Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080276824 | PROPULSION SYSTEM - A propulsion system for a vehicle is provided. The propulsion system includes a first traction drive system and a second traction drive system. The first traction drive system includes a heat engine and a first drive motor. The heat engine supplies energy to the first drive motor to propel the vehicle. The second traction drive system includes a second drive motor and a first energy storage device. The second drive motor both supplies energy to the first energy storage device and receives energy from the first energy storage device. Also provided is a propulsion system for a vehicle that includes the first traction drive system and a propulsion means for supplying energy to a first energy storage device and for receiving energy from the first energy storage device. | 11-13-2008 |
20080276825 | ELECTRIC DRIVE VEHICLE RETROFIT SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A system is provided for retrofitting an electrically propelled vehicle. The vehicle has an engine-driven generator, and at least a first traction motor and a second traction motor coupled to the generator. The system includes an energy storage device capable of being coupled to at least the first traction motor; and a control system operable to control a distribution of propulsive power between the first traction motor and the second traction motor. An associated method and a retrofit kit are provided, also. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281479 | METHOD OF OPERATING PROPULSION SYSTEM - A method is provided that includes propelling an electrically driven vehicle at a first, slower speed, and potentially high torque by supplying electricity at a first, lower voltage from an energy storage device to a second electric motor; and includes propelling the vehicle at a second, faster speed, and moderate torque by supplying electricity at a second, higher voltage from an engine-driven generator to a first electric motor. Another method includes propelling an electrically driven vehicle by supplying electricity from an engine-driven generator to a first electric motor; and generating electricity at a second electric motor to charge an energy storage device. Corresponding systems for implementing the method are provided. | 11-13-2008 |
20080288132 | METHOD OF OPERATING VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM - A method of operating a vehicle having an electric drive is provided. The method includes defining a first zone and a second zone. The first zone has an associated first characteristic and the second zone has an associated second characteristic that differs from the first characteristic. The method further includes switching an operating mode of a vehicle from a first operating mode in the first zone to a second operating mode in the second zone in response to the vehicle translating from the first zone to the second zone. Associated vehicles and systems are provided also. | 11-20-2008 |
20100019718 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXTENDING LIFE OF A VEHICLE ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a power transfer rate in to and/or out of a vehicle energy storage device to affect a current state of charge of the energy storage device. The vehicle may be on a mission comprising a plurality of future power transfer opportunities. In one example, the method comprises adjusting the power transfer rate based on an estimated duration of a future power transfer opportunity. Further, the method may include, if the estimated duration of the future power transfer opportunity is different from a predetermined threshold, changing the power transfer rate at the future power transfer opportunity. The method allows the operating life of the energy storage device to be extended. | 01-28-2010 |
20100039054 | VEHICLE, SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system includes a retarder in electrical communication through an electric link with an alternator, and a controller that compares a power measurement with an accessory load on a system during a retard event, and can reduce an electrical load on the alternator, or can remove all electrical loads from an engine, when electric power that is generated from the retarder is measured to be greater than an accessory load on the system. The system may include an alternator that provides a motor function to rotate a shaft coupled to an engine that is mechanically coupled to one or more mechanically drivable accessories. The alternator powers the mechanically drivable accessories in place of or in addition to the engine. | 02-18-2010 |
20100089547 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF MULTI-BATTERY SYSTEMS - An system includes a first battery having a first desired operating temperature range between a first lower threshold temperature and a first upper threshold temperature and a second battery having a second desired operating temperature range between a second lower threshold temperature and a second upper threshold temperature. The system further includes a temperature control system coupled to the first and second batteries and configured to convey heat energy from the first battery to the second battery when the temperature of the second battery is less than the second lower threshold temperature to increase the temperature of the second battery toward the second desired operating temperature range and to convey heat energy away from the second battery when the temperature of the second battery is greater than the second upper threshold temperature to decrease the temperature of the second battery toward the second desired operating temperature range. | 04-15-2010 |
20100090525 | SYSTEM, VEHICLE AND RELATED METHOD - A system includes a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the DC-link, and the first energy storage system comprises a first energy source that can exchange electrical power with an electric motor through the DC-link; a boost converter coupled to the DC-link; a second energy storage system that can be reversibly electrically coupled to the boost converter through a contactor, and wherein an operating voltage of the second energy storage system is less than an operating voltage of the first energy source; and the second energy storage system comprises both an energy battery and a second energy source, and the second energy source has an operating voltage that is higher than the energy battery and is lower than the first energy source operating voltage. A vehicle incorporating the system and a related method are provided. | 04-15-2010 |
20100090626 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF ELECTRIC AND HYBRID DRIVE TRAINS - A propulsion system is provided that includes an electric drive, a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive through a direct current (DC) link, and a second energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive. The propulsion system further includes a multi-channel bi-directional boost converter coupled to the first energy storage system and to the second energy storage system such that the second energy storage system is decouplable from the DC link, wherein the second energy storage system comprises at least one battery coupled in series with at least one ultracapacitor. | 04-15-2010 |
