Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes an electric machine (EM) configured to generate an unconditioned output. The vehicle propulsion system also includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having an input side and an output side, the input side mechanically coupled to the EM and configured to receive the unconditioned output from the EM and produce a conditioned output on the output side. A fixed-ratio transmission is mechanically coupled to the output side of the CVT and configured to receive the conditioned output from the CVT and produce a reconditioned output.

Abstract: A system is provided for estimating a condition of a non-conductive hollow structure exposed to a lightning strike. The structure has an internal cavity. The system includes a pressure transducer to measure a pressure of an acoustic wave generated within the internal cavity due to the lightning strike. The system further includes a controller coupled to the pressure transducer, to receive the measured pressure from the pressure transducer, and to process the condition of the structure, based on the measured pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power connector configured to mate with an electrical power grid receptacle and receive a grid power therefrom and a heating and cooling system electrically connected to the power connector to receive grid power therefrom and configured to modify a temperature the vehicle cabin. The vehicle also includes a temperature control loop configured to selectively activate and control the heating and cooling system and a controller configured to receive a first input signal comprising a desired vehicle activation time and a second input signal comprising a starting vehicle cabin temperature and a desired vehicle cabin temperature. The controller determines a temperature control loop activation time based on the first and second input signals that is prior to the desired vehicle activation time and transmits an activation signal to the temperature control loop at the temperature control loop activation time to activate the heating and cooling system.

Abstract: A system is provided for estimating a condition of a non-conductive hollow structure exposed to a lightning strike. The structure has an internal cavity. The system includes a pressure transducer to measure a pressure of an acoustic wave generated within the internal cavity due to the lightning strike. The system further includes a controller coupled to the pressure transducer, to receive the measured pressure from the pressure transducer, and to process the condition of the structure, based on the measured pressure.

Abstract: A lightning detection system and method for detecting a lightning strike are provided. The system includes a lightning detector in a structure susceptible to a lightning strike. The lightning detector includes a data logger configured to log data indicative of a time of occurrence of the lightning strike. The system further includes memory to store data collected from a wide-area lightning detection network. The stored data includes at least one characteristic of the lightning strike. A processor may be configured to process data from the data logger relative to data collected from the wide-area lightning detection network to determine correlated data indicative of a lightning strike affecting the structure. In the event correlated data is determined, the processor may be configured to assign the characteristic of the lightning strike to the structure.

Abstract: A lightning detection system and method for detecting a lightning strike are provided. The system includes a lightning detector in a structure susceptible to a lightning strike. The lightning detector includes a data logger configured to log data indicative of a time of occurrence of the lightning strike. The system further includes memory to store data collected from a wide-area lightning detection network. The stored data includes at least one characteristic of the lightning strike. A processor may be configured to process data from the data logger relative to data collected from the wide-area lightning detection network to determine correlated data indicative of a lightning strike affecting the structure. In the event correlated data is determined, the processor may be configured to assign the characteristic of the lightning strike to the structure.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes an electric machine (EM) configured to generate an unconditioned output. The vehicle propulsion system also includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having an input side and an output side, the input side mechanically coupled to the EM and configured to receive the unconditioned output from the EM and produce a conditioned output on the output side. A fixed-ratio transmission is mechanically coupled to the output side of the CVT and configured to receive the conditioned output from the CVT and produce a reconditioned output.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having an input side and an output side, the CVT configured to condition an input received at the input side and to output the conditioned input at the output side. The vehicle propulsion also includes an internal combustion engine (ICE) mechanically coupled to the input side of the CVT and configured to provide the input to the CVT. The vehicle propulsion includes an electric machine (EM) mechanically coupled to the output side of the CVT, the EM configured to receive the conditioned input from the CVT.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power connector configured to mate with an electrical power grid receptacle and receive a grid power therefrom and a heating and cooling system electrically connected to the power connector to receive grid power therefrom and configured to modify a temperature the vehicle cabin. The vehicle also includes a temperature control loop configured to selectively activate and control the heating and cooling system and a controller configured to receive a first input signal comprising a desired vehicle activation time and a second input signal comprising a starting vehicle cabin temperature and a desired vehicle cabin temperature. The controller determines a temperature control loop activation time based on the first and second input signals that is prior to the desired vehicle activation time and transmits an activation signal to the temperature control loop at the temperature control loop activation time to activate the heating and cooling system.

Abstract: A lightning protection system for a wind turbine blade of a wind turbine includes a conductive lightning receptor for mounting at the surface of a turbine blade such that a portion of the lightning receptor projects beyond a trailing edge of the turbine blade when mounted at the surface. Another lightning protection system includes a lightning receptor that has a generally elongated shape and that is configured to be mounted such that the greatest dimension of the lightning receptor lies generally parallel to the direction in which the turbine blade is designed to move.