Abstract: Systems and methods for reallocation of electronic fuses (EFn). The method includes concurrently receiving, for a plurality (N) of EFn, respective sensor data and comparing the sensor data to respective operating ranges. An EFn that exceeds its operating range is turned off. Wherein a preprogrammed configuration of a fuse harness defines multiple (M) clusters, the method identifies, for each EFn that is within the operating range, whether the EFn is a member of a cluster of the M clusters, and other members of the cluster. The method monitors each cluster member's sensor data, with respect to preprogrammed thresholds and load current demands, to thereby categorize each EFn in each cluster as either healthy, derated, or failed. For failed EFns, a target EF in the same cluster having a reallocation potential is identified, and its fuse limits are modified in accordance with the reallocation potential.

Abstract: A circuitry includes an electronic solid-state switch including a first power terminal and a second power terminal and a driver and switch protection system electrically connected to the electronic solid-state switch. The driver and switch protection system includes an isolated bias power circuit configured to output a direct current voltage of at least fifteen volts, a current buffer circuit electrically connected between the isolated bias power circuit and the electronic solid-state switch, and a snubber circuit electrically connected to the first power terminal and the second power terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a DC battery in a vehicle including an electric motor. The apparatus comprises an AC generating module coupled to the battery and the electric motor that generates three AC phases. The first, second, and third AC phases are applied to first, second, and third windings of the electric motor, respectively. The first, second, and third AC phases create zero torque in the electric motor because the first AC phase amplitude is equal to the sum of the second and third AC phase amplitudes and the second and third AC phases are 180 degrees out of phase with the first AC phase. The AC generating module creates a heating alternating current in the DC battery.

Abstract: A system for use with a direct current fast-charging (DCFC) station includes a controller and battery system. The battery system includes first and second battery packs, and first, second, and third switches. The switches have ON/OFF conductive states commanded by the controller to connect the battery packs in a parallel-connected (P-connected) or series-connected (S-connected) configuration. An electric powertrain with one or more electric machines is powered via the battery system. First and second charge ports of the system are connectable to the station via a corresponding charging cable. The first charge port receives a low or high charging voltage from the station. The second charge port receives a low charging voltage. When the station can supply the high charging voltage to the first charge port, the controller establishes the S-connected configuration via the switches, and thereafter charges the battery system solely via the first charge port.

Abstract: A modular dynamically allocated capacity storage system (MODACS) is provided and includes a housing and a control module. The housing includes source terminals, switches, cells, and sensing module. The source terminals supplying power at a first voltage potential to a first plurality of loads and power at a second voltage potential to a second plurality of loads. The cells are configured to supply power to each of the source terminals based on states of the switches. The sensing modules are configured to determine parameters of each of the cells and generate corresponding status signals. The control module is configured to receive a power request signal, and based on the power request signal and the parameters of each of the cells, determine a connected configuration for the cells relative to each other and the plurality of source terminals and set states of the switches according to the connected configuration.

Abstract: An energy storage system (ESS) for a vehicle propulsion system includes a first battery electrically coupled to a first voltage bus, a second battery electrically coupled to a second voltage bus, and a bidirectional DC/DC power converter electrically coupled to the voltage buses. A starter for cranking an engine is electrically coupled to the first voltage bus. A controller executes computer code stored in memory. The computer code is configured to operate the converter in a boost mode to transfer power from the second voltage bus to the first voltage bus, in response to the controller determining that: a power capability of the first battery is below a power demand on the first voltage bus; a state of charge of the first battery is below a state of charge threshold; or a temperature of the first battery is below a temperature threshold.

Abstract: A system to distribute power in the operation of a drone vehicle includes a primary energy storage unit, a plurality of power boost modules that communicate electrically with the primary energy storage unit, and a plurality of propeller-motor modules, each of the plurality of propeller-motor modules being connected electrically to a respective power boost module of the plurality of power boost modules. One or more of the plurality of power boost modules provide on-demand additional energy to a respective propeller-motor module during the operation of the drone vehicle.

