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We anticipate that most vehicle applications will, in
addition to batteries, make use of some on-board power-generation device. No matter which fuel these generators
use, they are by definition more fuel efficient than conventional vehicle
engines because they operate in an optimized narrow range, possibly even without
they need of a gearbox. In
addition, since they operate at a fixed RPM range, their environmental impact
can be minimized by soundproofing and exhaust refinements. The main customer attraction of TheWheel™, aside
from its environmental benefits, lies in its simplicity and the significant
energy and operational cost savings that can be generated by avoiding the need
for a geared transfer of power and by utilizing a truly revolutionary electronic
management of the energy used. In
addition, with the use of four self-contained e-Traction®
suspension arms with electric steering it will be
possible to create unique and otherwise impossible movements. Aside from normal steering inputs,
utilizing our Spiral Control® software coupled with a separate
joystick, it will be possible to turn TheWheel™ by 180° from one extreme position to the other. This, for instance, enables the operator to turn the
vehicle around its own axis or to move it 90° to his left or right. Below you will find a list of applications that are either currently under development or that are deemed to be conceptually quite executable: Example: City bus The energy efficiency of current diesel powered
transit vehicles is usually less than 30%.
A conversion of such a vehicle with TheWheel™ with, recharged overnight,
batteries and a generator should more than double the energy efficiency. Provided the cost of conversion or the
incremental cost of purchase of vehicle with TheWheel™ is reasonable the fuel savings in
high volume usage will quickly provide a positive result. The low exhaust emissions, noise and
maintenance reduction are significant added benefits. Example: Mine Vehicle On the other hand, a mine operator needs to operate electric vehicles to preserve the air-quality for the workers. Current electric vehicles use gearboxes and require either oversized batteries to store the energy needed to complete a shift. If the vehicle were to use the direct-drive of TheWheel™ the battery requirements would be significantly reduced. The resulting lower weight of the vehicle further reduces the energy requirement. The operational savings are in this case secondary to the zero-emission requirement. Example: Alaskan off-road heavy-lift Vehicle
We have just developed a concept for a 10-wheeled
heavy-lift off-road vehicle to be used on soft terrain in Alaska. This 150-ton vehicle will be able to
move sideways to avoid obstacles and will be able to operate partially submerged
by using 10 TheWheel™ SM700’s
using oversized tires mounted on the e-Traction® suspension arm and
controlled by our
Spiral Control®. Example: Industrial Robots TheWheel™ is gearless. Its encoder, which identifies the position of the outer drum in relation to the center shaft, registers 13,000 unique points during every revolution. This enables the software to stop precisely at any 0.0277°every time without any of the wear normally experienced by geared applications. This unique benefit makes it extremely useful for use in robots. Example: Radar Antenna
Where the before mentioned robot needs to stop at very
precise locations, a radar antenna circulates around the clock throughout the
year. Not only are their gearboxes
noisy they are prone to failure and require frequent maintenance. Furthermore, they waste energy. TheWheel™
provides an excellent platform on which to mount such an antenna with
substantial benefits for the operator. Example: Satellite Tracking TurntableUplinks to satellites depend on the accuracy of the
tracking software and its translation in movements of the turntable. If any type of gearing is involved the
operator will eventually experience inaccuracies due to the “play” that will
develop between the cogwheels. Due
to its precise movements and high slow speed torque; a turntable directly
mounted on top of TheWheel™ would,
once and for all, eliminate this problem. Example: Armed Reconnaissance
Vehicle
TheWheel™
is virtually noiseless and produces virtually no heat signature. The watermill generator project has
proven that it is also fairly watertight, thus allowing under water operation. The design compromises for the
application of TheWheel™
are miniscule
in comparison to the current means of traction. In the event of a failure of one TheWheel™ the other units would absorb the
load until a suitable location were found for on site maintenance which would be
as easy as changing a tire. This concept could be enhanced by utilizing the
unique
e-Traction®
suspension arm with ride height control and
electric steering. This would allow
the vehicle to crab towards its destination while training the fixed mounted gun
at a potential target. No turret,
counterweight balance, or elaborate cartridge conveyor system needed. The simplicity of this arrangement
would: increase reliability, provide redundancy, reduce weight, facilitate
(reduced) maintenance, produce low observability and afford completely new range
of unique capabilities.
Example: Boeing 747
TheWheel™ SM700/3FE
currently has a maximum load capacity of 30 metric tons. Assuming we can
strengthen and adapt this system to deal with the load at impact with the
runway it might present a potent alternative for the aviation industry. To convert, for
instance, all or most wheels of a Boeing 747 with TheWheel™ multiple benefits
would be achieved. In chronological order: utilizing the on-board
batteries and the APU the pilot would initiate the push-back under the plane’s
own electric power, taxiing would be with main engines off, main engine start
would occur at a designated area shortly before final taxiing into position on
the runway, the initial acceleration for take-off (where jet engines are less
efficient) would be electrically assisted, as soon as this electrical assistance
is no longer needed the wheels automatically would regenerate the on-board
batteries, at final approach the wheels would spin-up to the exact over the
ground speed as relayed by GPS, at touch down no excessive friction and tire
wear would occur, on positive contact the wheels would act as brakes and remove
the energy from the wheel by recharging the batteries, at a comfortable speed
the main engines could be shut down, return to the gate would occur
electrically, ground maneuvering
would be significantly enhanced by the individual wheel control. The ecological and financial benefits are substantial. It is estimated that 2 metric tons of
kerosene will be saved per cycle. Tires
would last much longer than the current 30 cycles. There would also be no wear or heat from
brake-pads. The time savings in
operational flexibility and reduced maintenance requirements should all add up
to a worthwhile investment by the operator.
What to do with the electric energy generated during
a rejected take-off and the amount of torque required to overcome obstacles or
inclines will be an important focus of the feasibility study.
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