초록 ▼

A vehicular gas turbine engine power system includes an engine, an automatic clutch, a service clutch and an infinitely variable transmission coupled successively along a power train. A vehicle control system controls engine speed, transmission ratio and automatic clutch engagement in response to op

A vehicular gas turbine engine power system includes an engine, an automatic clutch, a service clutch and an infinitely variable transmission coupled successively along a power train. A vehicle control system controls engine speed, transmission ratio and automatic clutch engagement in response to operator selected ground speed and engine speed commands as well as other vehicle conditions. The vehicle control system operates in a manual mode to maintain engine speed as commanded by an operator or in an automatic mode to maintain an engine speed which will minimize fuel consumption. The transmission ratio is controlled for fixed rate vehicle acceleration toward a commanded speed if sufficient power is available. Otherwise ground speed is cut back to match required power with available power. However, ground speed cut back is limited as a safety feature and disengagement of the automatic clutch prevents engine stall when the engine becomes overloaded.

대표청구항 ▼

A vehicular single shaft gas turbine engine power system comprising: a single shaft gas turbine engine having a centrifugal compressor directly coupled for rotation with a turbine rotor wheel; an automatic clutch coupled to receive rotational energy from the engine and output rotational energy only

A vehicular single shaft gas turbine engine power system comprising: a single shaft gas turbine engine having a centrifugal compressor directly coupled for rotation with a turbine rotor wheel; an automatic clutch coupled to receive rotational energy from the engine and output rotational energy only when engaged, automatic clutch engagement being dependent upon engine power output shaft operating speed and independent of operator control to provide engagement when engine power output shaft operating speed is greater than a selected engagement speed which is less than a normal idling speed; a service clutch coupled to receive rotational energy from the output of the automatic clutch and output rotational energy to a vehicle motive system when selectively engaged under operator control.