Abstract: A zipper less removable window system having removable windows for use with a foldable, stowable roof for a vehicle. A plurality of attachment devices of the zipper less removable window system connect the windows to the foldable, stowable roof and to the vehicle without the use of zippers. The operator zipper effort caused by traditional windows is thereby eliminated and misalignment issues present with traditional zippered windows is eliminated or reduced. The stress placed on the portions of the windows connectable to the foldable roof during installation and removal, including around curved portions of the removable window, is eliminated or reduced.

Abstract: A door curtain assembly having a sub-curtain unit is provided and includes a main fabric that is wound in a trim of a vehicle door; and a main shade bar that is installed in an upper end of the main fabric and fixed to a hook provided in the door when the main fabric is deployed. A sub-curtain part is additionally deployed after the main curtain part is deployed. The sub-curtain part includes a sub-housing having a first side hinge-coupled to the door and a second side interlocked with ascending or descending of the main shade bar. Additionally, a sub-fabric is wound in the sub-housing and a sub-shade bar is installed in an end portion of the sub-fabric in a length direction of the sub-housing.

Abstract: A door curtain assembly having a sub-curtain unit is provided and includes a main fabric that is wound in a trim of a vehicle door; and a main shade bar that is installed in an upper end of the main fabric and fixed to a hook provided in the door when the main fabric is deployed. A sub-curtain part is additionally deployed after the main curtain part is deployed. The sub-curtain part includes a sub-housing having a first side hinge-coupled to the door and a second side interlocked with ascending or descending of the main shade bar. Additionally, a sub-fabric is wound in the sub-housing and a sub-shade bar is installed in an end portion of the sub-fabric in a length direction of the sub-housing.

Abstract: A door curtain assembly having a sub-curtain unit is provided and includes a main fabric that is wound in a trim of a vehicle door; and a main shade bar that is installed in an upper end of the main fabric and fixed to a hook provided in the door when the main fabric is deployed. A sub-curtain part is additionally deployed after the main curtain part is deployed. The sub-curtain part includes a sub-housing having a first side hinge-coupled to the door and a second side interlocked with ascending or descending of the main shade bar. Additionally, a sub-fabric is wound in the sub-housing and a sub-shade bar is installed in an end portion of the sub-fabric in a length direction of the sub-housing.

Abstract: A door curtain assembly having a sub-curtain unit is provided and includes a main fabric that is wound in a trim of a vehicle door; and a main shade bar that is installed in an upper end of the main fabric and fixed to a hook provided in the door when the main fabric is deployed. A sub-curtain part is additionally deployed after the main curtain part is deployed. The sub-curtain part includes a sub-housing having a first side hinge-coupled to the door and a second side interlocked with ascending or descending of the main shade bar. Additionally, a sub-fabric is wound in the sub-housing and a sub-shade bar is installed in an end portion of the sub-fabric in a length direction of the sub-housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a sun visor mounting apparatus, system or method having a mounting plate with a J hooked end configured to receive a sun visor, a securing plate opposing the J hooked end, configured in a U shape for receiving the sun visor. A joining plate configured in a V shape with a first side capable of coupling to the mounting plate, and a second side capable of coupling to an extension plate, and the extension plate can have a first side of a coupled to the joining plate, and a second side configured to engage against a fixed structure. One or more fasteners may be utilized with each plate to secure them together. To accommodate different sizes and configurations, the joining plate and extension plate may be extending to satisfactory positions, to engage with a fixed structure for the stability of the mounting plate.

