Mobile engine-generator vehicle

Abstract

A mobile engine-generator vehicle that uses its same motor system for electrical power generation for effecting movement. The mobile engine-generator vehicle is configured to provide electrical power to an external load via an electrical outlet mounted to the vehicle.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 489,652, filed March 10, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a mobile engine-generator vehicle that uses the same motor system for generating electrical power to achieve mobility, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a modular mobile engine-generator vehicle configured to provide electrical power to external loads via an electrical outlet installed in the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an improved type of mobile engine-generator vehicle having a set of rotary propulsion devices, wherein the improvement includes: an electrical socket installed in the mobile engine-generator vehicle and configured to supply power to an external load by itself; and an engine-generator including an engine and an alternator, the engine-generator being configured to supply electrical power output to the electrical socket and further configured to supply power to the components of the set of rotary propulsion devices.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile engine-generator vehicle includes: a main body; a set of rotary propulsion devices coupled to the main body; a set of alternators, each of which can be configured as a motor to drive the set of rotary propulsion devices; an engine configured to drive a component selected from the group consisting of at least one component of the set of rotary propulsion devices, the set of alternators, and combinations thereof; and an electrical socket installed in the main body and coupled to at least one component of the set of alternators so as to supply power to an external load through the electrical socket when the set of alternators is configured to generate electricity.

[0006] The mobile engine-generator vehicle may include: a sensor connected to the electrical outlet and configured to detect the presence of an external load on the electrical outlet; and a controller connected to the sensor and configured to suppress operation of the rotary propulsion system when the presence of the external load has been detected.

[0007] The mobile engine-generator vehicle may include an internal rechargeable battery connected to the electrical outlet. The electrical outlet is configured to receive electrical power from an external electrical power source to recharge the internal rechargeable battery.

[0008] In some embodiments, the mobile engine-generator vehicle may include a human control interface coupled to a controller and configured to allow a user to select an operating mode from a group of: (i) a mode in which the electrical outlet is configured to provide electrical power to an external load by itself; (ii) a mode in which the electrical outlet is configured to receive electrical power from the external electrical power source and deliver the received electrical power to the internal rechargeable battery; (iii) a mode in which the engine provides power to the set of rotary propulsion devices; and (iv) a mode in which the mobile engine-generator vehicle is de-energized.

[0009] In some embodiments, the set of rotary propulsion devices is selected from the group consisting of propellers, rotors, wheels, and combinations thereof.

[0010] In some embodiments, the engine is configured to drive the rotary propulsion device via a clutch coupled to the engine. The clutch is configured to disengage from the engine if the electrical outlet is providing electrical power to the external load.

[0011] The mobile engine-generator vehicle can be an aircraft, a watercraft, or a land vehicle. In some embodiments, the mobile engine-generator vehicle is manned. In other embodiments, the mobile engine-generator vehicle is unmanned.

[0012] In some embodiments, the mobile engine-generator vehicle includes a siphon device coupled to a fuel inlet, which is coupled to the engine. The siphon device can be configured to siphon fuel from an external fuel source and pass it through the fuel inlet, thereby supplying the siphoned fuel to the engine while simultaneously providing electrical power to the external load via the electrical outlet. The fuel inlet can be coupled to the engine via an internal fuel source (e.g., the internal fuel tank of the mobile engine-generator vehicle).

[0013] In some embodiments, the mobile engine-generator vehicle may include modular components. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The features of the above embodiments will be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1A This is a modular mobile engine-generator vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, in this case, an engine-generator for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Figure 1B According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1A An exploded view of the UAV engine-generator in the image. Figure 1C According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1A The generator set module of the UAV engine-generator. Figure 1D An embodiment of the UAV engine-generator according to the present invention is shown providing electrical power to an external load via an electrical socket mounted on the UAV engine-generator.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a parallel hybrid power system of a UAV engine-generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Definitions. In this specification and the appended claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

[0018] A “set” includes at least one component.

[0019] In the context of describing this invention (especially in the context of the claims), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, the terms “a” and “the”, and similar references, should be interpreted as encompassing both the singular and plural. The enumeration of numerical ranges herein is intended only as a way of abbreviating each individual value falling within that range when individually referred to. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into this specification as if it were individually enumerated herein. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential to the implementation of this invention.