20100096926 | APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING ENERGY USING POWER ELECTRONICS AND MACHINE INDUCTANCE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A traction inverter circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to output a DC voltage, a first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter coupled to the first energy storage device, and a first electromechanical device. The first electromechanical device includes a first plurality of conductors coupled to the first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter, a second plurality of conductors coupled together, and a plurality of windings coupled between the first plurality of conductors and the second plurality of conductors. The traction converter circuit also includes a charge bus comprising a first conductor coupled to the second plurality of conductors of the first electromechanical device, the charge bus configured to transmit a charging current to or receive a charging current from the first electromechanical device to charge the first energy storage device via the first electromechanical device and the first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter. | 04-22-2010 |
20100097031 | APPARATUS FOR ENERGY TRANSFER USING CONVERTER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. | 04-22-2010 |
20100133900 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE BASED UNINTERRUPTABLE POWER SUPPLY - A system and method for controlling a vehicle-based source of uninterruptable power is disclosed. The vehicle-based UPS includes an energy storage system located on-board a vehicle and configured to generate DC power transferable to an external load, and an DC-AC inverter connected to the on-board energy storage system to receive the DC power therefrom and invert the DC power to an AC power useable by the external load. The vehicle-based UPS also includes a charging device located on-board the vehicle and connected to the on-board energy storage system to provide recharging power thereto and a control system. The control system is configured to determine one of a state-of-charge (SOC) and a voltage of the energy storage system and selectively operate the charging device to provide the recharging power to the energy storage system to maintain the SOC or voltage of the energy storage system within a pre-determined range. | 06-03-2010 |
20100133912 | AUXILIARY DRIVE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - An auxiliary drive circuit including a first energy storage device coupled to a first DC bus and configured to output electrical power to the first DC bus, and a first DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first DC bus and to a second DC bus, the first DC-to-DC voltage converter configured to convert the electrical power to a first voltage and to output the first voltage to the second DC bus. The auxiliary drive circuit also includes a second DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the second DC bus and coupled to an auxiliary bus, the second DC-to-DC voltage converter configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage and to provide the second voltage to the auxiliary bus, the auxiliary bus configured to provide an auxiliary voltage to an auxiliary load, wherein the second voltage is different from the first voltage. | 06-03-2010 |
20100136379 | APPARATUS FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY OPERATION OF FUEL CELL SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A drive circuit comprising a DC bus configured to supply power to a load, a first fuel cell coupled to the DC bus and configured to provide a first power output to the DC bus, and a second fuel cell coupled to the DC bus and configured to provide a second power output to the DC bus supplemental to the first fuel cell. The drive circuit further includes an energy storage device coupled to the DC bus and configured to receive energy from the DC bus when a combined output of the first and second fuel cells is greater than a power demand from a load, and provide energy to the DC bus when the combined output of the first and second fuel cells is less than the power demand from the load. | 06-03-2010 |
20100187031 | MODULAR AUXILIARY POWER UNIT ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A system and method for a propulsion system includes an electric motor and an energy storage unit configured to supply a primary power to the electric motor. The propulsion system also includes a plurality of auxiliary power units (APUs) configured to supply a secondary power to at least one of the electric motor and the energy storage unit. Each of the plurality of APUs includes a free-piston engine configured to generate a mechanical output, a linear generator configured to transform the mechanical output to an electrical power, and a controller. The controller receives a power command from the electric motor and/or the energy storage unit, determines an amount of secondary power needed to meet the power command, and selectively activates a number of the plurality of APUs to generate the needed amount of secondary power. | 07-29-2010 |
20100206100 | ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN POWER TAKE-OFF SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A system and method for operating power take-off (PTO) systems aboard hybrid and electric systems and vehicles is disclosed. The PTO system includes an energy storage device configured to supply electrical power and at least one electrical drive system electrically connected to the energy storage device to receive the electrical power, with each of the at least one electrical drive systems configured to convert the electrical power to a desired mechanical power. The PTO system also includes at least one PTO shaft mechanically connected to each of the at least one electrical drive systems that is driven by the mechanical power to generate a mechanical output, with the mechanical output of each of the at least one PTO shafts being independently controllable from the mechanical output of other PTO shafts. | 08-19-2010 |
20100225328 | BATTERY SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A BATTERY - A locomotive, a battery system and a method for monitoring a battery are provided. The battery has a first plurality of cells electrically coupled in series to one another. The first plurality of cells includes a second plurality of cells and a third plurality of cells electrically coupled together at a node. The method includes calculating a first number of failed cells in the first plurality cells. The method further includes calculating a second number of failed cells in the second plurality cells and a third number of failed cells in the third plurality cells. | 09-09-2010 |