Abstract: A vehicle door attached to a vehicle body includes a bracket structure disposed between an interior-side panel and an exterior-side panel to support a door lock portion. The bracket structure has an interior-side extension portion disposed on an interior-side and joined to the interior-side panel, and an exterior-side extension portion disposed on an exterior-side and joined to the exterior-side panel. Extension portions extend in an upper-lower direction. As an alternative, a vehicle door includes a middle panel disposed between an inner panel and an outer panel, and a bracket structure disposed between the inner panel and the middle panel to support the door lock portion. The bracket structure has a front extension portion disposed frontward and joined to the inner panel, and a rear extension portion disposed rearward and joined to the middle panel. Extension portions are disposed in a front-rear direction of a vehicle and extend upward.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle roof cover, wherein the cover can be moved from a closed position for closing a roof opening into an open position for at least partially releasing the roof opening. The assembly may have: a cover carrier for carrying the cover, a positionally fixed guide rail, and a carriage mounted so as to be displaceable in the guide rail along an opening direction. The cover carrier has a positionally fixed slotted guide to which the carriage may be coupled in the closed position, such that a deployment of the cover along a vertical direction (Z direction) is blocked in the closed position. The cover carrier has a locking apparatus configured so that a movement of the cover carrier along the vertical direction (Z direction) is limited in the closed position.

Abstract: A hinge system for a vehicle hardtop having a system with hinges (1) that allow a user to open and close a set of removable rigid rooftop panels (5, 6) for a Jeep or other sport utility vehicle without being required to fully remove and store the rigid roof panels.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a modular vehicle roof frame with at least two support members having at an upper end at least one coupling member through which the support member is axially assembled and releasably coupled to a plurality of top frame members such that each top frame member is releasably coupled to a plurality of support members. In an illustrative example, when the frame is assembled the support members may be substantially vertical and the top frame members may be substantially horizontal. When the frame is coupled to a vehicle the coupling members may, for example, be oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The frame may be assembled, for example, by alternately assembling top frame members and support members. Various embodiments may advantageously allow a disassembled frame to be stored within a small sized container suitable for various ground shipping services.

Abstract: A flush glass apparatus includes a fixed glass having an opening, an operation glass configured to open and close the opening of the fixed glass, a lower rail configured to slidably support a lower portion of the operation glass, a sealing member provided below the lower rail to seal a gap between an inner surface of the fixed glass and a vehicle body, one or more upper drain holes provided on the lower rail to discharge rainwater on the lower rail to a buffer area between the lower rail and the sealing member, and a drain induction member interposed between the inner surface of the fixed glass and the sealing member and providing a lower drain hole to discharge rainwater in the buffer area to the outside.

Abstract: A flush glass apparatus includes an operation glass including a glass portion and a frame and configured to open and close an opening of a fixed glass, an upper rail having an upper guide groove configured to slidably support an upper portion of the operation glass, a lower rail having a lower guide groove configured to slidably support a lower portion of the operation glass, a locking device including an upper locking pin and a lower locking pin installed on upper and lower sides of the frame, respectively, to enter the upper and lower guide grooves, respectively, and locking or unlocking the operation glass, and upper and lower removal guide members installed on the upper rail and the lower rail, respectively, and configured to guide the upper and lower locking pins to be removed from the upper and lower guide grooves by entering the upper or lower guide grooves.

Abstract: A vehicle hatch with a clamping system and a lid assembly. The clamping system contains a trim ring and a frame assembly, with the frame assembly having a frame with an inner frame wall. The frame and the trim ring are held together by one or more screws inserted through the trim ring and into the frame for clamping the vehicle hatch to a vehicle roof. The lid assembly has an outer lid and an inner lid. The lid assembly is attached to the frame on the inner frame wall by a link and plunger assembly connected to the frame, and the vehicle hatch has a closed position and a vented position.

Abstract: A battery pack mounting system includes, among other things, an outboard bracket connecting a battery pack to a vehicle underbody, a first inboard bracket connecting the battery pack to the vehicle underbody, and a second inboard bracket connecting the battery pack to a tunnel of the vehicle underbody.

Abstract: This disclosure details systems and methods for supporting and protecting vehicle underbody-mounted battery packs. An exemplary electrified vehicle may include a frame, a battery support structure mounted to the frame, and a battery pack. The battery pack is supported relative to the frame by the battery support structure but is not itself directly coupled to the frame. The battery support structure may be configured to provide an under-frame mounting configuration, cross member positioning, skid plate positioning for battery pack protection, weight optimized sub-components, unique shapes for ground clearances, etc.

