Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for obtaining improved power generation efficiency by operating the primary power source, such as an ICE, only at the most efficient operating modes for a given engine, and simultaneously supplementing the power provided by the ICE with additional power stored in an accumulator, such as an ultra capacitor, as the load demands would otherwise cause that ICE to operate outside of the more efficient operating modes. In the case of a hybrid electric vehicle, the present invention would use banks of ultra-capacitors instead of batteries not just to start the ICE but also to supplement the electric power available for wheel drive motors when the ICE is in operation. According to the present invention, a control device would maintain the ICE at specific operational modes, either off, idle, or specific fuel efficient operating conditions over the entire range of vehicle operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mode change control method of a hybrid vehicle, which can improve driving performance and power performance and provide a more stable vehicle behavior control during a mode change from an EV mode to a HEV mode. For this purpose, a transmission input speed is compared with an engine idle speed. If the transmission input speed is lower than the engine idle speed, the pressure of a clutch is open-loop controlled so that an optimal engine torque of operation point determination circuit can be transferred to the clutch. On the other hand, if the transmission input speed is equal to or higher than the engine idle speed, the clutch pressure is feedback-controlled so that a delta RPM follows a target delta RPM profile.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce an electricity-producing unit that enables a motor vehicle of any conceivable design to be equipped with said invention and thus to produce a motor vehicle that is driven purely by one or more electric motors, wherein the electricity-generating unit works pollutant-free during operation, is environmentally friendly, generates little noise, and has a very small design. Said aim is achieved by a drive system comprising a turbine (1/1), a differential gear (1/2), a generator (1/3), a control unit (1/4), and a starter (1/5), wherein only electric motors are provided to drive the wheels of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for prolonging battery life of a plug-in hybrid vehicle includes an engine generator set, a motor, a storage battery, a first automatic switch apparatus, a second automatic switch apparatus and a system control unit. The motor, the engine generator set and the storage battery are electrically connected to one another. The first automatic switch apparatus is coupled between the motor and the storage battery, so as to conduct or cut off the electrical connection between the two. The second automatic switch apparatus is coupled between the engine generator set and the storage battery, so as to conduct or cut off the electrical connection between the two. The system control unit is electrically connected to the above components, and judges a residual electric quantity of the storage battery and an efficiency value of the engine generator set, so as to control the first or the second automatic switch apparatus.

Abstract: Snow groomer for treating snow-covered surfaces, the snow groomer having an internal combustion engine and 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 connected in parallel between the internal combustion engine and the power electronics.

Abstract: An electric motor and a vehicle drive device having the same are provided. The electric motor includes a core unit having plural core assemblies fixed to a case, an annular bus ring attached to the core unit, plural supporting members attached the plural core assemblies, respectively, an attachment member holding a first sensor and fixed to a portion of a terminal accommodating portion such that the first sensor is soaked in an oil stored in the case, and an attachment member holding a second sensor and fixed to a portion of a terminal accommodating portion such that the second sensor is positioned at a second position for measuring a temperature of the coils between adjacent terminal accommodating portions which are not soaked in the oil.

Abstract: An electric drive system includes a fuel-driven engine (202) driving an electrical power generator (204) that provides power to one or more electric drive motors (210). A method of load management in the electric drive system includes receiving an actual fuel signal, an engine speed (920) signal, a throttle position signal, a motor speed (712) signal, an intake air pressure, a barometric pressure signal, and an intake air temperature signal. These values are used to determine a torque limit. The torque limit is used to limit a torque command to the electric drive motors (210) such that the torque command is consistent with the operating capabilities of the engine (202).

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: 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: A control apparatus for an electric railcar includes an inverter that exchanges power with an AC rotating machine, a filter capacitor connected in parallel to a DC side of the inverter, a filter reactor provided between the filter capacitor and an overhead line, an overhead line voltage measuring instrument that measures a voltage value of the overhead line, a voltage increase detection unit that senses an amount of voltage increase occurring when, with an overhead line voltage being supplied, the overhead line voltage goes beyond a reference voltage value and rises at a rate equal to or higher than that by a predetermined time constant.

