Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying a presence of a short circuit in a battery pack. A fault-detection apparatus for a charging system that rapidly charges a collection of interconnected lithium ion battery cells, the safety system includes a data-acquisition system for receiving a set of data parameters from the collection while the charging system is actively charging the collection; a monitoring system evaluating the set of data parameters to identify a set of anomalous conditions; and a controller comparing the set of anomalous conditions against a set of predetermined profiles indicative of an internal short in one or more cells of the collection, the controller establishing an internal-short state for the collection when the comparing has a predetermined relationship to the set of predetermined profiles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in a vehicle can involve determining that a plurality of closures of a vehicle have been closed, running an HVAC system in a fresh air mode after determining that the plurality of closures have been closed, and thereafter recirculating air while adding newly filtered air to maintain a positive air pressure level in a passenger cabin of the vehicle. The determining can occur after one or more people enter the vehicle and being driving, and the recirculating and adding can involve activating a recirculation mode and a fresh air mode simultaneously. Adding newly filtered air maintains a positive air pressure level in a passenger cabin, which level can be set based on an amount of leaks, a user setting, a vehicle type and a pollution level. The determining, running, and recirculating and adding can occur again after determining a vehicle closure has been opened.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for balancing the power output to each phase of a set of micro-inverters. The method of some embodiments is performed by a gateway, which receives output messages from a plurality of micro-inverters. The gateway identifies the phase of each micro-inverter and calculates the output of the plurality of micro-inverters to each power line of a multi-phase system. The gateway then sends control signals to the micro-inverters to control the output of each micro-inverter to maintain a balanced aggregate power output to each phase of the power grid.

Abstract: A method is provided for interacting with audience members in an event, each of the potential attendees having available thereto a unique identifier. The method comprises creating, for an attendee, a unique ID (UID) on a mobile wireless device (MWD) by the steps of inputting to the MWD one of the unique identifiers, combining the obtained unique identifier with a UID time stamp at the time of creation of the UID; receiving with a server on a first wireless channel communications from the MWD; registering the UID at the physical location of the event; generating a visual query; displaying on the MWD response indicators; receiving at the server from the registered attendee a response, to the query over the first wireless channel; and storing in a database on the server the received response in association with the displayed query.

Abstract: A method of regulating thermal dissipation from a vehicle battery pack is provided in which a by-pass valve is used to control the amount of battery pack coolant either passing through, or by-passing, a heat exchanger, where the coolant passing through the heat exchanger is cooled by a refrigeration system. The vehicle's HVAC system is controlled to insure that HVAC operation does not compromise maintaining the battery pack within an acceptable range of temperatures.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for implementing a scalable hierarchical energy distribution grid utilizing homogeneous control logic are disclosed that provide distributed, autonomous control of a multitude of sites in an energy system using abstraction and aggregation techniques. A hierarchical energy distribution grid utilizing homogeneous control logic is provided that includes multiple control modules arranged in a hierarchy. Each control module can implement a same energy optimization scheme logic to directly control site energy resources and possibly energy resources of sites associated with control modules existing below it in the hierarchy. Each control module can act autonomously through use a similar set of input values to the common optimization scheme logic.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically routing a wire lead of a stator from a first position to a second position includes a base assembly to receive the stator. A clamp assembly is mounted on the base assembly to hold the wire lead in the first position. An arbor rotates the wire lead. The arbor has a holder to hold the wire lead. An end effector grips and moves the wire lead. A controller moves the end effector to grip the wire lead at the first position and to couple the wire lead with the arbor. Further, the controller rotates the arbor to rotate the wire lead along the circumference of the stator by a pre-determined angle. The controller moves the end effector to grip the wire lead held by the holder, and to move the wire lead to the second position.

Abstract: A system configuration for a chilled water plant is described in which mechanical cooling is reduced in favor of less energy intensive ambient dry or evaporative cooling. While the system sees the greatest performance improvement in dry and cool climates, considerable energy savings may be realized in a variety of climate zones. Less facility hardware is required for the same amount of total cooling capacity, reducing the overall cost of the plant.

Abstract: A battery pack lift system includes: a frame having nutrunners mounted thereon according to a battery pack fastener pattern for a vehicle; a lift configured to raise and lower the frame with regard to the vehicle; a first air bearing positioned between the frame and the lift, the first air bearing configured to allow relative movement between the frame and the lift; and a second air bearing positioned on the frame, the second air bearing configured to allow relative movement between a battery pack and the frame.