Abstract: A hydro-mechanical hybrid transmission device and a control method thereof, including an input shaft, a split mechanism, a hydraulic transmission assembly, a mechanical transmission assembly, a convergence mechanism, and an output shaft, wherein the input shaft is connected, through the split mechanism, to the hydraulic transmission assembly and the mechanical transmission assembly, wherein the hydraulic transmission assembly and the mechanical transmission assembly are connected in parallel, and the hydraulic transmission assembly and the mechanical transmission assembly are each connected to the output shaft through the convergence mechanism. In the hydro-mechanical hybrid transmission device, planetary gear structures are combined with engagement/disengagement of brakes and clutches, to implement switching of power split and convergence structural forms.

Abstract: A lock of a motor vehicle lid has a box and a cover, a locking pin provided with a head-that protrudes from the cover to engage with a housing of a lid in order to close the lid. The locking pin is internally empty and has a through axial channel. A central pin is mounted with the possibility of sliding in an axial direction in the through axial channel of the locking pin. A spring is disposed between the box and the central pin to push the central pin and the locking pin to the extracted position. Detection is provided in the box to detect when the central pin is in retracted position or in extracted position.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a low floor vehicle is described herein. The axle assembly includes an axle housing and a drive unit for driving a wheel assembly. The axle housing including a first gearbox, a second gearbox and a cradle assembly coupling the first gear box to the second gear box. The axle assembly includes first and second hub assemblies that form a first axis of rotation. The first gearbox includes an electric motor that is coupled to a transmission used to rotate an output shaft. The first gearbox also includes a differential mounted for rotation with the transmission and a first drop box mounted for rotation with the differential. The axle assembly also includes a portal axle mounted for rotation with the first drop box and extends from the first gearbox to the second gearbox wherein the portal axle forms a second axis of rotation that is offset from the first axis of rotation of the hub assemblies.

Abstract: A driving force distribution control system for a four-wheel drive vehicle is provided. The four-wheel drive vehicle uses front wheels as main driving wheels, and when a towed vehicle is coupled to a coupling part provided to a rear part of the four-wheel drive vehicle, the towed vehicle has the center of gravity position so that a downward load in a vehicle up-and-down direction is applied to the rear part of the vehicle through the coupling part. A driving force distribution control device includes a towing determination module configured to determine whether the vehicle is towing the towed vehicle, and when it is determined that the vehicle is towing the towed vehicle, a driving force distribution control device controls the driving force distributing device so that the driving force distributing amount to rear wheels becomes larger than that when the four-wheel drive vehicle is not towing the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with a docking station for a driver's smart device. The smart device displays engine related and other information to the driver while operating the vehicle. The smart device provides a supplementary screen to the screen installed in the vehicle at manufacture, or acts as an alternative to having a screen installed at manufacture. The docked smart device replaces one or more of the instruments normally present in a vehicle dashboard or motorcycle instrument cluster. The smart device also controls operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A front part structure of a vehicle cabin may include: an instrument panel including an air outlet at an end of the instrument panel on a passenger seat side; an air conditioner main body arranged inside the instrument panel at a center in a vehicle width direction; a cross beam arranged inside the instrument panel and connected to a right side and a left side of a vehicle body; and an air duct arranged inside the instrument panel and connecting the air conditioner main body to the air outlet. The air duct may extend in front of the passenger seat at a height lower than the cross beam.

Abstract: An electrified drivetrain for a vehicle includes a first electric machine, a second electric machine, a clutch, an HVAC compressor, and a controller. The second electric machine is rotatably coupled to a geartrain, the first electric machine is rotatably coupled to the HVAC compressor, and is rotatably couplable to the geartrain via the clutch, and the clutch is operative in a first state and a second state. The first electric machine is rotatably coupled to the geartrain when the clutch is controlled to the first state, and is decoupled from the geartrain when the clutch is controlled to the second state. The controller is operatively connected to the first and second electric machines, the clutch, and the HVAC compressor to control operation of the electrified drivetrain. The first electric machine can be used as a heater element and to provide mechanical power to the drivetrain.

