Abstract: A configurable energy management system for recharging an electric vehicle. An in-vehicle renewable energy source generates electrical energy for recharging an in-vehicle energy storage device. The at least one off-vehicle renewable energy source provides electrical energy to the vehicle for recharging the in-vehicle energy storage device. A vehicle communication module transmits and receives data. An integration module integrates in-vehicle energy parameter data, in-vehicle renewable energy parameter data, off-vehicle renewable energy parameter data, user parameter data, and web-based data. A user interface device communicates user parameter data to the integration module. The user parameter data includes a prioritization of preferential parameters in re-charging the in-vehicle energy storage device.

Abstract: A configurable energy management system for recharging an electric vehicle. An in-vehicle renewable energy source generates electrical energy for recharging an in-vehicle energy storage device. The at least one off-vehicle renewable energy source provides electrical energy to the vehicle for recharging the in-vehicle energy storage device. A vehicle communication module transmits and receives data. An integration module integrates in-vehicle energy parameter data, in-vehicle renewable energy parameter data, off-vehicle renewable energy parameter data, user parameter data, and web-based data. A user interface device communicates user parameter data to the integration module. The user parameter data includes a prioritization of preferential parameters in re-charging the in-vehicle energy storage device.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine vehicle or hybrid-electric vehicle is provided with a vehicle-mounted solar cell array capable of generating electrical power. The solar cell array and other elements, including a metal substrate catalytic convertor form a system for reducing exhaust gas emissions from the vehicle in which the power from the array is applied to minimize exhaust emissions. A primary application of the solar cell array-generated power is to preheat the catalytic convertor to a preferred operating temperature prior to engine start. But the power from the solar cells, directed by a controller, may also be applied to charge the battery or to power electric power receiving devices, for example, to control cabin temperatures. The preferred allocation of the solar power available depends on a number of factors including the state of charge of the batteries, and the time of anticipated next use of the vehicle.

Abstract: An auxiliary energy management system for a vehicle includes an energy storage device, solar panel array, a preconditioning device, a communication module and a solar control module. The solar panel array generates electrical energy. The pre-conditioning device generates a temperature change to the vehicle. The solar control module includes a processor for selectively configuring a distribution of electrical energy captured by the solar energy panel to one of the energy storage device and the preconditioning device. The processor includes a mode selector logic module for indicating one of a passive enablement or active enablement of the distribution of electrical energy based on a vehicle driving status and the electrical energy availability from the solar panel array. At least one of a recharging function or a preconditioning function is enabled passively or actively based on a configuration in the mode selector logic module or a personalized configuration.

Abstract: A system and method of engine thermal management. Energy may be received from a solar energy source electrically connected to a vehicle propulsion system. At least some of the energy from the solar energy source may be used to heat a component of the vehicle propulsion system. A control module may provide at least some of the energy from the solar energy source to a heater, for example, to heat a component of the vehicle propulsion system prior to starting the vehicle propulsion system. The heater may heat the vehicle propulsion system to temperatures within a predetermined range associated with optimal efficiency of the vehicle propulsion system.

Abstract: A system and method for providing energy to auto systems such as systems after-treating exhaust. Energy may be received from a solar energy source electrically connected to an after-treatment system. At least some of the energy from the solar energy source may be provided to the after-treatment system to purify exhaust from an engine. A control module may provide at least some of the energy from the solar energy source to a heater, for example, to initiate heating the after-treatment system prior to starting the engine. The heater may heat the after-treatment to temperatures within a predetermined temperature range associated with optimal efficiency for the after-treatment system.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine vehicle or hybrid-electric vehicle is provided with a vehicle-mounted solar cell array capable of generating electrical power. The solar cell array and other elements, including a metal substrate catalytic convertor form a system for reducing exhaust gas emissions from the vehicle in which the power from the array is applied to minimize exhaust emissions. A primary application of the solar cell array-generated power is to preheat the catalytic convertor to a preferred operating temperature prior to engine start. But the power from the solar cells, directed by a controller, may also be applied to charge the battery or to power electric power receiving devices, for example, to control cabin temperatures. The preferred allocation of the solar power available depends on a number of factors including the state of charge of the batteries, and the time of anticipated next use of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric or hybrid-electric vehicle is provided with vehicle-mounted solar cells capable of generating electrical power. The power from the array is directed to vehicle systems according to a pre-determined algorithm intended to most effectively extend the vehicle range when operated under electric power. Power from the solar cells is directed by a controller, and may be applied to directly charge the batteries or to power electric power receiving devices, for example, to control cabin temperatures, depending on factors including the state of charge of the batteries, whether or not, the vehicle is parked and the current cabin temperature. The controller is also capable of controlling and managing the operating voltage of the solar cells to ensure optimal power extraction from the cells.