20100250082 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADVANCED ANTI-SKID BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROLS - A disk brake system includes a magnetically encoded disk brake rotor having at least one magnetized section encoded therein and a disk brake caliper comprising a plurality of disk brake pads attached thereto, the disk brake pads positioned adjacently to the disk brake rotor and configured to frictionally engage the disk brake rotor upon operation of the disk brake caliper. The disk brake system further comprises a sensor assembly mounted proximately to the disk brake rotor and comprising at least one magnetic field sensor configured to detect the at least one magnetic field, and a controller configured to receive signals from the at least one magnetic field sensor. The controller is further configured to enable selective operation of the disk brake caliper based on the signals received from the at least one magnetic field sensor. | 09-30-2010 |
20100253139 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING TRACTIVE EFFORT WITH INTERFACE TO OTHER APPARATUS - An apparatus and method for determining and providing a controlled power from a first apparatus to another apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an energy source configured to generate a power output, a power converter electrically connected to the energy source to receive the power output and to output a conditioned power, and a transfer switch configured to selectively couple the conditioned power to an external apparatus. The apparatus also includes a controller in communication with the external apparatus and configured to receive apparatus parameter data related to the external apparatus, determine a power requirement of the external apparatus based on the apparatus parameter data, operate the power convertor to output conditioned power that meets the power requirement of the external apparatus, and control the transfer switch to couple the conditioned power that meets the power requirement to the external apparatus. | 10-07-2010 |
20100253145 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR CONVEYING ELECTRICAL ENERGY - An apparatus, system, and method, the apparatus includes an intelligent energy transfer system including a configurable switching system electrically coupleable to a vehicle. The vehicle includes one of an electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The configurable switching system is configured to convey a first direct current (DC) energy from a first energy source to an energy storage system of the vehicle, receive a first alternating current (AC) energy conveyed to the vehicle, convey a second DC energy from the vehicle to a first DC powered load, and convey a second AC energy from the vehicle to a first AC powered load. Each of the first energy source, the first AC powered load, and the first DC powered load are located remotely from the vehicle. | 10-07-2010 |
20110037320 | SYSTEM FOR MULTIPLE ENERGY STORAGE AND MANAGEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A propulsion system comprising an electric drive, a DC link electrically coupled to the electric drive, and a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive, the first energy storage system comprising at least a high specific-power energy storage device is shown. The propulsion system further includes a second energy storage system, wherein a positive terminal of the second energy storage system is electrically coupled to the electric drive through the DC link and a negative terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled in series with a positive terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device. A multi-channel bi-directional boost converter is coupled to the first energy storage system and to the second energy storage system, wherein the connection between the positive terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device and the negative terminal of the second energy storage system bypasses the multi-channel bi-directional boost converter. | 02-17-2011 |
20110040495 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BEARING CONDITION MONITORING - An electrical motor bearing condition monitoring system includes an assembly that includes a shaft, a first bearing race coupled to the shaft, a plurality of bearing balls, and a second bearing race coupled to the first bearing race via the plurality of bearing balls. A portion of the assembly has a magnetic field encoded thereon. The monitoring system includes a magnetic field sensor positioned proximately to the magnetized assembly and configured to measure the magnetic field, and a processing unit configured to detect changes in the magnetic field via the magnetic field sensor that occur due to passage of electrical current through the bearing balls. | 02-17-2011 |
20110050151 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NON-SINUSOIDAL CURRENT WAVEFORM EXCITATION OF ELECTRICAL MACHINES - A system and method for exciting an electrical machine with instantaneous non-sinusoidal current waveforms is disclosed. The system includes an inverter that controls current flow and terminal voltages in an electrical machine and a controller programmed to input an initial sinusoidal current demand to the inverter, thereby causing the inverter to output an initial sinusoidal input current. The controller is further programmed to receive feedback on an air gap magnetic field in the electrical machine generated by the initial sinusoidal current demand, determine an instantaneous fundamental component and instantaneous harmonic components of the air gap magnetic field, apply a correction to the instantaneous fundamental component of the air gap magnetic field to generate an ideal fundamental component, generate a non-sinusoidal current demand based on the ideal fundamental component, and input the non-sinusoidal current demand to the inverter, thereby causing the inverter to output a non-sinusoidal current. | 03-03-2011 |
20110050173 | APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING ENERGY USING ONBOARD POWER ELECTRONICS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - An apparatus comprises a first energy storage device configured to output a DC voltage, a first bi-directional voltage modification assembly coupled to the first energy storage device, and a charge bus coupled to the first energy storage device and to the first bi-directional voltage modification assembly. The apparatus also comprises high-impedance voltage source coupleable to the charge bus and a controller configured to monitor a transfer of charging energy supplied from the high-impedance voltage source to the first energy storage device. The controller is also configured to compare the monitored transfer of charging energy with a threshold value and, after the threshold value has been crossed, control the first bi-directional voltage modification assembly to modify one of a voltage and a current of the charging energy supplied to the first energy storage device. | 03-03-2011 |
