US Patent 9937803 Electric direct drive for aircraft propulsion and lift

The present disclosure provides an apparatus with a prime mover coupled to a generator that is directly electrically coupled to an electric motor. A propeller or fan may be coupled to and driven by the electric motor. A bi-directional power converter may be coupled to the generator and further coupled to an energy storage device. The energy storage device may be selectively coupled to the electric motor. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.