[0020] A "rotary propulsion device" is a rotating component (configured for propelling a vehicle) selected from a group consisting of rotors, wheels, propellers and combinations thereof, and connected to a motor.

[0021] A motor is a device that generates rotational power using power supplied from a source selected from the group consisting of electricity, fuel, or a combination thereof.

[0022] An "engine," such as an internal combustion engine, is a machine that converts a fuel input into a mechanical power output. In some embodiments, an engine is a rotary engine. In some embodiments, the rotary engine is an "X-type engine," the entire contents of which are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,523,546 and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] An "alternator" is a device that converts mechanical rotary input (mechanical power) into electrical power output. Alternators can be optionally configured to convert electrical power input into mechanical rotary power output. Alternators can also be interchangeably referred to as "electric motors / generators."

[0024] An "engine-generator," "generator set," or "generator unit" is a system comprising an alternator and an engine connected to the alternator for generating electricity. The engine's fuel input is converted into a mechanical power output, which is used as the mechanical power input of the alternator, which in turn converts that mechanical power input into electricity.

[0025] A "load" is the part of an electrical component or circuit that consumes electrical power. As used in this article, an "external load" refers to a load that is separate from and physically distinct from the mobile engine-generator vehicle, and that does not move with the mobile engine-generator vehicle. Examples of external loads include electrical or electronic components located on land, in water, in the air, on ship decks, etc.

[0026] An “external fuel source” is a fuel source that is separate from and physically distinct from the mobile engine-generator vehicle and does not move with the mobile engine-generator vehicle.

[0027] A "mobile engine-generator vehicle" is a mobile vehicle comprising a generator-engine, wherein the generator-engine is configured to (i) power the movement of the vehicle and (ii) generate electrical power for an external load. Thus, the mobile engine-generator vehicle can be powered by the engine-generator to move itself from a first position (e.g., by flight) to a second position. Once at the second position, the mobile engine-generator vehicle can supply electrical power generated by the engine-generator to an external load at the second position via an electrical outlet. The mobile engine-generator vehicle can be an aircraft, a vessel, or a land vehicle. The mobile engine-generator can be manned or unmanned.

[0028] Figure 1AThis is a mobile engine-generator vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, specifically a modular UAV engine-generator. This UAV engine-generator is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that mobile engine-generator vehicles according to embodiments of the present invention include manned or unmanned (i) aircraft, (ii) watercraft, and (iii) land vehicles.

[0029] The UAV engine-generator (“UAV generator set”) 100 includes a fuselage 102, within which are housed a fuel source, an optional internal rechargeable battery, and other mechanical and electrical components. In short, the fuel source provides fuel to an internal combustion engine 2, which provides mechanical power to a rotating propulsion system, such as a propeller 10. The mechanical power from the internal combustion engine 2 can further power an electric motor / generator 4, which, when operating in generator mode, provides power to components of the UAV generator set 100 and to external loads via an electrical socket 101, shown and mounted to the fuselage 102. The electrical socket 101 can be covered during flight of the UAV generator set 100 and can be either a convex socket (configured to receive a concave plug) or a concave socket (configured to receive a convex plug). The UAV generator set 100 can fly to a destination to provide power to external devices (external loads) at that destination. When a device is electrically connected to the socket 101, electrical power can be provided to that device. Furthermore, the socket 101 can be electrically connected to the internal rechargeable battery of the mobile engine-generator vehicle and configured to receive electrical power from an external electrical power source and deliver the received electrical power to the internal rechargeable battery, thereby recharging the internal rechargeable battery. The UAV generator set 100 further includes an optional vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) propeller 106. In some embodiments, the UAV engine-generator may not include a VTOL propeller. Figure 1A The UAV generator set described herein is merely exemplary, and as part of this disclosure, it is envisioned that the internal combustion engine of the UAV generator set can provide mechanical power to any rotating propulsion device of the UAV generator set, including VTOL propellers. The following will combine... Figure 2 The description provides a more detailed overview of the various components and functions of the UAV generator set 100.

[0030] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A An exploded view of the UAV generator set 100. The modular design of the UAV generator set 100 allows different modular components (such as generator module 110) to be paired with different fuselage modules 102 and the components contained therein and installed onto the frame 103.

[0031] Figure 1C A generator module including a generator set 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The generator set 110 includes an internal combustion engine 2 and an electric motor / generator 4. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The diagram shows generator set 110 connected to propeller 10.