Abstract: In an electric drive vehicle equipped with a power generating unit that is detachable, the power generating unit includes a power-generating-unit side ECU capable of controlling an operation of the power generating unit solely, and the electric drive vehicle includes a vehicle-side ECU capable of managing a state of charge of a battery used for running, and in a case where the power generating unit is installed in the electric drive vehicle and power is supplied to the battery from the power generating unit, an instruction by the vehicle-side ECU is given priority to an instruction by the power-generating-unit side ECU, and the vehicle-side ECU controls the operation of the power generating unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a vehicle drive system has an engine to generate torque. The vehicle drive system has an alternator coupled to the engine. The alternator converts torque from the engine to magnetic flux and generate an AC voltage. The vehicle drive system has a PWM converter coupled to the alternator to convert AC voltage from the alternator to DC voltage. The vehicle drive system has a PWM inverter which is connected with the PWM converters, the PWM inverter is to transform DC voltage to AC voltage. The vehicle drive system has a filter capacitor between the PWM converter and the PWM inverter. The filter capacitor is configured to be charged by the PWM converter.

Abstract: In a hybrid drive train with torsional vibration dampers of a hybrid motor vehicle, including an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, a clutch and a transmission, a first spring damping system is arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric machine and a second spring damping system is arranged between the electric machine and the transmission, each damping system being provided with an arrangement of springs and a centrifugal pendulum for reducing humming noises in a hybrid drive train in the low speed driving range of the hybrid motor vehicle.

Abstract: An electric drive system includes a fuel-driven prime mover for driving an electrical power alternator controlled at least in part by an excitation voltage is disclosed. The electrical power alternator makes electrical power available on a DC link having a voltage characteristic and a current characteristic. A method for managing the response of the alternator includes determining a voltage of the DC link and a torque command by an operator. The torque command is used to derive a mechanical power that is being commanded. A desired voltage of the DC link is determined based on the derived mechanical power, and an excitation voltage command signal is provided based on the desired voltage of the DC link by use of a closed loop controller. An actual excitation voltage is applied to the electrical power alternator based on the excitation voltage command signal.

Abstract: An off-highway truck with an electric powertrain is provided. The off-highway truck includes a set of steerable idle wheels supported by a chassis. An engine is configured to provide the off-highway truck with mechanical energy. At least one electric power generator is operably coupled to the engine and configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical energy provided by the engine into electric energy. At least one electric motor is operably coupled to the electric power generator. First and second final drives are configured to rotate at least one drive wheel that is non-steerable. A differential is operably coupled to the at least one electric motor for distributing the torque produced by the at least one electric motor to the first and second final drives.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a drive motor (15) that generates a drive torque to be transmitted to drive wheels (18), a power supply source (12, 17) that includes, at least, a generator (12), and supplies power to the drive motor (15), and a programmable controller (20).

Abstract: A hybrid power drive system comprises: an engine operatively coupled to a gearbox; a first motor operatively coupled to the engine; a first wheel group operatively coupled to the gearbox; a second motor operatively coupled to a second wheel group; an energy storage device connected to the first motor and the second motor, respectively. The gearbox comprises a first decelerating mechanism and a second decelerating mechanism. The first wheel group is operatively coupled to the first decelerating mechanism and the second decelerating mechanism, respectively. The engine is operatively coupled to the first decelerating mechanism and the second decelerating mechanism, respectively.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that provides engine starting from an electric-only mode with a reduced torque load on the motor/generator. The powertrain includes an engine and a motor/generator, which may be a single motor/generator in a strong or full hybrid, but is not limited to such. The motor provides propulsion torque in an electric-only operating mode, and is configured to apply torque to a transmission input member. A first clutch is selectively engagable to connect the engine output member for common rotation with the transmission input member. An engine starting mechanism is provided that multiplies motor torque used to start the engine so that less is diverted from propelling the vehicle, enabling a smaller motor/generator to be used. A method of controlling such a powertrain is also provided.

Abstract: The inventive concept is directed toward a “compel” system. The word compel is an acronym of the words “compressed air and electricity”. The compel system is a system of mechanical devices aligned together to propel a vehicle without employing fossil fuel and creating very little or no detectable pollution. The motion source in the inventive concept is an electric engine that drives the vehicle. The source/s for producing the electricity originate in two different manners. One source is the result of the motion of the vehicle itself and is responsible for the action of the second source. Conversely, the second source provides the energy to propel the vehicle. Thus, each source is generally dependent upon the other. However, the holding reserve capacity of the fuel tank allows for the compressed air engine source to mobilize the vehicle from a dead stop and thereby re-engage the other generating source/s. The other energy generating sources are elements driven by the axle of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating a hybrid vehicle, which ascertain the torque necessary for starting the non-operating internal combustion engine, and this torque is reserved by an additional drive unit. The torque necessary for starting the non-operating internal combustion engine is minimized by appropriately adjusting parameters of the internal combustion engine system.

