1967 results about "Battery electric vehicle" patented technology

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is an automobile which can use either electricity or gasoline. With high gasoline prices, electricity is becoming a promising alternative to power next generation automobiles. One advantage of the PHEV and the BEV (battery electric vehicle) is that charging can be done at home. However, the small battery capacity of PHEV's may require recharging the batteries almost daily. It would be convenient for an owner of a car with batteries to not have to plug in the battery each and every day that charging is required. Our invention is a system that plugs the power automatically into the vehicle with minimal human intervention using an automated docking system. The system is composed of a robotic manipulator with a camera and a processing unit. The system uses the camera and vision processing to identify the vehicle's position, and consequently, the location of the vehicle's charging receptacle. The robotic manipulator then directs the charging cord's plug into the receptacle of the vehicle. Once charging is complete, the robotic manipulator removes the plug from the vehicle.

An automatic recharging docking station for electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles in which standardized uniform charging stations are positioned in public parking facilities, private parking facilities, rest stops, or the like, and by means of a retractable vehicle probe, allow the owner / user of the vehicle to attach to the charging station and recharge the batteries or storage cells of the vehicle while the owner / user is at work, shopping, or otherwise not requiring the use of the vehicle. The particular vehicle and vehicle probe would have an encrypted identification means so that its identity would be recorded when it connected to a particular recharging station, regardless of which electrical jurisdiction that charging station was located, such that the respective electric utility companies or other entity would be able to identify and bill the owner / user for the quantity of electricity drawn during a specified time period.

The present invention discloses a system for transferring electrical power between a grid and at least one vehicle. The vehicle can be Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) or Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV). The type of vehicle will be recognized and controlled by the system to support demand response and supply side energy management. Vehicle recognition can be carried out by load signature analysis, power factor measurement or RFID techniques. In an embodiment of the invention, the grid is a Smart Grid. The present invention also discloses a method for facilitating electrical power transfer between the grid and the vehicle.

A system of energy storage and charging usable in vehicles and other applications that eliminate the battery capacity and automotive range issues is described. In our invention, vehicles are equipped with charging mechanisms to charge and recharge onboard batteries using wireless electricity and power transmission using magnetic resonant coupling between tuned electromagnetic circuits. The batteries may be charged using wireless charging systems installed along the roads while the vehicle is in use on the road. Charging system may optionally utilize infrared laser beam radiation to transmit power for charging the batteries on board a vehicle while it is in use as well. The onboard vehicle batteries may also be charged when the vehicle is not being driven either by plugging in the vehicle into wall electricity using wired power connection or may be wirelessly charged using the magnetic resonant coupling. By locating the charging circuits on roads, a continuous operation of electric-only mode of hybrid vehicles or pure electric-only vehicles can be accomplished and fully eliminate the need for gasoline usage

A method for recharging an electric storage battery in the charging system of an electric vehicle from an electric utility power grid includes determining the length of time required to recharge the battery, determining the desired time when the recharge is to be completed, transmitting to the electric power utility the length of time required to recharge the battery and the desired time, and recharging the battery from the utility grid during a period when projected load demand is lower than peak demand and ending no later than the desired time.

During periods of vehicle inactivity, a vehicle-based APU electric generating system may be coupled into a regional electric grid to send electricity into the grid. A currently-preferred APU is a solid oxide fuel cell system. When a large number of vehicles are thus equipped and connected, substantial electric buffering can be effected to the grid load. A vehicle-based APU can also function as a back-up generator to a docking facility in the event of power failure of the grid. Gaseous hydrocarbon is readily supplied by pipe in many locations as a commercial and residential heating fuel source, and a hydrocarbon reformer on the vehicle can be attached to the fuel source, enabling an APU to operate as a stationary power source indefinitely. An optional storage tank on the vehicle may be refueled with gaseous fuel, for example, while the battery is being electrically recharged by the grid.

To provide remote services, including dynamic, interactive assistance to electric vehicle (EV) users, a central server is arranged for electronic communications with EVs (15) and with client devices (11). The server also communicates with at least one EV charging station network, which in turn communicate with individual charging stations (30). Remote services may include trip planning, locating charging stations, checking availability and suitability of charging stations, making reservations at charging stations, and updating plans en route. The server collects data from the EV and analyzes the data to determine various statistics. The system advises a user on readiness of the EV to complete a proposed trip before recharging the EV batteries. Client devices may include smart phones, computers, or a head unit in the EV. Application software programs are executable on the client devices to provide user interfaces for accessing the remote services and for communicating with the central server.

