| abstract |
Method of propelling a vehicle provided with wheels having a drive line with a prime mover or motor (10), an energy storage device or flywheel (16), a clutch (14) between the engine and the flywheel , as well as a continuously variable transmission unit (20), in which the fuel consumption operation of the engine is limited so as not to drop below a predetermined minimum level of thermal efficiency when required. to develop motive energy for the system. Motive energy developed in excess of the level necessary to propel the vehicle is stored as kinetic energy by the increase in the rotational speed of the flywheel resulting from the excess motive energy. The operation of the motor to develop an amount of energy exceeding the minimum level of thermal efficiency may follow a theoretical line of operation or may reach the maximum level of energy in the conventional manner. |