Vehicle system and method

Abstract

To provide a vehicle system and method allowing the vehicle system to recharge or refuel while the vehicle system remains in motion to reduce the amount of vehicle disruption.SOLUTION: A vehicle system 100 and method includes determining that a state of charge of an energy storage assembly 106 of a receiving vehicle is insufficient to power the receiving vehicle to an upcoming location. The receiving vehicle may be controlled to move to an intermediate location that includes an increased traffic area, or to a first donating vehicle location of multiple different donating vehicle locations. The first donating vehicle location includes a predicted upcoming location of a first donating vehicle. The receiving vehicle receives energy from the first donating vehicle to charge the energy storage assembly 106 of the receiving vehicle while both the first donating vehicle and the receiving vehicle are moving at the intermediate location.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates to vehicle systems having energy storage assemblies and associated methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Technology Considerations As the vehicle system travels along a route between a current location and a destination at a next location, the amount of energy available to power the vehicle system changes. The energy may be electrical energy or fluid energy, such as diesel fuel, liquid hydrogen, or gasoline, and may be used to power a propulsive load and / or a non-propulsive load of the vehicle system. The amount of available energy used or drawn by the vehicle system changes as the vehicle system operates. For example, the state of charge of the energy storage assembly of the vehicle system may decrease in response to the propulsive and non-propulsive loads drawing energy from the energy storage assembly. As the amount of available energy changes, it may be determined that the amount of available energy is insufficient to reach the destination. For example, the vehicle system may require recharging and / or refueling before the vehicle system reaches the destination. If the vehicle system is traveling in an area of ​​increased vehicle density and needs to stop to refuel or recharge the energy storage assembly (e.g., battery, fuel cell, etc.), the stop may disrupt the travel of other vehicle systems traveling in the area or along the same route. For example, the other vehicles may need to change their operating parameters (e.g., decelerate, accelerate, stop, etc.) to accommodate the vehicle system needing to refuel or recharge. Therefore, a need exists to allow a vehicle system to recharge or refuel while the vehicle system continues to run in order to reduce the amount of vehicle disruption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one or more embodiments, the method includes determining that a state of charge of an energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle is insufficient to power the receiving vehicle to the next location based on a difference between a state of charge of the energy storage assembly and an amount of energy needed from the energy storage assembly to power the receiving vehicle to the next location. The receiving vehicle may be controlled to move to an intermediate location including an increased traffic volume area or to a first donor vehicle location of a plurality of different donor vehicle locations. The increased traffic volume area has a greater vehicle density compared to a first decreased traffic volume area between the receiving vehicle's current location and the increased traffic volume area or compared to a second decreased traffic volume area between the increased traffic volume area and the receiving vehicle's next location. The first donor vehicle location includes a predicted next location of the first donor vehicle. The receiving vehicle receives energy from the first donor vehicle to charge the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle while both the first donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are moving at the intermediate location.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the method includes measuring a first state of charge of a first energy storage assembly of a donor vehicle and calculating a first required amount of energy from the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to power the donor vehicle to at least a first subsequent location. A second state of charge of a second energy storage assembly of a receiving vehicle is measured and a second required amount of energy from the second energy storage assembly to power the receiving vehicle to at least a second subsequent location is calculated. The second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle is increased by transferring at least a portion of the energy storage of the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle. The second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly is increased to provide the second energy storage assembly with sufficient energy to power the receiving vehicle to at least a second subsequent location.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle system includes an energy storage assembly disposed within the vehicle of the receiving vehicle. The controller includes one or more processors configured to determine a state of charge of the energy storage assembly for powering the receiving vehicle to the next location based on an amount of energy required from the energy storage assembly for powering the receiving vehicle to the next location. The controller is configured to control the receiving vehicle to move to an intermediate location including an increased traffic volume area or a first donor vehicle location of a plurality of different donor vehicle locations. The increased traffic volume area has a greater vehicle density compared to a first decreased traffic volume area between the current location of the receiving vehicle and the increased traffic volume area or a second decreased traffic volume area between the increased traffic volume area and the next location of the receiving vehicle. The first donor vehicle location includes a predicted next location of the first donor vehicle. The energy storage assembly receives energy from the first donor vehicle to charge the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle while both the first donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are moving at the intermediate location. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] The subject matter of the present invention can be understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle system, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an example flow chart for controlling the receipt and / or donation of energy between two or more vehicle systems while the vehicle is in motion, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a multiple vehicle system movement according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example of energy sharing between two vehicle systems, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a multiple vehicle system movement according to one embodiment. [Figure 6]1 illustrates an example flow chart for controlling energy transfer between two or more vehicle systems while the vehicle is moving, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an example flow chart for controlling energy transfer between two or more vehicle systems while the vehicle is moving, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to a vehicle system and method of operation that includes an energy storage assembly. The energy storage assembly may store energy used to power propulsive and non-propulsive loads of the vehicle system. The state of charge of the energy storage assembly illustrates the level or amount of energy stored in the energy storage assembly and available to the vehicle system. The state of charge of the energy storage assembly may change during operation of the vehicle system. As the state of charge of the energy storage assembly changes, the vehicle system or an off-vehicle dispatch system may determine that the state of charge of the vehicle system is insufficient to power the vehicle system to the next location. The next location may be a destination, a recharging or refueling location, or a location along a route where the vehicle system is scheduled to stop (e.g., to load or unload cargo, add or remove other vehicles mechanically coupled to the vehicle system, etc.). In one or more embodiments, the state of charge of the energy storage assembly may be sufficient to reach the next location, but the remaining state of charge may be below a predetermined required threshold of available energy.

[0009] If it is determined that the energy storage assembly does not have enough energy to power the vehicle system to the next location, the vehicle system may be instructed to move toward an intermediate location where the vehicle system (e.g., a receiving vehicle system) may receive energy from another vehicle system (e.g., a donor vehicle system). The receiving vehicle system and the donor vehicle system may be the same type and / or model of vehicle. For example, the receiving vehicle system and the donor vehicle system may be the same type and / or model of automobile, rail vehicle, agricultural vehicle, aircraft (manned or unmanned), marine vehicle, mining vehicle, etc.