20110050174 | APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING ENERGY USING ONBOARD POWER ELECTRONICS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - An apparatus includes an energy storage device, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the energy storage device, and an input device. A voltage bus is coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter and to the input device. The apparatus also includes a controller configured to control the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter to convert a charging energy on the voltage bus into a charging energy suitable for charging the energy storage device during a charging operation and to monitor a voltage of the energy storage device during the charging operation. The controller is also configured to compare the monitored voltage with a threshold value during the charging operation and, after the threshold value has been crossed, control the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter to convert the charging energy into a charging energy configured to maintain the voltage of the energy storage device at a pre-determined value. | 03-03-2011 |
20110148353 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RAPID CHARGING USING SHARED POWER ELECTRONICS - An apparatus comprises a power electronic energy conversion system comprising a first energy storage device configured to store DC energy and a first voltage converter configured to convert a second voltage from a remote power supply into a first charging voltage configured to charge the first energy storage device. The apparatus also includes a first controller configured to control the first voltage converter to convert the second voltage into the first charging voltage and to provide the first charging voltage to the first energy storage device during a charging mode of operation and communicate with a second controller located remotely from the power electronic energy conversion system to cause a second charging voltage to be provided to the first energy storage device during the charging mode of operation to rapidly charge the first energy storage device. | 06-23-2011 |
20110169449 | APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING ENERGY USING POWER ELECTRONICS AND MACHINE INDUCTANCE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A fraction inverter circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to output a DC voltage, a first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter coupled to the first energy storage device, and a first electromechanical device. The first electromechanical device includes a first plurality of conductors coupled to the first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter, a second plurality of conductors coupled together, and a plurality of windings coupled between the first plurality of conductors and the second plurality of conductors. The traction converter circuit also includes a charge bus comprising a first conductor coupled to the second plurality of conductors of the first electromechanical device, the charge bus configured to transmit a charging current to or receive a charging current from the first electromechanical device to charge the first energy storage device via the first electromechanical device and the first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter. | 07-14-2011 |
20110175442 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR CONVEYING ELECTRICAL ENERGY - An apparatus, system, and method, the apparatus includes an intelligent energy transfer system including a configurable switching system electrically coupleable to a vehicle. The vehicle includes one of an electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The configurable switching system is configured to convey a first direct current (DC) energy from a first energy source to an energy storage system of the vehicle, receive a first alternating current (AC) energy conveyed to the vehicle, convey a second DC energy from the vehicle to a first DC powered load, and convey a second AC energy from the vehicle to a first AC powered load. Each of the first energy source, the first AC powered load, and the first DC powered load are located remotely from the vehicle. | 07-21-2011 |
20110204854 | APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING ENERGY USING ONBOARD POWER ELECTRONICS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - An apparatus comprises a first energy storage device configured to output a DC voltage, a first bi-directional voltage modification assembly coupled to the first energy storage device, and a charge bus coupled to the first energy storage device and to the first bi-directional voltage modification assembly. The apparatus also comprises high-impedance voltage source coupleable to the charge bus and a controller configured to monitor a transfer of charging energy supplied from the high-impedance voltage source to the first energy storage device. The controller is also configured to compare the monitored transfer of charging energy with a threshold value and, after the threshold value has been crossed, control the first bi-directional voltage modification assembly to modify one of a voltage and a current of the charging energy supplied to the first energy storage device. | 08-25-2011 |
20110221387 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHARGING AN ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID-ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A system and method for electrical charging is disclosed. The electrical charging system comprises a first charging coil and an energy storage device coupled to the first charging coil. The energy charging system further comprises an energy charging station comprising a second charging coil disposed on a movable positioner, wherein the second charging coil is coupleable to an electrical energy source, at least one drive mechanism configured to translate the movable positioned, and a system controller. The system controller is configured to detect an event indicative of a proximity of the first charging coil to the energy charging station, translate the movable positioner such that the second charging coil is substantially aligned with, and closely spaced apart from, the first charging coil to form an electrical transformer, and initiate a charging cycle configured to transfer electrical energy to the at least one energy storage device via the electrical transformer. | 09-15-2011 |
20110241647 | CONTROL DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method, system, and apparatus including a distribution transformer having a communications module. The distribution transformer is configured to convert a first high voltage electricity from a high voltage distribution line to a first low voltage electricity and convey the first low voltage electricity along a low voltage line to an electrical device. The communications module is configured to transmit a load reduction request along the low voltage line to the electrical device. | 10-06-2011 |
20110241814 | AUGMENTED DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method, system, and apparatus including a distribution transformer having a communication module. The distribution transformer is configured to convert a first high voltage electricity from a high voltage distribution line to a first low voltage electricity and convert a second low voltage electricity from a low voltage power line to a second high voltage electricity. The communication module is programmed to provide time data representing time of day information along the low voltage power line to an electrical device and provide location data representing location information along the low voltage power line to the electrical device. The location information includes a geographic location of the distribution transformer. | 10-06-2011 |
