317results about "Power to power outlet" patented technology

Charging service vehicle networks are among the embodiments disclosed herein, including battery module-powered EV charging roadside service vehicles. Battery modules are removably mounted to the service vehicles and manually exchanged within a system of battery module storage locations. Some embodiments provide resupply vehicles for delivering battery modules between storage locations and / or service vehicles, and may be used to exchange battery modules. Controllers are used to reserve battery modules at the storage locations to ensure availability for high priority activities. Some storage locations have charging apparatus to recharge battery modules stored there, and some storage locations are repositionable mobile units. Multiple tiers or levels of system controllers used by service vehicles to control centers are implemented to manage operations and optimize usage of battery modules and charging services across wide areas, including providing additional service vehicles to supply temporary needs for charging services.

Docking stations and docking methods are provided for use with marking devices used for marking the presence or absence of an underground facility in a dig area. The docking station may serve as a home base for storage of a marking device, for charging the battery of a marking device, for transferring data to and from a marking device, and for securing a marking device against unauthorized use and / or theft. The docking station may be a mobile docking station that is installed in a vehicle or may be a fixed docking station that is installed at a central location in the field, at a central office, at a home base facility, and the like.

A recharging trailer for applying electrical energy to an electric vehicle has an electrical power coupling. The recharging trailer includes a trailer frame configured to be coupled to the electronic vehicle. An electrical generation unit is disposed on the trailer and is configured generate electrical power. The electrical generation unit is also configured to be electrically coupled to the electrical power coupling of the electric vehicle. A trailer propulsion unit is configured to propel the trailer while the electrical vehicle is moving so that the trailer moves without applying a substantial load to the electric vehicle.

The present invention provides an apparatus, system, and method of utilizing a Home Power Unit ("HPU") which functions as a battery charger for a Hybrid Electric Vehicle ("HEV") or as a generator, utilizing the HEV's electrical power to operate external electrical devices. In its simplest form, the HPU comprises a Transformer, inverter means, rectifier means, a control unit, connection means to the HEV and external electrical loads or sources and switching means to change operation between charger and generator function. Alternative embodiments of the present invention utilize the HEV's existing components thereby avoiding component redundancy within the HPU. Specifically, in the first alternative embodiment, the inverter means are utilized within the vehicle, therefore, requiring only filter and transformer to be added to the vehicle. In the second alternative embodiment, the vehicle's DC-to-DC Converter is utilized as opposed to implementing a transformer. Therefore, only an inverter and filter are added to the system.

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.

The present invention provides computer-controlled electric battery charging systems and methods for charging a battery of a roaming electric vehicle, the system comprising an electric vehicle comprising at least one battery, a master charger vehicle comprising a master battery module and a control system in communication with the at least one electric vehicle and the master charger vehicle to enable the master charger vehicles to reach the electric vehicle, wherein the master battery module is adapted to charge the at least one battery.

A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter / motor / generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter / motor / generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.

The present invention provides computer-controlled electric battery charging systems and methods for charging a battery of a roaming electric vehicle, the system comprising an electric vehicle comprising at least one battery, a master charger vehicle comprising a master battery module and a control system in communication with the at least one electric vehicle and the master charger vehicle to enable the master charger vehicles to reach the electric vehicle, wherein the master battery module is adapted to charge the at least one battery.

One embodiment relates to a hybrid vehicle drive system for a vehicle including a first prime mover, a first prime mover driven transmission, a rechargeable power source, and a PTO. The hybrid vehicle drive system further includes a hydraulic motor in direct or indirect mechanical communication with the PTO and an electric motor in direct or indirect mechanical communication with the hydraulic motor. The electric motor can provide power to the prime mover driven transmission and receive power from the prime mover driven transmission through the PTO. The hydraulic motor can provide power to the prime mover driven transmission and receive power from the prime mover driven transmission through the PTO.

