Abstract: Combination fuel cell stack and electrochemical battery system provides stable and redundant electrical power to one or more traction motors. The electrochemical battery packs comprise modules that are switched between a low-voltage parallel configuration connecting to the fuel cell stack and a high-voltage series configuration connecting to the traction motors, thereby harvesting low-voltage energy from the fuel cells and deploying that energy as high-voltage power to the motor. The plurality of electrochemical battery packs can be switched such that at least one is always connected to the traction motor for continuity of power.

Abstract: Combination fuel cell stack and electrochemical battery system provides stable and redundant electrical power to one or more traction motors. The electrochemical battery packs comprise modules that are switched between a low-voltage parallel configuration connecting to the fuel cell stack and a high-voltage series configuration connecting to the traction motors, thereby harvesting low-voltage energy from the fuel cells and deploying that energy as high-voltage power to the motor. The plurality of electrochemical battery packs can be switched such that at least one is always connected to the traction motor for continuity of power.

Abstract: Combination fuel cell stack and electrochemical battery system provides stable and redundant electrical power to one or more traction motors. The electrochemical battery packs comprise modules that are switched between a low-voltage parallel configuration connecting to the fuel cell stack and a high-voltage series configuration connecting to the traction motors, thereby harvesting low-voltage energy from the fuel cells and deploying that energy as high-voltage power to the motor. The plurality of electrochemical battery packs can be switched such that at least one is always connected to the traction motor for continuity of power.

Abstract: A discharge welding system for discharge welding a welding member such as a stud to a weld surface such as a battery terminal or strap. The discharge welding system generally includes a power source which is electrically connected to both a clamp and a retainer such as a collet. The clamp is utilized to secure a conduction member such as a washer against a weld surface such as a battery terminal or strap. The retainer is utilized to removably retain a welding member such as a stud which is adapted to be welded to the weld surface. A weld actuator is adapted to lower the retainer such that the welding member contacts the conduction member to complete an electrical circuit as an electrical current is discharged by the power source. The welding member is welded to the weld surface by the electrical current discharge.

Abstract: The vehicle battery module includes cut rubber tubing attached to tops of voltaic cells. Tabs from the cells pass through seating apertures in a printed circuit board. The rubber tubing atop each cell buffers contact between the circuit board (PCB) and the cell's top edge. Solder joints secure electromechanical connection of the tabs to the printed circuit board. A strain relief bend in the tabs provides robust mechanical connection between the cells and printed circuit board. Printed circuits on the board allow the cells to be electrically connected in various configurations. Terminal and connectors on the printed circuit board provide connection to a load and monitoring device. A vehicle battery pack is comprised of a plurality of vehicle battery modules.

Abstract: The vehicle battery module includes cut rubber tubing attached to tops of voltaic cells. Tabs from the cells pass through seating apertures in a printed circuit board. The rubber tubing atop each cell buffers contact between the circuit board (PCB) and the cell's top edge. Solder joints secure electromechanical connection of the tabs to the printed circuit board. A strain relief bend in the tabs provides robust mechanical connection between the cells and printed circuit board. Printed circuits on the board allow the cells to be electrically connected in various configurations. Terminal and connectors on the printed circuit board provide connection to a load and monitoring device. A vehicle battery pack is comprised of a plurality of vehicle battery modules.

Abstract: The stackable brushless DC motor comprises one or more stackable motor sections disposed within a housing for use in cars or other vehicles. Each stackable motor section comprises a permanent magnetic rotor and electromagnetic stator. The permanent magnetic rotor comprises a plurality of permanent magnets. The electromagnetic stator comprises a plurality of conductive windings. The one or more stackable motor sections are characterized by a significantly thin and flat geometry. The housing comprises mounting flanges that support mounting in a car or other vehicle. The flat sides of the one or more stackable motor sections have no protuberances or features that would preclude adjacent stacking of said motors. The one or more stackable motor sections include openings through which a common shaft is disposed.