Abstract: A battery state notification apparatus for an electric vehicle includes a collision detector, an electric leakage detector, a surrounding condition detector, a vehicle exterior sounding device, and a battery state notification device. The collision detector detects a collision of the electric vehicle. The electric leakage detector detects a state of the electric leakage from the drive battery. The surrounding condition detector detects a surrounding condition including the presence of a person around the electric vehicle. The vehicle exterior sounding device outputs a sound to the outside of the electric vehicle. The battery state notification device causes the vehicle exterior sounding device to make notification about the state of electric leakage from the drive battery in a case where the collision detector detects the collision of the electric vehicle and where the surrounding condition detector detects the presence of the person around the electric vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling an electric vehicle. The method includes obtaining by a controller of the electric vehicle a first state indicator of a state of the electric vehicle, receiving at the controller a status indicator of an operating status of the electric vehicle, and updating by the controller the state of the electric vehicle based on the status indicator to an updated state. The updated state may be associated with a second state indicator. The method also includes determining by the controller a given braking type of a braking to be applied to the electric vehicle. This determining may be based on one or more of the second state indicator and the status indicator. The method also includes applying to the electric vehicle the braking of the given braking type. Systems for applying such braking are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling an electric vehicle. The method includes obtaining by a controller of the electric vehicle a first state indicator of a state of the electric vehicle, receiving at the controller a status indicator of an operating status of the electric vehicle, and updating by the controller the state of the electric vehicle based on the status indicator to an updated state. The updated state may be associated with a second state indicator. The method also includes determining by the controller a given braking type of a braking to be applied to the electric vehicle. This determining may be based on one or more of the second state indicator and the status indicator. The method also includes applying to the electric vehicle the braking of the given braking type. Systems for applying such braking are also provided.

Abstract: A control system implementing a hybrid energy storage system (ESS) optimization strategy is disclosed. The hybrid ESS optimization strategy may be implemented in a machine that comprises a power system that includes a plurality of power sources and a power controller that includes one or more processors. The power controller may receive information related to a set of brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) maps associated with the plurality of power sources, determine a performance indicator using a cost function associated with the plurality of power sources, and generate a command to operate the power system based on a power distribution that minimizes an energy cost to operate the power system based on the information related to the set of BSFC maps, the performance indicator, and a load associated with the power system.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a first drive motor, a second drive motor, a first power line to which a first inverter and a first battery are connected, a second power line to which a second inverter and a second battery are connected, a voltage converter that converts a voltage between the first power line and the second power line, and an ECU that operates the first and second inverters and the voltage converter and controls charging and discharging of the first and second batteries. In a case where total required power is larger than first outputtable power of the first battery, the ECU discharges a shortage of power from the second battery to the second power line, wherein the shortage of power is obtained by excluding an amount that is output by the first battery from the total required power.

Abstract: A method for inductively charging one or more inductively chargeable industrial trucks used in a warehouse, wherein a target value is determined for an average charging time of each of the industrial trucks used in the warehouse and distributing a plurality of inductive charger in the warehouse such that at least one of the industrial trucks can be inductively charged in accordance with at least with the target value.

Abstract: An ECU performs processing including: a step of obtaining a pilot signal CPLT and a connector connection signal PISW; a step of determining, when a connector is attached, a type of the connector; a step of controlling, when there is a function corresponding to the type of the attached connector, the connector to be set to a lock state; a step of performing control corresponding to the attached connector; and a step of maintaining, when there is no function corresponding to the type of the attached connector, an unlock state of the connector.

Abstract: An alternating voltage charging device for a vehicle is equipped with a rectifier, a battery terminal, and at least one first DC link capacitor, which is provided between the rectifier and the battery terminal. The charging device includes a switch device, which connects at least one second DC link capacitor to the at least one first DC link capacitor. The switch device interconnects the DC link capacitors in parallel in a first switching state and in series in a second switching state. There is also described a method to be carried out by the charging device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for a multilevel electrical vehicle (EV) motor drive circuit with an integrated battery charger. The apparatus, system and method may include a direct current (DC) battery for the EV connected in parallel with a capacitance; and a three level inverter circuit in parallel with the DC battery and connected in neutral point bisection with the capacitance, comprising: a high frequency low voltage pulse width modulation circuit; and a low frequency fundamental switching circuit at least partially in parallel with the high frequency low voltage pulse width modulation circuit. Additionally included may be motor windings connected in neutral point bisection with the low frequency fundamental switching circuit; and a power factor correction boost charging circuit connected to the three level inverter circuit, and connected to an alternating current grid.