20110246005 | APPARATUS FOR HYBRID ENGINE CONTROL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - An apparatus includes a transmission, an engine coupled to an input side of the transmission, and an electromechanical device coupled to an output side of the transmission. The apparatus also includes a differential coupled to the output side of the electromechanical device and a controller coupled to the electromechanical device. The controller is programmed to receive a travel range estimate and control operation of the electromechanical device based on the travel range estimate. | 10-06-2011 |
20110291516 | ELECTRIC MACHINE ROTOR BAR AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method, system, and apparatus including an electric machine having a plurality of rotor bars and a first coupling component configured to electrically couple the plurality of rotor bars together. Each rotor bar of the plurality of rotor bars includes a first metallic material having a first electrical resistivity and a second metallic material cast about the first material, where the second metallic material has a second electrical resistivity greater than the first electrical resistivity. The first metallic material has a first end and a second end opposite the first end and the first coupling component is coupled to the first end of the first metallic material. | 12-01-2011 |
20110291599 | HIGH-SPEED SELF-CASCADED ELECTRIC MACHINE - An electric machine is disclosed comprising a first energy source, a second energy source, and a stator which comprises a first set of windings and a second set of windings. The electric machine has a rotor and a controller, the controller configured to control the first energy source to supply a first current to the first set of windings and control the second energy source to supply a second current to the second set of windings. The controller also detects an angular position of the rotor, detects the first current, detects the second current, and determines an optimum phase shift angle of the first current based on the angular position of the rotor, the first current, and the second current. The controller controls the first energy source based on the optimum phase shift angle to modify the first current supplied to the first set of windings. | 12-01-2011 |
20110316345 | SYSTEM FOR MULTIPLE ENERGY STORAGE AND MANAGEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A propulsion system comprising an electric drive, a DC link electrically coupled to the electric drive, and a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive, the first energy storage system comprising at least a high specific-power energy storage device is shown. The propulsion system further includes a second energy storage system, wherein a first terminal of the second energy storage system is electrically coupled to the electric drive through the DC link and a second terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled in series with a terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device. A multi-channel bi-directional boost converter is coupled to the first energy storage system and to the second energy storage system, wherein the connection between the terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device and the second terminal of the second energy storage system bypasses the multi-channel bi-directional boost converter. | 12-29-2011 |
20110320051 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NON-SINUSOIDAL CURRENT WAVEFORM EXCITATION OF ELECTRICAL GENERATORS - An electrical generator includes a stator having fractional-slot concentrated windings and a rotor having field windings. A drive is provided having a circuit to control current flow to the field windings and a controller to input an initial DC field current demand to the circuit to cause the circuit to output an initial DC field current representative of a DC field current demand that would cause an electrical generator having sinusoidal stator windings to output a desired AC power. The controller receives feedback on the magnetic field generated by the initial DC field current, isolates an ideal fundamental component of the magnetic field based on the feedback and to generate a modified DC field current demand, and inputs the modified DC field current demand to the circuit, thereby causing the circuit to output an instantaneous non-sinusoidal current to the field windings to generate a sinusoidal rotating air gap magnetic field. | 12-29-2011 |
20120019083 | HIGH POWER-DENSITY, HIGH EFFICIENCY, NON-PERMANENT MAGNET ELECTRIC MACHINE - A system and method of manufacturing an electric machine comprising a rotor and a stator, wherein the stator comprises a fractional-slot concentrated winding having two sets of terminals, wherein a first set of terminals configures the fractional-slot concentrated winding to have a first pole-number (P | 01-26-2012 |
20120038214 | SYSTEM FOR MULTIPLE ENERGY STORAGE AND MANAGEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A system for multiple energy storage and management includes a propulsion system includes an electric drive and a direct current (DC) link electrically and a first energy storage system coupled to the electric drive. The first energy storage system includes a low specific-power energy storage device (ESD). A coupling device is coupled to a first terminal of the low specific-power ESD and a second energy storage system, wherein a first terminal of the second energy storage system is electrically coupled to the electric drive through the DC link and a second terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled to the coupling device. A boost converter assembly is coupled to the first and second energy storage systems. The coupling device couples the second terminal of the second energy storage system to the first terminal of the low specific-power ESD in a series connection that bypasses the boost converter assembly. | 02-16-2012 |
20120038216 | SYSTEM FOR MULTIPLE ENERGY STORAGE AND MANAGEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A propulsion system includes an electric drive, a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive through a DC link, and a second energy storage system electrically coupled to the first energy storage system in a series connection. The first energy storage system comprises a high specific-energy storage device and the second energy storage system comprises a low specific-power storage device. The propulsion system also includes a third energy storage system comprising a high specific-energy storage device electrically coupled to the second energy storage system. A bi-directional boost converter is electrically coupled to the second and third energy storage systems such that a terminal of the third energy storage system is electrically coupled to a low voltage side of the bi-directional boost converter and a terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled to a high voltage side of the bi-directional boost converter. | 02-16-2012 |
