US6931850B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Exhaust gas driven generation of electric power and altitude compensation in vehicles including hybrid electric vehicles
Assignee: University of California, San Diego
•
Filing: 2003-09-10
•
Granted: 2005-08-23
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Expires: 2023-09-10
Abstract
Abstract A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a transmission. A turbocharger is in fluid communication with the internal combustion engine. Moreover, a generator is mechanically coupled to the turbocharger and thereby driven by exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The generator can provide electricity to the motor and/or a battery while simultaneously providing altitude compensation for the internal combustion engine so that the internal combustion engine output remains at the same power and efficiency as altitude and environmental conditions change. The turbocharger can also be used for power boost if desired. The exhaust gas driven generator system can be deployed in conventional vehicles as well to charge the battery and/or power electrical accessories, thereby replacing the alternator.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew A. Frank
- 👤 Thomas E. Darlington
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 18:18
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60W; B60W10/00; B60W10/04; B60W10/08; B60K; B60K6/00; B60K6/20; B60K6/42; B60K6/44; F; F02; F02B; F02B33/00; F02B33/32; F02B33/34; F02B33/36; F02B37/00; F02B37/005; F02B63/00; F02B63/04; F02D; F02D23/00; F02D29/00; F02D29/06; B60W2555/00; B60W2555/20; B60Y; B60Y2400/00; B60Y2400/43; B60Y2400/435; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/10; Y02T10/12; Y02T10/60; Y02T10/62
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A power control method for a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a battery power supply, comprising: using a turbocharger to compensate for power loss in said internal combustion engine; and using power from said turbocharger to drive an electric generator configured for charging said battery power supply; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure by using said electric generator and said battery for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A power control method for a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a battery power supply, comprising: using a turbocharger to compensate for power loss in said internal combustion engine; and using power from said turbocharger to drive an electric generator configured for charging said battery power supply; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure by using said electric generator and said battery for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising powering said motor from said generator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
105 words
A power control method for a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a battery power supply, comprising: coupling a turbocharger to said internal combustion engine; coupling an electric generator to said turbocharger and to said battery power supply; using said turbocharger to compensate for power loss in said internal combustion engine; and charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure by using said electric generator and said battery for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
105 words
A power control method for a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a battery power supply, comprising: coupling a turbocharger to said internal combustion engine; coupling an electric generator to said turbocharger and to said battery power supply; using said turbocharger to compensate for power loss in said internal combustion engine; and charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure by using said electric generator and said battery for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as recited in claim 4 , further comprising powering said motor from said electric generator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as recited in claim 4 , wherein using power from said turbocharger to drive a generator configured for charging said battery power supply improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
70 words
In a hybrid electric vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a battery power supply, the improvement comprising: a turbocharger coupled to said internal combustion engine; and means for charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation, for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
70 words
In a hybrid electric vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a battery power supply, the improvement comprising: a turbocharger coupled to said internal combustion engine; and means for charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation, for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
An improvement as recited in claim 7 , wherein said means comprises an electric generator mechanically coupled to said turbocharger and electrically connected to said battery power supply.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
An improvement as recited in claim 8 , further comprising means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery power supply while said engine is operational.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
An improvement as recited in claim 7 , wherein said electric generator is electrically connected to said motor and configured to supply at least partial power to said motor from power provided by said turbocharger.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
An improvement as recited in claim 7 , wherein charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger can improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
83 words
A hybrid electric vehicle, comprising: an internal combustion engine; an electric motor; a battery power supply coupled to said electric motor; a drivetrain configured to be coupled to said engine and said motor; a turbocharger coupled to said internal combustion engine; and means for charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
83 words
A hybrid electric vehicle, comprising: an internal combustion engine; an electric motor; a battery power supply coupled to said electric motor; a drivetrain configured to be coupled to said engine and said motor; a turbocharger coupled to said internal combustion engine; and means for charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
A hybrid electric vehicle as recited in claim 12 , wherein said means comprises an electric generator mechanically coupled to said turbocharger and to said battery power supply.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
37 words
A hybrid electric vehicle as recited in claim 12 , wherein said electric generator is electrically connected to said motor and configured to supply at least partial power to said motor from power provided by said turbocharger.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
A hybrid electric vehicle as recited in claim 12 , further comprising means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery power supply while said engine is operational.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
A hybrid electric vehicle as recited in claim 12 , wherein charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
103 words