Abstract: An electrical power converter unit (2) includes: a first connection interface (10) comprising two leads (12, 14) forming a DC input/output interface for connecting a first electrical device to the power converter unit, a three-phase rectifier power converter circuit (16) and a second connection interface (30) for connecting a second electrical device to the power converter unit. The second connection interface includes a switching unit (46) adapted to switch between:—a DC input/output mode, in which first, second and third arms of the power converter circuit (16) are electrically connected together, forming one DC input/output; and—an AC input/output mode, in which the arms are disconnected from each other, forming separate input/outputs for a three-phase AC voltage.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable electric vehicle (EV) charging station and components thereof are disclosed herein. The rapidly deployable electric vehicle charging station is connected to a distribution point on an electrical grid. In one embodiment, the rapidly deployable electric vehicle charging station includes an elevated platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and opposing sides, and at least one beam spanning between the opposing sides and affixed to the bottom surface of the platform. The rapidly deployable electric vehicle charging station includes an electric vehicle charging dispenser coupled to the top surface of the elevated platform. A plurality of cable blocks spanning between the platform and the electrical distribution point, wherein the cable blocks house electrical cabling extending from the electrical distribution point to the electric vehicle charging dispenser.

Abstract: A solar charging shopping scooter is shown and described. The solar charging shopping scooter includes a scooter, having a base with a housing affixed to a rear portion of the base. A plurality of wheels movably affixed to the underside of the base. A seat affixed to a top portion of the housing. A basket affixed to the front of the housing. A solar panel is attached to the scooter. The solar panel is capable of charging the scooter. An electrical connection, wherein the electrical connection is configured to attach to a wall outlet.

Abstract: A charge/discharge device according to the present invention is an electric-vehicle charger/discharger that constitutes a charge/discharge system together with a storage-battery charger/discharger that performs an operation of charging a storage battery installed in a house and an operation of discharging the stationary storage battery to supply electric power to a household load, and performs an operation of charging a storage battery for power included in an electric vehicle and a discharging operation of discharging the storage battery for power to supply electric power to the household load, and the charge/discharge device includes a current detection unit to detect a value of a current that flows between the storage battery and the household load, and a control unit to control the operation of charging the storage battery for power and the operation of discharging the storage battery for power based on a value of a current detected by the current detection unit.

Abstract: A method for handling surplus or deficit of energy in local energy systems (30) is presented. The method comprising; determining an accumulator status based on data pertaining to an accumulator (20) of a moveable device (10); determining energy status of each of a plurality of local energy systems (30) based on data pertaining to the respective local energy system 30; scoring, based on the determined accumulator status and the determined energy statuses, each of the local energy systems (30); determining, based on the respective scores of each of the plurality of local energy systems (30), a local energy system (30), among the plurality of local energy systems (30), to which the moveable device (10) is to be directed. Also a server (40) configured to handling surplus or deficit of energy in local energy systems is presented.

Abstract: A method for coordinating charging and/or filling of an energy storage device of a motor vehicle. A navigation device determines user-specific appointment data having location coordinates, a departure location of the motor vehicle, and energy storage data for a state of charge and/or a fill level, and environmental data for a specified time range. The navigation device provides a digital agenda model, which describes the determined data, as well as map data for the respective locations and for at least one energy delivery device, and uses the agenda model to determine at least one travel plan for keeping the at least one appointment. As a function of the determined energy storage data, the respective travel route takes into consideration at least one location of an energy delivery device as an intermediate destination having a charging and/or filling time.

Abstract: A charging system of an electric vehicle battery is provided. The charging system has a charging station and at least one charging cable connectable to a battery to be charged. The charging station has at least one power unit provided with a power card adapted to charge the battery and a female-type connector adapted to connect to a male-type connector of the at least one charging cable. The at least one charging cable and the charging station have respective authentication circuits configured to implement a cable authentication algorithm which, in case of positive outcome, enables charging the battery. The charging system allows charging batteries of different types and working voltages. A method for charging an electric vehicle battery is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle charging acceptance rate adjustment method includes, among other things, receiving a communication at an electrified vehicle. The communication includes a local system delivery rate of a local renewable energy system. The method further includes adjusting a vehicle charging acceptance rate based, at least in part, on the local system delivery rate, and charging a traction battery of the electrified vehicle at the vehicle charging acceptance rate.