20120068802 | AUGMENTED DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method, system, and apparatus including a distribution transformer having a communication module. The distribution transformer is configured to convert a first high voltage electricity from a high voltage distribution line to a first low voltage electricity and convert a second low voltage electricity from a low voltage power line to a second high voltage electricity. The communication module is programmed to provide time data representing time of day information along the low voltage power line to an electrical device and provide location data representing location information along the low voltage power line to the electrical device. The location information includes a geographic location of the distribution transformer. | 03-22-2012 |
20120074774 | APPARATUS FOR ENERGY TRANSFER USING CONVERTER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. | 03-29-2012 |
20120112693 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CHARGING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - An energy management system (ESMS) includes energy storage devices coupled to a vehicle drivetrain and configured to store DC energy, a power electronic conversion system having energy ports, the power electronic conversion system comprising a DC electrical converters, each DC electrical converter configured to step up and to step down a DC voltage, wherein each of the energy ports is coupleable to each of the energy storage devices and each of the energy ports is coupleable to an electrical charging system. The EV includes a controller configured to determine a voltage of each energy port having either an energy storage device or a DC electrical charging system coupled thereto, and electrically connect a first energy port to a second energy port such that at least one of the DC electrical converters either steps up or steps down an input DC voltage based on the determined voltage of each energy port. | 05-10-2012 |
20120112702 | APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING ENERGY USING ONBOARD POWER ELECTRONICS WITH HIGH-FREQUENCY TRANSFORMER ISOLATION AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - An apparatus for transferring energy using onboard power electronics with high-frequency transformer isolation includes a power electronic drive circuit comprises a dc bus and a first energy storage device coupled to the dc bus. A first bi-directional dc-to-ac voltage inverter is coupled to the first energy storage device and to the dc bus, and a first electromechanical device coupled to the first bi-directional dc-to-ac voltage inverter. A charging system coupled to the dc bus via a charge bus comprises a receptacle configured to mate with a connector coupled to a voltage source external to the power electronic drive circuit and an isolation transformer configured to electrically isolate the charge bus from the receptacle. A controller configured to cause the charging system to supply a charging voltage to the dc bus based on a voltage received from the voltage source external to the power electronic drive circuit. | 05-10-2012 |
20120126728 | INTEGRATED ELECTRIC MACHINE AND SILICON CARBIDE POWER CONVERTER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An electric drive system comprising an electric machine comprising a rotor and a stator, a power converter electrically coupled to the electric machine and configured to convert a DC link voltage to an AC output voltage to drive the electric machine, and a single cooling loop, wherein the electric machine and the power converter are integrated within the single cooling loop. | 05-24-2012 |
20120126733 | HIGH POWER-DENSITY, HIGH BACK EMF PERMANENT MAGNET MACHINE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An electric drive system includes a permanent magnet machine having a rotor and a stator and a power converter electrically coupled to the permanent magnet machine and configured to convert a DC link voltage to an AC output voltage to drive the permanent magnet machine. The power converter includes a plurality of silicon carbide switching devices having a voltage rating that exceeds a peak line-to-line back electromotive force of the permanent magnet machine at a maximum speed of the permanent magnet machine. | 05-24-2012 |
20120126741 | LOW-INDUCTANCE, HIGH-EFFICIENCY INDUCTION MACHINE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An electric drive system includes an induction machine and a power converter electrically coupled to the induction machine to drive the induction machine. The power converter comprising a plurality of silicon carbide (SiC) switching devices. The electric drive system further includes a controller that is electrically coupled to the power converter and that is programmed to transmit switching signals to the plurality of SiC switching devices at a given switching frequency such that a peak-to-peak current ripple is less than approximately five percent. | 05-24-2012 |
20120153878 | APPARATUS FOR ENERGY TRANSFER USING CONVERTER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. | 06-21-2012 |
20120153879 | APPARATUS FOR ENERGY TRANSFER USING CONVERTER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. | 06-21-2012 |
20120245772 | SYSTEM FOR SUPPLYING PROPULSION ENERGY FROM AN AUXILIARY DRIVE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A propulsion system is provided that includes an energy system, an auxiliary system, and a system controller. The energy system includes a bi-directional boost converter coupled to a direct current (DC) link and comprising a plurality of input channels. The energy system also includes a first energy storage device coupled to a first input channel of the bi-directional boost converter via a DC bus. The auxiliary system is coupled to the energy system and includes an auxiliary energy source, an auxiliary load, and an auxiliary load controller coupled to the auxiliary energy source and to the auxiliary load. The system controller is configured to cause the auxiliary load controller to reduce a power draw of the auxiliary load from the auxiliary energy source and to cause the bi-directional boost converter to boost a voltage supplied by the auxiliary energy source and to supply the boosted voltage to the DC link. | 09-27-2012 |
20120286618 | ELECTRIC MACHINE ROTOR BAR AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method, system, and apparatus including an electric machine having a plurality of rotor bars and a first coupling component configured to electrically couple the plurality of rotor bars together. Each rotor bar of the plurality of rotor bars includes a first metallic material having a first electrical resistivity and a second metallic material cast about the first material, where the second metallic material has a second electrical resistivity greater than the first electrical resistivity. The first metallic material has a first end and a second end opposite the first end and the first coupling component is coupled to the first end of the first metallic material. | 11-15-2012 |
