Abstract: A system and method for collecting renewable energy includes a solar panel and a down-sun wind turbine that are mounted on a same crossbeam. In this combination, as the crossbeam is rotated on a support pole, the solar panel is simultaneously rotated through a directional arc ? and an inclination arc ? in accordance with a predetermined daily schedule that is based on the time of day and the latitude of the system. Also, as the solar panel is moved, the wind turbine is free to follow wind direction and maximize its collection of wind energy. To further maximize the energy collection capability of the system, the wind turbine is located on the crossbeam to remain down-sun from the solar panel and to remain free from wind flow interference that may be caused by the solar panel.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting renewable energy includes a solar panel and a down-sun wind turbine that are mounted on a same crossbeam. In this combination, as the crossbeam is rotated on a support pole, the solar panel is simultaneously rotated through a directional arc ? and an inclination arc ? in accordance with a predetermined daily schedule that is based on the time of day and the latitude of the system. Also, as the solar panel is moved, the wind turbine is free to follow wind direction and maximize its collection of wind energy. To further maximize the energy collection capability of the system, the wind turbine is located on the crossbeam to remain down-sun from the solar panel and to remain free from wind flow interference that may be caused by the solar panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging a battery pack including a plurality of electrochemical cells distributed within a thermal management composite matrix, including a phase change material. The method operates upon determining that a battery pack temperature and/or voltage measurement is below a predetermined minimum threshold. The pack temperature and/or the voltage measurement is raised to the predetermined minimum threshold, such as by applying a low current rate, and then the charging rate is increased upon reaching the predetermined minimum threshold. The increased charging rate is further selected based upon a thermal state of charge of the thermal management composite matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging a battery pack including a plurality of electrochemical cells distributed within a thermal management composite matrix, including a phase change material. The method operates upon determining that a battery pack temperature and/or voltage measurement is below a predetermined minimum threshold. The pack temperature and/or the voltage measurement is raised to the predetermined minimum threshold, such as by applying a low current rate, and then the charging rate is increased upon reaching the predetermined minimum threshold. The increased charging rate is further selected based upon a thermal state of charge of the thermal management composite matrix.

Abstract: A thermal management apparatus and method of use, such as in a battery pack or electronic device. A thermally responsive material is disposed between two surfaces, wherein the thermally responsive material changes upon heating, to increase a thermal conductance between the two surfaces. The thermally responsive material is offset from one of the surfaces and expands upon heating to connect the two surfaces. The thermally responsive material is a phase change composite including a phase change material selected from a paraffin wax, a hydrated salt, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for charging an electric vehicle. The apparatus includes a wheeled portable housing with a telescoping handle. A battery array is within the portable housing, suitable for providing a daily charge for the electric vehicle. An antitheft security tether is attached to the portable housing, and forms a security loop extending that is foldable from an upright position, for transport, storage, or battery array charging, to a horizontal position for receiving a wheel of an electric vehicle. The looped tether extends around the tire on the ground so that the apparatus cannot be moved until the vehicle is moved.

Abstract: A method for making a phase change composite (PCC) for a battery pack of a plurality of electrochemical cells. The method includes impregnating a matrix material with a phase change material, and fragmenting the matrix material before or after the impregnating. The fragmented and impregnated matrix material are shaped into a composite such as by extraction, pressing, or other molding technique. Additional PCC shapes are provided by this invention, such as individual spacers for placement between individual battery cells, or rows of cells.

Abstract: A transportable unit for charging an electric vehicle has a vehicle docking pad and a source of renewable energy mounted on the docking pad that includes a solar array and/or a wind turbine. Also included is a storage battery for receiving electricity from the source of renewable energy. Structurally, a primary induction coil is affixed to the docking pad where it is connected to receive a converted a.c. current from the storage battery. With this connection, the primary induction coil generates an alternating electromagnetic field that establishes a resonant inductive coupling with a secondary induction coil mounted on the electric vehicle. Thus, an electric current is generated at the secondary induction coil for recharging the battery of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging a battery pack including a plurality of electrochemical cells distributed within a thermal management composite matrix, including a phase change material. The method operates upon determining that a battery pack temperature and/or voltage measurement is below a predetermined minimum threshold. The pack temperature and/or the voltage measurement is raised to the predetermined minimum threshold, such as by applying a low current rate, and then the charging rate is increased upon reaching the predetermined minimum threshold. The increased charging rate is further selected based upon a thermal state of charge of the thermal management composite matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging a battery pack including a plurality of electrochemical cells distributed within a thermal management composite matrix, including a phase change material. The method operates upon determining that a battery pack temperature and/or voltage measurement is below a predetermined minimum threshold. The pack temperature and/or the voltage measurement is raised to the predetermined minimum threshold, such as by applying a low current rate, and then the charging rate is increased upon reaching the predetermined minimum threshold. The increased charging rate is further selected based upon a thermal state of charge of the thermal management composite matrix.

Abstract: A thermal management apparatus and method of use, such as in a battery pack or electronic device. A thermally responsive material is disposed between two surfaces, wherein the thermally responsive material changes upon heating, to increase a thermal conductance between the two surfaces. The thermally responsive material is offset from one of the surfaces and expands upon heating to connect the two surfaces. The thermally responsive material is a phase change composite including a phase change material selected from a paraffin wax, a hydrated salt, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for making a phase change composite (PCC) for a battery pack of a plurality of electrochemical cells. The method includes impregnating a matrix material with a phase change material, and fragmenting the matrix material before or after the impregnating. The fragmented and impregnated matrix material are shaped into a composite such as by extraction, pressing, or other molding technique. Additional PCC shapes are provided by this invention, such as individual spacers for placement between individual battery cells, or rows of cells.

Abstract: A network is provided for recharging aerial drones during extended flight operations, without requiring a return to a centralized recharging station. Instead, autonomous recharging stations are provided which are self-sustained by using electricity from renewable energy sources located at the station. Operationally, a cone-shaped receptacle is mounted on the drone, and a cone-shaped probe is provided at the recharging station. The probe is connected with the renewable energy source. With this connection, an engagement for recharging the drone's battery is accomplished when the vertex of the probe is received through the open base of the receptacle to place an electrical connector on the probe in contact with the battery of the drone.