METHOD OF AND POWER UNIT FOR TRANSMITTING ENERGY TO AUTOMOBILE WHEELS Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: automotive industry. SUBSTANCE: in transmitting mechanical energy to automobile wheels 8, energy produced at combustion of fuel in cylinders of internal combustion engine 1 is used, and part of gas energy and energy produced by wheels at braking is used to generate electric energy by means of combined motor-generating unit 9 and compressed air energy, by means of thermodynamic exchanger 11. Amount of stored energy is maintained sufficient for accelerating and lifting the automobile. Pressure of compressed air stored in receiver 15 is maintained sufficient for beginning of fuel combustion, and amount of energy transmitted to wheel 8 depending on operating conditions of automobile is provided by delivery (or removal) of electric energy through transmission 6. Pistons 26 are stopped to regulate amount of energy. Engines 1 and 21 and electric machine 9 are connected with wheels 8 constantly through transmission 6 at constant gear ratio, and receiver 15 is connected to cylinders by means of valves 18 controlled by control system 17 to which electric machine 9 is also connected. EFFECT: enlarged operating capabilities and enhanced reliability. 9 cl, 2 dwg