20120299378 | AUXILIARY DRIVE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - An auxiliary drive circuit includes a first energy storage device coupled to a first DC bus and configured to output electrical power to the first DC bus, a first switch-mode power supply coupled to the first DC bus and to a second DC bus, the first switch-mode power supply configured to convert the electrical power to a first voltage and to output the first voltage to the second DC bus, and a second switch-mode power supply coupled to the second DC bus and coupled to an auxiliary bus, the second switch-mode power supply configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage and to provide the second voltage to the auxiliary bus, the auxiliary bus configured to provide an auxiliary voltage to an auxiliary drive system, wherein the second voltage is different from the first voltage. | 11-29-2012 |
20120326652 | HIGH POWER-DENSITY, HIGH EFFICIENCY, NON-PERMANENT MAGNET ELECTRIC MACHINE - A system and method of manufacturing an electric machine comprising a rotor and a stator, wherein the stator comprises a fractional-slot concentrated winding having two sets of terminals, wherein a first set of terminals configures the fractional-slot concentrated winding to have a first pole-number (P | 12-27-2012 |
20130038127 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE CYCLE LIFE - A multi-energy storage device system is provided that includes a first energy storage device (ESD) coupled to a direct current (DC) link. A bi-directional buck/boost converter includes an output channel coupled to the DC link and an input channel. A second ESD coupled to the input channel has a usable energy storage range defining an entire amount of usable energy storable therein. A database includes stored information related to a known acceleration event. A system controller is configured to acquire the stored information related to the known acceleration event and, during the known acceleration event, cause the buck/boost converter to boost the voltage of the second ESD and to supply the boosted voltage to the DC link such that after the known acceleration event, the state of charge of the second ESD is less than or substantially equal to a minimum usable energy storage state of charge. | 02-14-2013 |
20130106187 | SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVELY COUPLING AN ENERGY SOURCE TO A LOAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME | 05-02-2013 |
20130106195 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RAPIDLY CHARGING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE | 05-02-2013 |
20130138279 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT IN AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A vehicular energy management system (EMS) determines a net total power from a traction drive load, an auxiliary device load, and a regenerative power. If the net total power is a net supply power, the EMS causes regenerative power to be provided to a power source and energy source in a controlled manner to initially charge the power source to a desired state-of-charge (SOC) and then subsequently charge the energy source. If the net total power comprises a net power load, the EMS causes power to be drawn from the power source and the energy source, with a split of the power being drawn from the power source and the energy source being based on a magnitude of the net power load. The EMS adjusts/maintains the SOC set-point of the power source and the DC link voltage based on vehicle speed and relative altitude of travel of the vehicle. | 05-30-2013 |
20130141074 | CONTROL DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A distribution transformer comprises a sensor system and a communications module. The distribution transformer is configured to convert a first high voltage electricity from a high voltage distribution line to a first low voltage electricity and convey the first low voltage electricity along a low voltage line to an electrical device. The sensor system is configured to determine a temperature of the distribution transformer, and the communications module is configured to transmit a load reduction request along the low voltage line to the electrical device based on the temperature of the distribution transformer. | 06-06-2013 |
20130158765 | MODULAR AUXILIARY POWER UNIT ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A system and method for a propulsion system includes an electric motor and an energy storage unit configured to supply a primary power to the electric motor. The propulsion system also includes a plurality of auxiliary power units (APUs) configured to supply a secondary power to at least one of the electric motor and the energy storage unit. Each of the plurality of APUs includes a free-piston engine configured to generate a mechanical output, a linear generator configured to transform the mechanical output to an electrical power, and a controller. The controller receives a power command from the electric motor and/or the energy storage unit, determines an amount of secondary power needed to meet the power command, and selectively activates a number of the plurality of APUs to generate the needed amount of secondary power. | 06-20-2013 |
20130234675 | APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING ENERGY USING ONBOARD POWER ELECTRONICS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - An apparatus for transferring energy using onboard power electronics comprises a first energy storage device configured to output a DC voltage and a DC bus coupled to the first energy storage device, the DC bus coupleable to a high-impedance voltage source. The apparatus also comprises a braking resistor coupled to the DC bus and to a control circuit, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the control circuit to cause on the DC bus to be dissipated through the braking resistor during a regenerative braking event, cause the first energy storage device to receive a charging energy from the high-impedance voltage source through the braking resistor during a charging event, and after a threshold value has been crossed, cause the first energy storage device to receive the charging energy from the high-impedance voltage source bypassing the braking resistor during the charging event. | 09-12-2013 |
20130293175 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY OPERATION OF FUEL CELL SYSTEMS - A drive circuit comprising a DC bus configured to supply power to a load, a first fuel cell coupled to the DC bus and configured to provide a first power output to the DC bus, and a second fuel cell coupled to the DC bus and configured to provide a second power output to the DC bus supplemental to the first fuel cell. The drive circuit further includes an energy storage device coupled to the DC bus and configured to receive energy from the DC bus when a combined output of the first and second fuel cells is greater than a power demand from a load, and provide energy to the DC bus when the combined output of the first and second fuel cells is less than the power demand from the load. | 11-07-2013 |
20130307351 | CONTACTOR ISOLATION METHOD AND APPARATUS - A contactor unit includes an input lead connectable to a first lead of an energy output device, an output lead connectable to a first lead of a voltage bus, a contactor that connects and disconnects the input lead from the output lead, a driver configured to operate the contactor, a serial data link connectable to a system controller that is external to the contactor unit, and an integrated circuit (IC) positioned within the contactor unit and configured to output a control command to the driver to open the contactor based on at least one of a current in either the input lead or the output lead and a voltage differential across the contactor, and output a contactor control status via the serial data link. | 11-21-2013 |
20130307489 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHARGING MULTIPLE ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES - An electric vehicle includes a controller configured to receive sensor feedback from a high voltage storage device and from a low voltage storage device, compare the sensor feedback to operating limits of the respective high and low voltage storage device, determine, based on the comparison a total charging current to the high voltage storage device and to the low voltage storage device and a power split factor of the total charging current to the high voltage device and to the low voltage device, and regulate the total power to the low voltage storage device and the high voltage storage device based on the determination. | 11-21-2013 |
20130308361 | TRANSFORMER TAP-CHANGING CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A transformer tap-changing circuit comprises an apparatus that includes a transformer comprising a secondary winding configured to inductively couple to a primary winding when a current is passed through the primary winding from an energy source, a first rectifier coupled to the secondary winding and configured to rectify a first AC voltage from the secondary winding into a first DC voltage, and a second rectifier coupled to the secondary winding and configured to rectify a second AC voltage from the secondary winding into a second DC voltage. The apparatus also includes a DC bus coupled to the first and second rectifiers and configured to receive the first and second DC voltages therefrom, wherein the first AC voltage is higher than the second AC voltage, and wherein the first DC voltage is higher than the second DC voltage. | 11-21-2013 |
20130328539 | SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING ENERGY FROM AN ENERGY SOURCE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A system for transferring energy from an energy source includes a first energy source, a DC link coupled to a DC load, a first DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the DC link, and a second DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy source. A controller is coupled to the first and second DC-to-DC voltage converters and configured to determine a voltage level of the first energy source and of the DC link. If the voltage level of the DC link is less than the voltage level of the first energy source, the controller controls the second DC-to-DC voltage converter to draw energy from the first energy source to cause the DC voltage output from the first energy source and supplied to the first DC-to-DC voltage converter to be below the DC load voltage supplied to the DC link via the first DC-to-DC voltage converter. | 12-12-2013 |
20140145677 | APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING ENERGY USING POWER ELECTRONICS AND MACHINE INDUCTANCE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A fraction inverter circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to output a DC voltage, a first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter coupled to the first energy storage device, and a first electromechanical device. The first electromechanical device includes a first plurality of conductors coupled to the first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter, a second plurality of conductors coupled together, and a plurality of windings coupled between the first plurality of conductors and the second plurality of conductors. The traction converter circuit also includes a charge bus comprising a first conductor coupled to the second plurality of conductors of the first electromechanical device, the charge bus configured to transmit a charging current to or receive a charging current from the first electromechanical device to charge the first energy storage device via the first electromechanical device and the first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter. | 05-29-2014 |
20140207319 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RAPID CHARGING USING SHARED POWER ELECTRONICS - An apparatus comprises a power electronic energy conversion system comprising a first energy storage device configured to store DC energy and a first voltage converter configured to convert a second voltage from a remote power supply into a first charging voltage configured to charge the first energy storage device. The apparatus also includes a first controller configured to control the first voltage converter to convert the second voltage into the first charging voltage and to provide the first charging voltage to the first energy storage device during a charging mode of operation and communicate with a second controller located remotely from the power electronic energy conversion system to cause a second charging voltage to be provided to the first energy storage device during the charging mode of operation to rapidly charge the first energy storage device. | 07-24-2014 |
20140207321 | METHOD OF OPERATING VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM - A method of operating a vehicle having an electric drive is provided. The method includes defining a first zone and a second zone. The first zone has an associated first characteristic and the second zone has an associated second characteristic that differs from the first characteristic. The method further includes switching an operating mode of a vehicle from a first operating mode in the first zone to a second operating mode in the second zone in response to the vehicle translating from the first zone to the second zone. Associated vehicles and systems are provided also. | 07-24-2014 |
20150069977 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NON-SINUSOIDAL CURRENT WAVEFORM EXCITATION OF ELECTRICAL GENERATORS - An electrical generator includes a stator having fractional-slot concentrated windings and a rotor having field windings. A drive is provided having a circuit to control current flow to the field windings and a controller to input an initial DC field current demand to the circuit to cause the circuit to output an initial DC field current representative of a DC field current demand that would cause an electrical generator having sinusoidal stator windings to output a desired AC power. The controller receives feedback on the magnetic field generated by the initial DC field current, isolates an ideal fundamental component of the magnetic field based on the feedback and to generate a modified DC field current demand, and inputs the modified DC field current demand to the circuit, thereby causing the circuit to output an instantaneous non-sinusoidal current to the field windings to generate a sinusoidal rotating air gap magnetic field. | 03-12-2015 |