Abstract: Module-based energy systems are provided having multiple converter-source modules. The converter-source modules can each include an energy source and a converter. The systems can further include control circuitry for the modules. The modules can be arranged in various ways to provide single phase AC, multi-phase AC, and/or DC outputs. Each module can be independently monitored and controlled.

Abstract: Embodiments that provide advanced charging of energy source arrangements for energy storage applications are disclosed. The embodiments can be used within energy storage systems having a cascaded arrangement of converter modules. The embodiments can include the application of pulses to an energy source of each module of the system. The pulses can be applied for a duration sufficient to initiate an electrochemical reaction. Feedback based pulse control embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to improved battery management, motor control, energy storage and battery charging. The systems and methods enable vehicle electrification and provides a paradigm changing platform that enables integration of battery management, charging and motor controls with means to manage regenerative braking, traction and handling. In embodiments, systems and methods are directed to a unified modular battery pack system having a cascaded architecture comprising an integrated combination of a networked low voltage converter/controller with peer-to-peer communication capability, embedded ultra-capacitor or other secondary energy storage element, battery management system and serially connected set of individual cells as the fundamental building block.

Abstract: Example embodiments of systems, devices, and methods are provided for intraphase and interphase balancing of modular energy systems. The embodiments can be used in a broad variety of mobile and stationary applications in a broad variety of modular cascaded topologies. The embodiments can include the generation of a module status value that is representative of status information collected or determined for the module. The module status value can be an intermediate quantitative representation of the status of each module as it pertains to one or more operating characteristics sought to be balanced by the system. This intermediate quantitative representation can then be used in the generation of a modulation index for the module, which can then be used as part of a larger control technique, such as pulse width modulation, for control and balancing of the system.

Abstract: Example embodiments of systems, devices, and methods are provided for charging and discharging energy systems having multiple modules arranged in cascaded fashion for generating and storing power. Each module can include an energy source and switch circuitry that selectively couples the energy source to other modules in the system for generating power or for receiving and storing power from a charge source. The energy systems can be arranged in single phase or multiphase topologies with multiple serial or interconnected arrays. The embodiments are capable of being charged with multiphase AC charge signals, a single phase AC charge signal, and/or a DC charge signal. Embodiments implementing the modular energy system within a charge source for performing multiphase, single phase AC, or DC charging of electric vehicles are also disclosed. Also disclosed are multi-motor embodiments and embodiments with the capability to power active suspensions and active steering systems.

Abstract: Module-based energy systems are provided having multiple converter-source modules. The converter-source modules can each include an energy source and a converter. The systems can further include control circuitry for the modules. The modules can be arranged in various ways to provide single phase AC, multi-phase AC, and/or DC outputs. Each module can be independently monitored and controlled.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and methods for managing power in a shade resistant format from a series of DC sources. One example system includes two or more DC sources, each DC source having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, wherein each DC source comprises an LC branch extending from the positive terminal to a positive terminal of the adjacent DC source. The system can also include two or more DC-DC converters, each DC-DC converter connected to each DC source, and configured to convert a DC voltage across the positive terminal and negative terminal to a predetermined output voltage, wherein outputs of the two or more DC-DC converter are connected in series to form a DC bus.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate multilevel hysteresis voltage control methods for cascaded multilevel voltage modulators having a plurality of power cells connected in series and has any positive integer number of output voltage levels to control any unipolar voltage on the load of the voltage modulator, and transfer electrical power from an electrical grid via AC/DC converters or directly from energy storage elements of the power cells to that load. A method of operational rotation of the power cells of a multilevel voltage modulator, which ensures an equal power sharing among the power cells and voltage balancing of the energy storage elements of the power cells of the modulator.

Abstract: Module-based energy systems are provided having multiple converter-source modules. The converter-source modules can each include an energy source and a converter. The systems can further include control circuitry for the modules. The modules can be arranged in various ways to provide single phase AC, multi-phase AC, and/or DC outputs. Each module can be independently monitored and controlled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multilevel hysteresis current control for a cascaded multilevel converter having a plurality of power cells connected in series with a positive integer number of output voltage levels, and to control any shape of AC/DC current in the load, transfer electrical power from energy storage elements of the power cells to that load and recover the energy back to the storage elements. Systems and methods for voltage balancing on energy storage elements of the power cells to determine whether to inject energy into or extract energy from a selected storage element, and for zero switching state rotation technique of switching elements in each power cell of cascaded multilevel converter.

Abstract: A housing and/or installation frameworks for a modular multi-level energy system includes a set of similar cabinets configured for orthogonal (e.g., vertical and horizontal) alignment of the modules. The cabinets are configured so modules of a particular phase are oriented along an axis parallel to a reference plane. Modules of the same level of the multi-level arrangement but of different phases are mounted in each cabinet, arranged such that a module for each phase is a defined distance from the reference plane. The cabinets are arranged equidistant and orthogonal to the reference plane, minimizing distance for connections between modules of the same phase across multiple cabinets, and facilitating convenient addition or removal of levels. The framework also facilitates data and reference signal connections between local control devices of the modules, and between the local control devices and a master control device for the system.