Abstract: A system for monitoring stress cycles includes memory storing a base value and an inflection value of a stress cycle and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The one or more processors are configured to receive a series of stress values from a stress sensor. For each stress value in the series of stress values, the one or more processors are configured to perform operations including performing a first comparison between the stress value and a previous stress value in the series of stress values, detecting an inflection in the series of stress values based on the first comparison, updating the base value and the inflection value in response to detecting the inflection, performing a second comparison between the stress value and the base value, determining whether the stress cycle is complete based on the second comparison, and recording the stress cycle in response to determining that the stress cycle is complete.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system including an electrolysis treatment system and three membrane concentration systems. The electrolysis treatment system includes a first chamber that receives waste water and produces treated waste water, a second chamber that receives first recycled water and produces dilute acid discharge, and a third chamber that receives second recycled water and produces dilute caustic discharge. An anion exchange membrane separates the first chamber from the second chamber. A cation exchange membrane separates the first chamber from the third chamber. The membrane concentration system receives the treated waste water and produces a concentrated aqueous sodium sulfate product and a pure water product. A first thermal concentration system receives the dilute acid discharge and produces first recycled water and a concentrated acid product.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer, with minimal visible difference between photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic areas of the BIPV system. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as roofing tiles that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the roofing tiles. BIPV systems can also include mimic or dummy tiles that appear similar to tiles with photovoltaic elements, but do not collect solar energy. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV tile roof systems can be generally uniform to an observer at ground level, where the blending and distribution of photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic elements generate a consistent and elegant appearance that camouflages any differences between photovoltaic tile or non-photovoltaic tiles.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic tiles. Each photovoltaic module may comprise an inner sheet, an outer sheet, photovoltaic cells, and a bracket. When installed the bracket may be covered by up-roof tiles, giving the overall roof a uniform appearance.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays with improved aesthetics and efficiency that can replace conventional roof structures. BIPV mounting systems described herein allow for improved versatility and ease of installation as compared to conventional approaches. Such BIPV mounting systems can include photovoltaic (PV) roof tiles with separate mechanical coupling features and electrical contact portions for use with tile connectors having both mechanical and electrical coupling features. Such PV tiles can be mechanically and electrically coupled in series through the tile connectors without requiring wire bussing between adjacent PV roof tiles and the tile connectors can be slidable within a batten bracket to easily accommodate PV roof tiles of differing dimensions.

Abstract: A cryocooler mounting arrangement and magnets and cryostats including such an arrangement. The arrangement is for mounting the coldhead 21 of a cryocooler 2 in a cryostat 1 for allowing the extraction of heat from the interior of the cryostat by the cryocooler. The mounting arrangement comprises a coldhead interface portion 22a, 22b for mounting on the coldhead 21 and a sock portion 3 for mounting in the cryostat 1 and arranged for receiving the coldhead 21. The sock portion 3 comprises a receiving interface portion 32a, 32b for receiving the coldhead interface portion so as to provide thermal contact therebetween and hence to provide thermal contact between the coldhead and the interior of the cryostat. The coldhead interface portion comprises plurality of flexible finger portions 23a, 23b and the receiving interface portion comprises a bearing surface 322a, 322b against which the finger portions are arranged to rest.

Abstract: An apparatus for multi-axial transfer of objects in assembly line includes a first conveyor assembly, a second conveyor assembly, a first drive assembly, and a pivot point arrangement. The first conveyor assembly includes a plurality of rollers in a horizontal plane. The second conveyor assembly includes a plurality of geared chain arrangements mounted on at least one drive shaft. At least one of the plurality of rollers and the at least one drive shaft are coupled to the bevel gear arrangement. The first drive assembly includes a first motor coupled to the bevel gear arrangement to cause movement of an object in contact with the first conveyor assembly and the second conveyor assembly along a first axis and a second axis in the horizontal plane, respectively. The plurality of geared chain arrangements are movable along a third axis in a vertical plane using the pivot point arrangement.

Abstract: A heat exchanger integrated into an electric vehicle's battery pack enclosure is provided, where the heat exchanger conduits are mechanically and thermally coupled to the inside surface of the enclosure base plate and where the battery pack enclosure is mounted such that ambient air flows over the outside surface of the enclosure base plate during vehicle motion. A thermal management system is coupled to, and controls operation of, the integrated battery pack heat exchanger such that in a first operational mode the heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the batteries within the battery pack, and in a second operational mode the heat exchanger is thermally decoupled from the batteries within the battery pack.

