Abstract: An electric drive system for driving a machine includes first and second electric drive motors linked to sun and ring gears respectively of a planetary output stage, and a ring brake associated with the ring gear to maintain the ring gear in a locked position. The carrier drives a fixed gear series drive train. In a first regime of operation corresponding to a first range of machine speeds, a controller employs the ring brake to brake the ring gear, and actuates only the first electric drive motor at a speed sufficient to yield the desired machine speed. In a second regime, corresponding to a second range of machine speeds, the controller drives the first electric drive motor at maximum speed, releases the ring brake, and drives the second electric drive motor so as to yield the desired machine speed.

Abstract: A method utilizing an integrated starter generator as a hybrid power source to an engine in a movable device is also disclosed. The impeller clutch activation decision may be based on load demand, more specifically, whether load demand for the engine is greater than the power from the engine at the current speed of the engine.

Abstract: An electric drive system for driving a machine includes first and second electric drive motors linked to sun and ring gears respectively of a planetary output stage, and a ring brake associated with the ring gear to maintain the ring gear in a locked position. The carrier drives a fixed gear series drive train. In a first regime of operation corresponding to a first range of machine speeds, a controller employs the ring brake to brake the ring gear, and actuates only the first electric drive motor at a speed sufficient to yield the desired machine speed. In a second regime, corresponding to a second range of machine speeds, the controller drives the first electric drive motor at maximum speed, releases the ring brake, and drives the second electric drive motor so as to yield the desired machine speed.

Abstract: A hybrid energy management system that estimates the net regenerative energy that can be collected during the breaking action of the swing mechanism, then, since this is the net energy that can be used to recharge an energy storage device without using the engine to help recharge the energy storage device, the system limits the use of the energy storage device to that net amount predicted to be available from the recovery period. The net regenerative energy is calculated by considering motor and inverter efficiencies for transferring energy to the battery and changes in the boom/stick/bucket inertia moment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a hybrid energy system including a method of storing energy within a hybrid energy system. The hybrid energy system includes a traction load and a first energy consuming system configured to maintain a first criteria within a first operating range. The method includes receiving energy into the hybrid energy system from the traction load and distributing a first energy to the first energy consuming system when the first criteria is within the first operating range.

Abstract: A hybrid energy management system that estimates the net regenerative energy that can be collected during the breaking action of the swing mechanism, then, since this is the net energy that can be used to recharge an energy storage device without using the engine to help recharge the energy storage device, the system limits the use of the energy storage device to that net amount predicted to be available from the recovery period. The net regenerative energy is calculated by considering motor and inverter efficiencies for transferring energy to the battery and changes in the boom/stick/bucket inertia moment.

Abstract: A single motor clutchless, torque converter-less buffer system is provided for linking an engine (101) to a transmission (111). Within this context of this system, the drive train comprises an engine (101), an electric motor (103), and a lossless buffer (109)receiving the engine output (106) and the motor output (107), and having a buffer output (113), such that the lossless buffer (109) provides a range of transmission ratios including a zero transmission ratio. The term “lossless” denotes the absence of intentional frictional losses/slippage such as may be present in clutches and torque converters. In an embodiment, the lossless buffer (109) includes a planetary system between the engine (101) and the transmission (111), wherein the single electric motor (103) functions to vary the transmission ratio of the buffer (109).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a hybrid energy system including a method of storing energy within a hybrid energy system. The hybrid energy system includes a traction load and a first energy consuming system configured to maintain a first criteria within a first operating range. The method includes receiving energy into the hybrid energy system from the traction load and distributing a first energy to the first energy consuming system when the first criteria is within the first operating range.

Abstract: The virtual vehicle transmission test cell includes an electric motor which simulates a fuel driven engine, an output motor which simulates the load a transmission experiences in a vehicle, and an environmental element which controls the ambient environment of the transmission and the temperature of the transmission oil within the transmission. The virtual vehicle transmission test cell reduces in-vehicle testing, reduces testing with fuel-driven test cells, and enables development of a transmission design before a corresponding engine is completed and built for testing.

Abstract: The virtual vehicle transmission test cell includes an electric motor which simulates a fuel driven engine, an output motor which simulates the load a transmission experiences in a vehicle, and an environmental element which controls the ambient environment of the transmission and the temperature of the transmission oil within the transmission. The virtual vehicle transmission test cell reduces in-vehicle testing, reduces testing with fuel-driven test cells, and enables development of a transmission design before a corresponding engine is completed and built for testing.