Importance

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Abstract

A heat engine operates an alternator that supplies electrical power to an electric continuously variable transmission for driving at least one ac motor through a differential to multiple wheels or to multiple independent ac wheel motors in an automobile, bus or truck. A heat engine control operates in a closed-loop power mode and decouples heat engine speed from motor speed, allowing the heat engine to produce required power at an operating speed and throttle position, or fuel injector duty cycle, that maximizes fuel economy and minimizes engine emissions. An energy storage unit (e.g., a battery, flywheel, ultracapacitor, superconducting magnetic energy storage device, or combination thereof) provides electrical energy to the electric drive system during vehicle accelerations and further reduces peak power demands on the heat engine. Advantageously, energy is recovered during vehicle deceleration and braking; and the recovered energy is used to recharge the energy storage unit. Emissions during cold starting and idling are minimized by a closed-loop temperature-controlled catalyst electric heater which is operated by the battery or the alternator.

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First Claim