Abstract: A disconnect device includes a mounting plate having a thermally conductive substrate applied onto the mounting plate. A first layer of an electrically conductive material is applied onto the substrate. A semiconductor switch supported on the first layer connects or disconnects an input power source to or from a load. A second layer of an electrically conductive material applied onto the substrate is electrically isolated from the first layer. An electronic sensing, control and protection circuit is supported on the second layer and is connected to the semiconductor switch to control operation of the semiconductor switch. A control unit in communication with the electronic sensing, control and protection circuit via an electrically isolated control path provides control and communication between the electronic sensing, control and protection circuit and the semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A method for preconditioning a battery pack at cold ambient temperatures is disclosed. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells. The method includes the steps of determining a desired rate of temperature rise for a battery cell, determining a desired cell current based on the desired rate of temperature rise, and determining a desired pack current based on the desired cell current and the battery pack configuration. The method further includes using a controller to control a current generation device to provide the desired pack current to the battery pack, wherein the current generation device generates an alternating current.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging an electric vehicle includes a plug command center having data identifying an availability of an amount of energy which is available for transfer from a first battery system of a first battery electric vehicle (BEV) to a second BEV. A charging adapter provides for energy transfer between a first plug of the first BEV and a second plug of the second BEV. A V2V charging controller communicates data identifying a battery system charge state of the first BEV and a battery system charge state of the second BEV and selects between multiple available charging options.

Abstract: A method for operating an advanced driver assistance (ADAS) system of a motor vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving, from side and end cameras mounted to the vehicle, camera signals indicative of real-time images of outboard-facing side and end views of the vehicle. The controller determines a region of interest (ROI) inset within each end/side view within which is expected foreign objects and/or hazards. These ROIs are analyzed to detect if a foreign object/hazard is present in the vehicle's end and/or side views. Responsive to detecting the foreign object/hazard, movement of the foreign object/hazard is tracked to determine if the foreign object/hazard moves towards or away from the vehicle's underbody region. If the foreign object/hazard moves to the underbody region, control signals are transmitted to the vehicle's propulsion and/or steering system to automate preventative action that prevents collision of the vehicle with and/or removes the foreign object/hazard from the underbody.

Abstract: An electric propulsion system includes a battery pack and a DC-DC converter. The converter has a bypass switch and semiconductor switches. A traction power inverter module (“TPIM”) rectifies a DC bus voltage on the voltage bus to produce an AC bus voltage. An electric machine is connected to the TPIM and energized via the AC bus voltage. A controller calculates required output power from the converter based on a requested operating mode, and speed and torque of the electric machine. When the output power exceeds a threshold, the bypass switch closes to bypass the converter. When the output power is less than the threshold, the controller uses a minimum loss voltage from a loss map as a target control voltage of the converter to optimize efficiency of the electric propulsion system.

Abstract: A charging system of an electrical automobile vehicle includes a converter unit and a first energy storage system of within a first automobile vehicle. A charging cable is releasably connected from the first energy storage system to a charging station or is releasably connected to a second energy storage system of a second automobile vehicle. A vehicle charging controller is connected to the converter unit and programmed to communicate with the charging station and to the second energy storage system. A plurality of low-loss switching devices of the converter unit are selectively operated by signals from the vehicle charging controller to position the plurality of low-loss switching devices in an on-state (ON) or an off-state (OFF) to control charging the first energy storage system from the charging station or charging the second energy storage system from the first energy storage system.

Abstract: A charging system of an electrical automobile vehicle includes a converter unit and a first energy storage system of within a first automobile vehicle. A charging cable is releasably connected from the first energy storage system to a charging station or is releasably connected to a second energy storage system of a second automobile vehicle. A vehicle charging controller is connected to the converter unit and programmed to communicate with the charging station and to the second energy storage system. A plurality of low-loss switching devices of the converter unit are selectively operated by signals from the vehicle charging controller to position the plurality of low-loss switching devices in an on-state (ON) or an off-state (OFF) to control charging the first energy storage system from the charging station or charging the second energy storage system from the first energy storage system.

