Abstract: A management device 21 comprising a main control part 23 that, during charging of a plurality of power storage elements 41 connected in series, outputs a first pull-down signal to a converter 11 so as to lower a charging voltage when the cell voltage of any of the power storage elements 41 is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

Abstract: A vehicle electrical system arrangement for a motor vehicle, having a battery apparatus to which a primary vehicle electrical system and at least one secondary vehicle electrical system are electrically conductively connected, wherein the primary vehicle electrical system has a primary set of loads and the secondary vehicle electrical system has a secondary set of loads, wherein further a backup battery is connected to the primary vehicle electrical system and to the secondary vehicle electrical system via a switching apparatus, and the switching apparatus has at least one primary switching position for an electrically conductive connection to the primary vehicle electrical system and a secondary switching position for an electrically conductive connection to the secondary vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: Method for detecting a state of an electric system (150) in a motor vehicle, said electric system (150) comprising a generator unit that includes an electric machine (100) with a rotor winding (110) and a stator winding (120) as well as a rectifier (130) which is connected to the electric machine (100) and via which the electric system (150) is connected to the electric machine (100); in said method, a decision about the current state of the electric system (150), especially about the availability of a battery (200) of the electric system, is made in accordance with an excitation current (IE) flowing through the rotor winding (110) of the electric machine (100).

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery protection circuit module including a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal electrically connected to electrode terminals of a battery bare cell, a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal electrically connected to a charger or an electronic device, a first protection circuit unit including a first single field-effect transistor connected between at least one of the first positive and negative terminals and at least one of the second positive and negative terminals, and a first protection integrated circuit (P-IC) for controlling the first single field-effect transistor, and a second protection circuit unit including a second single field-effect transistor connected between at least one of the first positive and negative terminals and at least one of the second positive and negative terminals, and a second P-IC for controlling the second single field-effect transistor.

Abstract: To provide a generator controller can determine permission of power generation autonomously within a range where startability is not deteriorated, even in the case where the generator controller cannot communicate with the engine controller. A generator controller, in case of communication normal time with engine controller, permits the generation voltage control when the permission command signal is received from the engine controller and the generator rotational speed is higher than a determination value at communication normal time, and prohibits the generation voltage control at other times; in the case of communication failure time, permits the generation voltage control when the generator rotational speed is higher than a determination value at communication failure time, and prohibits the generation voltage control at other times.

Abstract: A power system architecture includes a prime mover, a plurality of single phase permanent magnet generators mechanically coupled to the prime mover, a DC power bus including a plurality of DC power storage components, each of the DC energy storage components being electrically connected to at least one of the single phase permanent magnet generators, a plurality of state of charge calculators, each of the state of charge calculators being connected to one of the DC energy storage component and being communicatively coupled to a generator control unit, and wherein the generator control unit is configured to independently control each of the single phase permanent magnet generators.

Abstract: The present invention is concerning a controller-integrated rotary electric machine having a power circuit portion provided between an external power source and a stator winding of a rotary electric machine main body, wherein the power circuit portion includes: a positive-side power input/output terminal and a negative-side power input/output terminal that are electrically connected to the external power source; a power module that performs power conversion between the external power source and the stator winding; and a single heat sink that cools the power module, the positive-side power input/output terminal being fixed to the single heat sink via an insulating material, and the negative-side power input/output terminal being fixed directly to the single heat sink.

Abstract: A power supply system including a battery module and a converter unit. The system includes a bidirectional DC-DC converter as a component of a battery module voltage control device that is connected between a load and a secondary battery and that changes a discharge voltage of the secondary battery and outputs the discharge voltage to the load. Moreover, a voltage control unit, which can include a control unit and the bidirectional DC-DC converter, changes the discharge voltage of the secondary battery to an output voltage target value to be outputted to the load.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a system and method for improving speed control of a pitch drive system of a wind turbine. In one embodiment, the pitch drive system includes a direct current (DC) motor having an armature and a series-field winding, a battery assembly having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, and a current-controlling device configured in series between the positive terminal of the battery assembly and the series-field winding. The battery assembly is configured to supply power to the pitch drive system and the current-controlling device is configured to supply current to the series-field winding so as to ensure a field flux does not equal zero. Thus, the current-controlling device has the effect of limiting the maximum speed of the DC motor.

