Abstract: A thermoacoustic generator includes an enclosure having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is filled with a first working fluid and the second portion is filled with a second working fluid. The first working fluid may be a gas and the second working fluid may be a liquid. The first portion encloses a heat transfer system configured to generate a pressure wave in the first working fluid, and the second portion encloses a bidirectional turbine. The first portion and the second portion are separated by a flexible barrier that is fixedly attached to an interior surface of the enclosure, thereby preventing the second working fluid from entering the first portion of the enclosure or flowing in a direction of gravity.

Abstract: Aspects of systems, method, and computer-readable storage media are provided that determine a vehicle configuration based on operator use case-specific performance impacts. A fleet analytics system is deployed as a lightweight, easy-to-use cloud-based service to a non-technical audience.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods of extending regenerative braking functionality in a hybrid electric vehicle by providing engine brake energy sinking. According to examples, engine brake energy sinking includes driving a generator connected to an internal combustion engine as a motor against an engine brake of the internal combustion engine. Power required to turn the generator against the engine brake may be generated through regenerative braking and is not limited to battery conditions. Thus, consistent braking torque may be applied by regenerative braking, where any excess recovered energy that cannot be absorbed by the vehicle’s battery is dissipated by the engine brake. For instance, the excess recovered energy may be converted into kinetic energy and heat, where the heat may be dissipated by one or more cooling systems in use for the internal combustion engine and generator or used to heat one or more vehicle components.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system that includes a smart airbag is described. The airbag includes a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor located proximal to a first end of the airbag. The ToF sensor emits a signal towards a second end of the airbag opposite the first end along a longitudinal axis, and detects a reflection of the signal. The ToF sensor outputs a value indicating the distance between the first end and the second end based on an elapsed time between the time at which the signal was emitted and the time at which the reflection was detected. The ToF sensor may be located inside or outside the airbag. In the latter case, the ToF sensor emits and detects the signal through a transparent window in the airbag. A computing device receives one or more values from the ToF sensor and determines a vehicle characteristic based on the value(s).

Abstract: Providing additional mass air flow to an engine of a vehicle to expand an operating range of cylinder deactivation (CDA) is provided. Aspects of the present disclosure describe a method and system to provide additional mass air flow to an engine using an auxiliary air source coupled to a turbocharger. When a low air-to-fuel ratio state is determined in association with operating the vehicle in CDA mode, the auxiliary air source is activated to assist the turbocharger with increase the supply of supercharged intake air to the engine. Accordingly, the operating range of CDA is expanded.