[0010] The intermediate location may be an area of ​​increased traffic compared to the current location of the vehicle system. For example, the area of ​​increased traffic may include a number of different vehicles that may be able to donate or transfer excess energy to the receiving vehicle system. As another example, the intermediate location may be a predicted next location of the donor vehicle system. For example, the donor vehicle system may be identified by the receiving vehicle system, and the receiving vehicle system may receive a communication indicating a predicted next location where the receiving vehicle system may meet the donor vehicle system. In one or more embodiments, the receiving vehicle system may be instructed to move toward the intermediate location and toward the donor vehicle system. Optionally, the donor vehicle system may be instructed to move toward the receiving vehicle system.

[0011] The receiving vehicle system may receive some energy from the donor vehicle system. The amount of energy received from the donor vehicle system may be based on an amount of energy needed by the receiving vehicle system, based on an amount of excess energy available in the energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system, based on a trip plan and / or schedule of the receiving vehicle system and / or the donor vehicle system, etc. The energy may be received in the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system and may increase the state of charge of the energy storage assembly. The receiving vehicle system may receive energy from the donor vehicle system while the receiving vehicle system and the donor vehicle system are moving (e.g., in the same direction) and / or while the vehicle systems are stationary. In one embodiment, the increased energy state may be sufficient to power the receiving vehicle system to reach the next location of the receiving vehicle system. In another embodiment, the increased energy state may be insufficient to power the receiving vehicle system to the next location, and the receiving vehicle system may need to receive energy from a second donor vehicle system.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle system 100, according to one embodiment. The vehicle system may be, but is not limited to, a propulsion generating vehicle, such as a locomotive or other rail vehicle, an automobile, a truck, a bus, a mining vehicle, a marine vehicle, an aircraft (manned or unmanned such as a drone), an agricultural vehicle, or another off-highway vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle system includes a number of wheels 120 that contact a path along which the vehicle system travels. Optionally, the vehicle system may be a marine or aircraft, and may be wheelless or may not require wheels to propel the vehicle system forward. For example, the vehicle system may travel along a waterway, within an operational track, or along another path where wheels of the vehicle system are not required. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle system may include two or more vehicles that may run together (by being mechanically coupled, or by being mechanically separated but logically coupled and communicating with each other to run together, such as in a train or locomotive consist where multiple locomotives communicate and operate together as a train). At least one vehicle of the vehicle system may be a propulsion generating vehicle, and optionally the vehicle system may include one or more non-propulsion generating vehicles.

[0013] The vehicle system includes a controller 102 disposed within a vehicle of the vehicle system. The controller may represent a control module and may include one or more processors, microcontrollers, or other logic-based devices and / or associated software or instructions to perform one or more operations described herein. The controller controls the operation of the vehicle system, such as by controlling the traction and / or braking forces provided by the propulsion system 110 (e.g., traction motors, engines, etc.) and the braking system 112. Traction components operably coupled with the propulsion system and / or the braking system (e.g., traction motors, brakes such as air brakes, etc.) may control the movement of the wheels (and / or axles coupled to the wheels, not shown) of the vehicle system to generate traction forces to advance the vehicle system along a path. In addition to providing propulsive forces to advance the vehicle system, the propulsion system and / or the braking system may function to slow or stop the movement of the vehicle system using dynamic braking.

[0014] The controller may be operated manually by receiving command signals from an input device (not shown) based on manual input from an operator at the input device (e.g., a device that receives input from an operator, such as, but not limited to, a touch screen, a joystick, a keyboard, a switch, a wheel, a microphone, etc.) The output device (not shown) may provide information to the operator such as the current operational settings of the vehicle system, the specified operational settings of the trip plan, the current amount of electrical energy stored within the vehicle of the vehicle system, the current storage capacity of the energy storage assembly 106 within the vehicle, etc.

[0015] The vehicle system includes a communication device 104. The communication device may be set up for one or both of wired or wireless communication. For example, the communication device may represent a transmit / receive circuit, one or more antennas, a modem, a communication cable, etc. The communication device may communicate (e.g., receive and / or provide data signals) with a controller within the vehicle of the vehicle system, a controller outside the vehicle (not shown), other vehicles traveling in unison with the vehicle system, other vehicles within a given area or location, etc.

[0016] In one embodiment, the communication device can interact with other systems via one or more communication types. Suitable communication types can include, but are not limited to, cellular networks (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)), mesh networks using Ethernet standards, wireless communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth), radio and shortwave communication types, and the like. In one or more embodiments, when two or more communication types are present, the communication device can convert some or all of the data stream from one type to another. Similarly, different data protocols can be used. Such conversion can allow the communication device to act as a transfer point for data transmission. The conversion can allow for different types of equipment (e.g., a first vehicle system and a second vehicle system can each use a different communication type to communicate with each other via the communication system). The communication device can switch types, protocols, and / or communication paths in response to signal delegation or failure of one communication path. This can provide redundancy of communication through the communication system. In one embodiment, the communications device may decrypt, decompile, or disassemble the information, analyze the information, and subsequently transmit all or a portion of the message (e.g., alone or in combination with new data, or in combination with encryption, or both). The communications device may be the same as or similar to other communications devices or systems described herein.

[0017] The energy storage assembly 106 may represent one or more energy systems and / or components that store energy used to operate vehicle systems. The energy may be used to power the vehicle system's propulsive loads and / or the vehicle system's non-propulsive loads (e.g., air conditioning, carriage lighting, passenger power outlet consumption, etc.). As an example, the energy may be in the form of electrical energy. The energy storage assembly may include electrical components that enable and / or control the energy storage assembly to receive electrical current from a source off-vehicle of the vehicle system (e.g., off-vehicle charging station, another vehicle system, etc.). In addition, the energy storage assembly may include components that enable and / or control the energy storage assembly to provide electrical current to an electrical energy recipient. Optionally, the energy may be a fluid type of energy (e.g., diesel, gasoline, hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, etc.), and the energy storage assembly may include components that enable and / or control the reception and / or provision of fuel to and / or from the vehicle system.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle system may include one or more sensors operably coupled to the energy storage assembly that may measure or sense a state of charge of the energy storage assembly. The controller may receive sensed data from the one or more sensors and measure or determine the state of charge of the energy storage assembly. The controller may calculate a required amount of energy the vehicle system needs to power the vehicle system to a next location along a route. The controller may determine that the state of charge of the energy storage assembly is insufficient to power the vehicle system to a next location. In one or more embodiments, the controller may identify a location of a refueling or recharging source outside the vehicle and control the propulsion system and / or braking system to move the vehicle system to a refueling or recharging location.