A method of operating a vehicle powertrain system comprising an electric motor and transmission where the electric motor is operably and selectively coupled to the transmission and adapted to provide an output torque contribution thereto, and the electric motor has a predetermined maximum motor output torque and a predetermined minimum motor output torque which are used to determine a range of permissible control points for at least one transmission control parameter. The method includes establishing a motor torque reserve by performing at least one of decreasing the predetermined maximum motor output torque to a maximum reserved motor output torque and increasing the minimum motor output torque to a minimum reserved motor output torque, wherein the maximum reserved motor output torque and the minimum reserved motor output torque are used in place of the predetermined maximum motor output torque and the predetermined minimum motor output torque, respectively, to determine the range of permissible control points for the at least one transmission control parameter. The motor torque reserve may include a static motor torque reserve, a dynamic motor torque reserve, or a combination of both static and dynamic torque reserves. The dynamic torque reserve may include a predictive dynamic reserve, a reactive dynamic reserve, or a combination of a predictive reserve and a reactive reserve or reserves.

A method for providing an active engine stop of the engine of a hybrid electric vehicle. The method utilizes the electric machine to oppose the and rapidly stop the rotation of the engine at a controlled rate. The method includes the calculation of an input speed reduction trajectory using the engine speed when the active engine stop request is made and a predetermined speed reduction interval. The predetermined speed reduction interval is preferably less than a time from the active stop request to the shutoff command to the electric machine. The method provides rapid deceleration of the engine, particularly through the powertrain resonance speed, thereby reducing the amount of vibration energy dissipated through the powertrain and vehicle chassis. The method also removes the electric machine torques from the engine prior to achieving zero engine speed in order to avoid imparting a negative engine speed or counter-rotation of the engine. The method preferably comprises a complementary series of software control functions that allow the vehicle to actively stop the engine.

The invention provides systems and methods for connecting an electric or hybrid electric vehicle to a charging station. Automated charging and docking processes may be provided. In some embodiments, a vehicle arrival and position may be detected. The vehicle may be charged with a charging arm and some automated vehicle positioning may occur. The vehicle may be charged and released. Fault detection may occur.

An apparatus and method for sequentially charging multiple electric vehicles. The apparatus including an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) having an electrical plug connected to a power cord. The power cord is connected to a housing containing a number of electrical components configured to control the power flow to an electric vehicles to recharge the vehicles' batteries. The power cord is divided into multiple power cords that extend from the housing and connect to standard electric vehicle connectors compatible with battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). The EVSE determines, based on a number of possible criteria, which of the multiple electric vehicles to charge at a given time.

An electric traction vehicle is described herein which may be used to provide power to off-board electric power-consuming systems or devices. The electric traction vehicle may provide 250 kilowatts or more of three phase AC power to an off-board electric power consuming system. The electric traction vehicle may also include an electrical power storage device which can be selectively discharged to allow the vehicle to be serviced.

There is disclosed method of management of electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) queues and an EVCS queue management system. The method includes limiting access to the EVCS to an individual at the top of an EVCS queue during a changeover time. The changeover time may be predetermined or may be generated based upon data pertaining to the management of the queue and / or to the vehicle of the user at the top of the queue. If the user at the top of the queue fails to activate the EVCS during the changeover time, the next in line in the queue will be given a changeover time in which to reach the EVCS. If the queue is otherwise empty, the user at the top of the queue will be notified that the EVCS is no longer reserved, and that anyone may use the EVCS.

A system for optimizing electrical power management in a vehicle. The system includes a HVAC device and a thermal storage device, both configured to provide heating and cooling to an occupant compartment of the vehicle. The system further includes a controller connected to an electrical storage device and an electrical generating device. The controller receives electrical power generated by the electrical generating device and directs the electrical power to satisfy the vehicle's power requirements and / or stores the electrical power in at least one of the electrical storage device and the thermal storage device. Furthermore, the controller directs at least one of the HVAC device and the thermal storage device to provide heating and cooling to the occupant compartment of the vehicle, depending on the available storage of the thermal storage unit or occupant compartment demands.

Methods, apparatuses, media and signals for supplying energy to an energy bus in communication with an energy generating device and with a regenerative braking system in a hybrid electric vehicle are disclosed. One such method includes controlling power supplied by the energy generating device to the energy bus, in response to a braking signal indicative of user brake actuation. Another such method involves controlling energy contributions onto the energy bus from the energy generating device and from the regenerative braking system respectively, to prevent the contributions from exceeding a desired total energy contribution. The energy generating device may include an auxiliary power unit, such as fuel cell, or a generator coupled to a prime mover such as an internal combustion engine, for example.