[0032] Figure 1D A UAV generator set 100 is shown providing electrical power to an external load 120 via an electrical connector 115 (which inserts into a socket 101). Once the UAV generator set 100 lands at its destination (where the external load is present), the UAV generator set 100, operating in generator mode, provides electrical power to the external load 120 via the electrical connector 115 through the socket 101. In some embodiments, a sensor may be coupled to the electrical socket 101 and configured to detect the presence of an external load on the electrical socket 101. In some embodiments, a controller may be coupled to the sensor and configured to suppress the operation of a rotary propulsion device (such as propeller 10) when the presence of an external load is detected. In some embodiments, an internal combustion engine 2 may be coupled to a rotary propulsion device (such as propeller 10) via a clutch. The clutch may be configured to disengage from the internal combustion engine 2 while the electrical socket 101 is providing electrical power to the external load. This configuration prevents the landed UAV generator set from taking off while it is delivering electrical power.

[0033] In some embodiments, the mobile engine-generator vehicle may include a human control interface coupled to a controller and configured to allow a user to select an operating mode from a group of modes: (i) a mode in which the electrical outlet of the mobile engine-generator vehicle is configured to provide electrical power to an external load by itself; (ii) a mode in which the electrical outlet is configured to receive electrical power from an external electrical power source and to recharge an internal rechargeable battery contained in the mobile engine-generator vehicle; (iii) a mode in which the engine provides power to a set of rotary propulsion devices; and (iv) a mode in which the mobile engine-generator vehicle is de-energized.

[0034] In some embodiments, the mobile engine-generator vehicle is selected from the group consisting of aircraft, watercraft, and land vehicles. In some embodiments, the mobile engine-generator vehicle is manned. In some embodiments, the mobile engine-generator vehicle is unmanned.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a parallel hybrid power system of a UAV engine and generator. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 2The UAV engine-generator described herein is merely exemplary, and this parallel hybrid power system can be applied to mobile engine-generator vehicles disclosed herein, such as manned or unmanned aircraft, watercraft, or land vehicles. The system includes a fuel source 1 that supplies fuel to an internal combustion engine 2. The fuel may be contained in a fuel storage device and may be gasoline, diesel, kerosene, jet engine fuel, military-grade fuel, hydrogen, propane, or any other suitable fuel known now and in the future to those skilled in the art. The internal combustion engine 2 utilizes the fuel supplied by fuel source 1 to generate mechanical energy. This mechanical energy may be transmitted to (i) an optional clutch 3, (ii) an electric motor / generator 4, (iii) an optional power output (PTO) component 11, and (iv) a combination of the above components.

[0036] Clutch 3 transmits mechanical energy to a propeller set 10, which may include propeller adjustment features, such as a pitch control mechanism. Clutch 3 can be configured to partially or completely disconnect the internal combustion engine 2 from the propeller 10 and / or the PTO component 11. The internal combustion engine 2 is also coupled to the electric motor / generator 4 via a connection suitable for transmitting mechanical power (e.g., a mechanical connection, a hydraulic viscous connection, a magnetic connection, or other connections known to those skilled in the art for transmitting mechanical power). This connection may optionally provide misalignment or load damping capabilities.

[0037] The electric motor / generator 4 is configured to convert the mechanical energy generated by the internal combustion engine 2 into alternating current (AC), or to convert the AC power supplied by the inverter / rectifier 5 into mechanical power. As shown, the electric motor / generator 4 can supply AC power to the inverter / rectifier 5, where the AC power is converted into direct current (DC), which can then be transmitted to various components in the system. When the electric motor / generator 4 uses the AC power from the inverter / rectifier 5 as input and converts it into mechanical energy, the resulting mechanical energy can be used to start the internal combustion engine 2, and / or to provide additional mechanical power to the clutch 3 via the engine-to-clutch connection.

[0038] As shown, direct current (DC) can power a hybrid power controller 7, which provides power commands to both the internal combustion engine 2 and the electric motor / generator 4 based on system requirements. DC can also be transmitted to one or more electronic speed controllers 8, which power one or more optional propulsion motors 9. DC can also be transmitted to an internal rechargeable battery 6. The internal rechargeable battery 6 can supply power to an inverter 15 for DC-to-AC conversion, which is then connected to an AC load 16. The internal rechargeable battery 6 can also be connected to a DC load 17. DC power generated by the inverter / rectifier 5 can also be converted to AC power by an inverter 12 to power an AC load 13. DC power can be directly supplied to a DC load 14. Electrical power can be delivered to loads 13, 14, 16, and 17 via electrical outlets (not shown) mounted on the UAV engine-generator.

