40855 results about "Electric vehicle" patented technology

A tunable frangible battery pack system for use in an electric vehicle is disclosed. The tunable frangible battery pack system includes a two piece clamshell housing. The system also includes a plurality of battery cells arranged within the housing and a collector plate secured to each piece of the housing. The system also includes a wire conductor arranged between each of the battery cells and collector plates to create a frangible disconnect system when the battery pack system and electric vehicle are exposed to a predetermined mechanical or thermal force or event.

Disclosed is a computerized method for dispatching energy from distributed resources in a discharge event so that the energy stored in individual devices is levelized, or so that an operator request is met. Evaluation of event parameters may be deferred. The method may be utilized to dispatch energy from plug-in electric vehicles. Systems and methods to account for electricity dispatched to or from electric vehicles are disclosed. Systems and methods for incentivizing consumers to participate in a dispatch event or curtail energy use are disclosed.

An electric traction vehicle comprises a vehicle platform, a communication network, a power source mounted on the vehicle platform, a plurality of drive wheels rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform, a plurality of electric motors coupled to respective ones of the plurality of drive wheels, and a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules coupled to the plurality of electric motors. The interface modules are configured to control the plurality of electric motors and are coupled to each other by way of the communication network.

A system for charging a battery within an at least partially electric vehicle. The system includes a charging device wherein the charging device configured to electrically connect to the at least partially electric vehicle and charge at least one battery by a predetermined amount. The system also includes a network configured to determine the location of the charging device.

A system for network-controlled charging of electric vehicles comprises charge transfer devices networked as follows: charge transfer devices and electric vehicle operators communicate via wireless communication links; charge transfer devices are connected by a local area network to a data control unit, which is connected to a server via a wide area network. The server stores consumer profiles and utility company power grid load data. A charge transfer devices comprises: an electrical receptacle for receiving an electrical connector for recharging an electric vehicle; an electric power line connecting the receptacle to a local power grid; a control device on the electric power line, for switching the receptacle on and off; a current measuring device on the electric power line, for measuring current flowing through the receptacle; a controller for operating the control device and monitoring the output from the current measuring device; a local area network transceiver connected to the controller, for connecting the controller to the data control unit; and a communication device connected to the controller, for wireless communication between the operator of the electric vehicle and the controller.

A software platform in communication with networked distributed energy resource energy storage apparatus, configured to deliver various specific applications related to offset demand monitoring, methods of virtual power plant and orchestration, load shaping services, methods of reducing demand at aggregated level, prioritizing computer programs related to virtual energy pool, energy cloud controllers methods, charge discharge orchestration plans of electric vehicles, distributed energy resources, machine learning predictive algorithms, value optimizing algorithms, autonomous sensing event awareness, mode selection methods, capacity reservation monitoring, virtual power plant methods, advanced DER-ES apparatus features, energy management system for governing resources and methods, aggregated energy cloud methods, load shaping methods, marginal cost cycle-life degradation, load shaping API, forward event schedule, on demand request, and load service state request methods. Various rules, constraints of predictive algorithms for signal inputs to determine incremental storage cycles, cycle life degradation marginal cost, iterative and forward event schedule development, and load control.

A preferred input torque for a hybrid powertrain is determined within a solution space of feasible input torques in accordance with a plurality of powertrain system constraints that results in a minimum overall powertrain system loss. System power losses and battery utilization costs are calculated at feasible input torques and a solution for the input torque corresponding to the minimum total powertrain system loss is converged upon to determine the preferred input torque.

A rechargeable, stackable, thin film, solid-state lithium electrochemical cell, thin film lithium battery and method for making the same is disclosed. The cell and battery provide for a variety configurations, voltage and current capacities. An innovative low temperature ion beam assisted deposition method for fabricating thin film, solid-state anodes, cathodes and electrolytes is disclosed wherein a source of energetic ions and evaporants combine to form thin film cell components having preferred crystallinity, structure and orientation. The disclosed batteries are particularly useful as power sources for portable electronic devices and electric vehicle applications where high energy density, high reversible charge capacity, high discharge current and long battery lifetimes are required.

A method of collecting electric vehicle power consumption tax for charge transferred between a local power source and an electric vehicle comprises: providing a network-controlled charge transfer device, charge transfer being controlled by a controller, the controller being connected to a network for communication to a server; requesting by an operator of the electric vehicle to the controller for charge transfer; relaying the request from the controller to the server; determining by the server, from geographical tax rate data and the geographical location of the network-controlled charge transfer device, an applicable tax rate on the charge transfer; enabling charge transfer by communicating from the server to the controller to activate the control device; monitoring the charge transfer using a current measuring device, the controller being configured to monitor the output from the current measuring device and to maintain a running total of charge transferred; detecting completion of the charge transfer; and on detecting completion, processing payment with said payment source, which may include deducting the cost of charge transfer from a subscriber account containing pre-transferred funds, and disabling charge transfer; wherein the request for payment includes the electric vehicle power consumption tax.

A tunable frangible battery pack system for use in an electric vehicle is disclosed. The tunable frangible battery pack system includes a two piece clamshell housing. The system also includes a plurality of battery cells arranged within the housing and a collector plate secured to each piece of the housing. The system also includes a wire conductor arranged between each of the battery cells and collector plates to create a frangible disconnect system when the battery pack system and electric vehicle are exposed to a predetermined mechanical or thermal force or event.

An electric vehicle charger determines the presence of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in proximity to the charger. Validation of account data associated with the electric vehicle occurs over a network. A docking interface on the charger aligns to a receptacle on the electric vehicle. The docking interface and the receptacle are coupled when the docking interface is within a predetermined distance to the receptacle. The charger supplies power to the electric vehicle.

A method is disclosed for improving the performance of an energy storage system that incorporates a high density electrical energy storage device, such a battery or ultracapacitor. The method may be implemented in an energy storage system of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) as a computer control algorithm for controlling the discharge power limits of an energy storage device, such as a battery. The method allows the discharge power limits of the battery to be temporarily expanded under vehicle launch conditions where the power demands are high, thereby making additional stored energy available for use under such conditions by improving battery utilization and providing more consistent vehicle launch characteristics than would otherwise be available.

A control architecture for electric vehicle wireless power transmission systems that may be segmented so that certain essential and / or standardized control circuits, programs, algorithms, and the like, are permanent to the system and so that other non-essential and / or augmentable control circuits, programs, algorithms, and the like, may be reconfigurable and / or customizable by a user of the system. The control architecture may be distributed to various components of the wireless power system so that a combination of local or low-level controls operating at relatively high-speed can protect critical functionality of the system while higher-level and relatively lower speed control loops can be used to control other local and system-wide functionality.

A method of providing closed-loop control of power flowing into and out of an energy storage system (ESS), wherein the ESS comprises a battery is provided. The method may be implemented as a computer control algorithm for determining the charge and discharge limits for the ESS in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), wherein the ESS comprises a battery pack or array. The method comprises determining charge and discharge power limits during each of a plurality of control loops, comparing these limits during each of the plurality of control loops, and providing a charge power limit output and a discharge power limit output for use in a subsequent control loop which are based upon the charge power limit and the discharge power limit. The charge power limit output and discharge power limit output are set equal to the discharge power limit and charge power limit, respectively, when the discharge power limit is greater than the charge power limit; and are selected from the group consisting of the charge power limit, the discharge power limit and zero when the discharge power limit is less than or equal to the charge power limit.

A method and system for efficient distribution of power using wireless means, and a system and method for wireless power distribution to provide electric devices, such as vehicles with a way to continuously and wirelessly collect, use and charge their power systems and thereby use the transmitted power for operation. The system and method allows a hybrid, simplified and less costly way to charge devices, such as vehicles so that the devices continuously operate while charging / recharging.

