Importance

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Abstract

A regenerative energy management system (1) adapted for use with a compound vehicle including a prime mover, drive train and a trailer (2) including independent wheels (3) isolated from the prime mover drive train. The system (1) includes energy accumulation means (5) operable selectively to store and release energy through controlled receipt and release of pressurised hydraulic fluid; a positive displacement hydraulic pump/motor assembly (8) in fluid communication with the energy accumulation means (5); and a low-pressure hydraulic reservoir (9) in fluid communication with pump/motor assembly. The pump/motor assembly (8) has a drive shaft for connection to at least one of the wheels (3). In a braking mode, the assembly (8) retards the associated wheel (3) by pumping hydraulic fluid into the accumulation means (5) while in a driving mode, it supplies supplementary power using hydraulic fluid from the accumulation means (5) and in a neutral mode, it exerts no substantial driving or retarding influence on the wheel (3).

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First Claim