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

Abstract: An electricity storage control device for a hybrid vehicle that includes: an internal combustion engine; a battery that is charged by a power generator driven by the internal combustion engine; and a motor that is driven upon receiving an electric power from the battery, the hybrid vehicle conducting travel in an EV mode for traveling with only the motor, includes: a planned traveling distance setting unit that sets a planned traveling distance in the EV mode; and a residual control unit that calculates a traveling enable distance in the EV mode according to an electricity storage state of the battery and that, when the planned traveling distance is longer than the traveling enable distance, operates the internal combustion engine to cause the power generator to charge the battery so that amount of storage in the battery reaches amount of storage corresponding to the planned traveling distance.

Abstract: An electric drive vehicle includes a vehicle main body 10, a battery 12, a power generating unit 11 that charges to the battery 12, an operating condition setting switch 40 capable of setting an operating condition of the power generating unit 11, a power-generating-unit side ECU 113 that operates the power generating unit 11 on the basis of the operating condition, a navigation system 30 that acquires a vehicle traveling condition, and a vehicle-side ECU 50 that estimates the amount of charge consumed in the battery 12 during traveling under the vehicle traveling condition. The vehicle-side ECU 50 turns on an alarm lump 46 when an estimated time necessary for charging the battery to make up the amount of charge estimated is longer than a desired time it takes to charge the battery to make up the amount of charge estimated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a double-ended inverter system having a first inverter and a second inverter. The method comprises determining a required output current and determining a desired second inverter current. The method further comprises determining a second inverter switching function, wherein only a selected leg in the second inverter is modulated at a duty cycle, determining a first inverter switching function based on the second inverter switching function, and modulating the first inverter and the second inverter using the first inverter switching function and the second inverter switching function.

Abstract: A much more fuel-efficient automotive vehicle can be made utilizing an internal combustion engine paired to a conventional piston-type steam engine. There is a gasoline-powered boiler to produce the steam as well as a condenser to recycle spent steam.

Abstract: A control system, a hybrid control module, and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle are provided. The hybrid control module includes a computer and a plurality of predefined values and steps stored and implemented by the computer in response to a signal from the hybrid control module and input from an operator. Each of the plurality of predefined values and steps controls a component of the hybrid vehicle or controls a plurality of functions within the hybrid control module. The hybrid control module provides conventional vehicle functionality and feel to the hybrid vehicle in response to operator input.

Abstract: To provide an engine controller of a hybrid vehicle that can perform a forced driving operation of an engine by performing the same inspection procedure as that of a vehicle using only an engine as a drive source even in the hybrid vehicle. The engine controller includes an operation control unit (ECM) that performs forced driving control of the engine to maintain an operation in a predetermined state suitable for an inspection if a determination that the inspection of the engine by a forced driving operation is requested is made, and an operation state determination unit (EVCM) that determines whether the cold start condition is satisfied or unsatisfied based on information containing at least with or without change from the disconnected state to the connected state of the battery. If the cold start condition is satisfied, the forced driving control of the engine is performed by the operation control unit.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, selecting the relative usage of the electric motor and the fossil fuel powered engine from moment to moment and also managing the storage of energy in the battery. A computer is used for determining information about a complete trip between a start point and a destination, dividing said complete trip into a plurality of different intervals, and determining, for each of said different intervals, a power level to run the engine at said each of said intervals. An embodiment uses evolutionary computing techniques to determine the most efficient routes.

Abstract: In a method for operating a hybrid drive device for a motor vehicle having at least one internal combustion engine, another drive unit and a separating clutch, to start the internal combustion engine the separating clutch is engaged, and during the start of the internal combustion engine, a setpoint rotational speed is predefined for the other drive unit. This setpoint rotational speed for the other drive unit is determined with the aid of a drivetrain model.

Abstract: A hybrid drive device configured with an input member coupled to an internal combustion engine, a first rotating electrical machine, a second rotating electrical machine, an output member drivingly coupled to wheels and the second rotating electrical machine; and a differential gear unit. A first rotating element of the differential gear unit is drivingly coupled to the first rotating electrical machine. A second rotating element is drivingly coupled to the input member. A third rotating element is selectively fixed to a non-rotating member by a rotating restricting device. A fourth rotating element is selectively drivingly coupled to the output member via a rotational direction restricting device. Accordingly, the rotational direction restricting device is provided so as to allow the output member to rotate only in a positive direction relative to the fourth rotating element of the differential gear unit.