A hybrid electric vehicle has an energy storage system including one or more batteries. Battery service life is managed by establishing an amp-hour throughput budget and limiting battery current substantially to the budget.

The electrical vehicle energy storage system permits the electric refueling of the electric vehicle just like an automobile would be refueled with gasoline at a gas station. Circuitry on board the vehicle accessible by the electric refueling station enables the determination of the energy content of the battery module or modules returned to the electric refueling station and the owner of the vehicle is given credit for the energy remaining in the battery module or modules which have been exchanged. Selective refueling may take place for given battery modules by removing them from the battery system and charging them at home, office or factory. A process for operating an electric vehicle is also disclosed and claimed.

A shared vehicle system includes a central facility, at least one vehicle distribution port facility and a plurality or fleet of vehicles, each having a vehicle subsystem. In general, the central station and port facility and the vehicle subsystems communicate in a manner to allow a user to enter information at a port facility. That information is then communicated to the central facility, where the information is processed to select a vehicle from the fleet to allocate to the user at the port facility. Selection of a vehicle for allocation to a user may be based on selecting an available or soon to be available vehicle according to various algorithms that take into account the vehicles state of charge. The central station also communicates with the port facility and the vehicle subsystem to notify the user of the selected vehicle, to provide secure user access to the selected vehicle, to monitor the location and operating status of vehicles in the fleet, to monitor the state of charge of electric vehicles and to provide other functions. The vehicles communicate with the central station to notify the central station of the PIN number of the individual attempting to use the vehicle, and of vehicle parameters such as state of charge and location of the vehicle.

A system for network-controlled charging of electric vehicles comprises charge transfer devices networked as follows: charge transfer devices and electric vehicle operators communicate via wireless communication links; charge transfer devices are connected by a local area network to a data control unit, which is connected to a server via a wide area network. The server stores consumer profiles and utility company power grid load data. A charge transfer devices comprises: an electrical receptacle for receiving an electrical connector for recharging an electric vehicle; an electric power line connecting the receptacle to a local power grid; a control device on the electric power line, for switching the receptacle on and off; a current measuring device on the electric power line, for measuring current flowing through the receptacle; a controller for operating the control device and monitoring the output from the current measuring device; a local area network transceiver connected to the controller, for connecting the controller to the data control unit; and a communication device connected to the controller, for wireless communication between the operator of the electric vehicle and the controller.

A utility employs an active load management system (ALMS) to estimate available operating reserve for possible dispatch to the utility or another requesting entity (e.g., an independent system operator). According to one embodiment, the ALMS determines amounts of electric power stored in power storage devices, such as electric or hybrid electric vehicles, distributed throughout the utility's service area. The ALMS stores the stored power data in a repository. Responsive to receiving a request for operating reserve, the ALMS determines whether the stored power data alone or in combination with projected energy savings from a control event is sufficient to meet the operating reserve requirement. If so, the ALMS dispatches power from the power storage devices to the power grid to meet the operating reserve need. The need for operating reserve may also be communicated to mobile power storage devices to allow them to provide operating reserve as market conditions require.

The present invention provides a battery pack housing assembly for an electric vehicle, which is formed of a lightweight composite material to reduce the weight and configured to have a dual laminated structure with a closed cross-sectional area formed by composite molding to absorb impact energy. For this purpose, the present invention provides battery pack housing assembly for an electric vehicle using a plastic composite material, the battery pack housing assembly having an upper cover mounted at the bottom of a vehicle body, a lower housing, and a battery pack received and mounted in the lower housing, wherein the lower housing has a dual laminated structure with a closed cross-sectional area formed by bonding an upper plate and a lower plate, each composed of a fiber reinforced plastic composite material, to absorb impact energy, thus increasing structural stiffness.

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

A system (200) for distributing electrical power, includes: a first high voltage AC power distributing unit (210a) including a first high voltage AC bus (214a-1, 214a-2), which is selectively connected to a first high voltage AC generator (224a), and a first start bus (212a); a second high voltage AC power distributing unit (210b) including a second high voltage AC bus (214b-1, 214b-2), which is selectively connected to a second high voltage AC generator (224b), and a second start bus (212b); a first high voltage DC power distributing unit (240a) including, a first high voltage DC bus (246a), and a second high voltage DC power distributing unit (240b) including a second high voltage DC bus (246b). The first high voltage AC bus (214a-1, 214a-2) is selectively connectable to the second high voltage AC bus (214b-1, 214b-2), such that the system (200) provides redundancy for high voltage power distribution.

An adaptive electric car or other vehicle with potentially better performance—power, efficiency, range—than a gasoline vehicle, at a competitive cost. The motor control system can dynamically adapt to the vehicle's operating conditions (starting, accelerating, turning, braking, cruising at high speeds) and other inputs and parameters. That consistently provides better performance. Isolating the vehicle's motor or generator electromagnetic circuits allows effective control of more independent parameters. That gives great freedom to optimize. Adaptive motors and generators for an electric vehicle are cheaper, smaller, lighter, more powerful, and more efficient than conventional designs. An electric vehicle with in-wheel adaptive motors delivers high power with low unsprung mass and high torque and power-density. Total energy management of the vehicles entire electrical system allows for large-scale optimization. An adaptive architecture improves performance of a wide variety of vehicles, particularly those that need optimal efficiency over a range of operating conditions.

A charge / discharge control apparatus includes: a charge / discharge reward information receiving unit for receiving charge / discharge reward information representing a reward given to a charge / discharge action of a customer and a restriction in conducting a charging / discharging from a charge management central server; a computing unit for creating a charge / discharge plan including a total charging quantity in a time zone and an estimated use start time of an electric vehicle such that a reward is maximized, based on the charge / discharge reward information; a charge / discharge instruction transmitting unit for instructing the electric vehicle to start or finish a charging / discharging according to the charge / discharge plan; a charge / discharge quantity monitoring unit for monitoring the charging / discharging; and a charge / discharge results transmitting unit for transmitting results of monitored charging / discharging including contents of the conducted charging / discharging and individual identification information for identifying itself, to a charge management central server.

A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles is described. A station removes one or more spent batteries of electric vehicles having multiple batteries. The receiving system includes an engagement device for engaging with engagement structures of the batteries, in order to assist the removal of spent batteries. Spent batteries removed from vehicles may be tested and charged as they progress through the system in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries may be transferred to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles. Batteries which cannot adequately be recharged can be automatically removed from the system.

A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles is described. A station removes one or more spent batteries of electric vehicles having multiple batteries. The receiving system includes an engagement device for engaging with engagement structures of the batteries, in order to assist the removal of spent batteries. Spent batteries removed from vehicles may be tested and charged as they progress through the system in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries may be transferred to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles. Batteries which cannot adequately be recharged can be automatically removed from the system.

A method for providing traction control in vehicle powertrain systems is particularly adapted for traction control in a powertrain system of a hybrid electric vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, an electric machine and a transmission that is operatively coupled to the electric machine and the engine and adapted to provide a transmission torque output in response to a transmission torque input received as a torque output from either or both of the engine and the electric machine. The method is adapted to utilize conventional traction control and engine control hardware, software and communication standards to implement traction control. In one embodiment of the invention, a conventional traction controller is used to detect a wheel spin condition and provide a plurality of first output torque command messages in response thereto. The plurality of first output torque command messages are used to obtain a torque reduction which is applied to a reference output torque to obtain a corresponding plurality of traction control output torque commands for the powertrain system during the wheel spin condition. A rate limit may also be applied to control the rate of change between successive ones of the traction control output torque commands in order to reduce the possibility of extension of the wheel spin condition, or recurrence of another wheel spin condition. Each traction control output torque command may be used to determine an associated traction control engine torque output command and traction control electric machine torque output command.