Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle and method that stores an upper energy storage limit and a lower energy storage limit for an energy storage system for each of a plurality of predetermined driving modes, determines a currently selected driving mode from the plurality of predetermined driving modes, sets the upper energy storage limit and the lower energy storage limit for the energy storage system based on the currently selected driving mode, determines parameters for operation of vehicle components within the currently selected driving mode and generates command signals to the vehicle components for operation within determined parameters.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one, and preferable two or more, traction drive units includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller may adaptively control traction by one or more traction drive units to better propel the vehicle. The controller may, for example, prevent unnecessary wheel slip, allow a traction profile to match a desired profile, and may be used to assist in turning of the vehicle. A method of adaptive control is also provided.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller monitors the status of vehicle systems and system parameters and determines if all systems are operating within predetermined safe operating ranges. The controller generates commands based upon these determinations to disconnect and isolate systems that exceed safe operating ranges, and to modify or change operating commands sent to other systems to compensate for the isolated system or systems. The controller also generates commands to place system components into a safe configuration or state in shutdown or failure events so as to protect the vehicle and maintenance personnel from potential damage or injury. A method of adaptively controlling a hybrid electric vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller monitors the status of vehicle systems and system parameters and determines the regenerative braking mode of the vehicle and the appropriate level of regenerative braking for proper vehicle operation. The controller generates commands based upon these determinations to produce regenerative braking, monitors the status to determine the effects of the regenerative braking command generated, and adaptively changes the regenerative braking command generated in response to the measured effects. A method for adaptively controlling a hybrid electric vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A T-shaped blade, or one or more hollow tubes, are vibrationally excited by one or more piezoelectric elements to generate an airflow from a free end of the blade or tube(s). The airflow may be directed to, or drawn away from, an electronic component to cool the electronic component.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one, and preferable two or more, traction drive units includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller may adaptively control traction by one or more traction drive units to better propel the vehicle. The controller may, for example, prevent unnecessary wheel slip, allow a traction profile to match a desired profile, and may be used to assist in turning of the vehicle. A method of adaptive control is also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle and method that stores an upper energy storage limit and a lower energy storage limit for an energy storage system for each of a plurality of predetermined driving modes, determines a currently selected driving mode from the plurality of predetermined driving modes, sets the upper energy storage limit and the lower energy storage limit for the energy storage system based on the currently selected driving mode, determines parameters for operation of vehicle components within the currently selected driving mode and generates command signals to the vehicle components for operation within determined parameters.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle and method including a generator set having an internal combustion engine and a generator, a battery array and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling propulsion of the vehicle. The controller generates a second signal having a value proportional to the value of a first signal, indicative of user demand, and indicative of a demand of the at least one electric motor, determines if the value of the first signal is larger than the value of the second signal, increases the value of a command signal to the at least one electric motor, if the value of the first signal is not larger than the value of the second signal, and decreases the value of the command signal, if the value of the first signal is larger than the value of the second signal.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for zero emissions within a zero emission zone. As the vehicle approaches the zero emission zone, the internal combustion engine and generator increase the electrical charge of the battery array to a predetermined level. The internal combustion engine and generator are eventually turned off to prevent emissions from entering the zero emission zone. As the vehicle leaves the zero emission zone, the internal combustion engine and generator are warmed to a predetermined level for a full capacity operation. When the internal combustion engine and generator reach the predetermined level, they operate at full capacity to bring the electrical charge of the battery array to a predetermined electrical level.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for zero emissions within a zero emission zone. As the vehicle approaches the zero emission zone, the internal combustion engine and generator increase the electrical charge of the battery array to a predetermined level. The internal combustion engine and generator are eventually turned off to prevent emissions from entering the zero emission zone. As the vehicle leaves the zero emission zone, the internal combustion engine and generator are warmed to a predetermined level for a full capacity operation. When the internal combustion engine and generator reach the predetermined level, they operate at full capacity to bring the electrical charge of the battery array to a predetermined electrical level.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle including a generator set having an internal combustion engine and a generator, a battery array and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling propulsion of the vehicle. The controller generates a second signal having a value proportional to the value of a first signal, indicative of user demand, and indicative of a demand of the at least one electric motor, determines if the value of the first signal is larger than the value of the second signal, increases the value of a command signal to the at least one electric motor, if the value of the first signal is not larger than the value of the second signal, and decreases the value of the command signal, if the value of the first signal is larger than the value of the second signal.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle including a generator set having an internal combustion engine and a generator, a battery array and at least one electric motor includes a controller for maintaining a state of charge of the battery array within a control limit. A controller of the vehicle determines if the vehicle is in one of a plurality of forward driving modes, compares a state of charge of the battery array to an upper control limit associated with a forward driving mode, decreases generated by the generator, if the state of charge is equal to or greater than the associated upper control limit, and increases the power generated by the generator, if the state of charge is less than the associated upper control limit.