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

Energy storage and retrieval system for a vehicle

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6424935
This patent describes a fluid energy storage and retrieval system for use with a vehicle comprising: an axle; a ground engaging wheel including a hub portion rotatably supported on the axle and a toroidal tire portion secured to and surrounding the hub portion. Fluid pump/motor means are disposed in the hub portion for operation as a pump or a motor and being operatively connected between the hub portion and the axle. High pressure fluid accumulator means are disposed in the toroidal tire portion; low pressure fluid reservoir means are disposed in the tire portion; fluid passage means connect the accumulator means and the reservoir means with the pump/motor means; and control means for selectively directing high pressure fluid from the pump/motor means operate as a pump to the accumulator during vehicle braking and for selectively directing high pressure fluid from the accumulator means to the pump/motor means operating as a motor during vehicle acceleration to provide a driving force for the vehicle.
Assignee:
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI
Patent Number(s):
US 4663935
OSTI ID:
6424935
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English