[0019] Alternatively, the controller may determine whether the donor vehicle system may be within a predetermined proximity range (e.g., within 1 mile, within 5 miles, within 50 miles, within 100 miles, etc.). If the donor vehicle system is within the predetermined proximity range, the controller may control operation of the vehicle system to move the vehicle system toward the donor vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle system may communicate with the donor vehicle to instruct the donor vehicle to move toward the vehicle system.

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates an example flow chart 200 of controlling the receipt and / or donation of energy between two or more vehicle systems during travel, according to one embodiment. Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of the movement of multiple vehicle systems, according to one embodiment. The flow chart illustrated in Figure 2 will be described with reference to the schematic diagram shown in Figure 3.

[0021] 3 illustrates locations, routes, and areas or locations of vehicle system 100 and multiple other vehicle systems 350A-E. The other vehicle systems may be the same type and / or model as vehicle system 100. For example, vehicle systems 100 and 350A-E may all be the same make and / or model of rail vehicles, the same make and / or model of automobiles, the same make and / or model of mining vehicles, the same make and / or model of marine vessels, the same make and / or model of aircraft, the same make and / or model of agricultural vehicles, the same make and / or model of mining equipment, etc.

[0022] Vehicle system 100 may be referred to as a recipient vehicle or a recipient vehicle system, and a controller of the recipient vehicle determines that the energy storage assembly of the recipient vehicle needs to receive energy from another source. In addition, vehicle systems 350A-E may be referred to as donor vehicle systems. For example, the donor vehicle systems may have an amount of excess energy in their respective energy storage assemblies and may have at least some energy available to donate to another vehicle system.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 , the receiving vehicle system is disposed or located at a current location 302. The receiving vehicle system may be moving along a path 306 toward a next location 304. The next location may be a destination, such as a final destination of the receiving vehicle system's trip. Optionally, the next location may represent a location where an energy storage assembly of the vehicle system may be recharged or refueled (e.g., an electric charging station, a fuel pump, etc.). Optionally, the next location may represent a planned or unplanned stop location, such as a location where the vehicle system may load and / or unload cargo, change operators, etc.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the donor vehicle systems 350A-D are disposed in a first intermediate location 310, and the donor vehicle system 350E is disposed in a second intermediate location 320. The first and second intermediate locations may represent areas of increased traffic and / or locations of the donor vehicle locations. The schematic also shows a first traffic reduction area 308 positioned between the current location of the recipient vehicle system and the intermediate location. Additionally or alternatively, the schematic may include a second traffic reduction area 312 positioned between the intermediate location and the next location. The intermediate location may have a vehicle density greater than the vehicle density of the first traffic reduction area. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate location may have a vehicle density greater than the vehicle density of the second traffic reduction area. For example, a greater number of vehicles may move within the intermediate location compared to the first traffic reduction area and / or the second traffic reduction area.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the receiving vehicle system may move from a current location to a next location based on a trip plan or schedule of the receiving vehicle system. The trip plan may specify operational settings of the receiving vehicle system as a function of one or more of time, location, or distance along the route of the trip. For example, traveling according to operational settings specified by the trip plan may reduce energy or fuel consumed and / or emissions generated by the vehicle compared to a vehicle traveling according to other operational settings not specified by the trip plan. For example, the trip plan may optimize the traveling of the vehicle. In one or more embodiments, the trip plan or schedule of the receiving vehicle system may include one or more charging locations where the receiving vehicle can charge a corresponding energy storage assembly. Optionally, the trip plan or schedule may include one or more grades, curves, or predicted weather conditions.

[0026] Returning to FIG. 2 , in step 202, the controller of the receiving vehicle system may calculate an amount of energy needed to power the receiving vehicle to the next location. The calculated amount of needed power may be based on a trip plan of the receiving vehicle system, a schedule of the receiving vehicle system, etc. In step 204, a determination is made whether the current state of charge of the energy storage assembly is sufficient to power the receiving vehicle system to the next location compared to the amount of energy needed from the energy storage assembly to power the receiving vehicle system to the next location. For example, the controller may determine whether the energy storage assembly has a sufficient state of charge by measuring the state of charge of the energy storage assembly and calculating the amount of energy needed from the energy storage assembly to power the receiving vehicle to the next location. The amount of energy needed may be calculated and / or determined based on a trip plan or schedule of the receiving vehicle system. Optionally, the amount of energy needed may be calculated based on the route's slope, curves, predicted weather conditions, the amount of traffic or other vehicle systems moving within a given area (e.g., which may require the receiving vehicle system's movement to be altered), the scheduled arrival time of the receiving vehicle system at the next location, the amount of charging time needed for the receiving vehicle system to recharge, the scheduled arrival time, etc.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the amount of energy needed may be based on a state of charge of the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system, a trip plan or schedule of the receiving vehicle system, and / or a threshold percentage of the state of charge that the energy storage assembly should maintain while the receiving vehicle system is in transit. For example, the controller may determine that the state of charge of the energy storage assembly is sufficient to reach the next location, but may determine that the remaining state of charge of the energy storage assembly may be below (or within a percentage of) a predetermined threshold of remaining energy that the energy storage assembly is instructed to maintain. The controller may determine that the energy storage assembly has a sufficient amount of energy to reach the next location, but may determine that the state of charge of the energy storage device after reaching the next location may be outside or below the predetermined threshold.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the controller may determine that the energy storage assembly has enough energy to power the receiving vehicle system to the next location, but may determine that the energy storage assembly should be recharged or refueled even if the amount of energy needed is less than the state of charge of the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system. In one embodiment, the controller may determine that the state of charge of the energy storage assembly after the receiving vehicle system reaches the next location will be less than a predetermined threshold. For example, the controller may determine that it may be more efficient to recharge or refuel the receiving vehicle system before the receiving vehicle system reaches the next location. In another embodiment, the controller may determine that it may be more efficient to recharge or refuel based on the amount of congestion (e.g., similar or different vehicular congestion, pedestrian congestion, number of cross paths, etc.) around the next location. For example, in areas with more congestion, there may be more donor vehicle systems available to share energy with the receiving vehicle system. In another embodiment, the controller may determine that it would be more efficient to recharge or refuel the receiving vehicle system based on the location of the charging or fueling station (e.g., compared to the current location and / or next location of the receiving vehicle system), based on the amount of time it takes to recharge or refuel the energy storage assembly (e.g., a recharge rate of the charging station or a refueling rate of the fueling station), or the like.

