Abstract: Vehicle power control is described. A vehicle power control system includes a battery having a first voltage, a starter motor having a second voltage, a power converter, and a system controller. The second voltage is higher than the first voltage. The starter motor is coupled to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The power converter is in electrical communication with the battery and the starter motor and is configured to convert the first voltage to the second voltage. The system controller is configured to supply energy from the battery to the starter motor to start the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Vehicle power control is described. A vehicle power control system includes a battery having a first voltage, a starter motor having a second voltage, a power converter, and a system controller. The second voltage is higher than the first voltage. The starter motor is coupled to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The power converter is in electrical communication with the battery and the starter motor and is configured to convert the first voltage to the second voltage. The system controller is configured to supply energy from the battery to the starter motor to start the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Vehicle power control, particularly during idling conditions, is described. A vehicle power control system includes a first circuit, a power converter in electrical communication with the first circuit, and a system controller. The system controller controls the power converter to convert a first supplied voltage to a first demanded voltage in response to an energy demand at the first circuit and in response to a determination that the first supplied voltage is within a first voltage range. The system controller controls the power converter to supply the first demanded voltage to the first circuit. Additionally, the system controller can control the power converter to convert the first supplied voltage to the first demanded voltage at a ratio of 4:1 to eliminate high-voltage battery support.

Abstract: A boundary layer turbine includes a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a rotatable shaft at least partially disposed within the housing. Two or more rotor discs are coupled to the shaft in spaced relation to one another. Spacers are attached to at least a plurality of the rotor discs. The spacers are configured so as to provide a lifting force as fluid is passed over the spacers. An inner surface of the housing as well as the outer 25% of the disc surface may have spaced apart depressions formed thereon to assist in fluid flow passing more freely between the housing and the rotor discs, as well as along the outer leading edge of the disk.

Abstract: A system for automatically adjusting the temperature and carbon monoxide level in an occupied passenger compartment of a vehicle includes sensors for sensing carbon monoxide levels, temperature, and occupants in the passenger compartment. A controller receives input from the sensors, and activates an electric heater or an electric cooler to bring the temperatures within the passenger compartment within a predetermined temperature range if the temperature detected within the passenger compartment falls outside of the predetermined range of temperatures. The controller may automatically shut off the engine of the vehicle when the vehicle is in idle and the carbon monoxide level within the passenger compartment falls above a predetermined level, or if a transmission lever of the vehicle is placed in a park position. A motor generator unit coupled to the engine provides electricity to rechargeable batteries of an alternate power unit, which powers the electric heater and the electric cooler.

Abstract: Processes for converting and adapting a vehicle into a hybrid-driven vehicle include coupling an electric motor generator unit to an engine of the vehicle, including to a through-bolt extending through a crankshaft pulley. Also included is a process for converting a vehicle's mechanically-driven air conditioning compressor to operate as an electro-mechanical air conditioning compressor by detaching the air conditioning compressor from the crankshaft and operating the air conditioning compressor using an electric motor. A temperature of rechargeable vehicle batteries of an alternate power unit of the vehicle is managed and maintained at a predetermined desired temperature.

Abstract: Processes for converting and adapting a vehicle into a hybrid-driven vehicle include coupling an electric motor generator unit to an engine of the vehicle, including to a through-bolt extending through a crankshaft pulley. Also included is a process for converting a vehicle's mechanically-driven air conditioning compressor to operate as an electro-mechanical air conditioning compressor by detaching the air conditioning compressor from the crankshaft and operating the air conditioning compressor using an electric motor. A temperature of rechargeable vehicle batteries of an alternate power unit of the vehicle is managed and maintained at a predetermined desired temperature.

Abstract: Processes for converting and adapting a vehicle into a hybrid-driven vehicle include coupling an electric motor generator unit to an engine of the vehicle, including to a through-bolt extending through a crankshaft pulley. Also included is a process for converting a vehicle's mechanically-driven air conditioning compressor to operate as an electro-mechanical air conditioning compressor by detaching the air conditioning compressor from the crankshaft and operating the air conditioning compressor using an electric motor. A temperature of rechargeable vehicle batteries of an alternate power unit of the vehicle is managed and maintained at a predetermined desired temperature.

Abstract: A system for automatically adjusting the temperature and carbon monoxide level in an occupied passenger compartment of a vehicle includes sensors for sensing carbon monoxide levels, temperature, and occupants in the passenger compartment. A controller receives input from the sensors, and activates an electric heater or an electric cooler to bring the temperatures within the passenger compartment within a predetermined temperature range if the temperature detected within the passenger compartment falls outside of the predetermined range of temperatures. The controller may automatically shut off the engine of the vehicle when the vehicle is in idle and the carbon monoxide level within the passenger compartment falls above a predetermined level, or if a transmission lever of the vehicle is placed in a park position. A motor generator unit coupled to the engine provides electricity to rechargeable batteries of an alternate power unit, which powers the electric heater and the electric cooler.