Abstract: A snow and ice vehicle accumulation determination and removal system for an electrified vehicle uses weight/load estimation methods based on vehicle sensors and user input to determine if the vehicle has accumulated a significant amount of snow/ice that could negatively affect the vehicle range. When a weight variation exists above a predetermined threshold which can be accounted for only as being due to snow and ice, then the invention may (1) warn the driver of reduced range and the reason for it, (2) perform drivetrain and/or cabin heating that may contribute to melting of the snow and ice (e.g., automatically adjusting powertrain performance to generate increase heat, such as running at a higher RPM), and/or (3) instruct the driver to proceed to an environment which can warm the vehicle (such as a facility equipped with a hot water spraying device).

Abstract: In the method, particles (16) are classified by locating them in a resonance cavity (10) and applying a swept range of microwave radiation to the cavity. The transmitted signals are detected and analyzed. The particle is then assigned to a classification in accordance with changes in the dielectric characteristics of the cavity as a result of the presence of the particle. The radiation is polarized and is applied in at least two mutually orthogonal directions. With the particle located at the center of the cavity, where the E-field is a maximum, and with signals propagating in at least two mutually orthogonal direction, account is taken of dimensional and orientational inaccuracies from particle to particle.

Abstract: Particles are subjected to incident microwave radiation which induces a certain phase shift in the transmitted or reflected radiation. The transmitted or reflected radiation is detected and a measure of the phase shift is obtained from such detection. The particles are then sorted according to the phase shift which they induce in the incident radiation.