[0029] If the state of charge of the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system is sufficient to power the receiving vehicle system to the next location, the method flow returns to 202. The method may be repeated while the receiving vehicle system is traveling until the vehicle system reaches the next location, such as when the vehicle system's operating parameters or settings change (e.g., which may change the amount of energy required). Alternatively, if the state of charge of the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system is insufficient to power the receiving vehicle system to the next location, the method flow proceeds to step 206. Optionally, if the controller determines that the energy storage assembly has sufficient energy but should be recharged or refueled, the method flow may proceed to step 206.

[0030] In step 206, the controller identifies potential donor vehicle systems. The donor vehicle system may be identified based on the location of the donor vehicle system relative to the receiving vehicle system, the direction of travel of the donor vehicle system relative to the receiving vehicle system, the route the donor vehicle system is traveling relative to the route the receiving vehicle system is traveling, the vehicle density near or around the donor vehicle system, the state of charge of the energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system, the location of the donor vehicle system relative to a next location, the terrain between the receiving vehicle system and the donor vehicle system, the trip plan or schedule of the donor vehicle system, the amount of energy needed from the energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system to power the donor vehicle system to a destination according to the trip plan of the donor vehicle system, or any combination of two or more thereof. In one or more embodiments, the donor vehicle system may be a designated donor vehicle system and may travel along different routes to supply energy to one or more receiving vehicle systems in the area. For example, the donor vehicle system may just move around the area to supply energy to other vehicle systems and may not have a specific destination for the donor vehicle system to reach.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the controller may identify the donor vehicle system 350A as the vehicle system that will donate energy to the receiving vehicle system. In step 208, the controller may control one or more settings of the propulsion system and / or the braking system to control the receiving vehicle system to move toward the first intermediate location 310 and toward the location of the donor vehicle system 350A. The location of the donor vehicle may include a predicted next location of the donor vehicle system. For example, the predicted next location of the donor vehicle may be based on the travel speed of the donor vehicle system, the operation plan of the donor vehicle system, the route traveled by the donor vehicle system, weather conditions of the donor vehicle system, etc.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the first intermediate location may be or may include a traffic increase area that may include a plurality of different donor vehicle systems. For example, the traffic increase area may have a greater vehicle density compared to a first traffic decrease area 308 between the receiving vehicle's current location and the traffic increase area. As another example, the traffic increase area may have a greater vehicle density compared to a second traffic decrease area 312 between the traffic increase area and the receiving vehicle system's next location.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the controller may identify the donor vehicle system and may wirelessly communicate with the donor vehicle system to verify that the donor vehicle system is capable of donating energy to the recipient vehicle system. In one embodiment, the controller of the recipient vehicle system may request the controller of the donor vehicle system to control movement of the donor vehicle system to move toward the location or predicted location of the recipient vehicle system. Optionally, the controller of the recipient vehicle system may request the controller of the donor vehicle system to change one or more operational settings of the donor vehicle system (e.g., to change the predicted location of the donor vehicle system, to allow the recipient vehicle system to reach the donor vehicle system in a shorter amount of time, etc.).

[0034] In step 210, the receiving vehicle system receives energy from the donor vehicle system to charge the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system while the donor vehicle system and the receiving vehicle system are moving. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an example of sharing energy between two vehicle systems, according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the receiving vehicle system is moving to a location within an intermediate location 310, which includes the location of the donor vehicle system. The donor vehicle system and the receiving vehicle system are moving in a direction 404 within the intermediate location. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving vehicle system is following or moving behind the donor vehicle system, and the receiving vehicle system and the donor vehicle system are moving along the same path. As an example, the receiving vehicle system and the donor vehicle system may be railroad cars, and the receiving vehicle system and the donor vehicle system may move along the same railroad tracks. As another example, the receiving vehicle system and the donor vehicle system may be automobiles, and may move along the same road.

[0035] Link 402 extends between the donor vehicle system and the receiving vehicle system, allowing the donor vehicle system to donate or share some energy from the energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system to the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system. In one embodiment, the energy is electrical energy, and the link allows electrical current to flow from the energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system and be received by the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system. In another embodiment, the energy is liquid energy, such as diesel fuel, liquid hydrogen, gasoline, etc. The link allows liquid energy to flow from the energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system and be received by the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the controller may control the operation of the receiving vehicle system to accept energy from two or more different donor vehicle systems. The decision to accept energy from two or more donor vehicle systems may be based on the state of charge of each of the donor vehicle systems (e.g., the amount of energy each donor vehicle system can donate or release), the location of each of the two or more donor vehicle systems (e.g., relative to each other, relative to the receiving vehicle system, relative to a path traveled by the receiving vehicle, relative to the current location of the receiving vehicle system and / or the next location of the receiving vehicle system, etc.). FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of the movement of multiple vehicle systems, according to one embodiment. The receiving vehicle system 100 is positioned or located at a current location 502 and is moving or will be moving toward a next location 504. The next location may be the final destination of the receiving vehicle system, may be a charging station, a refueling station, the location of another donor vehicle system, etc.

[0037] The receiving vehicle system controller may identify a first donor vehicle system 550A and a first intermediate location 510 that includes the predicted location of the first donor vehicle system. The receiving vehicle system controller may control the receiving vehicle system to move toward the first intermediate location along a first path 514. The receiving vehicle system may receive a portion of the amount of energy needed to power the receiving vehicle system to the next location from the first donor vehicle system while the receiving vehicle system and the first donor vehicle system are moving at the first intermediate location.

[0038] The controller of the receiving vehicle system may identify a second donor vehicle system 550B and a second intermediate location 512 that includes a predicted location of the second donor vehicle system. The controller may control the receiving vehicle system to move from the first intermediate location toward the second intermediate location along a second path 516. The receiving vehicle system may receive additional energy (e.g., a remaining amount of a required amount, etc.) from the second donor vehicle system while the receiving vehicle system and the second donor vehicle system are moving at the second intermediate location. After the receiving vehicle system receives the additional energy from the second donor vehicle system, the controller may control movement of the receiving vehicle system to move toward a next location along the path 518.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the donor vehicle system may be identified based on the amount of energy the donor vehicle system is able to donate. In one or more embodiments, the donor vehicle system may communicate with the recipient vehicle system to offer to be a donor vehicle system to donate energy to the recipient vehicle system. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates an example flow chart 600 for controlling an energy transfer between two or more vehicle systems during travel, according to one embodiment. In step 602, a state of charge of an energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system is measured. The state of charge may be measured and / or determined by a sensor operably coupled to or disposed proximate to the energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system. Optionally, the state of charge may be determined by a controller of the donor vehicle system, but may be determined by a controller outside the vehicle (e.g., a dispatch center or a back office server, etc.). The state of charge may be determined within a predetermined percentage of the energy remaining in the donor vehicle system and / or available to the donor vehicle system. In one or more embodiments, the state of charge of the donor vehicle system may be a first state of charge of a first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system.