Abstract: A hybrid power plant for efficiently propelling a vehicle is described. In particular, an internal combustion motor and a generator capable of producing electrical energy is mechanically coupled to the internal combustion motor. An electrical motor is powered by the generator and a controller is coupled to the generator, providing control of the rate of electricity provided to the electrical motor by the generator. Here the electrical motor facilitates rotation of a wheel of the vehicle and the internal combustion motor is operated at an idle or near-idle speed to provide sufficient energy to be converted into electrical energy by the generator, thereby enabling the electrical motor to propel the vehicle in excess of sixty miles per hour, without engaging the internal combustion motor to the wheel and without drawing energy from the battery.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive device includes a clutch that transmits and separates a driving force between an engine output shaft and a transmission input shaft; a first electric motor having a first rotor that is connected to an engine output shaft side of the clutch; a second electric motor having a second rotor that is connected to an transmission input shaft side of the clutch; and a radial vibration suppressing device, wherein (1) the first electric motor is connected to the engine output shaft via the radial vibration suppressing device, and (2) the radial vibration suppressing device suppresses a vibration of the engine output shaft in a radial direction.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a structure of an electric vehicle, which includes an engine, an electric generator for being driven by the engine, a battery for being supplied and charged with generated power at least from the electric generator, a motor for being supplied with power from the battery to drive driving wheels. The engine, the electric generator, and a power transmission device for transmitting a motive force of the engine to the electric generator are integrally formed to constitute a power generation unit. The power generation unit is arranged inside an engine room so that at least the engine is located rearward from wheel axles of left and right front wheels.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system for powering vehicles such as class 8 DOT classified semi-tractor trucks under normal load conditions and at highway speeds comprises an internal combustion engine, an AC generator powered by the engine, DC battery packs, an AC/DC controller, and an AC electric motor driving the drive train of the vehicle. The AC generator and the DC battery packs provide input to the AC/DC controller, which, in turn, converts the DC input from the DC battery packs via a DC circuit to AC so that the output from the AC/DC controller to the electric motor is AC for powering the vehicle. The DC battery packs may comprise thin plate flooded lead acid cells and may be connected in series, in parallel or a combination thereof. Vehicles may be retrofitted to incorporate the propulsion system.

Abstract: A personal vehicle for transporting a user over a surface including an external combustion engine. The vehicle includes a generator for converting the mechanical energy produced by the external combustion engine to electrical energy and an energy storage device for storing power provided by the generator and for providing power to the external combustion engine and the assembly. The personal vehicle includes a controller for controlling a total power load placed on the external combustion engine providing short term regulation of external combustion engine parameters.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a structure of an electric vehicle, which includes an engine, an electric generator which is driven by the engine, a battery which is supplied and charged with generated power at least from the electric generator, and a motor which is supplied with power from the battery to drive driving wheels. The engine and the electric generator are arranged inside a floor tunnel that is formed in a center part of a floor panel along the vehicle width axis so as to extend along the vehicle front-to-rear axis and bulge upward.

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

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

Abstract: A hybrid power driving system for a vehicle comprises an internal-combustion engine, a first electric motor, a second electric motor, a planetary coupling mechanism, a speed-reduction mechanism and a differential mechanism. An output shaft of the internal-combustion engine is connected with an input shaft of the first electric motor, and an output shaft of the first electric motor is connected with an output shaft of the second electric motor via a first clutch. The output shaft of the second electric motor is connected with one of a sun gear and a ring gear of the planetary coupling mechanism at a position of the output shaft along its axial direction. And the output shaft of the second electric motor is connected with the other one of a sun gear and a ring gear at another position of the output shaft along the axial direction via a second clutch.

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

Abstract: A controller and methods for controlling the speed of a vehicle having an electric motorized drive is provided. In one embodiment, a method involves determining a steady state average torque and a torque during acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle traveling over an underlying surface. Speed of the vehicle is controlled based on the steady state average torque, the torque during acceleration or deceleration the measured regeneration current generated by a motorized drive arrangement of the vehicle that applies torque to at least one ground-contacting element of the vehicle for traveling over the underlying surface, weight of the vehicle and payload, the torque applied to the ground-contacting element, acceleration of the vehicle and the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle which comprises a hybrid drive with a combustion engine coupled by a clutch to an electric motor. To start the combustion engine with the electric motor, the clutch is partially engaged to a slipping condition to deliver electric motor torque from a starting value, the torque transmitted by the clutch is increased to a first final value. If during this, the combustion engine begins turning, the break-away torque of the internal combustion engine is determined. If the combustion engine does not begin turning, the clutch is further engaged to a slipping condition starting from a second initial value, such that torque transmitted by the clutch increases linearly until the combustion engine begins turning, and the break-away torque of the internal combustion engine is determined from the clutch torque at which the combustion engine begins turning.

