Abstract

A method of controlling a hybrid power unit includes receiving a target total thrust value that is converted into a target speed for a propeller. The target speed is transmitted to a motor speed controller. A sensor value for a current speed for the propeller is received at the motor speed controller. The motor speed controller generates a signal to a primary electric motor to selectively output torque to a rotor and regeneratively brake the rotor according to the target speed. A module current set point based at least in part on a state of charge of a battery is received. A throttle set point is determined based in part on the target speed and the module current set point. A throttle set point of an internal-combustion engine of the hybrid power unit is adjusted based at least in part on the target speed and the module current set point.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64U 10/13 - Flying platforms
• B64D 27/02 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants
• B64D 27/04 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants of piston type
• B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
• B64D 33/02 - Arrangement in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of combustion air intakes
• B64D 33/08 - Arrangement in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of power plant cooling systems
• B64D 35/02 - Transmitting power from power plants to propellers or rotorsArrangements of transmissions specially adapted for specific power plants
• B64D 35/08 - Transmitting power from power plants to propellers or rotorsArrangements of transmissions characterised by the transmission being driven by a plurality of power plants
• B64U 20/94 - Cooling of rotors or rotor motors
• B64U 30/29 - Constructional aspects of rotors or rotor supportsArrangements thereof
• B64U 50/11 - Propulsion using internal combustion piston engines
• B64U 50/19 - Propulsion using electrically powered motors

Abstract

One variation of a system for generating thrust at an aerial vehicle includes: a primary electric motor; a rotor coupled to the motor; an internal-combustion engine; a disengagement mechanism interposed between the motor and an output shaft of the internal-combustion engine; an cooling shroud defining a shroud inlet between the rotor and the internal-combustion engine, extending over the internal-combustion engine, and defining a cooling shroud outlet opposite the rotor; a cooling fan coupled and configured to displace air through the cooling shroud; and a local controller configured to receive a rotor speed command specifying a target rotor speed, adjust a throttle setpoint of the internal-combustion engine according to the target rotor speed and a state of charge of a battery in the aerial vehicle, and drive the primary electric motor to selectively output torque to the rotor and to regeneratively brake the rotor according to the target rotor speed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64D 35/08 - Transmitting power from power plants to propellers or rotorsArrangements of transmissions characterised by the transmission being driven by a plurality of power plants
• B64C 39/02 - Aircraft not otherwise provided for characterised by special use
• B64D 27/02 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants
• B64D 27/04 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants of piston type
• B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
• B64D 33/02 - Arrangement in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of combustion air intakes
• B64D 33/08 - Arrangement in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of power plant cooling systems
• B64D 35/02 - Transmitting power from power plants to propellers or rotorsArrangements of transmissions specially adapted for specific power plants
• B64U 30/20 - RotorsRotor supports
• B64U 50/19 - Propulsion using electrically powered motors
• B64U 50/11 - Propulsion using internal combustion piston engines

Abstract

One variation of a system for generating thrust at an aerial vehicle includes: a primary electric motor; a rotor coupled to the motor; an internal-combustion engine; a disengagement mechanism interposed between the motor and an output shaft of the internal-combustion engine; a cooling shroud defining a shroud inlet between the rotor and the internal-combustion engine, extending over the internal-combustion engine, and defining a cooling shroud outlet opposite the rotor; a cooling fan coupled and configured to displace air through the cooling shroud; and a local controller configured to receive a rotor speed command specifying a target rotor speed, adjust a throttle setpoint of the internal-combustion engine according to the target rotor speed and a state of charge of a battery in the aerial vehicle, and drive the primary electric motor to selectively output torque to the rotor and to regeneratively brake the rotor according to the target rotor speed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
• B60L 15/20 - Methods, circuits or devices for controlling the propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles, e.g. their traction-motor speed, to achieve a desired performanceAdaptation of control equipment on electrically-propelled vehicles for remote actuation from a stationary place, from alternative parts of the vehicle or from alternative vehicles of the same vehicle train for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
• B60L 50/16 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by engine-driven generators, e.g. generators driven by combustion engines with provision for separate direct mechanical propulsion
• B64D 27/02 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants
• B64D 27/26 - Aircraft characterised by construction of power-plant mounting
• B64D 33/08 - Arrangement in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of power plant cooling systems
• B64D 31/06 - Initiating means actuated automatically

Abstract

One variation of a system for generating thrust at an aerial vehicle includes: a primary electric motor; a rotor coupled to the motor; an internal-combustion engine; a clutch interposed between the motor and an output shaft of the internal-combustion engine; an engine shroud defining a shroud inlet between the rotor and the internal-combustion engine, extending over the internal-combustion engine, and defining a shroud outlet opposite the rotor; a cooling fan coupled and configured to displace air through the engine shroud; and a local controller configured to receive a rotor speed command specifying a target rotor speed, adjust a throttle setpoint of the internal-combustion engine according to the target rotor speed and a state of charge of a battery in the aerial vehicle, and drive the primary electric motor to selectively output torque to the rotor and to regeneratively brake the rotor according to the target rotor speed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64D 31/06 - Initiating means actuated automatically
• B60L 58/12 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries responding to state of charge [SoC]
• B60L 7/10 - Dynamic electric regenerative braking
• B60L 15/20 - Methods, circuits or devices for controlling the propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles, e.g. their traction-motor speed, to achieve a desired performanceAdaptation of control equipment on electrically-propelled vehicles for remote actuation from a stationary place, from alternative parts of the vehicle or from alternative vehicles of the same vehicle train for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
• B64C 27/32 - Rotors
• B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
• B64D 27/26 - Aircraft characterised by construction of power-plant mounting
• B64D 33/08 - Arrangement in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of power plant cooling systems
• B64D 27/02 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants

Abstract

One variation of a system for generating thrust at an aerial vehicle includes: a primary electric motor; a rotor coupled to the motor; an internal-combustion engine; a clutch interposed between the motor and an output shaft of the internal-combustion engine; an engine shroud defining a shroud inlet between the rotor and the internal-combustion engine, extending over the internal-combustion engine, and defining a shroud outlet opposite the rotor; a cooling fan coupled and configured to displace air through the engine shroud; and a local controller configured to receive a rotor speed command specifying a target rotor speed, adjust a throttle setpoint of the internal-combustion engine according to the target rotor speed and a state of charge of a battery in the aerial vehicle, and drive the primary electric motor to selectively output torque to the rotor and to regeneratively brake the rotor according to the target rotor speed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64D 31/06 - Initiating means actuated automatically
• B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
• B64D 33/08 - Arrangement in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of power plant cooling systems
• B60L 15/20 - Methods, circuits or devices for controlling the propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles, e.g. their traction-motor speed, to achieve a desired performanceAdaptation of control equipment on electrically-propelled vehicles for remote actuation from a stationary place, from alternative parts of the vehicle or from alternative vehicles of the same vehicle train for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
• B64D 35/08 - Transmitting power from power plants to propellers or rotorsArrangements of transmissions characterised by the transmission being driven by a plurality of power plants
• F01P 1/06 - Arrangements for cooling other engine or machine parts
• F01P 7/02 - Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being cooling-air

Abstract

A method and apparatus for lifting a payload wherein a first mechanical-rotor is driven by an internal combustion engine. A portion of the mechanical work developed by the internal combustion engine is used to generate electrical power, which is either stored in a battery or used to power an electric motor that drives a second rotor. Thrust developed by the mechanical and electrical rotors is directed downward to provide lift for the payload.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64C 39/02 - Aircraft not otherwise provided for characterised by special use
• B64D 27/02 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants
• B64U 10/13 - Flying platforms
• B64U 50/11 - Propulsion using internal combustion piston engines
• B64U 50/19 - Propulsion using electrically powered motors
• B64U 101/60 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons

Abstract

One variation of a system for generating thrust at an aerial vehicle includes: a primary electric motor; a rotor coupled to the motor; an internal-combustion engine; a clutch interposed between the motor and an output shaft of the internal-combustion engine; an engine shroud defining a shroud inlet between the rotor and the internal-combustion engine, extending over the internal-combustion engine, and defining a shroud outlet opposite the rotor; a cooling fan coupled and configured to displace air through the engine shroud; and a local controller configured to receive a rotor speed command specifying a target rotor speed, adjust a throttle setpoint of the internal-combustion engine according to the target rotor speed and a state of charge of a battery in the aerial vehicle, and drive the primary electric motor to selectively output torque to the rotor and to regeneratively brake the rotor according to the target rotor speed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64D 31/06 - Initiating means actuated automatically
• B60L 7/10 - Dynamic electric regenerative braking
• B60L 15/20 - Methods, circuits or devices for controlling the propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles, e.g. their traction-motor speed, to achieve a desired performanceAdaptation of control equipment on electrically-propelled vehicles for remote actuation from a stationary place, from alternative parts of the vehicle or from alternative vehicles of the same vehicle train for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
• B60L 58/12 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries responding to state of charge [SoC]
• B64C 27/32 - Rotors
• B64D 27/02 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants
• B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
• B64D 27/40 - Arrangements for mounting power plants in aircraft
• B64D 33/08 - Arrangement in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of power plant cooling systems
• B64U 10/14 - Flying platforms with four distinct rotor axes, e.g. quadcopters
• B64U 20/94 - Cooling of rotors or rotor motors
• B64U 20/96 - Cooling using air
• B64U 30/29 - Constructional aspects of rotors or rotor supportsArrangements thereof
• B64U 50/11 - Propulsion using internal combustion piston engines
• B64U 50/19 - Propulsion using electrically powered motors
• B64U 60/50 - Undercarriages with landing legs

Abstract

One variation of a system for generating thrust at an aerial vehicle includes: a primary electric motor; a rotor coupled to the motor; an internal-combustion engine; a clutch interposed between the motor and an output shaft of the internal-combustion engine; an engine shroud defining a shroud inlet between the rotor and the internal-combustion engine, extending over the internal-combustion engine, and defining a shroud outlet opposite the rotor; a cooling fan coupled and configured to displace air through the engine shroud; and a local controller configured to receive a rotor speed command specifying a target rotor speed, adjust a throttle setpoint of the internal-combustion engine according to the target rotor speed and a state of charge of a battery in the aerial vehicle, and drive the primary electric motor to selectively output torque to the rotor and to regeneratively brake the rotor according to the target rotor speed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64D 31/06 - Initiating means actuated automatically
• B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
• B64C 27/32 - Rotors
• B64D 33/08 - Arrangement in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of power plant cooling systems
• B60L 7/10 - Dynamic electric regenerative braking
• B64D 27/26 - Aircraft characterised by construction of power-plant mounting
• B60L 15/20 - Methods, circuits or devices for controlling the propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles, e.g. their traction-motor speed, to achieve a desired performanceAdaptation of control equipment on electrically-propelled vehicles for remote actuation from a stationary place, from alternative parts of the vehicle or from alternative vehicles of the same vehicle train for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
• B60L 58/12 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries responding to state of charge [SoC]
• B64D 27/02 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants