Abstract: An electric motor and conversion system includes a direct current power source, a rotor with two sides and two series of permanent magnets alternating in polarity, two stators on opposing sides of the rotor where each stator has a series of winding coils, magnet position identifiers, and a control system comprising a sensor that cooperates with the magnet position identifiers and a microcontroller to individually controls winding drivers. Preferably, the number of magnets on the rotor does not equal the number of winding coils on the stators. Also preferably, the magnet position identifiers are a series of apertures on the rotor through which signals pass. The conversion system can also include connectors for connecting to an axle, a removable throttle, and electric cables for electrically connecting the components.

Abstract: Industrial truck with a drive part which comprises an electrical travel drive, a load part which comprises a load carrying means and which may be lifted relative to the drive part, a battery receiving space and an energy module which may be handled manually, which may be inserted into the battery receiving space and which comprises a battery for supplying power to the travel drive, the energy module having a defined installed position in the state inserted into the battery receiving space, the battery receiving space enclosing the energy module in the inserted state so that the energy module is not displaceable in the defined installed position but may only be removed from the battery receiving space after being tilted, during the tilting process an upper end of the energy module being moved by a predetermined angle about a horizontal pivot axis.

Abstract: An electric vehicle is provided with a swing arm one end of which is coupled to a swinging shaft and the other end of which supports a rear wheel. An electric motor is installed on the side of the other end of the swing arm and drives the rear wheel. The swing aim is provided with a housing space provided in the vicinity of the swinging shaft and a guide groove that positions the battery in the housing space, the battery is mounted inside the swing arm by fixing the battery positioned in the housing space via potting material. The housing space is provided with an opening for inserting the battery on the side of the electric vehicle and the battery is inserted and fixed into/to the housing space of the swing aim from the side of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a double-ended inverter drive system for a fuel cell vehicle. An electric drive system for a vehicle comprises an electric motor configured to provide traction power to the vehicle. A first inverter is coupled to the electric motor, and is configured to provide alternating current to the electric motor. A fuel cell is coupled to the first inverter to provide power flow from the fuel cell to the electric motor. A second inverter is coupled to the electric motor, and is configured to provide alternating current to the electric motor. An energy source is coupled to the second inverter to provide power flow between the energy source and the electric motor. A controller is coupled to the first inverter and the second inverter, and is configured to provide a constant power from the fuel cell during operation of the electric motor.

Abstract: A process for generation of electrical power comprises the exothermic, possibly catalytic, decomposition of a medium, preferably hydrogen peroxide, with the addition of water and the use of the steam to drive a steam machine, which is connected to an electricity generator. In order to improve the process specifically for use in electrical vehicles, highly concentrated medium, preferably hydrogen peroxide, is decomposed and the steam is condensed after emerging from the steam machine, and is fed back into the process. An electrical vehicle is advantageously operated in such a way that the electrical power is generated as explained above and is fed to at least one rechargeable battery, with the electrical power for at least one electric motor being taken from the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A layout for an exhaust pipe which also serves as a drainage pipe which prevents splashing of water generated in a fuel cell toward a passenger or splashing toward a tire. Humid excessive gas supplied from a fuel cell is diluted in a dilution box by off-gas discharged from the fuel cell and is used for humidifying air in the humidifier. An exhaust pipe is connected to the dilution box, and diluted hydrogen gas is discharged via the exhaust pipe. Vapor mixed in hydrogen gas is condensed in the exhaust pipe and turned into water, which is drained through the exhaust pipe that extends rearwardly of a vehicle body through the interior of a power unit. A discharge port of the exhaust pipe (which is also a drainage port for water generated in the fuel cell) is positioned at the widthwise center of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An all-electric, wheeled vehicle has a magnet array that can be selectively moved between a retracted position and a deployed position, to respectively operate in a motor mode or a generator mode. When in the motor mode, with its magnet array retracted, wheel rotation to move the vehicle is powered by an onboard battery. Alternately, in the generator mode with the magnet array deployed, the vehicle is powered by a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM). Specifically, the deployed magnet array interacts with a multiple-phase winding (i.e. LSM) embedded into the roadway on which the vehicle travels. Further, rotation of the wheel during vehicle movement in the generator mode recharges the battery.