A highly energy efficient automobile that provides payload, safety and performance capacities similar to a comparable vehicle of a given vehicle class. The current invention is ideal for short to medium range urban and suburban driving. The current invention incorporates components in a unique and novel way, in which these components combine to form a system that produces an automobile that reduces overall air pollution while encouraging the commercialization of alternative energy sources. The current invention features an lightweight, low rolling resistance, digitally controlled and direct-drive electric propulsion system. A lightweight spaceframe with a suspension system provides a structure for mounting a low-aerodynamic-drag body system and other components. An intelligent power and thermal management system coupled with a removable auxiliary power module supplies the electrical energy required. While the preferred embodiment is substantially a passenger vehicle, the current invention may be scaled to other land vehicles.

In a system for preventing automobile theft, select automotive components are embedded with digital information and devices, including a unique public key, a unique private key, a decryption / encryption module, and a network address. Upon assembly of a vehicle, the components form addressable nodes of that vehicle. Relevant digital information of all components is recorded in a proprietary, highly secure data base at the time of manufacture, and updated for vehicular repairs. Only registered agents may access the data base or submit updates to the federal network. During refueling or re-charging of a vehicle, a digital handshake compares public keys of the vehicular components to the proprietary data base, and confirms the integrity of at least some components by a public-key / private-key challenge and response. If components have been reported stolen, or other irregularities are detected in the vehicle's network of components during the hand shake process, the vehicle is disabled, and a message is automatically transmitted to one or more law enforcement agencies, identifying the vehicle and its location.

A system and method for distributed intelligence of power tracking and power allocation may include: receiving data by at least one computer from a plurality of identified charging stations and vehicles of customers at distributed locations throughout a power grid; analyzing, with at least one processor of the at least one computer, the data with respect to available power for those locations and customer historical usage and profiles; and sending commands, with the at least one processor, to reallocate power to assets of the power grid to handle fluctuations or forecasted fluctuations in power demand based on the analysis. Customer preferences may also be considered in predicting power demand issues and need for demand response. Economic rules may be executed to incentivize the customers to comply with demand response requirements where demand is greater than power supply.

The invention belongs to the technical field of power batteries of vehicles, and particularly relates to a heating control method of a power battery pack of an electric vehicle. The heating control method is implemented by a whole vehicle instrument, a whole vehicle control unit, a power battery system, a motor control system and a driving motor, wherein the whole vehicle instrument is connected with the whole vehicle control unit, the whole vehicle control unit is connected with the power battery system and the motor control system respectively, and the motor control system is connected with the power battery system and the driving motor respectively. According to the method, power batteries are heated by virtue of an original electric drive system of the electric vehicle, the energy of the power batteries is mainly used for the self heating of the power batteries, so that the temperature of the power batteries can be rapidly raised without extra cost, and the heating efficiency is high.

A system for connecting an electric vehicle to a high voltage power source. The system including an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) having an electrical plug compatible with a high voltage power outlet, the plug connected to a power cord. The power cord is connected to a housing containing a number of electrical components configured to control the power flow to an electric vehicle to recharge the vehicle's batteries. The power cord extends from the housing and is connected to a standard electric vehicle connector compatible with battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). The EVSE further includes safety measures, such as a relay that controls the flow of power to the vehicle connector and a ground fault interrupter, to protect users from high voltage electric shocks.

This invention is directed to a modularized interface for connecting a plug-in electric vehicle to the energy grid. For use with public or semi-public outlets, the modularized interface comprises a module and a smart socket, where the module is integrated within or capable of being connected to, the vehicle's charging interface. The module is normally disabled, but is enabled only after the end user is authenticated, the smart socket and its associated meter have been identified, and the module and the end user's account with the local utility are validated. The module meters the energy consumption, and, when the module is disconnected from the smart socket, indicating termination of the charging session, the metered data is communicated to the utility for updating the end user's account, and the module is disabled. The module is also capable of use with conventional outlets located, for example, in private residences.

A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a transmission. A turbocharger is in fluid communication with the internal combustion engine. Moreover, a generator is mechanically coupled to the turbocharger and thereby driven by exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The generator can provide electricity to the motor and / or a battery while simultaneously providing altitude compensation for the internal combustion engine so that the internal combustion engine output remains at the same power and efficiency as altitude and environmental conditions change. The turbocharger can also be used for power boost if desired. The exhaust gas driven generator system can be deployed in conventional vehicles as well to charge the battery and / or power electrical accessories, thereby replacing the alternator.

