Abstract: A hybrid vehicle (100) includes a voltage step-up device (17). The voltage step-up device (17) is provided between driving devices (18, 20) and an electrical storage device (16), and steps up input voltages of the driving devices (18, 20) to a voltage of the electrical storage device (16) or above. An HV-ECU (36) determines whether it is possible to reduce a CO2 emissions for a predetermined travel route by increasing the voltage of the electrical storage device (16). Then, when it is determined that it is possible to reduce the CO2 emissions, the HV-ECU (36) controls an SOC of the electrical storage device (16) so as to increase the SOC at a start of the travel route.

Abstract: A hybrid work vehicle having a direct-current electric power bus for connecting at least an electric power controller, an electric machine for driving the vehicle, a reversible electric machine, and a battery.

Abstract: A cooling air supply device (22) for supplying cooling air to an alternator (19) and an electric motor (20) for traveling is provided with a cooling air inlet port (24B) for taking in outside air as cooling air; a cooling air supply line (23) for establishing connection between the cooling air inlet port (24B), and the alternator (19) and the electric motor (20), and an alternator side cooling fan (36) and an electric motor side cooling fan (37) for sucking cooling air from the cooling air inlet port (24B) into the cooling air supply line (23). A dust separator (28) is provided in the halfway section of the cooling air supply line (23) to spirally circulate the cooling air and centrifugally separate the dust from the cooling air, and the dust in the cooling air is separated by the dust separator (28).

Abstract: Assumed torque Tb is calculated based on an operation state of an engine when there is no abnormality in sensors, the engine is in a warm-up completion state, and a travel mode is a series mode, and actual torque Ta is calculated and friction torque Tf is calculated based on information on an actual amount of electric power generation of a generator. When the friction torque Tf is larger than an upper limit clip value, the upper limit clip value is the friction torque Tf, and when the friction torque Tf is smaller than the lower limit clip value, the lower limit clip value is the friction torque Tf, correction torque Tc is calculated, and an operation of an electronic control instrument of the engine is controlled so as to set the assumed torque Tb to the correction torque Tc.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, fraction motor, final drive assembly, battery pack, and a supercapacitor module electrically connected to the battery pack. The vehicle also has first and second clutches and a controller. The clutches have opposite apply states. The first clutch connects an engine driveshaft to the motor to establish a neutral-charging mode. The second clutch connects an output shaft of the motor to the final drive assembly to establish a drive mode. The controller selects between the drive and neutral-charging modes in response to input signals. The drive mode uses energy from the supercapacitor module and battery pack to power the traction motor. The neutral-charging mode uses output torque from the engine to charge the supercapacitor module and battery pack. The clutches may be pnemauically-actuated, and the vehicle may be characterized by an absence of planetary gear sets.

Abstract: Provided is a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame having a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame. A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel are mounted to the first and second axle. An energy storage device and an electric motor having a motor shaft are mounted to the frame. The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor. The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive. The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles. The lawn maintenance vehicle includes an implement mounted to the frame. The lawn maintenance vehicle can also include an internal combustion engine operably connected to the electric motor.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes a high voltage DC bus and an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is mechanically coupled to a non self-excited generator/motor which is preferably a switched reluctance machine. A power inverter electrically and bidirectionally couples the high voltage DC bus to the non self-excited switched reluctance generator/motor. Front and rear axle dual DC-AC inverters electrically and bidirectionally couple two traction AC non self-excited switched reluctance motors/gear reducers to the high voltage DC bus for moving the vehicle and for regenerating power. An ultracapacitor coupled to the high voltage DC bus. A bidirectional DC-DC converter interposed between a low voltage battery and the high voltage DC bus transfers energy to the high voltage DC bus and ultracapacitor to ensure that the non self-excited switched reluctance generator/motor operating in the motor mode is able to start the engine.

Abstract: Snow groomer for treating snow-covered surfaces, the snow groomer having an internal combustion engine and at least one generator connected via power electronics to at least one electric motor for a rotational functional drive of the snow groomer, wherein two generators are connected in parallel between the internal combustion engine and the power electronics.