Abstract: An oxyhydrogen vehicle includes an oxyhydrogen generating unit for electrolytically converting an electrolyte into oxyhydrogen gas, a combustible fuel supply unit for storing combustible fuel, an engine unit coupled to the oxyhydrogen generating unit and the combustible fuel supply unit, and an electric power supply system electrically connected to the oxyhydrogen generating unit for providing electric power thereto. The electric power supply system includes: a storage battery; an alternator driven by the engine unit to generate an electrical output, and electrically connected to the storage battery; a current controller electrically connecting the storage battery and the alternator to the oxyhydrogen generating unit for controlling electric current flow to the oxyhydrogen generating unit; and an auxiliary electricity generating unit electrically connected to the storage battery, and driven by renewable energy resources so as to generate an electrical output for charging the storage battery.

Abstract: A drive-control apparatus for an electric-drive vehicle drives and controls a vehicle driven by electric power generated from mechanical power produced by an internal combustion engine (1).

Abstract: A power-assist hand truck for assisting in the movement of objects. The powered hand truck includes two electric disc gearmotors, an overrunning clutch hub for each driven wheel, an e-stop switch, a speed control, a power source, a motor controller, and other necessary electronics, which can be integrated into an existing hand truck or platform cart or compose a new handtruck or platform cart. Power is provided by replaceable/rechargeable batteries. The batteries can be charged from a stationary power source or by a mobile power source such as that of a vehicle battery. In forward motion the speed control and motor controller provide variable power-assist levels, however, the overrunning clutch hubs allow the user to walk as quickly as desired. The e-stop switch engages and disengages the gearmotors from the power supply, thereby allowing the user to selectively switch between regenerative braking and low rolling resistance operation.

Abstract: Provided is a mounting structure of a fuel cell system capable of inhibiting a related device from colliding with the fuel cell when a crash impact is applied from the vehicle front while inhibiting the increase in the vehicle weight. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, and a related device electrically connected to the fuel cell and disposed adjacent to the, wherein related device has an inclined part on a side of a forward direction of a vehicle. When a crash impact is applied to the vehicle from the forward direction side, the moving direction of the related device is changed to a direction (for example, downward) that is not parallel to the forward direction. Thus, it is possible to inhibit the related device from advancing directly toward and damaging the fuel cell.

Abstract: The fuel cell stack is placed in an attitude for which the stacking direction of the plurality of cells are tilted in relation to the front-back direction of the vehicle, and the second end plate is positioned at forward and upper position relative to the first end plate in the vehicle. The radiator is provided at a forward position relative to the second end plate, and along the second end plate. The first compressor is fixed at a total of three or more points to both the first and second end plates below the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A movable body includes a fuel cell, a fuel supply means which supplies fuel containing hydrogen to the fuel cell, a limit means which limits the amount of the supplied fuel, a body which includes a space in which an occupant is housed, a conversion means which converts the supplied electric power from the fuel cell to driving force for driving the body, a control portion which controls the operation of the conversion means, and an operating member. The operating member is disposed at a position where the operating member can be operated by the occupant housed in the body, and provides an instruction to execute a control that limits the amount of the supplied fuel using the limit means, without stopping the operation of the control portion.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system comprises inverters connected electrically with a power supply line and a ground line and controlling the current flowing through each stator coil of each of first and second motor generators, and a switch making or breaking the connection between the neutral of the stator coil of first motor generator and a battery. When the first motor generator is not used but the second motor generator is used, a controller brings the switch into connection state in parallel with voltage conversion operation of a booster unit and controls the inverter to perform voltage conversion operation using the stator coil of first motor generator as a reactor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a core for an electrochemical cell that comprises an anode sheet, a cathode sheet, and a separator sheet disposed between the anode sheet and cathode sheet. The anode sheet, cathode sheet, and separator sheet are wound to form a flattened coil structure. The flattened coil structure has opposed flattened sides and opposed arcuate sides. The anode and cathode sheets terminate at the same or different arcuate sides. Further, the separator sheet may terminate at one of the arcuate sides.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine, as well as a transmission having a motor/generator, a stationary member, and a planetary gear set. The engine and the motor/generator are separately selectively connectable to one of the drive axle assemblies by engagement of different ones of the torque-transmitting mechanism to transfer torque to that drive axle assembly. One or both of the engine and the motor/generator is also selectively connectable to the other drive axle assembly by engagement of another one of the torque-transmitting mechanisms to transfer torque to the other of drive axle assembly.

Abstract: A system for conversion of an animal muscle power to a mechanical or electrical energy, for use in transportation of people, goods and for other purposes is disclosed. The system for conversion of an animal muscle power to a mechanical or electrical energy includes a chassis to accommodate at least one of an animal at a predetermined position, at least one first crank.

Abstract: Water contained in exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack is separated by a gas-liquid separator and is accumulated in a recovery tank. The procedure of the invention sets a release amount of water and selects one or multiple positions for water release, based on the driving conditions including the vehicle speed and the acceleration, the turning state, activation or non-activation of skid reduction control, the distance from any object detected by clearance sonars, a distance from a subsequent vehicle measured by an extremely high frequency radar, and the presence of raindrops detected by a raindrop detection sensor, and releases the water accumulated in the recovery tank from water outlets at the selected one or multiple positions among water outlets at multiple different locations. This arrangement ensures adequate release of the water produced by the fuel cell stack to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin, a high voltage traction battery, an electric motor powered by the traction battery, and a charger connected to the traction battery. The charger converts alternating current (AC) to high voltage direct current (DC) to charge the traction battery when the charger is plugged into an alternating current (AC) power supply. A forced air system includes an air inlet duct, a first air outlet duct directing exhaust air to the outside of the cabin, a second air outlet duct directing exhaust air to the inside of the cabin, a fan, and a valve for controlling air flow through the first and second air outlet ducts. The forced air system is arranged such that forced air flows through the air inlet duct, removes heat from the charger, and flows through at least one of the first and second air outlet ducts to assist with vehicle preconditioning.

Abstract: A plurality of batteries (3) are disposed under a floor panel (16) of a vehicle (1). A first battery unit (38F) comprising a plurality of batteries (3) stacked in a vertical direction and a second battery unit (38R) comprising a plurality of batteries (3) stacked in a vehicle transverse direction are provided. By arranging a layout of the first battery unit (38F) and the second battery unit (38R) considering the location of an electric equipment (12, 13, 14) to which the batteries (3) supply power as well as the location of passenger seats (32F, 32R), the weight balance of the vehicle (1) in the front-aft direction can be optimized.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle capable of improving energy efficiency by reducing switching loss is provided. The fuel cell vehicle includes: a fuel cell that generates direct current power; inverters which respectively include switching elements and convert the direct current power generated by the fuel cell into alternating current power; a diode that prevents current from flowing from the inverters toward the fuel cell; a step up/down DC/DC converter that adjusts the voltage of the cathode side of the diode; a voltage control part that controls the step up/down DC/DC converter, thereby controlling current output from the fuel cell; and a stop and idle determination part that stops the supply of air to the fuel cell, thereby stopping idling of the fuel cell. The voltage control part reduces the voltage of the cathode side of the diode as the voltage of the fuel cell is reduced by activating the stop and idle determination part.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain system having a non-combustion tractive power generating device and a positioning system. A method of managing power flow in the vehicle includes determining a present location and a trajectory of the vehicle, and determining a probability of vehicle braking at a predetermined location within the trajectory of the vehicle. The non-combustion tractive power generating device is operated to manage power flow in the vehicle based upon the probability of vehicle braking at the predetermined location.

Abstract: According to the invention, a hybrid fuel cell system (100) is characterized by comprising a load portion (3) which consumes electric power; first control means (11) for obtaining a supply electric power set value (P bat ref) indicating electric power supplied from the electric power storage device (40), based on a supply electric power set value (P fc ref) indicating electric power supplied from the fuel cell (20) and a consumption electric power set value (P mot ref) indicating electric power consumed by the load portion (3); difference obtaining means (41) for obtaining a difference between the supply electric power set value (P bat ref) and an actual supply electric power value (P bat mos) indicating electric power actually supplied from the electric power storage device (40); and second control means (12) for controlling the amount of electric power consumed by the load portion (3) based on the difference.

Abstract: An energy efficient biped robotic system with passive-dynamic locomotion includes a body having a frame, an energy recapture mechanism, and a leg. The cyclical movement of the leg during passive-dynamic locomotion is transferred to a load through a mechanical energy storage mechanism, and the resulting oscillatory movement of the load is transferred by the mechanical energy input mechanism to an electric energy generating mechanism. The generated electric energy is transferred to the energy storage device for use by the robotic system.

Abstract: A saddle riding type, electric vehicle includes a swing arm removably and vertically swingably supported on a vehicle body frame, and an electric motor, a battery for supplying the electric motor with electric power, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. The electric motor, the battery, and the control unit are disposed on the swing arm. The swing arm integrally provides, forwardly of a rear wheel, a bulkhead for accommodating a battery in isolation from an electric motor and a control unit. The bulkhead has an opening portion that faces terminals disposed on the battery. A battery accommodating portion integrally provides a partition wall extending in a vehicle width direction to form a plurality of accommodating chambers with each containing one of a plurality of batteries. A stand disposed downwardly of the partition wall is supported rotatably on a bottom wall of the battery accommodating portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an electric motor vehicle which does not have any active suspension components, gearbox, differential or other mechanical transmission components, in various embodiments including consists a chassis, at least one pair of integrated wheel and brushless DC electric motor assemblies mounted on the chassis with conventional suspension components including springs and dampers. In various embodiments, a battery pack on the chassis provides power to the integrated wheel and electric motor assemblies; and a control system operates each integrated wheel and motor assembly independently of each other integrated wheel and motor assembly. Various embodiments include the control system has including a master controller connected to the battery pack, and, a separate slave controller connected to the battery pack and to each of the integrated wheel and motor assemblies, as well as the master controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an electric current to drive a vehicle has at least one electric drive motor coupled to each rear wheel of the vehicle. The electric motors are used to drive each rear wheel. A motor controller is coupled to each electric motor. Kinetic energy converting generators power the electric drive motor. Optionally, a flywheel is coupled to an electrical generator which is electrically coupled to the motor controller. Also optionally, at least one kinetic energy converting generator may be coupled to at least one of the vehicle wheel in order to convert kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy to power the drive motor, via the motor controller.

Abstract: Upon receiving a supply start instruction, each vehicle (2, 3, 4) transmits its own identification ID to other vehicles (sequence SQ12, SQ14, SQ16). A vehicle (2) determining that it is a master itself performs notification of master to the vehicles (3, 4) (sequence SQ20) and begins generation of an AC voltage conforming to its own period (sequence SQ22). Each vehicle (3, 4) generates an AC current synchronized with a voltage reference which is the AC voltage generated from the vehicle (2) (sequence SQ26a, SQ26b). In this way, the vehicles (2, 3, 4) cooperate to begin power supply to a power load.

Abstract: A vehicle can ensure an engine torque the driver desires even though the load torque of a generator with respect to the engine varies, and in particular can restrain occurrence of such a risk that an engine stall occurs when a load to the engine is large upon, for example, engagement of a clutch. A controller predicts a load torque of the generator with respect to the engine in future several hundred milliseconds at maximum from the present time, in view of a magnetic field voltage and a speed of the generator at the present time, and controls the engine in accordance with the predicted load torque in order to prevent the output torque of the engine from being insufficient.

Abstract: A hybrid utility vehicle includes a tool-supporting frame and an electrical power source driven by an engine. Right and left rear wheels independently driven by permanent magnet electric motors and front wheels electrically steerable over a range of approximately 180 degrees operate under the control of a vehicle controller responsive to steering and speed input controls to provide zero turn radius operation with minimum slippage and tire scuffing. Space efficiency provided by the electric steering and an electrically driven tool deck facilitate a variety of tool mounting configurations including a rear discharge deck with a chute passing under the vehicle frame between the driven wheels. An inverter connected to the electrical power source provides 110/220 volt output. The power source also functions as a high powered, high rpm, low noise starter motor.

Abstract: A fuel cell system has a compressor delivering compressed gas to a fuel cell stack and a control valve affecting the flow of compressed gas. A load dump condition is determined for the fuel cell stack. The flow through the compressor is increased and the additional flow diverted away from the fuel cell stack by the control valve to provide additional load for the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack may then be operated at a higher output power for the purpose of generating more waste heat to more rapidly warm itself.

Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain system includes monitoring a state of charge of an energy storage device and determining an effective state of charge based upon the monitored state of charge of the energy storage device and a range of available power from the energy storage device. A preferred output power to an output member is determined. A preferred charge state for operating the powertrain is concurrently selected with operating an engine in one of a cylinder deactivation state and an all-cylinder state based upon the effective state of charge and the preferred output power to the output member.

Abstract: An electric wheeled apparatus comprises a main body, a drive wheel supported by the main body in a rotatable manner, an electric motor configured to apply torque to the drive wheel, a battery holder configured to removably receive a plurality of battery packs, and a circuit unit configured to electrically connect one or more battery packs attached to the battery holder to the motor regardless of a number of battery packs attached to the battery holder.

Abstract: A method and system of inverting DC energy stored within a vehicle to AC energy sufficient for supplying appliances or other devices that traditionally receive AC energy from a wall outlet. The inverting may be executed without feedback control in that switching operations used to controller boosting and inverting the DC energy are controller solely from inputs and without regard to the actual output.

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: During periods of vehicle inactivity, a vehicle-based APU electric generating system may be coupled into a regional electric grid to send electricity into the grid. A currently-preferred APU is a solid oxide fuel cell system. When a large number of vehicles are thus equipped and connected, substantial electric buffering can be effected to the grid load. A vehicle-based APU can also function as a back-up generator to a docking facility in the event of power failure of the grid. Gaseous hydrocarbon is readily supplied by pipe in many locations as a commercial and residential heating fuel source, and a hydrocarbon reformer on the vehicle can be attached to the fuel source, enabling an APU to operate as a stationary power source indefinitely. An optional storage tank on the vehicle may be refueled with gaseous fuel, for example, while the battery is being electrically recharged by the grid.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle comprises front and rear axle assemblies supported in mutually spaced relation by one or more vehicle frame members that also support a drive train comprising: a) one or more air compressors; b) one or more fuel sources; c) a fuel cell comprising one or more fuel cell modules; and d) one or more electric motors, that are operatively connected together. The air compressor feeds air to the fuel cell, the or each fuel source feeds fuel to the fuel cell and the electric motors are connected or connectable to the fuel cell such that electrical power generated during operation of the fuel cell causes activation of one or more of the motors to power the vehicle.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods remove water from a fuel cell powered vehicle and eliminate the need for one or more separate steps to discharge the water. The water may be simultaneously drained or discharged from the vehicle holding tank while the fuel cell powered vehicle is being refueled.

Abstract: A vehicle is described that can efficiently cool or heat a group of components, in view of appropriate operating temperature ranges of respective components configuring a fuel cell power supply system, while realizing saving of a mounting space in the vehicle and cost of the vehicle. The vehicle mounted with a fuel cell power supply system includes at least a fuel cell, and an accumulating unit includes a capacitor and a secondary battery connected to the fuel cell. A motor serves as a power source for the vehicle to which output sections of the fuel cell and the accumulating unit are connected. A PDU provided between the output sections and the motor. A component group of the power supply system, including the fuel cell, the accumulating unit, and the PDU, is cooled by a cooling medium which flows inside the vehicle, in order from one having a lowest heating generation amount.

Abstract: An SOC calculating unit calculates a first value based on an open voltage of a battery upon startup of a vehicle (when the operation of the battery starts), and has a calculated second value stored in a storage unit upon stop of the vehicle (when the operation of the battery ends). An initial value selecting unit selects the first value as an initial value when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and selects the second value as the initial value when this condition is not satisfied. In a case where the first value has low reliability, the second value is set as the initial value even if the second value may be deviated from an actual SOC value. This can reduce a difference between the SOC value stored in advance and the actual SOC value as compared with that in a case where the first value is set as the initial value.

Abstract: A method for regulating the speed at which an electric vehicle descends a hill includes determining a position of a shift lever and determining if the vehicle accelerator and/or the vehicle brake are depressed. If the vehicle is in either drive or reverse and neither the vehicle accelerator nor the vehicle brake is depressed, a change in the motor speed is determined based on the current motor speed and a reference motor speed. The current braking assist is then adjusted based on the change in the motor speed such that the motor speed, and therefore the speed of the electric vehicle, remains constant as the vehicle descends the hill.

Abstract: An electric vehicle (EV) includes EV components utilized as structural members within the vehicle, as a so-called stressed member. The EV component itself acts as a load-bearing structural member, thereby reducing the amount and/or mass of structural members otherwise forming the vehicle structure alone, and ultimately reducing vehicle weight.

Abstract: A fuel cell electric vehicle includes a driving motor for driving a pair of wheels, a fuel cell for generating electricity used in the driving motor with the fuel cell being disposed above the driving motor, and supply/discharge manifolds. The supply/discharge manifolds are for transporting the fuel gas, the oxidizing gas and the coolant to or from the fuel cell from lateral end portions of a lower part of the fuel cell so that the fuel gas, the oxidizing gas and the coolant supplied to and discharged from the fuel cell flow in a substantially vertical direction with respect to a vehicle without the fuel gas, the oxidizing gas and the coolant passing through a center portion between the lower part of the fuel cell and an upper part of the driving motor.

Abstract: A moving body is equipped with fuel cells structured to have multiple corners. The fuel cells have a fuel gas exhaust port formed to discharge a fuel gas, which is subjected to an electrochemical reaction at anodes of the fuel cells, out of the fuel cells. The fuel cells are arranged to be inclined to a horizontal plane to position a front side of the fuel cells in a forward direction of the moving body higher than an opposite side of the fuel cells in the forward direction of the moving body and are provided to locate a specific corner closest to the fuel gas exhaust port of the fuel cells among the multiple corners as a lowermost point. This arrangement enables water produced at the anodes of the fuel cells to be efficiently discharged from the fuel cells by taking advantage of the gravity, while the moving body moves on a slope.

Abstract: This invention provides a moving object having a fuel cell system, which is capable of preventing the entry of fuel gas into a cabin even if the leakage of the fuel gas occurs. The moving object, having the fuel cell system (1), has an air introduction mechanism (5) for introducing air from the outside of the moving object into a cabin space inside the moving object, wherein an air introduction port (50) for the air introduction mechanism (5) is formed a given distance apart from the fuel cell system (1), so that gas leaking from the fuel cell system (1) does not reach the air introduction port (50).

Abstract: This invention relates to a parallel hybrid electric conversion kit for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, a driveshaft and a transmission, such as, rear wheel drive vehicles, four-wheel drive vehicles, heavy duty multiple-driven-axle vehicles and/or all-wheel drive vehicles. The conversion kit includes a motor-generator, a torque coupler, a battery, a power electronics module and a controller. Suitable torque couplers include transfer cases and/or rear-through differentials. The conversion kit provides an aftermarket solution to increased performance, fuel economy and/or reduced emissions by modifying the drivetrain after the transmission. According to one embodiment of this invention, the control scheme of the installed conversion kit receives input signals from the engine and the motor-generator, but only sends control signals to the motor-generator, facilitating installation of the conversion kit.

Abstract: An energy source includes an internal combustion engine with a cooling jacket in which a vapor of a working medium (steam in the case of water) is generated; a turbine connected to receive the vapor from the cooling jacket and having a rotating component rotated by the passage of the vapor; a generator rotated in response to rotation of the rotating component to generate electricity; and a heating coil powered by electricity produced by the generator, the heating coil being disposed to heat the medium in the cooling jacket to assist in providing vapor. The energy source may be used in a motor vehicle, and the steam (when water is used as the working medium) and the generated electricity can be used as energy sources for external loads, such as heating and powering a building.

Abstract: A detachable and portable fuel cell power unit which may be used with a vehicle. Said power unit with a unitary housing containing: a fuel reservoir for storing fuel; at least one electrochemical fuel cell stack for delivering electrical power; a fueling port in an outer surface of the housing; and an airflow path extending between a first inlet port on an outer surface of the housing and a first outlet port on an outer surface of the housing, via cathode elements in the at least one fuel cell stack. Said unit includes a control circuit for interfacing with a power controller on the vehicle for determining allowable operating conditions.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle having at least one electric motor which is usable as a generator and charges a vehicle battery during a recuperation phase, there is provided an additional actuating element independent of a brake system which is used to transfer the electric motor into its recuperation state without activating the brake system. Alternatively, the additional actuating element may operate in conjunction with the brake system, such that the brake pedal may also be used to transfer the electric motor into its recuperation state.

Abstract: An electric vehicle with fuel cells mounted thereon has a fuel tank that stores a fuel therein, and a connector receptor that is connected to the fuel tank and is open to the surface of the vehicle body. A connector of a predetermined hydrogen supply device is fitted in and attached to the connector receptor, so that a supply of fuel is fed from the hydrogen supply device to the electric vehicle. The connector receptor is provided with a fuel lid for covering over the connector receptor. When it is determined that the fuel cells are in a working state, the fuel lid is not opened in response to input of an opening instruction of the fuel lid in the course of fuel supply. When it is determined that the fuel lid is open, on the other hand, operation of the fuel cells is not started in response to input of a starting instruction of the fuel cells in the electric vehicle. Such an arrangement enhances the safety of fuel supply to any system with fuel cells.