Abstract: Example embodiments of systems, devices, and methods are provided for energy systems having multiple modules arranged in cascaded fashion for generating and storing power. Each module can include an energy source and switch circuitry that selectively couples the energy source to other modules in the system for generating power or for receiving and storing power from a charge source. The energy systems can be arranged in single phase or multiphase topologies with multiple serial or interconnected arrays. Thermal management systems, switching assemblies, physical layouts of a module, and EV models based on a universal platform are also described.

Abstract: Module-based energy systems are provided having multiple converter-source modules. The converter-source modules can each include an energy source and a converter. The systems can further include control circuitry for the modules. The modules can be arranged in various ways to provide single phase AC, multi-phase AC, and/or DC outputs. Each module can be independently monitored and controlled.

Abstract: Example embodiments of systems, devices, and methods are provided for charging and discharging energy systems having multiple modules arranged in cascaded fashion for generating and storing power. Each module can include an energy source and switch circuitry that selectively couples the energy source to other modules in the system for generating power or for receiving and storing power from a charge source. The energy systems can be arranged in single phase or multiphase topologies with multiple serial or interconnected arrays. The embodiments are capable of being charged with multiphase AC charge signals, a single phase AC charge signal, and/or a DC charge signal. Embodiments implementing the modular energy system within a charge source for performing multiphase, single phase AC, or DC charging of electric vehicles are also disclosed. Also disclosed are multi-motor embodiments and embodiments with the capability to power active suspensions and active steering systems.

Abstract: A housing and/or installation frameworks for a modular multi-level energy system includes a set of similar cabinets configured for orthogonal (e.g., vertical and horizontal) alignment of the modules. The cabinets are configured so modules of a particular phase are oriented along an axis parallel to a reference plane. Modules of the same level of the multi-level arrangement but of different phases are mounted in each cabinet, arranged such that a module for each phase is a defined distance from the reference plane. The cabinets are arranged equidistant and orthogonal to the reference plane, minimizing distance for connections between modules of the same phase across multiple cabinets, and facilitating convenient addition or removal of levels. The framework also facilitates data and reference signal connections between local control devices of the modules, and between the local control devices and a master control device for the system.

Abstract: Example embodiments of systems, devices, and methods are provided for energy systems having multiple modules arranged in cascaded fashion for generating and storing power. Each module can include an energy source and switch circuitry that selectively couples the energy source to other modules in the system for generating power or for receiving and storing power from a charge source. The energy systems can be arranged in single phase or multiphase topologies with multiple serial or interconnected arrays. Thermal management systems, switching assemblies, physical layouts of a module, and EV models based on a universal platform are also described.

Abstract: Example embodiments of systems, devices, and methods are provided herein for cooling a modular energy system. The embodiments can utilize an enclosure surrounding the modular energy system to route the coolant in a manner that passes in proximity with components of modules of the modular energy system. The embodiments can provide for a sequence of pumping coolant such that the coolant cools components of the electric vehicle having the lowest desired operating temperature first, followed by the components having relatively higher desired operating temperatures. Example embodiments of systems, devices, and methods are also provided herein for a modular energy system with removable and replaceable energy sources. The system can be positioned within an electric vehicle in a manner that permits rapid removal of energy sources having a relatively low state of charge and replacement of those energy sources with different energy sources having a relatively higher state of charge.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate multilevel hysteresis voltage control methods for cascaded multilevel voltage modulators having a plurality of power cells connected in series and has any positive integer number of output voltage levels to control any unipolar voltage on the load of the voltage modulator, and transfer electrical power from an electrical grid via AC/DC converters or directly from energy storage elements of the power cells to that load. A method of operational rotation of the power cells of a multilevel voltage modulator, which ensures an equal power sharing among the power cells and voltage balancing of the energy storage elements of the power cells of the modulator.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to improved battery management, motor control, energy storage and battery charging. The systems and methods enable vehicle electrification and provides a paradigm changing platform that enables integration of battery management, charging and motor controls with means to manage regenerative braking, traction and handling. In embodiments, systems and methods are directed to a unified modular battery pack system having a cascaded architecture comprising an integrated combination of a networked low voltage converter/controller with peer-to-peer communication capability, embedded ultra-capacitor or other secondary energy storage element, battery management system and serially connected set of individual cells as the fundamental building block.

Abstract: Example embodiments of systems, devices, and methods are provided for electric vehicles that are subject to intermittent charging, such as rail-based electric vehicles, having one or more modular cascaded energy systems. The one or more modular systems can be configured to supply multiphase, single phase, and/or DC power to numerous motor and auxiliary loads of the EV. If multiple systems or subsystems are present in the EV, they can be interconnected to exchange energy between them in numerous different ways, such as through lines designated for carrying power from the intermittently connected charge source or through the presence of modules interconnected between arrays of the subsystems. The subsystems can be configured as subsystems that supply power for motor loads alone, motor loads in combination with auxiliary loads, and auxiliary loads alone.