Abstract: A control device is provided to reduce an engine start shock when there is a request to start the engine in response to the accelerator pedal depression and the slip polarity of the second clutch is negative. The control device for a hybrid vehicle has an engine, a motor/generator, a first clutch, a second clutch, and a mechanism for an engine start permission controlling operation. The first clutch is selectively engaged during engine start in which the motor generator is operated as the starter motor. The second clutch is interposed between the motor/generator and tires, and is slip-engaged when the engine is started. The mechanism for the engine start permission controlling operation delays starting the engine until the slip polarity becomes positive when the engine start request is produced and the slip polarity of the second clutch is negative.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle is provided, in which an engine generates secondary power that is either stored or used as direct input energy by a secondary power source to provide motive power to the vehicle. The secondary power source is powered by secondary energy from an energy storage device, direct input energy generated by the engine, or both, depending on the amount of stored secondary energy in combination with vehicle speed. When in use, the power level at which the engine is operated is also determined on the basis of available stored energy and vehicle speed. At higher vehicle speeds, the amount of stored energy is allowed to be depleted in order to increase the available storage capacity for regenerative braking.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: an engine; an electric motor connected to the engine via a gear; and a controller configured to perform control that includes at least one of increasing a rotational speed of the engine to a value that is equal to or higher than a given value and changing an output torque of the electric motor to a value that is out of a given range including zero, provided that a target output torque of the electric motor is within the given range including zero and a target rotational speed of the engine is lower than the given value, during deceleration accompanied by motoring of the engine.

Abstract: An electric drive module for use in electric vehicles includes a first electric motor, a second electric motor, a continuously-variable gearbox assembly interconnecting the first and second electric traction motors to a pair of wheels, and a third electric motor for controlling a direction and rotary speed of a component of the gearbox assembly so as to continuously vary a speed ratio between the wheels.

Abstract: When the total value of demanded hydraulic power and demanded traveling power is larger than the sum of the engine power that can be output by an engine (1) and of the discharge power that can be discharged by an electrical storage device (3), the actual power of a hydraulic pump (9) is increased from the value at the time of demand toward the demanded hydraulic power under the constraint of a predetermined limit. While the power of the hydraulic pump is being subjected to the predetermined limit, the actual power of the traveling motor is decreased from the value at the time of demand by a value smaller than the magnitude of the predetermined limit. This prevents worsening of ride comfort attributable to the distribution of power between the hydraulic pump and the traveling motor.

Abstract: A method for operating a traction vehicle, especially a locomotive, wherein the power delivered by a drive system is produced by at least two internal combustion engines, each of which is functionally connected to a generator for producing electric power, the engines preferably being gas engines, even more preferably lean gas engines. A previously determined number of separate power stages ranging from a minimum power up to a nominal power of the drive system is provided. The interval between all directly adjacent power stages is selected so that it corresponds to a constant fraction of the nominal power of the drive system.

Abstract: A powertrain is adapted to drive ground-engaging elements disposed along longitudinally-opposing sides of a vehicle. The powertrain includes at least one engine, a first electric machine, a second electric machine, a third electric machine, a first differential mechanism and a second differential mechanism. The engine and first electric machine are operatively connected to the first and second differential mechanisms. The second electric machine is operatively connected to the first differential mechanism and the third electric machine is operatively connected to the second differential mechanism. The first and second differential mechanisms are each operatively connected to drivable engage one or more ground-engaging elements disposed on a different one of the longitudinally-opposing sides of the associated vehicle. A vehicle including such a powertrain as well as methods of using the same are also included.

Abstract: In order to further develop drive arrangements with a continuously variable sub-gear mechanism, the invention proposes a drive arrangement with a continuously variable sub-gear mechanism having two circulating transmission elements, which are actively connected to one another via a circulating connecting element, having a hybrid drive comprising a first drive and at least one additional drive, and further having at least one output, wherein at least one of the two drives is interactively connected to the output, either directly or indirectly via the continuously variable sub-gear mechanism.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle's instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine's maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine's maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle's load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances.

Abstract: A series electric drive includes a cylindrical first rotor with a number of permanent magnets therein and an input linked to the cylindrical first rotor. The series electric drive further includes a cylindrical second rotor stacked radially within the cylindrical first rotor, the cylindrical second rotor being a wound rotor, and an output being linked to the cylindrical second rotor. A cylindrical stator is stacked axially relative to the first rotor, and a portion of the second rotor is stacked radially within the cylindrical stator, the cylindrical stator being a wound stator.

Abstract: Heavy equipment includes a body, an electrical bus, and working components coupled to the body and powered by electricity conveyed via the electrical bus. The heavy equipment further includes a generator set providing an electrical output to the electrical bus, an energy storage element configured to be coupled to the electrical bus, and a computerized controller coupled to the energy storage element. The computerized controller includes a logic module for coupling the energy storage element to the electrical bus in advance of a predicted increase in demand upon the electrical bus, where the increase in demand is anticipated by the computerized controller as forthcoming based upon extrapolation, at least in part, from data related to a previous operation of the heavy equipment.

