Abstract: Described herein are industrial electric vehicles and methods of operating thereof. An industrial electric vehicle comprises a battery and a range extender. The range extender is operated while the industrial electric vehicle travels through each range-extender portion and, in some examples, not in other route portions. Each range-extender portion is identified based on various route parameters such as range-extender exclusion zones, uphill and downhill portions, expected vehicle speeds and weight, expected traffic, and the like. Using specific range-extender portions allows minimizing the total use of the range extender, saving fuel, reducing emissions, and reducing noise in certain areas. In some examples, route parameters are aggregated from a fleet of industrial electric vehicles, which have been driven on the same route. In some examples, range-extender portions are being determined or updated while the industrial electric vehicle travels along the route, e.g.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and techniques for utilizing a powered axle that includes a plurality of transmissions. The powered axle may include separate transmissions to power wheels on opposite ends of the powered axle. Each transmission of the powered axle may be operated independently of the other transmission. As such, the plurality of transmissions of the powered axle may be shifted independently of each other. Various control schemes may be provided for operation of such transmissions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.

Abstract: Provided are turbine engines and methods of operating thereof by heating and evaporating liquid fuels in a controlled manner prior to burning. Specifically, a fuel is heated and evaporated while avoiding coking. Coking is caused by pyrolysis when the fuel contacts a metal surface within a certain temperature range, which is referred herein to a coking temperature range. In the described methods, the fuel is transferred from one component, maintained below the coking temperature range, to another component, maintained above this range. The fuel is airborne and does not contact any metal surfaces during this transfer, and coking does not occur. In some examples, the fuel is also mixed with hot air during this transfer. The heated fuel, e.g., as an air-fuel mixture, is then supplied into a combustor, where more air is added to reach flammability conditions.

Abstract: Provided are hydraulic systems comprising variable speed drives coupled to hydraulic pumps and methods of operating such systems. The drive speed is controlled based on the position of a hydraulic servo-control valve in order to reduce the flow through a bypass line. Specifically, the drive speed may be decreased as the valve is opening and sending a greater portion of the hydraulic fluid into the bypass line. This approach allows to reducing losses in the bypass line thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the hydraulic system. The position of the hydraulic servo-control valve may be determined using a position sensor or a flow sensor. Alternatively, the position may be estimated by increasing the drive speed and monitoring the pressure change in the hydraulic actuator. The differential pressure-speed ratio obtained during this speed increase is compared to a calibration set of values corresponding to different valve positions.

Abstract: Provided are drivetrain systems of electrical vehicles comprising range extending turbines operable to dissipate some or all power generated by electrical drive motor-generators coupled to vehicle wheels. Also provided are methods of operating such systems. Power dissipation using turbines may be used, for example, when batteries cannot be further charged because of their current state of charge or some other conditions. This turbine power dissipation effectively extends engine braking capabilities of electrical vehicles and reduces operation of friction brakes. The power generated by an electrical drive motor-generator may depend on various limits, such as a vehicle deceleration limit, traction limit, power generation limit, and power receiving limit. Specifically, the electrical power is generated at a level when at least one of these limits is reached but neither is exceeded. Furthermore, the power generation level is continuously and dynamically controlled based on changes in operating conditions.

Abstract: Provided are methods for monitoring temperatures of permanent magnets disposed on rotors of permanent magnet motors. Also provided are vehicle drivetrains including permanent magnet motors and controllers operable to monitor temperatures of permanent magnets used in these motors. A magnet temperature is determined based on the rotational speed of the motor and also based on the open circuit voltage of the motor at this rotational speed. The motor may be specifically calibrated to determine its response to magnet temperature changes for any rotational speed. During operation, an inverter connected to the motor and controlling motor's operation may pause its switching for a period of time and check the open circuit voltage of the motor during this period. The corresponding rotor speed may be obtained from other sensors. The controller uses this information to determine the magnet temperature and, in some embodiments, to perform various control operations to avoid overheating.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.