[0040] In step 604, a first required amount of energy of the donor vehicle system to power the donor vehicle system to a first next location may be calculated and / or determined. The required amount of energy may be based on a trip plan of the donor vehicle system, a schedule of the donor vehicle system, etc. The trip plan and / or schedule of the donor vehicle system may include charging locations (e.g., fueling stations, charging locations, etc.) where the donor vehicle system may charge the first energy storage assembly. In one or more embodiments, the first required amount of energy of the donor vehicle system may be calculated based on one or more charging locations. Optionally, the trip plan and / or schedule of the donor vehicle system may include slopes, curves, or predicted weather conditions that the donor vehicle system may encounter as the donor vehicle system travels along the route according to the trip plan and / or schedule. In one or more embodiments, the first required amount of energy of the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system may be calculated based on slopes, curves, and / or predicted weather conditions. In one or more embodiments, the trip plan and / or schedule may include a scheduled arrival time or a required length of charging time for the donor vehicle system. A first required amount of energy for a first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system may be calculated based on the scheduled arrival time and / or the required length of charging time.

[0041] In step 606, a determination is made whether the donor vehicle system has excess energy available to donate. The determination may be based on a first state of charge of the first energy storage assembly relative to a first required amount of energy to power the donor vehicle system to a next location. If the donor vehicle system does not have excess energy available to donate, the method flow returns to step 602. Alternatively, if it is determined that the donor vehicle system does have excess energy available to donate, the method flow proceeds to step 614.

[0042] Before, simultaneously with, or subsequent to steps 602-606 being performed by the donor vehicle system, steps 608, 610, and 612 may also be performed, completed, operated, etc. For example, one or more of steps 602-604 may be completed before one or more of steps 608-612. Alternatively, one or more of steps 602-604 may be completed approximately simultaneously with one or more of steps 608-612. Alternatively, one or more of steps 602-604 may be completed after one or more of steps 608-612. Alternatively, the various steps of the method of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6 may be completed in an alternate order.

[0043] At step 608, a second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle is measured. The state of charge of the receiving vehicle system may be measured and / or determined by a sensor operably coupled to the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system or disposed proximate to the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system. Optionally, the state of charge may be determined by a controller of the receiving vehicle system, but may also be determined by a controller off-vehicle (e.g., a dispatch center or back office server, etc.). The second state of charge may be determined within a predetermined percentage of the energy remaining in and / or available to the receiving vehicle system.

[0044] In step 610, a second required amount of energy of the receiving vehicle system to power the receiving vehicle system to a second next location is calculated. The required amount of energy may be based on a trip plan of the receiving vehicle system, a schedule of the receiving vehicle system, etc. The trip plan and / or schedule of the receiving vehicle system may include charging locations (e.g., fueling stations, charging locations, etc.) where the receiving vehicle system can charge the second energy storage assembly, and the second required amount of energy of the receiving vehicle system may be calculated based on the one or more charging locations. Optionally, the trip plan and / or schedule of the receiving vehicle system may include slopes, curves, or predicted weather conditions that the receiving vehicle system may encounter as the receiving vehicle system travels along the route according to the trip plan and / or schedule, and the second required amount of energy of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system may be calculated based on the slopes, curves, and / or predicted weather conditions. In one or more embodiments, the trip plan and / or schedule may include a scheduled arrival time or a required length of charging time for the receiving vehicle system, and the second required amount of energy for the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system may be calculated based on the scheduled arrival time and / or the required length of charging time.

[0045] At step 612, a determination is made whether the receiving vehicle system has sufficient energy to power the receiving vehicle system to the second next location. The determination may be made by a controller in the receiving vehicle system's vehicle, by a controller off the receiving vehicle system's vehicle, and / or by an operator of the receiving vehicle system (e.g., in and / or off the receiving vehicle system's vehicle). If the receiving vehicle system has sufficient energy to reach the receiving vehicle system's second next location, the method flow returns to 608. Alternatively, if it is determined that the receiving vehicle system does not have sufficient power to power the receiving vehicle system to the second next location, the method flow proceeds to 614.

[0046] In step 614, the donor vehicle system is moved toward the receiving vehicle system and / or the receiving vehicle system is moved toward the donor vehicle system. In step 616, at least a portion of the excess energy of the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system is transferred to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system. For example, the donor vehicle system shares a portion of the excess energy of the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system with the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system to increase the state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system. Increasing the state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system provides the second energy storage assembly with sufficient energy to power the receiving vehicle system at least to a second next location. In one embodiment, the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system may be coupled to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system via one or more conduits, buses, cables, wires, hoses, etc. Optionally, the donor vehicle system may transfer at least a portion of the excess energy via a wireless connection. For example, the energy may be electrical energy and may be wirelessly transferred or shared with a recipient vehicle system.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the transfer of energy from the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system to the second energy storage assembly of the recipient vehicle system may occur while both the donor vehicle system and the recipient vehicle system are moving. Optionally, the transfer of energy from the donor vehicle system to the recipient vehicle system may occur while both the donor vehicle system and the recipient vehicle system are stationary. Optionally, the transfer of energy from the donor vehicle system to the recipient vehicle system may occur while the donor vehicle system and the recipient vehicle system are next present with each other in a vehicle yard, parking lot, hangar, etc. Optionally, the donor vehicle system may not be next to the recipient vehicle system in the vehicle yard, parking lot, or hangar. For example, the donor vehicle system may be disposed at a first location in the vehicle yard and the recipient vehicle system may be disposed at a different second location in the vehicle yard that is separated from the first location by about 5 meters, about 10 meters, about 50 meters, about 100 meters, etc.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the donor vehicle system may have at least some excess energy to transfer to the receiving vehicle system, but the receiving vehicle system may still need additional energy to power the receiving vehicle system to a second next location of the receiving vehicle system. For example, the donor vehicle system may be a first donor vehicle system. The receiving vehicle system may receive a portion of the energy from the first donor vehicle system and then receive another portion of the energy from the second donor vehicle system. In one embodiment, the second next location of the receiving vehicle system may be the current location or a predicted next location of the second donor vehicle system.