Abstract: In order to operate a hybrid vehicle, a mode is provided in which adjustment to the remaining electrical range is performed, specifically said remaining range is kept substantially constant. For example, the driver of the vehicle can continuously maintain the currently determined remaining electrical range by activating an activation element, in order to be able to retrieve said remaining electrical range later for purely electric driving, for example in a low emission zone. Adjustment to the remaining electrical range is more appropriate than the previously known adjustment to the charge state of the battery, because the vehicle driver can better plan his trip.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an engine, a first traction element, a second traction element, a first electric drive system, and a second electric drive system. The engine is coupled operatively to the first traction element via the first electric drive system and to the second traction element via the second electric drive system.

Abstract: A navigation system and associate methods are described that include a plurality of fixed terrestrial based reference devices that calibrate the system by tracking positional error between the fixed terrestrial based reference devices. A navigation system and associated methods are also described that include a laser positioning system. A navigation system and associated methods are described that include an RF positioning system. In one example, the laser positioning system, and the RF positioning system cross check one another to ensure reliability and accuracy of a position measurement.

Abstract: A series-hybrid vehicle is provided, comprising a vehicle body frame; a pair of right and left front wheels; a pair of right and left rear wheels; a drive motor mounted to the vehicle body frame to drive the front wheels or the rear wheels; a battery mounted to a center portion of the vehicle body frame in a forward and rearward direction to supply electric power to the drive motor; an engine electric generator including an electric generator for generating electric power charged into the battery and an engine for actuating the electric generator; and a driver seat; wherein the driver seat is positioned rightward or leftward relative to a center portion of the vehicle body frame in a vehicle width direction; and the engine is positioned at an opposite side of the driver seat relative to the center portion of the vehicle body frame in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system comprising three motor/generators, an engine and an electrical energy storage device. The system is arranged so that two axles can be driven at the same time. Each axle can be driven using power generated by the engine or provided by the electrical energy storage device. The system can also be configured to drive one of axles using mechanical power from the engine.

Abstract: A system for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine; a first inverter coupled to a second inverter; a first electrical machine coupled to the engine and the first inverter; a second electrical machine coupled to the second inverter and a wheel axle of the vehicle; a high voltage battery coupled to both the first inverter and the second inverter; and a switch box disposed between the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine. The switch box includes switches adapted to switch open and closed to allow direct electrical connection from the first electrical machine to the second electrical machine.

Abstract: A vibratory roller machine includes a chassis supported on one or more drum assemblies including an exciter assembly for compacting the ground on which the machine travels. The machine is operated via a number of drive and exciter motors powered by a series hybrid drive system. The series hybrid drive system includes an engine and generator that are configured to provide power to the system under nominal operating conditions. The series hybrid drive system further includes a power storage system, such as battery bank or a capacitor bank that is configured to provide the motors with additional power during peak power demand. The vibratory roller machine may, for example, be a walk-behind trench roller or ride-on roller.

Abstract: A powertrain is adapted to drive ground-engaging elements disposed along longitudinally-opposing sides of a vehicle. The powertrain includes at least one engine, a first electric machine, a second electric machine, a third electric machine, a first differential mechanism and a second differential mechanism. The engine and first electric machine are operatively connected to the first and second differential mechanisms. The second electric machine is operatively connected to the first differential mechanism and the third electric machine is operatively connected to the second differential mechanism. The first and second differential mechanisms are each operatively connected to drivably engage one or more ground-engaging elements disposed on a different one of the longitudinally-opposing sides of the associated vehicle. A vehicle including such a powertrain as well as methods of using the same are also included.

Abstract: A power system for a vehicle or a facility utilizing an electric traction motor which is operated by a bank of batteries. The batteries are charged by a fuel operated electrical generator which is cooled by a radiator. A solar cell provides additional electrical output to the bank of batteries, while a ram air turbine may be employed for added electrical power or for regenerative braking. The traction motor operates a drive shaft through a differential gear mechanism to operate the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric vehicle and a range extender engine are shown including the controls to operate the same.

Abstract: A method includes determining an amount of power currently available from a battery for tractive torque as an amount of power stored in the battery less an amount of power required to power other vehicle components, and less an amount of power required to start the engine. An output torque limit when torque is provided only by the motor and power required to provide the output torque limit are determined based on test data. A maximum output torque is calculated by multiplying the amount of power determined to be currently available for tractive torque by a ratio of the output torque limit to the amount of power required to provide the output torque limit. The current output torque may be reduced at a predetermined rate until within a predetermined range of the lesser of the maximum output torque and the output torque limit if an engine start is requested.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle power unit includes an engine, a generator and a traction motor. A mounting bracket includes a base portion and a plurality of junctions arranged along the outer edge of an end of the generator at a plurality of points spaced at interval to fasten the base portion to the end. Dividing the end by an imaginary vertical plane that includes a rotor axis of the generator into a front area and a rear area with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the number of some of the plurality of junctions located in the rear area is larger than the number of the remainder of the plurality of junctions located in the front area. A generator mount between an end portion of the mounting bracket and a side member is arranged in front of the imaginary vertical plane with respect to the longitudinal axis.

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 drive device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine and a motor generator. A one-way clutch is provided between the engine and the motor generator. Power is transmitted from the engine to the motor generator, while power from the motor generator to the engine is blocked. As a result, the electric motor can be operated without operating the engine. Furthermore, a torque converter is connected to the motor generator, and the engine is connected to the torque converter via a starting clutch. As a result, if a one-way clutch is provided, the motor generator can serve as a starter motor.

Abstract: A transmission control device (7) of a transmission (3) for a drivetrain which includes, in addition to the transmission (3), a hybrid drive with an internal combustion engine (1) and an electric motor (2). The transmission control device (7) stores parameters which form the basis of the manner with which gearshifts are controlled or regulated. At least some parameters are stored in duplicate, firstly, for operating the transmission (3) under purely electric-motor power using only the electric motor (2), and secondly for operating the transmission (3) during hybrid driving using both the internal combustion engine (1) and the electric motor (2).

Abstract: A drive system using multi-fuel engines to provide mechanical energy as an electric generator. The electric generator provides electrical energy to an electric motor which in turn provides mechanical energy to drive a load. The electric generator also provides electric energy to storage batteries. Electrical energy may be provided from the storage batteries to the electric motor as needed.

Abstract: An electric vehicle and a range extender engine are shown including the controls to operate the same.

Abstract: A control device is provided to reduce an engine start shock when there is a request to start the engine in response to the accelerator pedal depression and the slip polarity of the second clutch is negative. The control device for a hybrid vehicle has an engine, a motor/generator, a first clutch, a second clutch, and a mechanism for an engine start permission controlling operation. The first clutch is selectively engaged during engine start in which the motor generator is operated as the starter motor. The second clutch is interposed between the motor/generator and tires, and is slip-engaged when the engine is started. The mechanism for the engine start permission controlling operation delays starting the engine until the slip polarity becomes positive when the engine start request is produced and the slip polarity of the second clutch is negative.

Abstract: This invention provides a vehicle powered by a surface-mediated cell (SMC)-based power source, comprising a vehicle frame, at least a wheel supporting the frame or a propeller connected to the frame, a drive unit connected to the wheel or propeller, and a power source electrically connected to the drive unit, wherein the power source contains at least a surface-mediated cell. The vehicle can be a micro-EV (using the SMC for the stop-start function), HEV, plug-in HEV, all-electric vehicle, power-assisted bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, tricycle, automobile, wheelchair, fork lift, golf cart, specialty vehicle, bus, truck, train, rapid-transit vehicle, boat, or air vehicle. The ultra-high power density enables the SMC to provide pulsed power or increased current demands when the vehicle is accelerating or hill-climbing. The SMC also enables the power source to recuperate the braking energy when the vehicle decelerates, brakes, or simply moves down-hill.

Abstract: A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided. The hybrid vehicle may comprise a vehicle body frame; a metal-made heat radiation plate having a flat plate portion of a substantially plate shape, the flat plate portion having obverse and reverse flat surfaces; a first electric component provided on one of the obverse and reverse flat surfaces of the flat plate portion. Further, the surface of the flat plate portion on which the first electric component is provided is greater in area than an electric component mounting section to which the first electric component is mounted.

Abstract: A series-hybrid vehicle is provided, comprising a vehicle body frame; a pair of right and left front wheels; a pair of right and left rear wheels; a drive motor mounted to the vehicle body frame to drive the front wheels or the rear wheels; a battery mounted to a center portion of the vehicle body frame in a forward and rearward direction to supply electric power to the drive motor; an engine electric generator including an electric generator for generating electric power charged into the battery and an engine for actuating the electric generator; and a driver seat; wherein the driver seat is positioned rightward or leftward relative to a center portion of the vehicle body frame in a vehicle width direction; and the engine is positioned at an opposite side of the driver seat relative to the center portion of the vehicle body frame in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A motorcycle having at least one seat and at least two wheels, an internal combustion engine, a generator, and a rechargeable battery configured to be recharged by the internal combustion engine or generator, an electric motor electrically connected to the rechargeable battery and configured to drive at least one of a plurality of wheels of the vehicle, and an electronic controller configured to start the internal combustion engine based upon a monitored condition of the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: An engine start control apparatus/method for a series hybrid vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an engine, a motor/generator, a battery unit chargeable with electric power generated by the motor/generator, and a traction motor operable to receive electric power from the battery unit or motor/generator. A demanded power level is determined based on a sensed vehicle speed level and a sensed accelerator pedal position. A discharge capacity level of the battery unit is determined in terms of a power level available from the battery unit. The engine starting procedure is initiated upon the determined demanded power level reaching a predetermined relationship with the determined discharge capacity level so that the motor/generator is enabled to generate electric power before the determined demanded power level reaches the determined discharge capacity level.