Abstract: An electric motor includes: a housing having a first rotor bearing and a stator support surface; a cantilever stator that includes a lamination stack, a first side of the lamination stack abutting the stator support surface and a second side of the lamination stack abutting a stator endbell that has a second rotor bearing, wherein the cantilever stator is held by way of tie rods attaching the stator endbell to the housing; and a rotor in the cantilever stator, the rotor held by the first and second rotor bearings.

Abstract: A thermal system with high aspect ratio vents for a vehicle. The thermal system comprises: at least one HVAC unit; a first vent with a first high aspect ratio, the first vent coupled to the HVAC unit and configured to generate a first plane of air in a passenger compartment of the vehicle; and a second vent coupled to the HVAC unit and configured to generate a second plane of air in the passenger compartment, the second vent positioned so that the second plane of air intersects the first plane of air.

Abstract: A prying tool comprises: a pry bar comprising a load tip at a distal end and a handle at a proximate end, the pry bar having a pair of pins extending on opposing sides thereof; a body through which the pry bar extends, the body forming a pair of pivot points for the respective pins, and a slot extending away from each of the pivot points; and a clamp that is attached to the body and configured for securing the prying tool by clamping a base of the body to a surface.

Abstract: One embodiment can provide a non-flat photovoltaic roof tile. The non-flat photovoltaic roof tile can include a transparent front cover, a back cover, and a plurality of Si-based photovoltaic structures. The transparent front cover can include a first side and a second side, with the first side comprising at least one non-flat portion and the second side comprising a plurality of flat facets. The flat facets are arranged to follow the contour of the at least one non-flat portion. A respective Si-based photovoltaic structure is positioned between a flat facet of the transparent front cover and the back cover.

Abstract: A base roof rack system for use in a vehicle having a glass roof. A set of base brackets are installed at the factor proximate to the seam between a glass room and metal support members of the vehicle supporting the roof. A j-shaped hook is able to slide in the seam to access the base bracket. Rotation of the bracket inserts the hook into a cavity formed in the base bracket so that it resist pull out when oriented normal to the roof surface. A tower receives the other end of J-shaped hook, a threaded bolt, and a retaining nut threaded about the bolt compresses the tower down toward the roof.

Abstract: A method for determining the elongation and/or compression of a profiled sealing element applied to a body includes drawing the profiled sealing element, which exists as an endless profiled element, from a store and, with the help of an application roller and by means of an adhesive surface present on the profiled sealing element, rolling the profiled sealing element onto the body part along a line intended for the attachment. A measuring roller, which rolls on the profiled sealing element without slip, is arranged at a small distance before a drive system for the profiled sealing element. The length sensed by the measuring roller corresponds to the length of the profiled sealing element applied to the body along an application distance having a defined length.

Abstract: A liquid cooling system for an electric motor includes: a pump for liquid to cool the electric motor; a heat exchanger that removes heat from the liquid; a manifold extending above a stator of the electric motor, the manifold receiving the liquid under pressure and having a first opening that directs a first liquid jet onto the stator; and a first tray above first end turns of the stator, the manifold having a second opening that directs a second liquid jet onto the first tray, the first tray having a third opening that performs gravity-fed liquid distribution onto the first end turns.

Abstract: A thermal management system and method of use are provided, the system including a heat exchanger, a refrigeration system, a coolant loop thermally coupled to the heat exchanger, and a by-pass valve that regulates the amount of coolant within the coolant loop that either passes through the heat exchanger or is diverted away from the heat exchanger. The coolant loop is thermally coupled to the battery pack of an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic disconnect comprises: a housing with at least a combustion chamber therein; a pyrotechnic charge in the combustion chamber; a busbar covering an opening of the combustion chamber, the busbar configured to be severed by activation of the pyrotechnic charge; and arc splitter plates arranged in the housing on an opposite side of the busbar from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A power conditioning unit for delivering power from a dc power source to an ac mains power supply output includes a dc power input to receive dc power from a dc power source, an ac power output for delivering ac power to the ac mains power supply, a dc link coupled between the dc power input and the ac power output, first and second dc-to-dc converters coupled between the dc power input and the dc link, wherein one or both of the first and second dc-to-dc converters comprises a pair of resonant capacitors, a sensing element connected in parallel to one of the pair of the resonant capacitors for sensing a ripple voltage, and a controller operative to control the first and second dc-to-dc converters in response to the sensed ripple voltage.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose solar energy generation systems with automatic smart transfer switches. An energy generation system includes an array of PV modules, a PV inverter coupled to the array of PV modules, and a battery pack configured to store DC power from the PV modules and output the stored DC power. The energy generation system can further include a storage inverter/hybrid inverter PCS coupled to the battery pack, and an automatic smart transfer switch configured to select between an AC grid and the storage inverter/hybrid inverter PCS for outputting to a main electrical panel, where the automatic smart transfer switch is configured so that in a first position, the AC grid is coupled to the main electrical panel, and in a second position, both the storage inverter is coupled to the main electrical panel.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes: a grid tie unit comprising at least one DC/AC converter; and multiple pods connected to the grid tie unit, each pod including: a number of cells; and a power electronics unit, wherein the cells are floating relative to the system and are galvanically isolated therefrom. The multiple pods may be organized into packs, with a pack including a thermal management system.