Abstract: A protection device for connection to a power bus of an electrical power system includes a bidirectional clamping apparatus configured to conduct current when a voltage across the bidirectional clamping apparatus is more positive than a positive voltage standoff and when the voltage across the bidirectional clamping apparatus is more negative than a negative voltage standoff; and a control element in series with the bidirectional clamping apparatus, the control element and the bidirectional clamping apparatus providing a current path across the power bus when a magnitude of a voltage on the power bus exceeds a positive voltage threshold or a negative voltage threshold, the positive voltage threshold being greater than the positive voltage standoff of the bidirectional clamping apparatus and the negative voltage threshold being more negative than the negative voltage standoff of the bidirectional clamping device.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection circuit for a first subsystem of a multivoltage vehicle electrical system, in which the first subsystem having a first vehicle electrical system voltage, a second subsystem having a second vehicle electrical system voltage, and an electric machine for supplying the second subsystem. The first system voltage is less than the second system voltage. The overvoltage protection circuit includes a first ground connection for connecting a shared ground potential of the first subsystem, the second subsystem, and the electric machine, an additional second ground connection for connecting a reference ground potential, and a control connection for controlling the electric machine.

Abstract: A power converter includes a DC/DC converting circuit and a first energy storage element. The DC/DC converting circuit includes a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The first energy storage element includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first output terminal of the DC/DC converting circuit is electrically connected to one terminal of an external load. The first terminal of the first energy storage element is electrically connected to the second output terminal of the DC/DC converting circuit. The second terminal of the first energy storage element is electrically connected to the other terminal of the external load. The DC/DC converting circuit is configured to provide a variable electric power. The power converter provides the power supply according to the DC/DC converting circuit and the first energy storage element, and the variable electric power is less than the power required by the external load.

Abstract: A control apparatus of an AC generator for a vehicle can obtain large regeneration energy without making the size of the generator large. In the control apparatus in which an AC output current is rectified and supplied to a vehicle mounted battery (6) and an electric load of the vehicle, provision is made for a regulator (5) that controls a continuity rate of electric power supply to a field coil (3) of a generator (1) by controlling an output voltage of the generator (1). The regulator (5) suppresses the continuity rate of electric power supply to the field coil (3) at the time of steady operation of the vehicle, and switches a suppression value of the continuity rate of electric power supply so as to increase the continuity rate of electric power supply at the time of deceleration operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an invention of a power system including a distal distributor, an electric actuator which receives a supply of power from the distal distributor, and a relay device. Regenerative power generated by the electric actuator is output to a storage battery.

Abstract: A vehicle fault early warning system is provided in which a central processing system (e.g., vehicle manufacturer, service center, third party) transmits a warning once a set of conditions is identified that routinely leads to a particular vehicle malfunction, where the malfunction may either cause the failure of a component/subsystem or cause a component/subsystem to perform out-of-spec. The warning, which may be accompanied by instructions as to how to avoid, or at least mitigate, the effects of the vehicle malfunction, may either be sent to all users or only those that are likely to be affected by the malfunction.

Abstract: An excitation device for high-energy tests of stator cores of electric generators or motors is disclosed. The excitation device includes one or more excitation modules. Each excitation module includes an excitation winding and a power supply configured to drive an excitation current through the excitation winding which contributes to the overall excitation of the stator core. The excitation module further includes a capacitor. The power supply of the excitation module acts as current source at its output.

Abstract: An electrical system for use with an alternator that supplies electrical power, an internal combustion engine including such an electrical system, and related methods of operation are disclosed. In one example embodiment, such an electrical system includes a first circuit portion configured to govern whether the power is communicated from the alternator system to a terminal associated with a battery and/or a load, and a second circuit portion configured to determine whether a voltage is elevated above a predetermined threshold and to provide a first signal upon determining that the voltage is so elevated. The electrical system also includes a third circuit portion coupled at least indirectly to the other two circuit portions. The third circuit portion is configured to provide a second signal upon receiving the first signal, the second signal being configured to cause the first circuit portion to cease allowing communication of the power to the terminal.

Abstract: A positioning locator mobile communication apparatus securely attached to a person or a subject to be monitored, wherein said apparatus utilizes two internal batteries to provide power to the mobile communication device electronic circuitry, and a detachable battery is used to charge the internal batteries. Wherein when the first internal battery is being charged by the detachable battery, the mobile communication device is operative by the second internal battery power. And when the second internal battery is being charged by the detachable battery, the mobile communication device becomes operative by the first internal battery power.

Abstract: A rising temperature of components of an electric generator is restrained without deteriorating the quality of electricity output and the user-friendliness of the electric generator. AVR (7) and a temperature detecting means (75) is provided in a generator housing. While the detected temperature is greater than the limitation starting temperature, the output voltage is decreased by decreasing the control target value (for the AVR (7)) in accordance with the temperature. A range between the power generation stopping temperature as an upper-limit temperature of a generator component and the limitation starting temperature set to be a lower than the power generation stopping temperature is defined as a voltage droop range. In the voltage droop range, the control target value is decreased in accordance with a target voltage base value preset in a relationship with the temperature so that the decrease degree becomes greater in proportion to a rising temperature.

Abstract: A temperature control method is used for controlling a temperature of an electric storage device 5 mounted on a vehicle 1 at the time when the vehicle 1 runs on a track 2. In the method, when a minimum voltage value Vmin corresponding to an internal resistance R of the electric storage device 5 reaches a first predetermined voltage value Vp near a minimum allowable voltage value VL of the electric storage device 5, the electric storage device 5 is controlled such that the electric storage device 5 has a temperature at which the minimum voltage value Vmin is maintained at the first predetermined voltage value Vp.

Abstract: The present invention is able to perform an examination of a motor mounted on EV or HEV (HV) as well as charge and discharge of a battery mounted on EV or HEV (HV), by a single system. The system includes a dynamometer coupled to an output shaft of a motor, a power supply unit for supplying power to the motor or the dynamometer, a motor examination circuit for supplying the power of the power supply unit to the dynamometer and the motor, a battery charge and discharge circuit connected with a battery, for supplying the power of the power supply unit to the battery or discharging the power of the battery, and a circuit switching mechanism for switching between the motor examination circuit and the battery charge and discharge circuit.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical system for an automotive vehicle has an electrical generating machine and a battery. A set point voltage, which sets an output voltage of the electrical generating machine, is set by an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU selects one of a plurality of control modes for controlling the alternator based on an operating state of the vehicle as determined from vehicle operating parameters. The ECU selects a range for the set point voltage based on the selected control mode and then sets the set point voltage within the range based on feedback parameters for that control mode. In an aspect, the control modes include a trickle charge mode and battery charge current is the feedback parameter and the ECU controls the set point voltage within the range to maintain a predetermined battery charge current.

Abstract: In a method for transferring energy between at least two energy storage cells in a controllable energy store that serves to control and to supply electrical energy to an n-phase electric machine, which energy store has n power supply arms which each have at least two series-connected energy storage modules which each include at least one electrical energy storage cell with an associated controllable coupling unit, and are connected to one respective phase of the electric machine, in a charging phase, all coupling units of those energy storage modules which are to be used as an energy source are controlled in such a way that the respectively associated energy storage cells are connected into the respective power supply arm.

Abstract: An electric motor assembly includes a multi-phase electric motor, a battery of accumulators, an inverter configured to convert the direct current of the battery into multi-phase alternating current adapted to supply the motor, and a connection housing. The connection housing includes plugs allowing connection of motor phases, the battery terminals, and at least five connections to the inverter. The housing further includes a group of contacts allowing it to be connected to a single phase mains system, and a group of contacts allowing it to be connected a multi-phase mains system. The housing includes switches according to the position of which the system including the housing, the battery, the inverter, and the motor connected solely by its phases, alternatively allows the motor to be supplied from the battery, the battery to be recharged directly from a single-phase mains system, and the battery to be recharged from multi-phase mains system.

Abstract: A charge and discharge control unit (41) sets an upper-limit charge and discharge electric power as an upper limit of electric power during charging and discharging of a electric storage device (11) based on temperature of the electric storage device (11) measured by a temperature measuring unit (21) and a state of charge of the electric storage device (11) specified by a charge state specifying unit (23). In the case where the operation state determined by an operation state determining unit (35) is a low-limit operation state, the charge and discharge control unit (41) sets the upper-limit charge and discharge electric power to be larger than that in the case where the operation state determined by the operation state determining unit (35) is a high-limit operation state.

Abstract: Various portable electronic devices are respectively equipped so that manually provided mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy and stored therein. The stored electrical energy can be used to power the respective portable electronic device for at least a brief period. Suitably equipped portable electronic devices can thus be operated in emergency situations without external sources of electrical power, replacement batteries, or the like.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a drive system is provided for an electric or hybrid electric vehicle that provides reduces electromagnetic emissions. The system includes, but is not limited to, an electric motor and a transmission having a collar for receiving a portion of a drive shaft. The collar has an inside diameter proportioned to an outside diameter of the drive shaft to cause capacitive coupling between the transmission and the drive shaft thereby reducing electromagnetic emissions along the drive shaft.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to make the charging power as high as possible in a battery charging control system for selectively charging a plurality of batteries having different voltages with energy generated by an alternator. To achieve the object, the battery charging control system according to the invention includes an alternator having a variable generation voltage and a plurality of batteries having different charging voltages, wherein maximum generation power defined as the highest power that the alternator can generate and maximum charging power defined as the highest power that each battery can accept are obtained, and a battery for which the charging power is highest is selected to be charged based on a comparison of the maximum generation power and the maximum charging power.

Abstract: A battery voltage monitoring circuit includes a first power supply terminal to be connected to the positive terminal of a battery pack having rechargeable cells connected in series; a first supply voltage sensing terminal to be connected to the positive terminal of the battery pack; a first resistor connected between the first power supply terminal and the first supply voltage sensing terminal; a second supply voltage sensing terminal to be connected to the negative terminal of a first rechargeable cell of the rechargeable cells, the first rechargeable cell being on the positive terminal side of the battery pack and connected to the positive terminal of the battery pack; a second resistor connected between the second supply voltage sensing terminal and the first power supply terminal; and a first comparator configured to compare a voltage at the first power supply terminal and a voltage at the first supply voltage sensing terminal.

Abstract: The life of a lead acid storage battery is extended by changing an over-frequency equalized charge interval performed on a lead acid storage battery, in accordance with a transition situation of a state of charge (SOC) of the lead acid storage battery. The lead acid storage battery is also made to be advantageous in terms of cost by reducing the equalized charge with a low degree of urgency to reduce the power and cost for equalized charge, and by reducing the number of stops of a natural energy storage system. A lead acid storage battery and a lead acid storage battery system whose operational management can be easily performed are achieved by a method in which the future timing when the equalized charge is performed can be grasped by people operating the lead acid storage battery.

Abstract: An antitheft system of a charger for an electric vehicle that prevents theft of a charger during charging a battery of the electric vehicle is disclosed. More specifically, a first signal generating portion is provided at the charger, receives a decoupling will of the charger, and generates a decoupling signal. A second signal generating portion generates a position signal, so that anyone who is allowed to handle the electric vehicle possesses the second signal generating portion. A control portion generates an operating signal when both the decoupling signal of the first signal generating portion and the position signal of the second signal generating portion are received by the control portion. Once received, an actuator decouples the charger from the connector once the operating signal from the control portion is received.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a near field radio communication apparatus, as described in embodiments, comprises a signal receiving unit configured to convert a radio signal into an electric signal an information obtaining unit configured to obtain information from a signal output from the signal receiving unit and an operating power supplying unit configured to supply an operating power to the information obtaining unit if a voltage level of the electric signal output from the signal receiving unit varies to he equal to or higher than a preset threshold value.

Abstract: Streetlights along streets and in parking lots are often suitably located for a vehicle to park in immediate proximity. An electric vehicle charging system and method allows the power supply previously dedicated to the streetlight to be used for electric vehicle recharging whenever the streetlight is not required to be lit. In some embodiments, if the total of the current drawn by the electric vehicle charging and the lit streetlight is less than the rating of the streetlight power supply, then charging may continue even while the streetlight is lit. Further, if an electric vehicle so charging offers a utility-interactive inverter, then upon demand the electric vehicle may be available to supply power back to the electric grid.

Abstract: A system for improving engine starting is disclosed. In one example, an engine starting is improved by providing a predictable load to the engine during engine starting. The predictable load may be provided by controlling alternator field voltage during the engine start.

Abstract: A system used to charge a battery of an electric or gas/electric vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises an axle having a rear suspension, at least one voltage generating device and a voltage regulator. The axle is attached to a wheel of a vehicle. The voltage generating device is fitted in line with and driven by the axle. The voltage regulating device is configured to operate by modulating the small field of current of the voltage generating device to produce a constant voltage at the battery terminals. In one embodiment, a gear box may be used with the system. In another embodiment, a shield may be used to protect the voltage generating devices. A method used to charge a battery of an electric or gas/electric vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit used to measure cell voltages in a battery pack can include a cell voltage level shifter, a sense block, and a compensation current generator. The cell voltage level shifter selects a cell and shifts the terminal voltages of the selected cell from a first voltage level to a second voltage level. The sense block monitors the current consumed by the level shifter, and generates a signal indicative of the consumed current. The compensation current generator generates compensation currents to compensate the current consumed by the level shifter. Therefore, unbalance of the cell capacities caused by the current consumed by the level shifter can be reduced or eliminated, and thus the overall capacity of the battery pack can be improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying different types of energy sources used to charge a battery by receiving energy from at least one of the different types of energy sources at input terminals, identifying the type of energy source, and selecting a mode for charging the battery based on the type of energy source identified. A method and apparatus for protecting against certain energy sources used to charge a battery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless headset has a body, an ear clip, and at least two devices for converting at least two different sources of energy into electrical power. The body includes an RF integrated circuit in electrical communication with an antenna and a baseband circuit, the baseband circuit being in electrical communication with a microphone and a speaker. The at least two devices for converting at least two different sources of energy into electrical power are in electrical communication with the RF integrated circuit and the baseband circuit. The ear clip is engaged to the body. The at least two sources of energy are selected from the group consisting of solar energy, thermoelectric energy, piezoelectric energy, and vibration energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power system utilizing an engine generator or public power with AC source, wherein the power system particularly has the characteristics that the maximum output current thereof is limited by electromagnetic effects, and/or constant current or nearly constant current output thereof is set to be lower than the maximum output current, for powering a load, and charging a battery, or jointly powering a load with a battery; when an engine generator set is utilized to be power supply, during operation, the engine operates with the best brake specific fuel consumption and/or the range of revolutions and torque for better energy saving.

Abstract: An electricity storing device includes a high-voltage terminal, a low-voltage terminal, a plurality of rechargeable battery modules, a plurality of first switches each coupled between one rechargeable battery module and the high-voltage terminal, a plurality of second switches each coupled between one rechargeable battery module and the low-voltage terminal, a plurality of third switches each coupled between two of the rechargeable battery modules, and a control module for outputting a control command to control couplings of the plurality of first switches, the plurality of second switches and the plurality of third switches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for charging accumulation means via an external electrical network via at least a first (A) and a second (B) switching arm respectively comprising two switches (12), said method comprising a step for controlling the switches (12) of the switching arms (A, B) by transmission of pulse width modulation control signals, characterized in that the switches (12) of the second switching arm (B) are controlled by adapting the pulse width of the control signals so as to generate an alternating voltage (Vx) in phase opposition relative to the voltage at the terminals of a compensation inductance (7?) connected on the one hand to the second arm (B) and on the other hand to the neutral (N) of said network, so that the voltage (VN) between the neutral (N) of said network and ground is a direct voltage. The invention also relates to a charging device for implementing such a charging method.

Abstract: In a battery charger, the rectifier includes rectifying elements provided for respective three phases. The rectifier supplies, for the respective phases, currents for rectifying three-phase AC voltages so as to charge a battery. A voltage detector detects whether or not the battery is charged. Switching units are provided for the respective rectifying elements, and rectify the AC voltages to charge the battery in the off-state. Switch controllers output gate signals in accordance with a timing of zero-cross detection upon receiving a detection signal indicating that all the gate signals for turning on and off the respective switching units for the respective phases are supplied in the order of the phases.

Abstract: A rectification processor includes rectifier elements that control charge to batteries independently for each of the batteries. A charge-state detector detects charge states of the batteries from their voltages, and determines whether to select the batteries for charging in a half-cycle determined beforehand in accordance with the detected result. A synchronous signal detector detects a signal synchronized with the phase of the 3-phase alternate current (AC) generator from the 3-phase AC generator, and outputs a synchronous signal. A charge controller controls the charge in the rectification processor in synchronization with the 3-phase AC generator according to the synchronous signal from the synchronous signal detector, and, in accordance with the charge states of the batteries output from the charge-state detector, controls charge amounts to the battery/batteries that was determined for selection.

Abstract: A balancing method for a battery pack includes balancing battery cells near an end of discharge. A deep discharge of the battery cells can be prevented without using an overdischarge control unit. One battery cell balancing method includes: a balancing check condition determination step for determining whether or not a maximum voltage out of voltages of the battery cells is smaller than a reference voltage; a balancing start condition determination step for determining whether or not a residual capacity difference or voltage difference between the individual battery cells exceeds a reference value; a balancing time calculation step for calculating a balancing time for discharging the battery cell that exceeds the reference value; and a balancing operation step for discharging the selected battery cell when the battery cells are under charge or are at rest or when a discharge current of the battery cells is smaller than a reference current.

Abstract: A power generation system includes a renewable power source for producing source power; a source side converter for converting the source power to converted DC power; a source side controller for driving the converted DC power towards a maximum power point; a DC link for receiving the converted DC power; a grid side converter coupled to the DC link for converting DC link power from the DC link to AC output power for a grid; a grid side controller for controlling the AC output power of the grid side converter to achieve grid interconnection requirements; an electrical energy storage device; an energy storage converter coupling the energy storage device to the DC link; an energy storage controller for controlling the energy storage converter to achieve a desired power balance on the DC link.

Abstract: A wireless headset has a body, an ear clip, and at least two devices for converting at least two different sources of energy into electrical power. The body includes an RF integrated circuit in electrical communication with an antenna and a baseband circuit, the baseband circuit being in electrical communication with a microphone and a speaker. The at least two devices for converting at least two different sources of energy into electrical power are in electrical communication with the RF integrated circuit and the baseband circuit. The ear clip is engaged to the body. The at least two sources of energy are selected from the group consisting of solar energy, thermoelectric energy, piezoelectric energy, and vibration energy.

Abstract: An input/output control device for a secondary battery mounted on a vehicle includes a current estimating unit estimating a battery current input to or output from the secondary battery based on an input/output power of the secondary battery and outputting an estimated value (estimated current (Is)), a current sensor measuring the battery current and outputting a measured value (measured current (It)), and an input/output control unit controlling the input/output power based on the estimated value and the measured value. The input/output control device controls the input/output of the secondary battery, using the measured current (It) as well as the estimated value (Is), and therefore can suppress more reliably significant increase in heating value of the secondary battery and its peripheral parts.

Abstract: An alternating current motor control system constituted of: a control unit; a cycloconverter functionality; a phase control functionality; and a semiconductor switching unit comprising a plurality of electronically controlled semiconductor switches each associated with a particular winding of a target alternating current motor and each independently responsive to the control unit. In one embodiment the semiconductor switching unit is arranged to connect the windings of the target alternating current motor to a three phase power input in one of a star and a delta configuration responsive to the control unit.

Abstract: There is a need for improving switching regulator characteristics and providing a stable power supply controller. The power supply controller uses a battery and either or both functions of stepping up and stepping down a battery voltage. The power supply controller includes a means that prevents a ripple voltage from occurring by stopping the up conversion function for a switching operation in connection with a battery during a predetermined period without changing conditions for a conventional switching device or smoothing circuit and fast stabilizes a primary voltage using only the down conversion function.

Abstract: Embodiments include a power processing system and methods of its operation in a plug-in electric vehicle. The power processing system includes at least one AC electric motor, a bi-directional inverter system, and an electronic control system. The electronic control system provides a drive function by providing first control signals to the bi-directional inverter system which, in response, draws DC electrical power from a DC energy source, converts the DC power to AC power, and provides the AC power to windings of the at least one AC electric motor. The electronic control system also provides a charging function by providing second control signals to the bi-directional inverter system which, in response, draws AC power from the windings of the at least one AC electric motor, converts the AC power to DC power, and provides the DC power to the DC energy source in order to recharge the DC energy source.