Abstract: An energy storage system converts variable renewable electricity (VRE) to continuous heat at over 1000° C. Intermittent electrical energy heats a solid medium. Heat from the solid medium is delivered continuously on demand. An array of bricks incorporating internal radiation cavities is directly heated by thermal radiation. The cavities facilitate rapid, uniform heating via reradiation. Heat delivery via flowing gas establishes a thermocline which maintains high outlet temperature throughout discharge. Gas flows through structured pathways within the array, delivering heat which may be used for processes including calcination, hydrogen electrolysis, steam generation, and thermal power generation and cogeneration. Groups of thermal storage arrays may be controlled and operated at high temperatures without thermal runaway via deep-discharge sequencing. Forecast-based control enables continuous, year-round heat supply using current and advance information of weather and VRE availability.

Abstract: A vehicle in one embodiment includes a driver module which can include a driver seat and a driver control assembly both of which are movably coupled to a chassis of the vehicle to allow the driver module to move between a center position and at least one of a left position and a right position along a first row in the interior of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the driver control assembly includes a steering wheel, a brake pedal, and an accelerator pedal. In one embodiment, a driver can drive the vehicle in any one of these positions. In one embodiment, the vehicle further includes a first rear seat and a second rear seat coupled to the chassis in a second row in the interior of the vehicle. In one embodiment, passengers in the rear seats can extend their legs into the first row when the driver seat is in the center position. In one embodiment, the driver seat and the driver control assembly are movable laterally along a set of rails coupled to the chassis of the vehicle. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A vehicle in one embodiment includes a driver module which can include a driver seat and a driver control assembly both of which are movably coupled to a chassis of the vehicle to allow the driver module to move between a center position and at least one of a left position and a right position along a first row in the interior of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the driver control assembly includes a steering wheel, a brake pedal, and an accelerator pedal. In one embodiment, a driver can drive the vehicle in any one of these positions. In one embodiment, the vehicle further includes a first rear seat and a second rear seat coupled to the chassis in a second row in the interior of the vehicle. In one embodiment, passengers in the rear seats can extend their legs into the first row when the driver seat is in the center position. In one embodiment, the driver seat and the driver control assembly are movable laterally along a set of rails coupled to the chassis of the vehicle. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A process for identifying technology-based solutions in the context of technical component development includes identifying technical components for particular technical systems, as well as the corresponding technological functions associated with the identified technical components. In one embodiment, development obstacles associated with technical component development may be identified. A set of potential solutions corresponding to the identified obstacles may then be generated using prior project information and/or the information accessed from one or more technology databases.

Abstract: An at least partially moveable motor-vehicle outer skin is already known per se. An actuator formed of a polymer and/or ion-exchanging and/or other material exhibiting various conformations is provided so that the outer skin can be moved. This material is moveable as a result of physical or chemical effects. The novel outer skin of a motor vehicle requires no expensive tools for the production thereof. The flat section of the outer skin of the bodywork of a motor vehicle is made of a flexible material. A flexible material such as material for convertible top covers is easily moveable yet the surface thereof cannot be increased. This material is tensed at least over one part of the rib of the motor vehicle, e.g. over a space frame. At least one mechanically moveable adjusting element is provided beneath or on top of the edge of the section enabling the outer skin to be deformed. The adjusting element is normally connected to the rib of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An at least partially moveable motor-vehicle outer skin is already known per se. An actuator formed of a polymer and/or ion-exchanging and/or other material exhibiting various conformations is provided so that the outer skin can be moved. This material is moveable as a result of physical or chemical effects. The novel outer skin of a motor vehicle requires no expensive tools for the production thereof. The flat section of the outer skin of the bodywork of a motor vehicle is made of a flexible material. A flexible material such as material for convertible top covers is easily moveable yet the surface thereof cannot be increased. This material is tensed at least over one part of the rib of the motor vehicle, e.g. over a space frame. At least one mechanically moveable adjusting element is provided beneath or on top of the edge of the section enabling the outer skin to be deformed. The adjusting element is normally connected to the rib of the motor vehicle.