Abstract: An energy storage system for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of energy storage units electrically connected in series and a plurality of bi-directional energy converters each having first and second sides. Each of the first sides is electrically connected with one of the plurality of energy storage units. The system also includes another energy storage unit. The second sides of the plurality of bi-directional energy converters are electrically connected in parallel with the another energy storage unit. Each of the bi-directional energy converters is capable of transferring energy between the first and second sides.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for balancing a storage battery for an automotive vehicle. The battery is of the type including a plurality of storage cells. The system includes a thermoelectric device and a controller. The thermoelectric device receives thermal energy and converts the thermal energy into electric energy. The controller determines a subset of the storage cells in the battery to be charged based on an amount of electric charge in each of the storage cells. Furthermore, the controller causes the electric energy to be distributed to each storage cell in the subset in an effort to balance the battery in the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a charge port integrated with the vehicle. The charge port includes electrical contacts configured to receive electrical power from an electric grid, and a fault interrupt circuit electrically connected with the electrical contacts.

Abstract: An energy storage system for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of energy storage units electrically connected in series and a plurality of bi-directional energy converters each having first and second sides. Each of the first sides is electrically connected with one of the plurality of energy storage units. The system also includes another energy storage unit. The second sides of the plurality of bi-directional energy converters are electrically connected in parallel with the another energy storage unit. Each of the bi-directional energy converters is capable of transferring energy between the first and second sides.

Abstract: A power source is electrically connected with a battery and an electrical load. The power source has an output voltage and provides current for the battery and electrical load. A charging voltage for the battery is determined based on temperature of the battery. An offset voltage is determined based on the provided current to the battery. The output voltage is determined based on the charging and offset voltages.