| abstract |
An energy conversion system system includes a powertrain (21, 1, 6, 7, 8, 11) capable to transfer mechanical power to (MP2) other devices (24, 10). An electromechanical system (20, 2, 3) is coupled to said powertrain and this system is operable to convert mechanical power provided by said powertrain into a form (SP) that can be stored by an energy storage element (22, 5), drawing energy stored by the energy storage element, and transforming the power drawn from the storage element into mechanical power. The powertrain is capable of transferring mechanical power to and from the electromechanical system. The energy storage element is coupled to said electromechanical system for exchanging power with the electromechanical system and is operable to store energy provided by the electromechanical system, and acts as ballast to stabilize system operation. A controller (23, 4) is provided for regulating powertrain mechanical power, regulating electrical power provided by the electromechanical system to other devices, and regulating the power transferred with the energy storage element in order to regulate the amount of energy stored in energy storage element. |