Abstract: A stackable mobile platform vehicle with a body with attached tires and wheels with a load bearing strength of at least 2500 pounds. In some instances the platform vehicle is powered by an electrical motor coupled to a generator which is powered by an internal combustion engine. A large flat load bearing deck on top of the vehicle is sufficient to support the weight of at least one additional stackable mobile platform vehicle. In some instances electricity produced by the generator can by exported from the mobile vehicle platform for use external to the mobile vehicle platform.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a hybrid work vehicle which is simple in configuration, good in ease of mounting on a vehicle and capable of efficiently transmitting motive power. [Solution] The hybrid work vehicle includes: an engine (1); a hydraulic pump (4) which is driven by the engine; a work device (5) which is disposed at the front of the vehicle and performs work using the hydraulic pump as a drive source; a motor/generator (6) which generates electric power by use of the torque of the engine; and a travel drive device which causes the vehicle to travel by rotating and driving wheels by use of the electric power generated by the motor/generator. The hybrid work vehicle is steered while the vehicle bends by way of a center joint (15). The travel drive device includes: a plurality of electric motors (21 and 22); and a propeller shaft (8) which is linked with the plurality of electric motors and transmits motive power from the plurality of electric motors to the wheels.

Abstract: To provide a hybrid drive speed change device in which a rotation sensor can be disposed appropriately from the viewpoint of reducing the axial dimension of the device. A rotary electric machine MG is disposed coaxially with an input shaft M, and includes a stator St and a rotor Ro provided radially inwardly of the stator St. An oil pump 18 includes a pump case 90, 91 in which a pump chamber 18a is formed, and a pump rotor 18b rotatably housed in the pump chamber 18a. The pump rotor 18b is disposed coaxially with the input shaft M. A rotation sensor 19 is disposed radially outwardly of the pump chamber 18a and radially inwardly of the stator St of the rotary electric machine MG, and disposed to overlap the oil pump 18 as seen from the radial direction of the input shaft M.

Abstract: Controlling a power system in a mining truck includes receiving data indicative of expected procession of the mining truck to a part of a travel path coinciding with an unavailable segment of a trolley line. Responsive to the data, the power system is commanded to transition from an on-trolley mode to an off-trolley mode, such that an electric propulsion motor of the mining truck is transitioned from receiving electrical power from the trolley line to receiving electrical power from an on-board electrical generator. Related apparatus and control strategies are disclosed.

Abstract: Controlling a power system in a mining truck includes receiving data indicative of an expected change in suitability of the mining truck for on-trolley operation, and outputting a control command to an actuating mechanism for a pantograph responsive to the data and prior to occurrence of the expected suitability change. A mining truck and power system are further provided, wherein a pantograph having an electrical contactor is adjusted between a first configuration contacting an overhead trolley line, and a rest configuration, responsive to data indicative of the expected suitability change.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle (100) includes a voltage step-up device (17). The voltage step-up device (17) is provided between driving devices (18, 20) and an electrical storage device (16), and steps up input voltages of the driving devices (18, 20) to a voltage of the electrical storage device (16) or above. An HV-ECU (36) determines whether it is possible to reduce a CO2 emissions for a predetermined travel route by increasing the voltage of the electrical storage device (16). Then, when it is determined that it is possible to reduce the CO2 emissions, the HV-ECU (36) controls an SOC of the electrical storage device (16) so as to increase the SOC at a start of the travel route.

Abstract: There are provided a hybrid control unit, an engine control unit that controls an engine based on command information received from the hybrid control unit and an operation status of the engine, and a communication abnormality detection means that detects an abnormality in communication between the hybrid control unit and the engine control unit. In the case where due to an abnormality in the communication between the hybrid control unit and the engine control unit, the engine control unit cannot receive command information from the hybrid control unit, each of the hybrid control unit and the engine control unit performs control in preliminarily set sequence.