[0039] Direct current (DC) can also flow from the internal rechargeable battery 6 to the inverter / rectifier 5, and then to the electric motor / generator 4, ultimately providing additional mechanical power to the internal combustion engine 2. Each component connected to DC power is capable of receiving and / or providing DC power according to its functional requirements. If the required load exceeds the power provided by the inverter / rectifier 5, the internal rechargeable battery 6 can provide additional power as needed.

[0040] In some embodiments, the mobile engine-generator vehicle includes a siphon device coupled to a fuel inlet coupled to the engine of the mobile engine-generator vehicle. The siphon device is configured to siphon fuel from an external fuel source and pass the fuel through the fuel inlet, thereby supplying the siphoned fuel to the engine while simultaneously providing electrical power to an external load via an electrical outlet of the mobile engine-generator. The fuel inlet may be coupled to the engine via an internal fuel source of the mobile engine-generator (e.g., an internal fuel tank of the mobile engine-generator vehicle).

[0041] In other embodiments, the electrical outlet disclosed herein can be replaced by a power output device selected from a group consisting of an induction coil and an electromagnetic field generator. The electromagnetic field can be microwave or laser. The electrical outlet device is configured to wirelessly transmit energy to an external load having a receiver configured to receive the energy wirelessly transmitted from the power output device and convert the received energy into electrical energy.

[0042] Features of various embodiments of the invention can be found in the potential claims listed after this paragraph (and before the actual claims provided at the end of this application). These potential claims form part of the written description of this application. Therefore, the subject matter of the following potential claims may be presented as actual claims in subsequent proceedings relating to this application or any application claiming priority based on this application. The inclusion of these potential claims should not be construed as an exclusion of the subject matter of the actual claims. Therefore, the decision not to present these potential claims in subsequent proceedings should not be construed as a donation of the relevant subject matter to the public.

[0043] In an unrestricted context, potential subject matter that may be claimed (beginning with the letter "P" to avoid confusion with the actual claims presented below) includes:

[0044] P1. An improved type of mobile engine-generator vehicle with a rotary propulsion system, wherein the improvement includes:

[0045] An electrical outlet, installed in the mobile engine-generator vehicle, and configured to supply power to an external load via itself, and

[0046] An engine-generator, comprising an engine and an alternator, is configured to supply electrical power output to the electrical socket and is also configured to supply power to components of the rotary propulsion device.

[0047] P2. A mobile engine-generator vehicle, comprising:

[0048] main body;

[0049] A rotary propulsion device is connected to the main body;

[0050] A set of alternators, each of which can be configured as a motor to drive the set of rotary propulsion devices;

[0051] An engine, which can be configured to drive a component selected from the group consisting of at least one component from the set of rotary propulsion devices, the set of alternators, and combinations thereof; and

[0052] An electrical socket is installed in the main body and connected to at least one component of the alternator set so that when the alternator set is configured to generate electricity, power is supplied to an external load through the electrical socket.

[0053] P3. The mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any of the foregoing potential claims further comprises:

[0054] A sensor, connected to the electrical outlet, and configured to detect the presence of an external load on the electrical outlet; and

[0055] A controller is connected to the sensor and is configured to suppress the operation of the set of rotary propulsion devices when the presence of the external load has been detected.

[0056] P4. The mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any of the preceding potential claims further includes an internal rechargeable battery connected to the electrical socket.

[0057] P5. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to potential claim P4, wherein the electrical socket is configured to receive electrical power from an external electrical power source to recharge the internal rechargeable battery.

[0058] P6. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any one of the preceding potential claims, comprising:

[0059] A human control interface, coupled to a controller and configured to allow a user to select an operating mode from a group of modes comprising: (i) a mode in which the electrical outlet is configured to provide electrical power to an external load by itself; (ii) a mode in which the electrical outlet is configured to receive electrical power from the external electrical power source and deliver the received electrical power to the internal rechargeable battery; (iii) a mode in which the engine provides power to the set of rotary propulsion devices; and (iv) a mode in which the power to the mobile engine-generator vehicle is cut off.