Abstract: A pre-engaged piston starter system of an automobile vehicle includes an engine having a flywheel to start the engine connected to the engine by an engine shaft. A starter motor provides rotational energy to a starter gear. A pinion gear transfers rotational energy of the starter gear to the flywheel. A solenoid is energized to shift the pinion gear to an engaged position between the flywheel and the starter gear. An auto-stop mode is entered when an engine speed is decreased below a calibrated threshold speed defining approximately 250 rpm. A calculated pinion pre-engagement engine speed allows engagement of the pinion gear when the engine speed is below the calibrated threshold speed.

Abstract: A battery includes: a first terminal; a second terminal; a plurality of individually housed batteries; a plurality of switches configured to connect ones of the individually housed batteries to and from ones of the first and second terminals; and a switch control module configured to: at a frequency, vary a voltage applied to a gate of one of the switches, the one of the switches configured to connect at least one of the individually housed batteries to one of the first and second terminals; and diagnose whether a fault is present in the one of the switches based on a voltage across the one of the switches.

Abstract: A method for operating an advanced driver assistance (ADAS) system of a motor vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving, from side and end cameras mounted to the vehicle, camera signals indicative of real-time images of outboard-facing side and end views of the vehicle. The controller determines a region of interest (ROI) inset within each end/side view within which is expected foreign objects and/or hazards. These ROIs are analyzed to detect if a foreign object/hazard is present in the vehicle's end and/or side views. Responsive to detecting the foreign object/hazard, movement of the foreign object/hazard is tracked to determine if the foreign object/hazard moves towards or away from the vehicle's underbody region. If the foreign object/hazard moves to the underbody region, control signals are transmitted to the vehicle's propulsion and/or steering system to automate preventative action that prevents collision of the vehicle with and/or removes the foreign object/hazard from the underbody.

Abstract: A method of controlling fast charging of at least one battery pack within a high voltage electrical propulsion system includes identifying an operating condition, wherein the operating condition is one of charging mode and propulsion mode, and, when the electrical system is in charging mode, initiating charging of the at least one battery pack, terminating charging of the at least one battery pack and connecting the at least one battery pack to power components of the electrical propulsion system when there is a request to terminate charging of the at least one battery pack, and terminating charging of the at least one battery pack and connecting the at least one battery pack to power components of the electrical propulsion system when there is no request to terminate charging of the at least one battery pack and the charging of the at least one battery pack is complete.

Abstract: A dual-voltage charging station system for an alternating current (“AC”) power supply and a mobile platform having a charging port includes a charge coupler, an AC-to-DC conversion stage, a cable, and a controller. The charge coupler has AC pins and direct current (“DC”) pins configured to engage with respective AC and DC receptacles of the charging port. The conversion stage is connected to the charge coupler and the AC power supply, converts the supply voltage to a DC charging voltage, and relays an appropriate AC or DC accessory voltage. The cable connects to the charge coupler such that the AC pins receive the accessory voltage and the DC pins receive the DC charging voltage. The controller simultaneously delivers the accessory voltage and the DC voltage to the mobile platform via the AC pins and the DC pins, respectively.

Abstract: An electric starter system for an internal combustion includes a pinion gear, a pinion solenoid coupled to the pinion gear, a starter motor that is selectively connectable to the flywheel of the engine via the pinion gear, and a controller in communication with the pinion solenoid and the starter motor. In response to an engine auto-stop signal, the controller is configured to translate the pinion gear into contact with the flywheel and the motor, and cause rotation of the engine crankshaft to a predetermined crank angle. In response to an engine auto-start signal, the controller is configured to command delivery of motor torque from the starter motor, through the pinion gear, and to the flywheel for a duration sufficient for starting the engine.