Abstract: Artificial material systems that seek to mimic the basic processes of life must perform multiple complex functions including responsiveness, motion, and metabolism. Networks of programmable materials offer a pathway toward achieving these functions by altering local chemical, physical, and structural properties to enable control. We demonstrate the ability to perform multiple complex functions in a single soft elastomeric material system by reconfiguring, in situ, passive bistable fluidic diodes that are inspired by mammalian venous valves. We show how pneumo-mechanical programmability allows these silicone elastomer diode assemblies to accomplish, without rearranging the fluidic circuit, multiple functions including pumping (motion), energy storage/discharge (metabolism), logic operations (response), and signal filtering/rectification.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for direct electrodeposition of a metal from the liquid medium. The methods include electro-reduction of lithium anions on cathode electrodes in the presence of various metal deposition selectivity enhancements. The selectivity enhancement disclosed herein comprises the presence of a magnet, a solvent that is immiscible with an original liquid medium comprising the desired metal ions or various separators. Also disclosed are systems for electrodeposition of the desired metals from the liquid medium.

Abstract: An integrated system for comprehensive control of an electric power generation system utilizes state machine control having particularly defined control states and permitted control state transitions. In this way, accurate, dependable and safe control of the electric power generation system is provided. Several of these control states may be utilized in conjunction with a utility outage ride-through technique that compensates for a utility outage by predictably controlling the system to bring the system off-line and to bring the system back on-line when the utility returns. Furthermore, a line synchronization technique synchronizes the generated power with the power on the grid when coming back on-line. The line synchronization technique limits the rate of synchronization to permit undesired transient voltages.

Abstract: An integrated system for comprehensive control of an electric power generation system utilizes state machine control having particularly defined control states and permitted control state transitions. In this way, accurate, dependable and safe control of the electric power generation system is provided. Several of these control states may be utilized in conjunction with a utility outage ride-through technique that compensates for a utility outage by predictably controlling the system to bring the system off-line and to bring the system back on-line when the utility returns. Furthermore, a line synchronization technique synchronizes the generated power with the power on the grid when coming back on-line. The line synchronization technique limits the rate of synchronization to permit undesired transient voltages.

Abstract: An integrated system for comprehensive control of an electric power generation system utilizes state machine control having particularly defined control states and permitted control state transitions. In this way, accurate, dependable and safe control of the electric power generation system is provided. Several of these control states may be utilized in conjunction with a utility outage ride-through technique that compensates for a utility outage by predictably controlling the system to bring the system off-line and to bring the system back on-line when the utility returns. Furthermore, a line synchronization technique synchronizes the generated power with the power on the grid when coming back on-line. The line synchronization technique limits the rate of synchronization to permit undesired transient voltages.

Abstract: An integrated system for comprehensive control of an electric power generation system utilizes state machine control having particularly defined control states and permitted control state transitions. In this way, accurate, dependable and safe control of the electric power generation system is provided. Several of these control states may be utilized in conjunction with a utility outage ride-through technique that compensates for a utility outage by predictably controlling the system to bring the system off-line and to bring the system back on-line when the utility returns. Furthermore, a line synchronization technique synchronizes the generated power with the power on the grid when coming back on-line. The line synchronization technique limits the rate of synchronization to permit undesired transient voltages.

Abstract: An integrated system for comprehensive control of an electric power generation system utilizes state machine control having particularly defined control states and permitted control state transitions. In this way, accurate, dependable and safe control of the electric power generation system is provided. Several of these control states may be utilized in conjunction with a utility outage ride-through technique that compensates for a utility outage by predictably controlling the system to bring the system off-line and to bring the system back on-line when the utility returns. Furthermore, a line synchronization technique synchronizes the generated power with the power on the grid when coming back on-line. The line synchronization technique limits the rate of synchronization to permit undesired transient voltages.

Abstract: A line power unit controls electrical power delivery to a grid from a three phase permanent magnet generator. A line power unit controller receives a power level command and controls a main inverter that draws DC power from a DC bus to deliver the commanded power to a grid. The DC bus is fed DC voltage via a three phase permanent magnet generator and a rectifier. The inverter delivers power to the grid via a filter, transformer and main contactor. The line power unit controller also controls the main contactor to break the connection with the grid. A precharge circuit draws power from the grid to precharge the DC bus to a precharge voltage. Alternatives include a start inverter separate from the main inverter that permits simultaneous delivery of power to the grid and commutation of the permanent magnet generator as a motor to spin an engine connected thereto at a speed sufficient to permit engine starting.

Abstract: An integrated system for comprehensive control of an electric power generation system utilizes state machine control having particularly defined control states and permitted control state transitions. In this way, accurate, dependable and safe control of the electric power generation system is provided. Several of these control states may be utilized in conjunction with a utility outage ride-through technique that compensates for a utility outage by predictably controlling the system to bring the system off-line and to bring the system back on-line when the utility returns. Furthermore, a line synchronization technique synchronizes the generated power with the power on the grid when coming back on-line. The line synchronization technique limits the rate of synchronization to permit undesired transient voltages.

Abstract: A communications processor is disclosed for a power generation system that permits data and control signals to be communicated to and from the power generation system and a host computer. The control signals include a power level command and power factor that are sent from a remote host to the power generation system which responds by delivering the requested power level having the desired power factor to a grid. The remote host receives performance data that permits an operator to accurately gauge the performance of the power generation system including the performance and any fault conditions of a line power unit, generator, and engine driving the generator. The communications processor unburdens the line power unit controller that is responsible for controlling power generation from the task of processing input data and driving local displays. The host may also be provided at a location remote from the power generation system.

Abstract: An electric vehicle propulsion system having a motor with first and second electrically isolated windings and a system control unit for controlling the motor, wherein the system control unit includes a first power bridge for driving the first windings and a second power bridge for driving the second windings.

Abstract: A vehicle power controller for a vehicle including a motor that drives the vehicle, a plurality of sensors and a motor controller, wherein the plurality of sensors includes an accelerator sensor for sensing a position of an accelerator pedal and a brake sensor for sensing a position of a brake pedal, and wherein the motor controller controls torque output of the motor. The vehicle power controller includes three components. The first receives signals from the accelerator sensor and the brake sensor. The second converts the signals for the accelerator sensor and the brake sensor into a torque value, and the third outputs the torque value to the motor controller for controlling the torque output of the motor.

Abstract: An electric vehicle power distribution module including a chassis containing electric power distribution components. A battery connector is disposed on the chassis for electrically connecting the power distribution components to a battery. A safety cover is secured to the chassis and includes an aperature in a side wall for receiving an electric cable from the battery to be selectively engaged with the battery connector. The aperture is positioned with respect to the battery connector so as to preclude removal of the safety cover from the chassis without disengagement of the electric cable from the battery connector.