Abstract: A method of controlling transition of operating modes in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of providing a vehicle system having a generator coupled to an inverter and a motor coupled to an inverter. A switch box is disposed therebetween. The switch box includes a plurality of electrical switches that open and close to allow for direct electrical connection between the generator and the motor. The method detects a transfer condition using the vehicle system controller to transition from a first operating mode to a second operating mode. The transfer condition defines a predetermined efficiency threshold of the second operating mode being more efficient than the first operating mode. The method further preconditions the vehicle system by synchronizing electrical features between the generator and the motor. The method then actuates the switch box to close the plurality of switches allowing the generator and motor to electrically couple.

Abstract: A system for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine; a first inverter coupled to a second inverter; a first electrical machine coupled to the engine and the first inverter; a second electrical machine coupled to the second inverter and a wheel axle of the vehicle; a high voltage battery coupled to both the first inverter and the second inverter; and a switch box disposed between the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine. The switch box includes switches adapted to switch open and closed to allow direct electrical connection from the first electrical machine to the second electrical machine.

Abstract: A motor drive system configuration for a vehicle. The motor drive system includes an engine operable for providing power to the vehicle, a motor operable for providing power to a first wheel and a second wheel of the vehicle. The motor drive system also includes a first transmission mounted between the engine and the motor and in operative engagement with the motor and the engine. The first transmission includes a first clutch for coupling and decoupling the motor with the engine. The motor drive system also includes a differential in operative engagement with the transmission and coupled to the first wheel and the second wheel, and a clutch for disabling the connection between the motor and the wheels.

Abstract: A motor drive system configuration for a hybrid vehicle includes a first motor, a second motor, a differential mounted between the first motor and the second motor, a differential gear, a reduction gear, and a rotatable shaft. The reduction gear includes first end in meshed engagement with the differential gear and a second end. The rotatable shaft includes a first end rotatably coupled to the first motor and a second end rotatably coupled to the second motor. The second end of the rotatable shaft includes a gear in meshed engagement with the second end of the reduction gear. The rotatable shaft has a ninety degree input into the differential and the first and second motors are mounted in-line with the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A battery temperature control system for a vehicle having a battery as a power source includes a battery module including at least one battery cell and at least one liquid distribution tube member positioned adjacent the battery module for circulating a non-conductive liquid therethrough. The liquid distribution tube defines at least one distribution port adjacent the at least one battery cell. A collection tray is connected to and positioned at one end of the liquid distribution tube member. A liquid pump communicates with the liquid distribution tube member for distributing the liquid throughout the liquid distribution tube member. A heat exchanger is disposed in the liquid distribution tube member to modify the temperature of the liquid. The distribution port delivers the liquid to contact the at least one battery cell in the battery module. The liquid tray collects the liquid after contacting the at least one battery cell.

Abstract: A system of electric power management for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a first inverter, a first electric machine coupled to the engine and the first inverter, and a first transmission coupled between the engine and the first electric machine. The first transmission has a transmission speed ratio operable such that the first electric machine operating speed operates independent of an engine operating speed. A second electric machine is coupled to the second inverter and a wheel axle of the vehicle. A high voltage battery is coupled to both the first inverter and the second inverter. A switch box is disposed between the first electric machine and the second electric machine. The switch box includes switches adapted to switch open and closed to allow direct electrical connection from the first electric machine to the second electric machine.

Abstract: A system for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine; a first inverter coupled to a second inverter; a first electrical machine coupled to the engine and the first inverter; a second electrical machine coupled to the second inverter and a wheel axle of the vehicle; a high voltage battery coupled to both the first inverter and the second inverter; and a switch box disposed between the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine. The switch box includes switches adapted to switch open and closed to allow direct electrical connection from the first electrical machine to the second electrical machine.

Abstract: A coaxial cable capable of transmitting high load electrical power, such as three phase electrical power, or a single phase high voltage DC, while minimizing the amount of electromagnetic noise emitted from the cable. The coaxial cable consists of at least three conducting layers with each conducting layer surrounded by an insulation layer. Additionally the disclosure relates to a coaxial cable with two conducting layers used for DC power transmission.

Abstract: A motor drive system configuration for a hybrid vehicle includes a first motor, a second motor, a differential mounted between the first motor and the second motor, a differential gear, a reduction gear, and a rotatable shaft. The reduction gear includes first end in meshed engagement with the differential gear and a second end. The rotatable shaft includes a first end rotatably coupled to the first motor and a second end rotatably coupled to the second motor. The second end of the rotatable shaft includes a gear in meshed engagement with the second end of the reduction gear. The rotatable shaft has a ninety degree input into the differential and the first and second motors are mounted in-line with the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A motor drive system configuration for a vehicle. The motor drive system includes an engine operable for providing power to the vehicle, a motor operable for providing power to a first wheel and a second wheel of the vehicle. The motor drive system also includes a first transmission mounted between the engine and the motor and in operative engagement with the motor and the engine. The first transmission includes a first clutch for coupling and decoupling the motor with the engine. The motor drive system also includes a differential in operative engagement with the transmission and coupled to the first wheel and the second wheel, and a clutch for disabling the connection between the motor and the wheels.

Abstract: A photovoltaic storage and charging system for a vehicle includes a photovoltaic apparatus disposed on the vehicle for absorbing radiant energy and converting the absorbed radiant energy into electrical energy. At least one energy storage device stores the electrical energy from the photovoltaic apparatus, and the stored electrical power is available for use by the vehicle. An electrical energy converter is disposed between the photovoltaic apparatus and the energy storage device, to receive the electrical energy from the photovoltaic apparatus, boost the energy to a predetermined level for charging the energy storage device and deliver the boosted electrical energy to the energy storage device.

Abstract: A system and method for starting an engine on a hybrid vehicle includes a motor and an engine coupled to the motor using a clutch. An electrical energy storage device is operatively connected to the motor. The engine is started by decoupling the motor from the engine, and supplying electrical energy from an electrical energy storage device to operate the motor until the motor attains a predetermined speed. The motor is coupled to the engine to transfer kinetic energy from the motor to the engine, and the transferred kinetic energy is used to start the engine.

Abstract: An engine (21) having an engine exhaust temperature control arrangement includes an engine having an intake (23) and an exhaust (25), a compressor (27) having an inlet (29) and an outlet (31), a conduit (33) between the compressor outlet and the engine intake, a recirculation conduit (35) between the compressor outlet (31) and the compressor inlet (29), and a valve (37) for controlling flow through the recirculation conduit (35). A method for controlling engine temperature, a method for controlling engine exhaust gas temperature, and a method for controlling, engine intake gas temperature are also disclosed.

Abstract: An engine comprises an intake and an exhaust, a compressor having an inlet and an outlet, a conduit between the compressor outlet and the engine intake, a recirculation conduit between the compressor outlet and the compressor inlet, and a valve for controlling flow through the recirculation conduit. A method for controlling an engine and a compressed gas are also disclosed.