The invention is a method and system to provide negative torque to an electric vehicle (EV, FCEV, hybrid electric powertrain (HEV)) powertrain when only the electric motor is engaged and the accelerator pedal is released with the ultimate objective to provide consistent vehicle performance under varying operating conditions. This deceleration is at a calibratable amount for a calibratable time period using a hierarchical strategy employing a variety of means including dissipating the vehicle's kinetic energy as heat in the motor; regenerative braking; and activating a mechanical braking system. This negative torque on the powertrain is provided only briefly thereby reducing the total kinetic energy dissipation. The invention provides the driver a vehicle deceleration response similar in "feel" to releasing the accelerator of a conventional ICE vehicle under all operating modes, while maintaining optimal energy recovery.

A method and system provides for the charging of electric vehicles according to user defined parameters. The method and system can include an enhanced thermostat, personal computer, and / or an electric vehicle charger which can receive various user defined vehicle charging parameters such as an initial price set point at which to start the charging of an electric vehicle. Another charging parameter can include one or more price offsets relative to the initial set point that can be provided by a user or generated by a computer program. The price offsets allow charging of an electric vehicle at prices above the desired initial price set point when the time remaining to charge an electric vehicle has diminished and the desired initial price set point has not been reached by the energy market. The price offsets can be assigned according to predetermined increments of time, such as an on an hourly basis.

The described method and system provides for dynamic adjustment of the lower charge threshold of an electrically-powered vehicle to allow a fuel-depleted vehicle also low on battery charge to continue to be operated. The vehicle's telematics unit monitors the fuel level and charge level via the vehicle bus or other vehicle resources to determine if the vehicle is running low on fuel and electric charge. If the telematics unit determines that the fuel is depleted and the charge level is approaching, meets or falls below the lower threshold, the telematics unit communicates the vehicle fuel status and vehicle position to a call center along with vehicle identification data. The call center determines the amount of charge required to reach one or more local fueling stations or other points of interests and propose destination recommendations to the driver. The driver may then select one of the recommendations, and the call center transmits a new lower charge threshold to the vehicle.

An electric vehicle comprises a first power source and a second power source. The first power source can be used to supply a substantially constant base power level and the second power source can be used to supply a variable power level such that a variable load demand can be filled by combining the base power level and the variable power level. The first source can be used to supply power to the second source when the second source is operating at a decreased charge or power level. The base power level can be varied based upon the remaining charge or power level contained within the second source. A number of control methods for operating the power supply of the electric vehicle are disclosed.

The invention relates to the technical field of complete electric vehicle management systems, and particularly discloses a management system and a working method for the endurance mileage of an electrical vehicle. The system comprises an acquisition module used for acquiring vehicle location information, actual traffic information, average vehicle speed data, residual battery capacity and power loss information of various vehicle parts, and a confirming module connected with the acquisition module and used for confirming the maximum endurance mileage of a vehicle according the information acquired by the acquisition module. The management system and the working method can calculate the endurance mileage in a comprehensive and dynamic manner, reduce forecast errors to the maximum extent, effectively assist users in planning trips reasonably and improve the experience of the users.

A method and system provide for the cooperative charging of electric vehicles. By using power line communications, chargers of the electric vehicles who are serviced by the same distribution transformer can form self-contained local area networks due to the nature of power line communications (PLCs). Alternatively, or in addition to the PLCs, other communication networks, such as the Internet and local area networks, may be used as part of the communications infrastructure for the chargers. After the chargers of the electric vehicles are coupled to one another through power line communications or traditional communications networks, they can form a logical token ring network. According to this token ring network, a predetermined number of tokens can be assigned within the token ring network for permitting chargers with tokens to charge respective electric vehicles while chargers without tokens must wait until they receive a token to initiate charging.

A system of energy storage and charging usable in vehicles and other applications that eliminate the battery capacity and automotive range issues is described. In our invention, vehicles are equipped with charging mechanisms to charge and recharge onboard batteries using wireless electricity and power transmission using magnetic resonant coupling between tuned electromagnetic circuits. The batteries may be charged using wireless charging systems installed along the roads while the vehicle is in use on the road. Charging system may optionally utilize infrared laser beam radiation to transmit power for charging the batteries on board a vehicle while it is in use as well. The onboard vehicle batteries may also be charged when the vehicle is not being driven either by plugging in the vehicle into wall electricity using wired power connection or may be wirelessly charged using the magnetic resonant coupling. By locating the charging circuits on roads, a continuous operation of electric-only mode of hybrid vehicles or pure electric-only vehicles can be accomplished and fully eliminate the need for gasoline usage.