PARALLEL HYBRID-ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT ENGINE
A parallel hybrid-electric aircraft engine that provides power for takeoff and climb by combining the output power of an electric motor with that an internal combustion engine and then converting the electric motor to a generator once the additional power of the electric motor is no longer needed.
1 . A method for takeoff and climb in an aircraft comprising:
powering a first mechanical-rotary shaft using a first internal combustion engine;
powering a first electrical-rotary shaft using electrical power stored in the electricity storage device or via connection to the first mechanical-rotary shaft;
applying to the takeoff and climb a portion of a thrust generated by the first mechanical-rotor; selectively applying to the takeoff and climb, in parallel with the first mechanical rotary shaft, at least a portion of a thrust generated by the first electrical-rotary shaft.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the selective applying of thrust of the first electrical-rotary shaft is accomplished via a connection between the first mechanical-rotary shaft, and the first electrical-rotary shaft via a clutch and belt.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein generation of electrical power using the first internal combustion engine is accomplished via the connection and the electrical power generated is stored in a battery.
4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the electrical power generated is used to power accessories in an aircraft.
5 . The method of claim 2 comprising a further step of removing power from either the first mechanical-rotary shaft or the first electrical-rotary shaft via the clutch.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the clutch is a sprag clutch.