Abstract: A closed-loop system of tracking and managing the recycling and manufacturing a lead acid battery is described herein. The system includes collecting one or more used lead acid batteries, collecting data related to the one or more lead acid batteries, and processing the one or more lead acid batteries. Processing the one or more lead acid batteries includes separate the batteries into lead, polymer, acid, and separator components and isolate the components. The lead and polymer are then recycled, and data is collected related to the recycled lead and recycled polymer. A new lead acid battery is created using the recycled lead and the recycled polymer and provided to a point of sale location.

Abstract: A closed-loop system of tracking and managing the recycling and manufacturing a lead acid battery is described herein. The system includes collecting one or more used lead acid batteries, collecting data related to the one or more lead acid batteries, and processing the one or more lead acid batteries. Processing the one or more lead acid batteries includes separate the batteries into lead, polymer, acid, and separator components and isolate the components, The lead and polymer are then recycled, and data is collected related to the recycled lead and recycled polymer. A new lead acid battery is created using the recycled lead and the recycled polymer and provided to a point of sale location.

Abstract: Provided battery systems include a plurality of battery electronic control units, each associated with a battery pack of a plurality of battery packs. Each battery electronic control unit is adapted to acquire analog current measurements of the associated battery pack and to convert the acquired analog current measurements to a digital value such that the plurality of battery electronic control units produce a plurality of digital values. The system may sum the digital values, or may process pulse-width modulated signals, analog signals and so forth. A battery system electronic control unit is adapted to receive and monitor the plurality of digital values and to determine a total battery system current value based on the received plurality of digital values.

Abstract: A system for comparing energy usage of different vehicle platforms is provided. The system may include a processor to execute routines stored in a memory device. Further, in one embodiment the routines include routines configured to receive selection of a driving style by a user and to select a virtual test drive based on the received selection. Also, the routines may include routines configured to output the selected virtual test drive and to output a comparison of multiple vehicles having different characteristics based on the selected virtual test drive. Other systems, methods, and manufactures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A battery system includes a plurality of electrochemical cells provided within a housing. The battery system also includes a thermal management system configured to provide at least one of heating or cooling to the electrochemical cells. The thermal management system includes a solid state coating having a first metal and a second metal different from the first metal. The solid state coating is configured to pass a current therethrough to create a temperature differential across a first surface of the solid state coating and a second surface of the solid state coating to provide the at least one of heating or cooling to the cells.

Abstract: A system for comparing energy usage of different vehicle platforms is provided. The system may include a processor to execute routines stored in a memory device. Further, in one embodiment the routines include routines configured to receive selection of a driving style by a user and to select a virtual test drive based on the received selection. Also, the routines may include routines configured to output the selected virtual test drive and to output a comparison of multiple vehicles having different characteristics based on the selected virtual test drive. Other systems, methods, and manufactures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for comparing energy usage of different vehicle platforms is provided. The system may include a processor to execute routines stored in a memory device. Further, in one embodiment the routines include routines configured to receive selection of a driving style by a user and to select a virtual test drive based on the received selection. Also, the routines may include routines configured to output the selected virtual test drive and to output a comparison of multiple vehicles having different characteristics based on the selected virtual test drive. Other systems, methods, and manufactures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A battery system includes a plurality of battery modules electrically coupled together in series. The battery system also includes a first electronic control unit (ECU) configured to act as a master ECU. The master ECU is electronically coupled to a first one of the plurality of battery modules. The battery system further includes a plurality of slave ECUs, wherein each slave ECU is electronically coupled to one of the other of the plurality of battery modules. The master ECU is configured to control whether electrical power is provided to each of the plurality of slave ECUs.

Abstract: A battery system includes a plurality of battery modules electrically coupled together in series. The battery system also includes a first electronic control unit (ECU) configured to act as a master ECU. The master ECU is electronically coupled to a first one of the plurality of battery modules. The battery system further includes a plurality of slave ECUs, wherein each slave ECU is electronically coupled to one of the other of the plurality of battery modules. The master ECU is configured to control whether electrical power is provided to each of the plurality of slave ECUs.

Abstract: Provided battery systems include a plurality of battery electronic control units, each associated with a battery pack of a plurality of battery packs. Each battery electronic control unit is adapted to acquire analog current measurements of the associated battery pack and to convert the acquired analog current measurements to a digital value such that the plurality of battery electronic control units produce a plurality of digital values. The system may sum the digital values, or may process pulse-width modulated signals, analog signals and so forth. A battery system electronic control unit is adapted to receive and monitor the plurality of digital values and to determine a total battery system current value based on the received plurality of digital values.

Abstract: A self-powered icebreaker attachment for connection to a parent vessel. In the preferred embodiment, the icebreaker attachment includes a spoon-shaped bow, an ice knife positioned aft of the bow, and a propulsion system including fully rotatable Z-drives. Preferably, the icebreaker attachment is itself a flotable vessel whose propulsion system can be coordinated with the propulsion system of the parent vessel to minimize ice-breaking-related forces on the parent vessel. The propulsion systems of the two vessels can be controlled by either the crew of the parent vessel or of the icebreaker attachment vessel.