Patent ID: 8517129
Filing Date: 2013-08-27
Classification: B60K,B60L,B60W,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A drive system for a propeller of a boat, comprising: a first rotary-type internal combustion engine, wherein said first rotary-type internal combustion engine is optimized to operate on a first fuel; a first electric generator mechanically connected to said first rotary-type internal combustion engine, wherein said first electric generator is configured to produce electrical energy; a second rotary-type internal combustion engine, wherein said second rotary-type internal combustion engine is optimized to operate on a second fuel different from the first fuel; a second electric generator mechanically connected to said second rotary-type internal combustion engine, wherein said second electric generator is configured to produce electrical energy; a rechargeable electrical energy storage battery connected to said first electric generator and said second electric generator, wherein said rechargeable electrical energy storage battery is configured to selectively store the electrical energy produced by said first electric generator and by said second electric generator; an electric motor electrically connected to said first electric generator, said second electric generator, and said rechargeable electrical energy storage battery; a mechanical drive train electrically connected to said electric motor configured to move the propeller of the boat; wherein said electrical energy produced by said first rotary-type internal combustion engine and said first electric generator is independently sufficient to power said electric motor and move the propeller of the boat, wherein said electrical energy produced by said second rotary-type internal combustion engine and said second electric generator is independently sufficient to power said electric motor and move the propeller of the boat.