A hybrid electric vehicle, comprising: an internal combustion engine; an electric motor; a battery power supply coupled to said electric motor; a drivetrain configured to be coupled to said engine and said motor; a turbocharger coupled to said internal combustion engine; and an electric generator mechanically coupled to said turbocharger and electrically connected to said battery power supply; wherein said electric generator is configured to charge said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation, for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
103 words
A hybrid electric vehicle, comprising: an internal combustion engine; an electric motor; a battery power supply coupled to said electric motor; a drivetrain configured to be coupled to said engine and said motor; a turbocharger coupled to said internal combustion engine; and an electric generator mechanically coupled to said turbocharger and electrically connected to said battery power supply; wherein said electric generator is configured to charge said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation, for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
A hybrid electric vehicle as recited in claim 17 , further comprising means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery power supply while said engine is operational.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
37 words
A hybrid electric vehicle as recited in claim 17 , wherein said electric generator is electrically connected to said motor and configured to supply at least partial power to said motor from power provided by said turbocharger.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
34 words
A hybrid electric vehicle as recited in claim 17 , wherein charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
93 words
In a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a battery power supply, the improvement comprising: a turbocharger coupled to said internal combustion engine; and an electric generator mechanically coupled to said turbocharger and electrically connected to said battery power supply; wherein said electric generator is configured to charge said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; and wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
93 words
In a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a battery power supply, the improvement comprising: a turbocharger coupled to said internal combustion engine; and an electric generator mechanically coupled to said turbocharger and electrically connected to said battery power supply; wherein said electric generator is configured to charge said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; and wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
36 words
An improvement as recited in claim 21 , wherein said electric generator is electrically connected to said motor and configured to supply at least partial power to said motor from power provided by the said turbocharger.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
An improvement as recited in claim 21 , further comprising means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery power supply while said engine is operational.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
32 words
An improvement as recited in claim 21 , wherein charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
101 words
An energy control apparatus for a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a battery power supply, comprising: a turbocharger adapted to be coupled to said internal combustion engine; and an electric generator adapted to be mechanically coupled to said turbocharger and electrically connected to said battery power supply; wherein said electric generator is configured to charge said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; and wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
101 words
An energy control apparatus for a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a battery power supply, comprising: a turbocharger adapted to be coupled to said internal combustion engine; and an electric generator adapted to be mechanically coupled to said turbocharger and electrically connected to said battery power supply; wherein said electric generator is configured to charge said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; and wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
32 words
An energy control apparatus as recited in claim 25 , further comprising means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery power supply while said engine is operational.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
40 words
An energy control apparatus as recited in claim 25 , wherein said electric generator is adapted to be electrically connected to said motor and configured to supply at least partial power to said motor from power provided by said turbocharger.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
40 words
An energy control apparatus as recited in claim 25 , wherein said electric generator is adapted to be electrically connected to said motor and configured to supply at least partial power to said motor from power provided by said turbocharger.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 25 , wherein charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
123 words
An energy control apparatus for a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a battery power supply, comprising: a turbocharger adapted to be coupled to said internal combustion engine; and an electric generator adapted to be mechanically coupled to said turbocharger and electrically connected to said battery power supply; wherein said electric generator is configured to charge said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; and wherein said electric generator is configured to supply at least partial power to said motor from power provided by said turbocharger; and wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
123 words
An energy control apparatus for a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a battery power supply, comprising: a turbocharger adapted to be coupled to said internal combustion engine; and an electric generator adapted to be mechanically coupled to said turbocharger and electrically connected to said battery power supply; wherein said electric generator is configured to charge said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; and wherein said electric generator is configured to supply at least partial power to said motor from power provided by said turbocharger; and wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
32 words
An energy control apparatus as recited in claim 30 , further comprising means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery power supply while said engine is operational.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 30 , wherein charging said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
110 words
In a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a battery, the improvement comprising: a turbocharger adapted to be coupled to said internal combustion engine; an electric generator adapted to be mechanically driven by said turbocharger; said electric generator adapted to be electrically connected to said battery; and means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery or supplying power to electrical load in said vehicle while said engine is operational. wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure by using said electric generator and battery for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
110 words
In a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a battery, the improvement comprising: a turbocharger adapted to be coupled to said internal combustion engine; an electric generator adapted to be mechanically driven by said turbocharger; said electric generator adapted to be electrically connected to said battery; and means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery or supplying power to electrical load in said vehicle while said engine is operational. wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure by using said electric generator and battery for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