[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart 700 of another example of a method for controlling energy transfer between two or more vehicle systems, according to one embodiment. In step 702, a required amount of energy is calculated to power the receiving vehicle to a next location. The required amount of energy may be based on a trip plan and / or schedule of the receiving vehicle system. In step 704, a determination is made whether the state of charge of the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system is sufficient to power the receiving vehicle system to the next location. If the state of charge is sufficient based on the calculated amount of required energy, the method flow returns to step 702 and the method may continue for a predetermined amount of time while the receiving vehicle is operating, such as until the state of charge of the receiving vehicle system reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0050] Alternatively, if it is determined that the state of charge of the energy storage assembly is insufficient to power the receiving vehicle to the next location, the method flow proceeds to 706. In step 706, the receiving vehicle identifies a donor vehicle that may transfer some energy to the receiving vehicle system to increase the state of charge of the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle system. In one embodiment, the donor vehicle may be identified based on the trip plan and / or schedule of the donor vehicle relative to the trip plan and / or schedule of the receiving vehicle. In another embodiment, the donor vehicle may be identified based on the make and / or model of the donor vehicle system. In another embodiment, the donor vehicle may be identified based on the predicted next location of the donor vehicle. In another embodiment, the donor vehicle may be identified based on the state of charge of the energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle system. Optionally, the donor vehicle may be identified based on any alternative characteristic of the donor vehicle, the receiving vehicle, etc.

[0051] At step 708, a determination is made whether the donor vehicle is currently receiving energy. For example, the donor vehicle may be receiving energy from another donor vehicle, from a recharging station, a refueling station, etc. If it is determined that the donor vehicle is not currently receiving energy, the method flow proceeds to step 712. Alternatively, if it is determined that the donor vehicle is currently receiving or will be receiving energy, the method flow proceeds to step 710.

[0052] In step 710, the receiving vehicle controller, the donor vehicle controller, or off-vehicle controllers of the donor and recipient vehicles may instruct the donor vehicle to change the amount of energy the donor vehicle should receive in order to reach a donor energy level that is greater than the planned energy level. For example, the donor vehicle may plan to receive a planned energy level or amount of energy from an energy source (e.g., a charging station, a fueling station, another donor vehicle, etc.) based on the donor vehicle's required amount of energy to reach the donor vehicle's next location. The donor vehicle may be instructed to receive an amount of energy from the energy source in order to reach a donor energy level that is greater than the planned energy level. For example, the donor energy level may be the planned energy level plus any additional excess energy that the donor vehicle may transfer to the recipient vehicle.

[0053] After the energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle receives the donor energy level in step 712, the receiving vehicle is moved toward the donor vehicle and / or the donor vehicle is moved toward the receiving vehicle. In step 714, the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle receives at least some energy from the donor vehicle to increase the amount of energy or energy level in the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle. The donor vehicle may transfer or donate energy to the receiving vehicle while the receiving and donor vehicles are moving or while the receiving and donor vehicles are stationary.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the donor vehicle may be required to be charged or refueled to an excess level based on the management policy. For example, the donor vehicle may be required to be charged or refueled up to 105% of the donor vehicle's charging or refueling capacity, up to 110% of the donor vehicle's charging or refueling capacity, expected donor vehicle needs, etc. In one embodiment, the donor vehicle may need to be recharged or refueled to an excess level despite the recipient vehicle needing to accept an energy transfer from the donor vehicle. Optionally, the management policy may require the donor vehicle to have a minimum level of energy at a predetermined completion percentage of the donor vehicle's trip. For example, at 50% of the donor vehicle's trip, the management policy may require the donor vehicle to have an energy level that is approximately 115% of the donor vehicle's charging or refueling capacity. Optionally, a non-donor vehicle (e.g., a recipient vehicle) may become a donor vehicle during a trip based on the non-donor vehicle maintaining a minimum energy level based on a management policy. For example, a non-donor vehicle may have an energy level reserve of about 115% at one point during a trip, but the management policy may require only an energy level reserve of 105%. A non-donor vehicle may be able to donate about 10% of its energy reserve to another vehicle and maintain the minimum requirement of the policy.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the energy reserve levels of multiple different vehicles traveling within a given area or region may be reviewed to determine whether a donor vehicle should be directed to the given area. For example, a first vehicle and a second vehicle may be traveling through or within a given area or region. A first vehicle may have an energy reserve requirement of 105% but may be determined to have an actual energy reserve level of 106% (e.g., the first vehicle has a 1% excess of energy), and a second vehicle may have an energy reserve requirement of 110% but may be determined to have an actual energy reserve level of 111% (e.g., the second vehicle has a 1% excess of energy). An off-vehicle controller of the first vehicle and the second vehicle may determine that the area or region in which the first vehicle and the second vehicle are traveling does not require an additional designated donor vehicle.

[0056] Alternatively, the first vehicle may have an actual energy reserve level of 90% (e.g., the first vehicle's energy level is 15% short) and the second vehicle may have an actual energy reserve level of 100% (e.g., the second vehicle's energy level is 10% short). The off-vehicle controller may instruct the donor vehicle to move towards a predefined area or zone through which the first and second vehicles are moving to provide energy to the first and / or second vehicles. Optionally, the off-vehicle controller may instruct the donor vehicle to recharge or refuel to an energy level that exceeds the governing energy level reserve requirement before moving to the predefined area. For example, the donor vehicle may be required to have an excess reserve of about 115%, but the off-vehicle controller may instruct the donor vehicle to recharge or refuel to reach an excess energy level of about 125% (e.g., 10% above the requirement).

[0057] Optionally, the donor vehicle may not be available to travel to a given area or zone, and one of the first vehicle or the second vehicle may become a victim vehicle and be required to donate energy to the other non-victim vehicle. The victim vehicle may be determined based on a priority or level between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. For example, the victim vehicle may be a vehicle that has a lower priority compared to the priority of the other vehicle. As an example, the controller may determine that the first vehicle system is carrying a cargo that has a higher importance than the cargo transported by the second vehicle. As another example, the controller may determine that the first vehicle has a more sensitive delivery time than the delivery time of the second vehicle. As another example, the controller may determine that the second vehicle may have the time and ability to schedule a stop to recharge or refuel energy somewhere along the route that the second vehicle is traveling. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may determine that the first vehicle is unable to schedule a stop to recharge or refuel. Optionally, the controller may determine that the second vehicle should be the victim vehicle based on the fact that a priority vehicle (e.g., a first vehicle) is blocked due to foreseen and / or unforeseen issues (e.g., a reroute due to congestion idling, a previous rail car being added to the configuration, a route closure or interruption, etc.).

[0058] The controller may direct a second vehicle (e.g., a sacrifice vehicle) to donate a portion of the second vehicle's energy to the first vehicle. For example, a portion of the second vehicle's energy may be sacrificed and donated to the first vehicle to ensure that the first vehicle has enough energy to complete the trip. In one embodiment, the second vehicle may be directed to donate energy even though the second vehicle does not have an excess energy reserve. In another embodiment, the second vehicle may be directed to donate energy even though the second vehicle does not have enough energy to complete the trip, etc.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the method includes determining that a state of charge of an energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle is insufficient to power the receiving vehicle to the next location based on a difference between a state of charge of the energy storage assembly and an amount of energy needed from the energy storage assembly to power the receiving vehicle to the next location. The receiving vehicle may be controlled to move to an intermediate location including an increased traffic volume area or to a first donor vehicle location of a plurality of different donor vehicle locations. The increased traffic volume area has a greater vehicle density compared to a first decreased traffic volume area between the receiving vehicle's current location and the increased traffic volume area or compared to a second decreased traffic volume area between the increased traffic volume area and the receiving vehicle's next location. The first donor vehicle location includes a predicted next location of the first donor vehicle. The receiving vehicle receives energy from the first donor vehicle to charge the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle while both the first donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are moving at the intermediate location.

[0060] Optionally, the amount of energy needed may be calculated to be less than the state of charge of the receiving vehicle's energy storage assembly.

[0061] Optionally, the intermediate location may be a first intermediate location and the receiving vehicle may receive only a portion of the amount of energy needed to power the receiving vehicle to the next location. The receiving vehicle may be controlled to move to at least a second intermediate location and may receive additional energy from at least a second donor vehicle to charge an energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle while both the second donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are moving at the second intermediate location.

[0062] Optionally, the recipient vehicle and the first donor vehicle may be the same type or style of vehicle.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the method includes measuring a first state of charge of a first energy storage assembly of a donor vehicle and calculating a first required amount of energy from the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to power the donor vehicle to at least a first subsequent location. A second state of charge of a second energy storage assembly of a receiving vehicle is measured and a second required amount of energy from the second energy storage assembly to power the receiving vehicle to at least a second subsequent location is calculated. The second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle is increased by transferring at least a portion of the energy storage of the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle. The second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly is increased to provide the second energy storage assembly with sufficient energy to power the receiving vehicle to at least a second subsequent location.

[0064] Optionally, the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly may be increased by transferring at least a portion of the energy storage in the first energy storage assembly in response to determining that a first required amount of energy from the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to power the donor vehicle at least to a first next location is less than or equal to the first state of charge of the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle.

[0065] Optionally, the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly may be increased by transferring at least a portion of the energy storage in the first energy storage assembly in response to determining that a second required amount of energy from the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle to power the receiving vehicle at least to a second next location is less than or equal to the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle.

[0066] Optionally, increasing the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle by transferring at least a portion of the energy stored in the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle occurs while both the donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are moving.

[0067] Optionally, increasing the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle by transferring at least a portion of the energy stored in the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle occurs while both the donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are stationary.

[0068] Optionally, increasing the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle by transferring at least a portion of the energy stored in the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle occurs while both the donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are adjacent to each other in one or more of a vehicle yard or parking lot.

[0069] Optionally, increasing the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle by transferring at least a portion of the energy stored in the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle occurs while both the donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are not adjacent to each other in one or more of a vehicle yard or parking lot.

[0070] Optionally, one or both of the first next location or the second next location may be a charging station location.

[0071] Optionally, one or both of the first next location or the second next location may be a final destination of the recipient vehicle's trip.

[0072] Optionally, the donor vehicle may be a first donor vehicle, and one or both of the first next location or the second next location may be a current location or a predicted next location of the second donor vehicle.

[0073] Optionally, one or both of the first required amount of energy or the second required amount of energy may be calculated based on a trip plan or schedule of one or both of the donor vehicle or the recipient vehicle.

[0074] Optionally, the trip plan or schedule may include one or more charging locations where the donor vehicle or the recipient vehicle may charge the corresponding first or second energy storage assembly, and one or both of the first required amount of energy or the second required amount of energy may be calculated based on the one or more charging locations.

[0075] Optionally, the trip plan or schedule may include one or more gradients, curves, or predicted weather conditions, and one or both of the first amount of required energy or the second amount of required energy may be calculated based on the one or more gradients, curves, or predicted weather conditions.

[0076] Optionally, the trip plan or schedule may include one or more of a scheduled arrival time or a required length of charging time for one or both of the donor vehicle or the recipient vehicle. One or both of the first required amount of energy or the second required amount of energy may be calculated based on the scheduled arrival time or the required length of charging time.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle system includes an energy storage assembly disposed within the vehicle of the receiving vehicle. The controller includes one or more processors configured to determine a state of charge of the energy storage assembly for powering the receiving vehicle to the next location based on an amount of energy required from the energy storage assembly for powering the receiving vehicle to the next location. The controller is configured to control the receiving vehicle to move to an intermediate location including an increased traffic volume area or a first donor vehicle location of a plurality of different donor vehicle locations. The increased traffic volume area has a greater vehicle density compared to a first decreased traffic volume area between the current location of the receiving vehicle and the increased traffic volume area or a second decreased traffic volume area between the increased traffic volume area and the next location of the receiving vehicle. The first donor vehicle location includes a predicted next location of the first donor vehicle. The energy storage assembly receives energy from the first donor vehicle to charge the energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle while both the first donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are moving at the intermediate location.

[0078] Optionally, the recipient vehicle and the first donor vehicle are the same type or style of vehicle.

[0079] Unless otherwise specified, "location" includes specific points, as well as areas and zones that may be delineated or designated. In one aspect, a location may be elongated, e.g., a distance along a vehicle route. In another aspect, a location may be a relatively small area or zone, such as a vehicle yard, vehicle depot, or vehicle switching area, or a location may be elongated with a relatively short length, e.g., 2300 meters or less (this example reflects a typical maximum length of a railroad siding).

