초록 ▼

An underwater vehicle includes a shaft with a propeller disposed thereon; a generator/motor having a stator and a rotor, the rotor being operable to rotate with the propeller; at least one energy storage device connected to the generator/motor; and a controller for setting the generator/motor in a c

An underwater vehicle includes a shaft with a propeller disposed thereon; a generator/motor having a stator and a rotor, the rotor being operable to rotate with the propeller; at least one energy storage device connected to the generator/motor; and a controller for setting the generator/motor in a charge mode, a propulsion mode and an idle mode.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An underwater vehicle, comprising: a shaft with a propeller disposed thereon; a generator/motor having a stator and a rotor, the rotor being operable to rotate with the propeller; at least one energy storage device connected to the generator/motor; and a controller for settin

What is claimed is: 1. An underwater vehicle, comprising: a shaft with a propeller disposed thereon; a generator/motor having a stator and a rotor, the rotor being operable to rotate with the propeller; at least one energy storage device connected to the generator/motor; and a controller for setting the generator/motor in a charge mode, a propulsion mode and an idle mode. 2. The underwater vehicle of claim 1 wherein the rotor is disposed on the shaft. 3. The underwater vehicle of claim 1 wherein in the charge mode the generator/motor charges the at least one energy storage device. 4. The underwater vehicle of claim 1 wherein in the propulsion mode the generator/motor provides power to the propeller. 5. The underwater vehicle of claim 1 wherein in the idle mode the generator/motor is an open circuit. 6. A method, comprising: moving the underwater vehicle of claim 1 through water; setting the controller to the charge mode; and charging the at least one energy storage device. 7. A method, comprising: providing the underwater vehicle of claim 1; setting the controller to the propulsion mode; and providing power to the propeller from the generator/motor. 8. A method, comprising: providing the underwater vehicle of claim 1; setting the controller to the idle mode. 9. The underwater vehicle of claim 1 wherein the at least one energy storage device is an electrical energy storage device. 10. The underwater vehicle of claim 9 wherein the electrical energy storage device is a battery. 11. In an underwater vehicle, a propulsion and power generation apparatus, comprising: a shaft with a propeller disposed thereon; a generator/motor having a stator and a rotor, the rotor being operable to rotate with the propeller; at least one energy storage device connected to the generator/motor; and a controller for setting the generator/motor in a charge mode, a propulsion mode and an idle mode. 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the rotor is disposed on the shaft. 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein in the charge mode the generator/motor charges the at least one energy storage device. 14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein in the propulsion mode the generator/motor provides power to the propeller. 15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein in the idle mode the generator/motor is an open circuit. 16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the at least one energy storage device is an electrical energy storage device. 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the electrical energy storage device is a battery. 18. An underwater vehicle, comprising: a shaft with a propeller disposed thereon, the propeller capable of propelling the vehicle through water; a generator connected to the shaft; at least one energy storage device connected to the generator; and a controller for setting the generator in a charge mode or and an idle mode. 19. The underwater vehicle of claim 18 wherein the generator comprises a generator/motor having a rotor and a stator, the rotor being operable to rotate with the propeller and further wherein the controller is for setting the generator/motor in a propulsion mode. 20. The underwater vehicle of claim 19 wherein the rotor is disposed on the shaft. 21. The underwater vehicle of claim 19 wherein in the propulsion mode the generator/motor provides power to the propeller. 22. The underwater vehicle of claim 18 wherein in the charge mode the generator charges the at least one energy storage device. 23. The underwater vehicle of claim 18 wherein in the idle mode the generator is an open circuit. 24. The underwater vehicle of claim 18 wherein the at least one energy storage device is an electrical energy storage device. 25. The underwater vehicle of claim 24 wherein the electrical energy storage device is a battery.