Charging service vehicles and methods using modular batteries are disclosed. The service vehicles are vehicles having electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment, and removably mounted battery modules or battery module connection points. The battery modules are connected to the EV charging equipment as a source of electrical energy. Some embodiments disclose integrating the EV charging equipment with the vehicle, recharging modules through a distribution grid connection, the manner of discharging the batteries, modes of connecting and disconnecting the modules, the size and weight of the modules, quick-disconnectability of modules, control and monitoring of the modules and charging equipment, and / or ways of connecting modules to the vehicle. These features are beneficial to efficiently keep service vehicles available for EV charging through exchanging battery modules or providing additional battery modules when necessary, and may keep operators safe through de-energization of connectors and other precautions inherent in these designs.

The present invention provides computer-controlled payment systems for charging a fee for battery charging of an electric vehicle, the system including an electric vehicle including at least one battery, a master charger vehicle including a master battery module, a control system in communication with the at least one electric vehicle and the master charger vehicle to enable the master charger vehicle to reach the electric vehicle, wherein the master battery module is adapted to charge the at least one battery; and a payment system adapted to charge a fee to a user of the electric vehicle.

Methods for providing electrical charging services are disclosed, including receiving dispatch information for a service vehicle, receiving charging instructions including an amount of charge to provide to a stranded or depleted EV, providing the amount of charge, and providing a charging station location to the EV or an EV passenger or occupant. Additional methods describe how to determine a charging station location for the EV, reserving an EV charger for the EV, and making roadside payment transactions. Other methods disclosed include receiving information about an EV in need of charging services, selecting and assigning a service vehicle to assist the EV, and distributing relevant information to the EV such as an amount of energy to provide to the EV that would allow the EV to reach a charging station for a more complete charge. Resupply of the service vehicle and providing guidance to reach the EV may also be provided.

Charging service vehicles and methods using modular batteries are disclosed. The service vehicles are vehicles having electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment, and removably mounted battery modules or battery module connection points. The battery modules are connected to the EV charging equipment as a source of electrical energy. Some embodiments disclose integrating the EV charging equipment with the vehicle, recharging modules through a distribution grid connection, the manner of discharging the batteries, modes of connecting and disconnecting the modules, the size and weight of the modules, quick-disconnectability of modules, control and monitoring of the modules and charging equipment, and / or ways of connecting modules to the vehicle. These features are beneficial to efficiently keep service vehicles available for EV charging through exchanging battery modules or providing additional battery modules when necessary, and may keep operators safe through de-energization of connectors and other precautions inherent in these designs.

A charging system for a battery of a vehicle comprises an electrical interface module that includes first and second electrical interfaces. An inverter module communicates with the electrical interface module and the battery and has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the inverter module allows the battery to be charged through the first electrical interface when a voltage source is connected to the first electrical interface, the vehicle is off, and a charge level of the battery is less than a threshold. In the second state, the inverter module allows the battery to provide power to the second electrical interface when a voltage source is not connected to the first electrical interface, the vehicle is on, and / or the charge level of the battery is greater than or equal to the threshold.

A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter / motor / generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter / motor / generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.

A solar vehicle includes a vehicle body, a solar panel mounted on the vehicle body, and a vehicle battery and a conversion device arranged inside the vehicle body. The vehicle body contains therein a vehicle load connected to the vehicle battery. The conversion device includes a conversion circuit, a power flow sensor, multiple input and output ports. The conversion circuit includes a DC bus and various converters (such as DC / DC, bi-directional DC / DC, bi-directional AC / DC converter, and inverter). The power flow sensor detects power flow received in the input ports and feeds the power to the conversion circuit for conversion. The solar panel provides electrical power from solar power generation to the conversion device, which after carrying out conversion, supplies the power through the output ports to the vehicle load and the vehicle battery. As such, the electrical power received by the input ports is subjected to conversion by the conversion device and thus output through the output ports and the power flow sensor detects the power flow of the input power to select one or more of the input ports to supply electrical power to the conversion device for conversion and supply of the power to the vehicle battery.

A system includes a plurality of smart outlets and a backend system in wireless communication with the smart outlets. The smart outlets are configured to provide electrical power from an electrical system to respective power loads, and configured to measure power consumption characteristics thereof the respective power loads. The power consumption characteristics may include real power, apparent power or a combination thereof consumed by the respective power loads. The backend system may be configured to wirelessly receive the power consumption characteristics from the smart outlets for analysis in accordance with a power distribution schedule of the electrical system, and wirelessly transmit a command signal to one or more of the smart outlets in various instances response to the analysis. This command signal may instruct the respective one or more smart outlets to shed or restore power to respective power loads from the electrical system.