[0080] As used herein, "processor" and "computer" and related terms, such as "processing device", "computing device", and "controller", are not limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as computers, but may refer to microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), field programmable gate arrays, and application specific integrated circuits, as well as other programmable circuits. Suitable memory may include, for example, computer readable media. Computer readable media may be, for example, computer readable non-volatile media such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, and the like. The term "non-transitory computer readable media" refers to tangible computer-based devices implemented for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and sub-modules, or other data within any device. Thus, the methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in tangible non-transitory computer readable media, including, but not limited to, storage devices and / or memory devices. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. Thus, the term includes tangible computer-readable media, including but not limited to non-transitory computer storage, including but not limited to volatile and non-volatile media, firmware, physical and virtual storage devices, removable and non-removable media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and other digital sources such as a network or the Internet.

[0081] The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description may include the cases when the event occurs and does not occur. Approximate language used herein throughout this specification and clauses may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that may be permissibly changed without resulting in a change in the fundamental action to which it may relate. As such, a value modified by one or more terms such as "about", "substantially", and "approximately" may not be limited to the exact value specified. In at least some cases, the approximation language may correspond to the accuracy of an instrument for measuring the value. Here, and throughout this specification and clauses, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, and such ranges may be identified and may include all subranges contained therein, unless the context or language dictates otherwise.

[0082] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems, and performing any incorporated methods. The provisions define the patentable scope of the disclosure, and include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the provisions if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the provisions, or if they contain equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the provisions.

Claims

1. 1. A method comprising: determining that a state of charge of an energy storage assembly of a receiving vehicle is insufficient to power the receiving vehicle to a next location based on a difference between the state of charge of the energy storage assembly and an amount of energy required from the energy storage assembly to power the receiving vehicle to the next location; controlling the receiving vehicle to move to an intermediate location including a traffic increase area or to a first donor vehicle location of a plurality of different donor vehicle locations, the traffic increase area having a greater vehicle density compared to a first traffic decrease area between the receiving vehicle's current location and the traffic increase area or compared to a second traffic decrease area between the traffic increase area and the receiving vehicle's next location, the first donor vehicle location including a predicted next location of the first donor vehicle; receiving energy from the first donor vehicle to charge the energy storage assembly of the recipient vehicle while both the first donor vehicle and the recipient vehicle are moving at the intermediate location.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the amount of energy required is calculated to be less than the state of charge of the energy storage assembly of the recipient vehicle.

3. the intermediate location is a first intermediate location, the receiving vehicle receives only a portion of the required amount of energy to power the receiving vehicle to the next location, and the method further comprises: controlling the recipient vehicle to travel to at least a second intermediate location; 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving additional energy from at least a second donor vehicle to charge the energy storage assembly of the recipient vehicle while both the second donor vehicle and the recipient vehicle are moving at the second intermediate location.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the recipient vehicle and the first donor vehicle are the same type or model of vehicle.

5. 1. A method comprising: Measuring a first state of charge of a first energy storage assembly of a donor vehicle; calculating a first required amount of energy from the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to power the donor vehicle to at least a first next location; and measuring a second state of charge of a second energy storage assembly of a recipient vehicle; calculating a second required amount of energy from the second energy storage assembly to power the recipient vehicle to at least a second next location; and increasing the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle by transferring at least a portion of the energy stored in the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle, wherein the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly is increased to supply the second energy storage assembly with sufficient energy to power the receiving vehicle at least to the second next location.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein in response to determining that the first required amount of energy from the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to power the donor vehicle at least to the first next location is less than or equal to the first state of charge of the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle, the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly is increased by transferring at least a portion of the energy stored in the first energy storage assembly.

7. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein in response to determining that the second required amount of energy from the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle to power the receiving vehicle at least to the second next location is less than or equal to the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle, the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly is increased by transferring at least a portion of the energy stored in the first energy storage assembly.

8. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein increasing the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle by transferring at least a portion of the energy stored in the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle occurs while both the donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are moving.

9. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein increasing the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle by transferring at least a portion of the energy stored in the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle occurs while both the donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are stationary.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein increasing the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle by transferring at least a portion of the energy stored in the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle occurs while both the donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are adjacent to each other in one or more of a vehicle yard or parking lot.

11. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein increasing the second state of charge of the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle by transferring at least a portion of the energy stored in the first energy storage assembly of the donor vehicle to the second energy storage assembly of the receiving vehicle occurs while both the donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle are not adjacent to each other in one or more of a vehicle yard or parking lot.

12. The method of claim 5 , wherein one or both of the first next location or the second next location is a charging station location.

13. The method of claim 5 , wherein one or both of the first next location or the second next location is a final destination of the recipient vehicle's trip.

14. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the donor vehicle is a first donor vehicle and one or both of the first next location or the second next location is a current or predicted next location of a second donor vehicle.

15. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein one or both of the first required amount of energy or the second required amount of energy is calculated based on a trip plan or schedule of one or both of the donor vehicle or the recipient vehicle.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the trip plan or the schedule includes one or more charging locations where the donor vehicle or the recipient vehicle can charge the corresponding first energy storage assembly or the second energy storage assembly, and the one or both of the first required amount of energy or the second required amount of energy is calculated based on the one or more charging locations.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the trip plan or schedule includes one or more slopes, curves, or forecasted weather conditions, and the one or both of the first amount of required energy or the second amount of required energy is calculated based on the one or more slopes, curves, or forecasted weather conditions.

18. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the trip plan or schedule includes one or more of a scheduled arrival time or a length of required charging time of one or both of the donor vehicle or the recipient vehicle, and the one or both of the first required amount of energy or the second required amount of energy is calculated based on the one or more of the scheduled arrival time or the length of required charging time.

19. 1. A vehicle system, comprising: an energy storage assembly disposed within the recipient vehicle; a controller comprising one or more processors configured to determine a state of charge of the energy storage assembly for powering the receiving vehicle to a next location based on an amount of energy required from the energy storage assembly to power the receiving vehicle to the next location, wherein the controller is configured to control the receiving vehicle to move to an intermediate location including an increased traffic volume area, or a first donor vehicle location of a plurality of different donor vehicle locations, the increased traffic volume area having a greater vehicle density compared to a first decreased traffic volume area between a current location of the receiving vehicle and the increased traffic volume area, or a second decreased traffic volume area between the increased traffic volume area and the next location of the receiving vehicle, and the first donor vehicle location includes a predicted next location of the first donor vehicle, a vehicle system, the energy storage assembly being configured to receive energy from the first donor vehicle to charge the energy storage assembly of the recipient vehicle while both the first donor vehicle and the recipient vehicle are moving at the intermediate location;

20. 20. The vehicle system of claim 19, wherein the recipient vehicle and the first donor vehicle are the same type or model of vehicle.

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