[0060] P7. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any of the preceding potential claims, wherein the set of rotary propulsion devices is selected from the group consisting of propellers, rotors, wheels, and combinations thereof.

[0061] P8. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any of the preceding potential claims, wherein the engine is configured to drive the set of rotary propulsion devices via a clutch coupled to the engine.

[0062] P9. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to potential claim P8, wherein the clutch is configured to disengage from the engine if the electrical outlet is providing electrical power to the external load.

[0063] P10. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any of the preceding potential claims, wherein the mobile engine-generator vehicle is selected from the group consisting of aircraft, watercraft and land vehicles.

[0064] P11. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any of the preceding potential claims, wherein the mobile engine-generator vehicle is manned.

[0065] P12. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any one of the potential claims P1-P10, wherein the mobile engine-generator vehicle is driverless.

[0066] P13. The mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any of the preceding potential claims further includes a siphon device connected to a fuel inlet, the fuel inlet being connected to the engine.

[0067] P14. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to potential claim P13, wherein the siphon device is configured to siphon fuel from an external fuel source and pass the fuel through the fuel inlet, thereby supplying the siphoned fuel to the engine, while simultaneously supplying electrical power to the external load through the electrical outlet.

[0068] P15. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any of the preceding potential claims, wherein the mobile engine-generator vehicle comprises modular components.

[0069] Although the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. While some embodiments in these examples have been described by process steps in the claims, the invention also includes an apparatus comprising a computer with an associated display, the computer being capable of performing the process steps of the following claims. Similarly, the invention includes a computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions for performing the process steps of the following claims and stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0070] The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only; many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by any of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An improved type of mobile engine-generator vehicle having a rotary propulsion system, wherein, The improvements include: An electrical outlet, installed in the mobile engine-generator vehicle, and configured to supply power to an external load via itself, and An engine-generator, comprising an engine and an alternator, is configured to supply electrical power output to the electrical socket and is also configured to supply power to components of the rotary propulsion device.

2. A mobile engine-generator vehicle, comprising: main body; A rotary propulsion device is connected to the main body; A set of alternators, each of which can be configured as a motor to drive the set of rotary propulsion devices; An engine that can be configured to drive a component selected from a group consisting of at least one component from the set of rotary propulsion devices, the set of alternators, and combinations thereof; as well as An electrical socket is installed in the main body and connected to at least one component of the alternator set so that when the alternator set is configured to generate electricity, power is supplied to an external load through the electrical socket.

3. The mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A sensor is connected to the electrical outlet and is configured to detect the presence of an external load on the electrical outlet; as well as A controller is connected to the sensor and is configured to suppress the operation of the set of rotary propulsion devices when the presence of the external load has been detected.

4. The mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an internal rechargeable battery connected to the electrical socket.

5. The mobile engine-generator vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The electrical socket is configured to receive electrical power from an external electrical power source to recharge the internal rechargeable battery.

6. The mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: A human control interface, coupled to a controller and configured to allow a user to select an operating mode from a group of modes comprising: (i) a mode in which the electrical outlet is configured to provide electrical power to an external load by itself; (ii) a mode in which the electrical outlet is configured to receive electrical power from the external electrical power source and deliver the received electrical power to the internal rechargeable battery; (iii) a mode in which the engine provides power to the set of rotary propulsion devices; and (iv) a mode in which the power to the mobile engine-generator vehicle is cut off.

7. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The set of rotary propulsion devices is selected from a group consisting of propellers, rotors, wheels, and combinations thereof.

8. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The engine is configured to drive the set of rotary propulsion devices via a clutch connected to the engine.

9. The mobile engine-generator vehicle according to claim 8, wherein, The clutch is configured to disengage from the engine if the electrical outlet is providing electrical power to the external load.

10. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The mobile engine-generator vehicle is selected from the group consisting of aircraft, watercraft and land vehicles.

11. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The mobile engine-generator vehicle is manned.

12. The mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The mobile engine-generator vehicle is driverless.

13. The mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a siphon device connected to a fuel inlet connected to the engine.

14. The mobile engine-generator vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The siphon device is configured to siphon fuel from an external fuel source and pass the fuel through the fuel inlet, thereby supplying the siphoned fuel to the engine and simultaneously supplying electrical power to the external load through the electrical socket.

15. A mobile engine-generator vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The mobile engine-generator vehicle comprises modular components.

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