A cart sealed for cooling having a battery powered electrical drive including an electrically powered mechanical air conditioner, a generator for powering the air conditioner, an outside power outlet powered by the generator, and a battery charger powered by the generator. The generator is wired to the charger to recharge the batteries for the cart when power requirements of the other units allow. There is an insulated case for the generator and a muffler-baffle system for quieting the exhaust from the generator through a series of baffles. A separate fuel supply for the generator is provided so the generator does not drain the motive drive fuel. A misting unit may be used to control the moisture level in the interior of the cart. A control panel in the interior of the compartment is used for controlling the generator, the air conditioner or both. A system of recirculating ducts insures that air within the interior of the cart is run through the air conditioning unit and then returned to the cart interior after it has been cooled so that recirculating air and not exterior air is cooled or heated depending on the setting of the air conditioning unit.

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.

An object is to miniaturize device size in a vehicle mounted converter. The vehicle mounted converter includes a plurality of inductors, a switching unit for switching current path, an external power acquisition unit for acquiring alternating current power from a power generation source provided separately from the mounted vehicle, and a switching means for switching a circuit connection state to a connection state of either a boost connection state for connecting one end of the inductors to a path to a battery for vehicle drive power supply and connecting the switching unit to the other end of the inductors, or a charging connection state for connecting one end of one of the plurality of inductors to the path to the battery, disconnecting one end of the remaining inductors from the path to the battery and connecting to the external power acquisition unit, and connecting the other end of the inductors to the switching unit.

A control device controls first and second inverters such that alternating voltage is generated across neutral points of first and second motor generators. When the value of a signal representative of the remaining amount of fuel in a fuel tank becomes lower than a predetermined threshold value, the control device controls the first and second inverters such that the voltage level of the alternating voltage is changed in order to notify a user external to the vehicle of the low remaining amount of fuel.

A method for controlling a power-split gear shift device in a vehicle by providing an electric variator and a transmission with variable gear shift and connecting a drive motor to a traction drive of the vehicle. The electric variator has a compound gear train with at least one first and at least one second electric machine. The method also includes providing a controller for the electric machines for steplessly varying a gear shift of the compound gear train. Upon detection of an external power requirement by an electric consumer, a gear shift region of the transmission with variable gear shift is set to operate the first electric machine in a generator mode and to operate the second electric machine to compensate for an existing power deficit or a power excess relative to an external power demand.

An electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) that includes an electric vehicle charger adapted to provide electrical power to a vehicle; a network device adapted to communicate with a wireless network; and a point of sale device coupled to the electric vehicle charger and the network device. The point of sale device is adapted to facilitate consumer purchases of the electrical power and items other than the electrical power. The point of sale device includes: a user interface including a touch screen display, a credit card reader, a bar code reader, and a magnetic card reader, and a printer; a processor; and an application for execution on the processor to implement a method. The method includes: receiving a request from a consumer via the user interface; processing the request; and outputting a status of the request via the user interface.

A power output apparatus includes first and second motor generators, first and second inverters and a relay circuit. The first and second motor generators include first and second 3-phase coils, respectively. The first inverter alters periodically the potential at a first neutral point of the 3-phase coil. The second inverter alters periodically the potential of the second neutral point of the second 3-phase coil at phase corresponding to a phase-inverted version of the potential change of the first neutral point. The relay circuit responds to a control signal from the control device to electrically connect first and second AC lines to a connector, and provides an alternating voltage generated across the first and second neutral points to the connector.

In a jump-starting method between an electric vehicle providing a jump-start and an electric vehicle receiving a jump-start, the electrical systems of the two electric vehicles are temporarily interconnected electrically during the time of the jump-starting.

A dual purpose mobile machine is disclosed. The mobile machine may have a power source configured to propel the mobile machine and generate electrical power for use offboard the mobile machine. The machine may also have a work tool driven by the power source.

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.