motors such that a predetermined excitation pattern is followed. The turbine unit is automatically controlled to run when the speed of the flywheels falls below a lower threshold value and is turned off when the flywheels reach a predetermined maximum threshold speed.

Assignee:
FIAT Societa per Azioni
Patent Number(s):
US 4109743
OSTI ID:
6284260
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English