36 words
An improvement as recited in claim 33 , wherein driving said electric generator with said turbocharger and charging said battery with said electric generator improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
119 words
In a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a battery, the improvement comprising: a turbocharger adapted to be coupled to said internal combustion engine; an electric generator adapted to be coupled to said turbocharger and driven by exhaust gas from said internal combustion engine; said electric generator adapted to be electrically connected to said battery; and means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery or supplying power to electrical load in said vehicle while said engine is operational. wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure by using said electric generator and battery for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
119 words
In a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a battery, the improvement comprising: a turbocharger adapted to be coupled to said internal combustion engine; an electric generator adapted to be coupled to said turbocharger and driven by exhaust gas from said internal combustion engine; said electric generator adapted to be electrically connected to said battery; and means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery or supplying power to electrical load in said vehicle while said engine is operational. wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure by using said electric generator and battery for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
36 words
An improvement as recited in claim 35 , wherein driving said electric generator with said turbocharger and charging said battery with said electric generator improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
112 words
An energy control apparatus for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a battery, comprising: a turbocharger adapted to be coupled to said internal combustion engine; an electric generator adapted to be mechanically driven by said turbocharger; said electric generator adapted to be electrically connected to said battery; and means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery or supplying power to electrical load in said vehicle while said engine is operational; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure by using the electric generator and battery for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
112 words
An energy control apparatus for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a battery, comprising: a turbocharger adapted to be coupled to said internal combustion engine; an electric generator adapted to be mechanically driven by said turbocharger; said electric generator adapted to be electrically connected to said battery; and means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery or supplying power to electrical load in said vehicle while said engine is operational; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure by using the electric generator and battery for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus as recited claim 37 , wherein driving said electric generator with said turbocharger and charging said battery with said electric generator improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
122 words
An energy control apparatus for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a battery, comprising: a turbocharger adapted to be coupled to said internal combustion engine; an electric generator adapted to be coupled to said turbocharger and driven by exhaust gas from said internal combustion engine; said electric generator adapted to be electrically connected to said battery; and means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery or supplying power to electrical load in said vehicle while said engine is operational; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure by using said electric generator and said battery for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
122 words
An energy control apparatus for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a battery, comprising: a turbocharger adapted to be coupled to said internal combustion engine; an electric generator adapted to be coupled to said turbocharger and driven by exhaust gas from said internal combustion engine; said electric generator adapted to be electrically connected to said battery; and means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery or supplying power to electrical load in said vehicle while said engine is operational; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure by using said electric generator and said battery for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 39 , wherein driving said electric generator with said turbocharger and charging said battery with said electric generator improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
130 words
A hybrid electric vehicle, comprising: an internal combustion engine; an electric motor; a battery power supply coupled to said electric motor; a drivetrain configured to be coupled to said engine and said motor; a turbocharger coupled to said internal combustion engine; and an electric generator mechanically coupled to said turbocharger and electrically connected to said motor and to said battery power supply; wherein said electric generator is configured to charge said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; and wherein said electric generator is configured to supply at least partial power to said motor from power provided by said turbocharger; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
130 words
A hybrid electric vehicle, comprising: an internal combustion engine; an electric motor; a battery power supply coupled to said electric motor; a drivetrain configured to be coupled to said engine and said motor; a turbocharger coupled to said internal combustion engine; and an electric generator mechanically coupled to said turbocharger and electrically connected to said motor and to said battery power supply; wherein said electric generator is configured to charge said battery power supply from power provided by said turbocharger; and wherein said electric generator is configured to supply at least partial power to said motor from power provided by said turbocharger; wherein said turbocharger has a controlled constant or variable outlet pressure for altitude compensation or for controlling power output, or for both altitude compensation and controlling power output.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
32 words
A hybrid electric vehicle as recited in claim 41 , further comprising means for controlling power output of said electric generator for charging said battery power supply while said engine is operation.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
34 words
A hybrid electric vehicle as recited in claim 41 , wherein charging said battery powers supply from power provided by said turbocharger improves volumetric efficiency and effective thermal efficiency of said internal combustion engine.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-08-22 | 2009-02-21 | 2009-08-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-08-22 | 2013-02-21 | 2013-08-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-08-22 | 2017-02-21 | 2017-08-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |