Abstract: A system, method and article for detecting a polarity of a rotor in a motor and/or a generator. In one embodiment, a rotor polarity detection signal is applied and a response thereto is evaluated to determine whether an estimated position of the rotor is correct.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for use in an electric motor or generator where the mass of the rotor assembly is reduced with respect to conventional rotor assemblies. In addition, the rotor assembly is configured to be scalable to different sized electric motors. Within the rotor assembly, the rotor hub, the shaft, and the permanent magnets can independently or collectively be modified to have a reduced mass. In one aspect, a portion of the rotor hub adjacent to the shaft is configured with passages and spokes. In another aspect, an intermediate hub with lightening holes is provided between the shaft and the rotor hub. In yet another aspect, a large diameter hollow shaft replaces a portion of the rotor hub. In yet another aspect, the permanent magnets are configured to have an arc-shape, which permits the thickness of the magnets to be reduced without reducing the efficiency of the magnets.

Abstract: A closed-loop permanent magnet motor control method and system optimally partitions torque and flux-weakening currents to produce a desired torque without exceeding the capability of the DC source. A maximum limit for allowable torque current and a minimum threshold for the maximum torque current are determined, and the flux current is varied based at least in part on whether the maximum torque current limit is above or below the minimum threshold while operating in a flux-weakening region to compensate for the variability of the DC source voltage.

Abstract: A fuel cell based power supply comprises a main power converter architecture that allows the fuel cell stack to operate independently of a desired output voltage. The fuel cell stack may be directly connected to the main power converter eliminating high current switches and diodes. Switches are operable to selectively power an auxiliary component such as a cooling fan to the fuel cell stack or to a storage device via an auxiliary power converter. A single auxiliary power converter can replace a dedicated cooling fan power supply. The power supply operates in a variety of states.

Abstract: A closed-loop permanent magnet motor control method and system optimally partitions torque and flux-weakening currents to produce a desired torque without exceeding the capability of the DC source. A maximum limit for allowable torque current and a minimum threshold for the maximum torque current are determined, and the flux current is varied based at least in part on whether the maximum torque current limit is above or below the minimum threshold while operating in a flux-weakening region to compensate for the variability of the DC source voltage.

Abstract: A process for the optimization of the design of an electric power train system comprising a plurality of subsystems including identifying a plurality of variables associated with the plurality of subsystems of the electric power train system, wherein the plurality of variables interact, applying a plurality of constraints associated with the plurality of subsystems of the electric power train system to the plurality of variables, and manipulating the plurality of variables such that the plurality of constraints are met.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing an active suspension system of an automotive vehicle is provided having a power source and a motor with a plurality of stator wires connected to the suspension unit for controlling the movement of the suspension. A controller is electrically connected to the motor and to the power source for developing current commands for input into the motor through the stator wires. The switch, electrically connected to the stator wires and the power source, connects the stator wires together in response to an interruption of the power source so that a high torque is developed in the motor for restraining the movement of the suspension unit.

Abstract: A pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter is controlled by repetitively changing or dithering desired output currents for the inverter to ensure that it is unable to settle into zero states which result in lack of torque control when the inverter is used to control an AC motor. Dithering is performed by algebraically combining dither values with the desired output currents to generate reference output currents outside a hysteresis band used to control the inverter. Since the reference output currents are outside the hysteresis band, zero states are avoided. Dithering is performed by repetitively adding and subtracting first and second dither values form the desired output currents; or, repetitively adding a first dither value, adding a zero dither value and subtracting a second dither value form the desired output currents. The dither value can be approximately equal to half the hysteresis band, or approximately equal to or greater than half the hysteresis band.

Abstract: System and method for high-speed, high-accuracy control of a multiphase motor in a vehicle having a DC power supply in response to a motor command signal, the system being a substantially digital implementation. The system includes programmable digital logic for generating a digital desired phase current signal for a particular motor phase. A signal indicative of the actual current in the particular motor phase is generated. The system includes comparators for comparing the desired phase current signal with the actual phase current signal and generating a digital error signal based on the difference between the desired and actual phase current signals. Additionally, the system includes an inverter, including a plurality of switches, for generating the actual current in the particular motor phase from the DC power supply. Based on the digital error signal, the digital logic generates a digital switch state output signal to control the operating state of the inverter.

Abstract: An electrically powered suspension for a vehicle including a roadwheel and tire assembly, an electrically powered suspension unit having one end attached to the roadwheel and tire assembly and the other end attached to the chasis of the vehicle, with the suspension unit including an electric motor for positioning the roadwheel with respect to the chasis, and a controller for operating the electric motor so as to control the vertical movement of the wheel and tire assembly with respect to the vehicle's chassis. The electric motor may include either a linear or rotating electric motor, acting either alone or in parallel with a static load carrying device such as a fluid or coil spring.

Abstract: A regenerative and friction braking system for a vehicle having one or more roadwheels driven by an electric traction motor includes a driver responsive device for producing a brake demand signal having a magnitude corresponding to the level of braking force selected by the driver and friction and regenerative brakes operatively connected with the roadwheels of the vehicle. A system according to this invention further includes control means for operating the friction and regenerative braking subsystems so that maximum brake torques sustainable by the roadwheels of the vehicle without skidding or slipping will not be exceeded.

Abstract: A multiple forward speed automatic transmission produces its lowest forward speed ratio when a hydraulic clutch and hydraulic brake are disengaged and a one-way clutch connects a ring gear to the transmission casing. Second forward speed ratio results when the hydraulic clutch is engaged to connect the ring gear to the planetary carrier of a second gear set. Reverse drive and regenerative operation result when an hydraulic brake fixes the planetary and the direction of power flow is reversed. Various sensors produce signals representing the torque at the output of the transmission or drive wheels, the speed of the power source, and the hydraulic pressure applied to a clutch and brake. A control algorithm produces input data representing a commanded upshift, a commanded downshift, a commanded transmission output torque, and commanded power source speed. A microprocessor processes the inputs and produces a response to them in accordance with the execution of a control algorithm.