Abstract: A method for reducing thermal cycling of a semiconductor power switch includes obtaining a value indicative of a junction temperature of the power switch. The method also includes selecting one of several pre-determined gate drive voltages, based on the obtained value, and providing the selected gate drive voltage to a gate of the power switch. This reduces thermal cycling of a power switch relative to the thermal cycling that would be present during operation at a single gate temperature.

Abstract: A communication method includes detecting at a gate drive unit a change of state of a command signal that is received via a command link of the gate drive unit and initiating, responsive to the change of state of the command signal, a blanking period in which the gate drive unit will process as incoming data any further changes of state of the command signal. The method also includes receiving incoming data at the gate drive unit, by processing modulations of the command signal, within the blanking period.

Abstract: A system includes a cooling system having a cooling fluid for cooling an engine and a radiator fan motor; a dynamic braking system configured to supply electrical energy to the fan motor during a braking event; and a controller that is operable to direct the electrical energy from the dynamic braking system to the fan motor to cool the coolant to a predetermined minimum threshold temperature. A method includes switching a vehicle thermal management system from a first mode of operation in which the coolant is maintained at a steady operating temperature to a second mode of operation in which the coolant is cooled to a minimum threshold temperature.

Abstract: A system includes a motor coupled to an energy source and coupled to a hoist pump. During one mode of use or operation, the motor cars receive electricity from the energy source and provide mechanical power to the hoist pump. A method includes directing a motor to mechanically couple to the hoist pump, and directing electrical power to flow from an energy source to the motor, and thereby to control the speed of hoist activity.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes an engine coupled to an alternator; a radiator fan motor in electrical communication with the alternator, and that is mechanically decoupled from the engine; an energy storage device in electrical communication with the alternator and the radiator fan motor; and one or more traction motors in electrical communication with the energy storage device, the radiator fan motor, or both. Electricity provided through dynamic braking can power the radiator fan motor upon generation of the electricity, or it can be stored in the energy storage device for use later in powering the radiator fan motor.

Abstract: A method of testing a braking device in a drivetrain of a vehicle which includes at least one tractive element coupled to a traction motor. The method includes: (a) applying the braking device to a tractive element of the vehicle; (b) using an electronic controller, causing the traction motor to apply a predetermined force to the tractive element; and (c) using the controller, monitoring the tractive element for movement while the force is being applied. A dynamic braking or “retarder” function may also be tested. A system for carrying out the method is provided.

Abstract: A power system is provided that includes a first voltage bus, a traction motor configured to generate electrical power during a regenerative braking mode and to supply the generated electrical power to the first voltage bus, and an auxiliary system coupled to the first voltage bus. The auxiliary system comprises a second voltage bus and a power interface unit coupling the first voltage bus to the second voltage bus. The auxiliary system also comprises an energy storage device coupled to the second voltage bus and configured to store energy supplied to the second voltage bus and configured to supply stored energy to the second voltage bus and an auxiliary load configured to receive power based on power in the second voltage bus.

Abstract: A method for controlling a power system of a hybrid vehicle includes determining, during a motoring mode of operation, a desired operating voltage of a direct current (DC) bus included in the power system at a given speed. The desired operating voltage is based on a minimum operating voltage at the given speed and a maximum operating voltage at the given speed, wherein an energy storage element parameter is used establishing the minimum operating voltage.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a drivetrain of a vehicle which includes a prime mover operatively connected to at least one tractive element. The method includes: (a) determining the vehicle's total weight; and (b) using an electronic controller carried by the vehicle, causing the prime mover to apply power to the tractive element so as to propel the vehicle, the magnitude of the power being a function of the vehicle's total weight.

Abstract: An adaptable electrical braking system for an electrical propulsion system of a traction vehicle is provided. The electrical braking system is configured to dissipate electrical energy in a plurality of resistor grids. The braking system includes a braking system assembly including a baseline chopper circuit topology. The baseline chopper circuit topology includes a first semiconductor-based circuitry in an enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. The braking system further includes a second semiconductor-based circuitry electrically coupled to the first semiconductor-based circuitry to produce a chopper including a chopper circuit topology fully contained in the enclosure. The second semiconductor-based circuitry includes a circuit topology selectable to adapt the baseline chopper circuit topology to meet distinct operational requirements to be fulfilled by the braking system.

Abstract: A power system is provided that includes a first voltage bus, a traction motor configured to generate electrical power during a regenerative braking mode and to supply the generated electrical power to the first voltage bus, and an auxiliary system coupled to the first voltage bus. The auxiliary system comprises a second voltage bus and a power interface unit coupling the first voltage bus to the second voltage bus. The auxiliary system also comprises an energy storage device coupled to the second voltage bus and configured to store energy supplied to the second voltage bus and configured to supply stored energy to the second voltage bus and an auxiliary load configured to receive power based on power in the second voltage bus.

Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting a propulsion circuit of an existing Off Highway Vehicle to enable the propulsion circuit to operate as a hybrid energy Off Highway Vehicle propulsion circuit. The hybrid propulsion circuit includes a primary power source, and a traction motor for propelling an Off Highway Vehicle in response to the primary electric power. The traction motor has a motoring mode of operation and a power dissipation mode of operation. The traction motor generates dynamic braking electrical power in the power dissipation mode of operation. An electrical energy storage system includes a chopper circuit coupled to an energy storage device. The storage device is responsive to the chopper circuit to selectively store electrical energy generated in the power dissipation mode. The storage system selectively provides secondary electric power from the storage device to traction motor to assist in propelling the Off Highway Vehicle during the motoring mode.

Abstract: A system includes a retarder in electrical communication through an electric link with an alternator, and a controller that compares a power measurement with an accessory load on a system during a retard event, and can reduce an electrical load on the alternator, or can remove all electrical loads from an engine, when electric power that is generated from the retarder is measured to be greater than an accessory load on the system. The system may include an alternator that provides a motor function to rotate a shaft coupled to an engine that is mechanically coupled to one or more mechanically drivable accessories. The alternator powers the mechanically drivable accessories in place of or in addition to the engine.

Abstract: A kit and method for reconfiguring an electrical braking system for a traction vehicle are provided. The kit may include a braking system assembly including a chopper having a first chopper circuit topology. The first chopper circuit topology includes a first semiconductor-based circuitry having a footprint that defines at least one cavity in an enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. This enclosure constitutes the enclosure for accommodating the semiconductor-based circuitry in the chopper having electromechanical-based circuitry and semiconductor based circuitry. A second semiconductor-based circuitry is arranged in the at least one cavity in the enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. The second semiconductor-based circuitry when electrically coupled to the first semiconductor-based circuitry produces a chopper comprising a second chopper circuit topology fully contained in the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of testing a braking device in a drivetrain of a vehicle which includes at least one tractive element coupled to a traction motor. The method includes: (a) applying the braking device to a tractive element of the vehicle; (b) using an electronic controller, causing the traction motor to apply a predetermined force to the tractive element; and (c) using the controller, monitoring the tractive element for movement while the force is being applied. A dynamic braking or “retarder” function may also be tested. A system for carrying out the method is provided.

Abstract: A system to optimize performance of a powered system, the system including a data device configured to provide current information about current operating conditions of the powered system and/or prior information about the powered system, a controller configured to control operation of the powered system, and a processor configured to provide at least one control command to the controller for use in operating the powered system and/or user information with at least one recommended command to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at least one control command and/or user information are based at least in part on the current information and/or the prior information. A system and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adaptable electrical braking system for an electrical propulsion system of a traction vehicle is provided. The electrical braking system is configured to dissipate electrical energy in a plurality of resistor grids. The braking system includes a braking system assembly including a baseline chopper circuit topology. The baseline chopper circuit topology includes a first semiconductor-based circuitry in an enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. The braking system further includes a second semiconductor-based circuitry electrically coupled to the first semiconductor-based circuitry to produce a chopper including a chopper circuit topology fully contained in the enclosure. The second semiconductor-based circuitry includes a circuit topology selectable to adapt the baseline chopper circuit topology to meet distinct operational requirements to be fulfilled by the braking system.

Abstract: A kit and method for reconfiguring an electrical braking system for a traction vehicle are provided. The kit may include a braking system assembly including a chopper having a first chopper circuit topology. The first chopper circuit topology includes a first semiconductor-based circuitry having a footprint that defines at least one cavity in an enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. This enclosure constitutes the enclosure for accommodating the semiconductor-based circuitry in the chopper having electromechanical-based circuitry and semiconductor based circuitry. A second semiconductor-based circuitry is arranged in the at least one cavity in the enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. The second semiconductor-based circuitry when electrically coupled to the first semiconductor-based circuitry produces a chopper comprising a second chopper circuit topology fully contained in the enclosure.

Abstract: A double-sided dual-shaft electrical machine includes a stator disposed between the inner rotor and the outer rotor. The stator includes a plurality of inner stator coils disposed adjacent to the inner rotor for driving the inner rotor. A plurality of outer stator coils disposed adjacent to the outer rotor for driving the outer rotor.

Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting a propulsion circuit of an existing Off Highway Vehicle to enable the propulsion circuit to operate as a hybrid energy Off Highway Vehicle propulsion circuit. The hybrid propulsion circuit includes a primary power source, and a traction motor for propelling an Off Highway Vehicle in response to the primary electric power. The traction motor has a motoring mode of operation and a power dissipation mode of operation. The traction motor generates dynamic braking electrical power in the power dissipation mode of operation. An electrical energy storage system includes a chopper circuit coupled to an energy storage device. The storage device is responsive to the chopper circuit to selectively store electrical energy generated in the power dissipation mode. The storage system selectively provides secondary electric power from the storage device to traction motor to assist in propelling the Off Highway Vehicle during the motoring mode.