Abstract: Improved techniques for photovoltaic power generation are described. Inverter failure is can be a significant problem in solar photovoltaic systems as it can lead to loss of opportunity to harvest energy. A solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation system is described comprising solar PV panels and power conditioning units. A dc power distribution bus is coupled to the solar PV panels and the power conditioning units to switchably share dc power from the solar PV panels between the power conditioning units. Power distribution controllers detect a faulty power conditioning unit and reroute power from a solar PV panel coupled to the faulty power conditioning unit to other power conditioning units via the dc distribution bus.

Abstract: In various embodiment, the present invention teaches a sequencer that identifies an address point of a first data block within a memory and a length of data that comprises that data block and is related to an input of a matrix processor. The sequencer then calculates, based on the block length, the input length, and a memory map, a block count representative of a number of data blocks that are to be retrieved from the memory. Using the address pointer, the sequencer may retrieve a number of data blocks from the memory in a number of cycles that depends on whether the data blocks are contiguous. In embodiments, based on the length of data, a formatter then maps the data blocks to the input of the matrix processor.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses various vehicle technologies for automatically activating a turn signal when a vehicle is turning or changing lanes based on analysis of data, which can include data from an image capture device, radar, a steering angle sensor, and a ultrasonic sensor. This disclosure also contemplates that a decision to automatically activate a turn signal in a vehicle that is turning or changing lanes may take into account whether other vehicles or pedestrians are in vicinity thereof and whether those other vehicles or pedestrians would benefit from the turn signal being activated.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor assembly is placed against an inside surface of a panel for sensing objects on an opposite side of the panel and includes an ultrasonic sensor, a preload structure, a coupling element, and a damping material. The preload structure applies a preload on the ultrasonic sensor toward the inside surface of the panel. The coupling element interfaces between the ultrasonic sensor and the inside surface of the panel. The damping material is placed against the inside surface but not where the coupling element interfaces between the ultrasonic sensor and the inside surface. The coupling element may include a matrix material that is reinforced with a filler.

Abstract: Micro-structures and directional and multi-directional coatings for uniformly colored and directionally colored photovoltaic modules and roof tiles are described. The photovoltaic roof tiles include a glass cover with texture of a micro scale on a first side, and one or more layers of a transparent material adjoining the first side of the textured glass configured to reflect light of a color. A glass cover can have texture on a first side and a layer of sphere shaped metal nanoparticles adjoining the first side of the textured glass cover. Directionally colored solar modules can include a textured glass cover with texture on a first side and a coating layer covering one or more facets of the texture on the first side of the glass cover. The coating layer may be deposited by coating the textured glass cover in one or more directions.

Abstract: A programmable microcontroller and a non-volatile memory are coupled to monitor and store operating parameters associated with operation of a power control system for a power generation system. The microcontroller is programmed to respond to a fault event (i.e., an anomalous condition that exceeds a threshold value) by storing the operating parameters before, during and after the fault event in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: An interlocking photovoltaic module mounting system that provides a one piece, integrated photovoltaic module frame portion that is directly mountable to a support structure and interlocks with separate adjoining photovoltaic module frame portions. The apparatus includes a frame member for enclosing the perimeter of a photovoltaic module, having an inside surface and outside surface, with the inside surface including a recess for capture of the panel. The frame member outside surface includes at least one interlocking means for affixation to the complementary outside surface of an adjacent frame-member. The frame member includes a height-adjustable foot portion for supporting the frame member on a roof, so that adjacent frame members may be interlocked to form an array, and the foot portion may be adjusted to level the formed array on the roof.