Abstract: A drive controller for a cargo handling vehicle including an engine, a generator motor, a cargo handling pump, a cargo handling actuator, a travel motor, and a battery. The drive controller includes an engine control unit, a rotation speed detection unit, a deviation calculation unit, and a power generation control unit. The engine control unit controls the engine in accordance with a command rotation speed. The rotation speed detection unit detects an actual rotation speed of the engine. The deviation calculation unit calculates a rotation speed deviation of the command rotation speed for the engine and the actual rotation speed of the engine. The power generation control unit controls the generator motor in accordance with the rotation speed deviation so as to limit power generated by the generator motor to drive the travel motor.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle in particular. An internal combustion engine is connected to a generator via a force-conducting connection. In a learning mode, the generator is operated as a motor and drives the internal combustion engine. In this learning mode, a so-called zero quantity calibration is performed.

Abstract: To provide a power plant which makes it possible to make the power plant more compact in size, reduce manufacturing costs thereof, and improve the degree of freedom in design. The power plant 1 comprises an engine 3, and first and second rotating machines 10 and 20, and drives front wheels 4 by motive power from these. The first rotating machine 10 includes first and second rotors 14 and 15, and a stator 16, and is configured such that a ratio between the number of armature magnetic poles generated in the stator 16, the number of magnetic poles of the first rotor 14, and the number of soft magnetic material cores 15a of the second rotor 15 becomes 1:m:(1+m)/2 (m?1.0).

Abstract: An engine assembly (6) of the type running on liquid air or another gas that is substantially inert in liquefied state, for a vehicle in general and for an urban motor vehicle in particular, such as a bus (1) or a taxi, comprises a Stirling engine (9), in which the gasification of the liquid air takes place, with transformation into kinetic mechanical energy of the latent heat relative to the change in state of the air from liquid state to compressed gas state, as well as a volumetric or flow motor (11), in which the air in compressed state expands up to a pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure, with transformation of the mechanical pressure energy into kinetic mechanical energy.

Abstract: A device for controlling a vehicle, in particular a watercraft with a drive system with an energy generating device including a combustion engine, an electric generator adapted to coact with said combustion engine, and a rectifier for rectifying the electrical energy; an energy storage device to store the electrical energy for energy output as and how required; and an energy distribution system for distributing the energy made available by the energy generating and/or the energy storage device to at least one electric motor used to drive a propeller, as well as to other electric power consumers. A central control unit is data-technically coupled with the energy generating device, the energy storage device and the energy distribution system to coordinate energy generation, storage and distribution. The central control device has output means for display of information to a user and/or input means (19) for entry of signals by a user.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one electromotor for driving the vehicle, an actuator for controlling the supply of electric power to the electromotor, and a power system for providing electric power to the electromotor. The power system includes an energy storage, an energy meter for measuring the energy condition of the energy storage, a power generator for generating electric power, and a computer system. The energy storage supplies power to the electromotor. The power generator supplies energy to the energy storage. The computer system controls the power supplied by the power generator so that the energy storage is able to provide the electromotor with the power the electromotor needs for driving the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy retriever system and methods for absorbing energy and using that energy elsewhere or converting it to other useful forms of energy or work. The energy retriever system consists of a series of components interconnected by a plurality of conduits containing a fluid. Working as a self-contained thermodynamic system, the energy retriever system allows the fluid to circulate through all of these elements. Heat added to the energy capture subsystem heats the fluid. The fluid becomes more pressurized and moves into the expansion cycle subsystem. The energy extraction subsystem transforms the thermal energy of the fluid into work, kinetic energy or thermal energy. The reservoir subsystem compresses the fluid and reintroduces it into the energy capture subsystem. One-way valves are used throughout the system to keep the flow of the fluid in one direction and separate sections of the system that contain different pressures.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery, an electric power reception unit receiving electric power from an electric power transmission unit external to the vehicle, and a motor generator driven by the electric power supplied from the battery and the electric power supplied from the electric power reception unit. The control device calculates the first electric power that can be output from the battery, calculates the second electric power that can be charged from outside based on the transmittable electric power of the electric power transmission unit and the chargeable electric power of the electric power reception unit, obtains the sum of the first electric power and the second electric power as electric power suppliable from a power supply, and performs drive control of a motor generator based on the electric power suppliable from a power supply.