Abstract: Provided are self-powered actively steerable converter dollies (SPASCDs) for long combination vehicles (LCVs), LCVs utilizing SPASCDs, and methods of operating such LCVs. These SPASCDs could be used with conventional tractors and/or specifically configured tractors. A SPASCD may include an electrical drive, which can generate power (e.g., to charge SPASCD's battery) or generate torque using the electrical power stored in SPASCD's battery (e.g., to assist the tractor during acceleration or going uphill). The SPASCD also comprises steerable wheels and a steering component, configured to change the steering angle of the steerable wheels. The steering angle may be changed in response to various inputs, such as the steering angle of the tractor's front steerable wheels, the steering angle of the steerable wheels of another trailer in the same LCV, sensor inputs, and the like. This steering feature allows change the track of the SPASCD, e.g., to follow the tractor's track.

Abstract: Provided are turbine engines and methods of operating thereof by heating and evaporating liquid fuels in a controlled manner prior to burning. Specifically, a fuel is heated and evaporated while avoiding coking. Coking is caused by pyrolysis when the fuel contacts a metal surface within a certain temperature range, which is referred herein to a coking temperature range. In the described methods, the fuel is transferred from one component, maintained below the coking temperature range, to another component, maintained above this range. The fuel is airborne and does not contact any metal surfaces during this transfer, and coking does not occur. In some examples, the fuel is also mixed with hot air during this transfer. The heated fuel, e.g., as an air-fuel mixture, is then supplied into a combustor, where more air is added to reach flammability conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.

Abstract: Provided are self-powered actively steerable converter dollies (SPASCDs) for long combination vehicles (LCVs), LCVs utilizing SPASCDs, and methods of operating such LCVs. These SPASCDs could be used with conventional tractors and/or specifically configured tractors. A SPASCD may include an electrical drive, which can generate power (e.g., to charge SPASCD's battery) or generate torque using the electrical power stored in SPASCD's battery (e.g., to assist the tractor during acceleration or going uphill). The SPASCD also comprises steerable wheels and a steering component, configured to change the steering angle of the steerable wheels. The steering angle may be changed in response to various inputs, such as the steering angle of the tractor's front steerable wheels, the steering angle of the steerable wheels of another trailer in the same LCV, sensor inputs, and the like. This steering feature allows change the track of the SPASCD, e.g., to follow the tractor's track.

Abstract: Provided are gearboxes including compound planet gear assemblies as well as methods of using such gearboxes. A gearbox includes at least a first ring gear and a second ring gear. Depending on the current gear selection, one of these ring gears may be engaged with a shifting mechanism or not engaged with any ring gears when in a neutral gear. The first ring gear may be constantly engaged with a first planet gear of a compound planet gear assembly, while the second ring gear may be constantly engaged with a second planet gear of the same compound planet gear assembly. The first planet gear may be also engaged with a sun gear coupled to a shaft. Another shaft is coupled to the shifting mechanism. Different gear selections of the gearbox engage different ring gears to the shifting mechanism thereby changing the rotational speed ratio of the two shafts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.

Abstract: Provided are gearboxes including compound planet gear assemblies as well as methods of using such gearboxes. A gearbox includes at least a first ring gear and a second ring gear. Depending on the current gear selection, one of these ring gears may be engaged with a shifting mechanism or not engaged with any ring gears when in a neutral gear. The first ring gear may be constantly engaged with a first planet gear of a compound planet gear assembly, while the second ring gear may be constantly engaged with a second planet gear of the same compound planet gear assembly. The first planet gear may be also engaged with a sun gear coupled to a shaft. Another shaft is coupled to the shifting mechanism. Different gear selections of the gearbox engage different ring gears to the shifting mechanism thereby changing the rotational speed ratio of the two shafts.

Abstract: Provided are gearboxes including compound planet gear assemblies as well as methods of using such gearboxes. A gearbox includes at least a first ring gear and a second ring gear. Depending on the current gear selection, one of these ring gears may be engaged with a shifting mechanism or not engaged with any ring gears when in a neutral gear. The first ring gear may be constantly engaged with a first planet gear of a compound planet gear assembly, while the second ring gear may be constantly engaged with a second planet gear of the same compound planet gear assembly. The first planet gear may be also engaged with a sun gear coupled to a shaft. Another shaft is coupled to the shifting mechanism. Different gear selections of the gearbox engage different ring gears to the shifting mechanism thereby changing the rotational speed ratio of the two shafts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.