Abstract: An in-vehicle power supply system includes multiple power cells of identical mechanical size, multiple power pods each holding multiple power cells, and a mechanical transport system to move and exchange power cells with pumps at power cell exchange and charging stations. Each power cell and each power pod includes a control unit and a power converter with a magnetic core. The power cells held by a power pod are arranged parallel to each other and coupled to the power pod by magnetic field coupling. Power is transferred between the power pod and the power cells bidirectionally using magnetic field of different frequencies, and data and commands are communicated between them using magnetic field of another different frequency. Load balancing among power cells within a power pod and among power pods can be achieved. The structure of the power cell exchange and charging stations is also described.

Abstract: A battery system is electrically connected to a power bus that is arranged to supply electric power to an on-vehicle actuator such as an electric traction machine. Controlling electric power flow in the battery pack includes determining states of charge for the plurality of battery packs, identifying one of the battery packs as a weakest battery pack based upon the states of charge, and determining an internal circulating current being transferred via the wiring harness that is associated with charging of the weakest battery pack. Electric power transfer through the wiring harness and the power bus is controlled such that the internal circulating current is less than an internal circulating current limit. In one embodiment, the internal circulating current limit is determined in relation to battery temperature.

Abstract: A system includes a terminal and a power supply assembly. The terminal includes a user interface configured to receive user input for generating a first input signal or a second input signal. The power supply assembly includes a communication interface configured to receive the first input signal or the second input signal from the terminal, a power supply configured to power an unmanned vehicle, and a power supply circuit in electrical communication with the power supply. The power supply circuit is configured to switch the power supply between a plurality of operational modes in response to the first input signal, or display a level of charge or remaining capacity of the power supply in response to the second input signal.

Abstract: A battery degradation evaluation system includes a memory and a processor connected to the memory. The processor is configured to acquire a state quantity of a battery, correct the acquired state quantity if the state quantity correlates with a physical quantity relating to temperature of the battery, and evaluate degradation of the battery based on the corrected state quantity.

Abstract: A battery system for an electric vehicle includes a battery module having battery cells and a controller module connected to the battery cells, the controller module being configured to measure voltage values, current values, and temperature values of at least one of the battery cells, and a controller unit connected to the battery module and configured to communicate with the controller module via a data line, the controller unit being configured to determine an inherent physical property of the at least one of the battery cells based on the measured values of the controller module, to compare the determined inherent physical property with a reference value for the inherent physical property, and to perform an authentication of the at least one of the battery cells based on the comparison.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a temperature management system for an energy system of a motor vehicle. The temperature management system includes an energy storage system, a conductivity element, and an ambient interface. The ambient interface includes a first surface directed to an environment of the energy system and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The conductivity element is arranged between the second surface of the ambient interface and the energy storage system. The conductivity element is switchable between an isolating mode with a first lower thermal conductivity and a conductive mode with a second higher thermal conductivity. The conductivity element includes a voltage sensitive material. The voltage sensitive material is switchable between the first and the second thermal conductivity depending on an applied voltage. The voltage sensitive material includes a piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A system for mitigating thermal runaway in a battery-powered electric vehicle (EV). The system includes a gas sensor configured to measure a level of at least one type of gas in a vicinity of a battery of the EV, a thermal event detector configured to determine, based on the measured level of the at least one type of gas, that the battery is experiencing out-gassing, and a communications interface configured to transmit an alert to a fleet management system regarding the out-gassing of the battery. The fleet management system alters an assignment of the EV in response to the out-gassing of the battery.

Abstract: In a battery heating system an inverter includes a first-phase bridge arm, a second-phase bridge arm and a third-phase bridge arm connected in parallel, each of a upper bridge arm and a lower bridge arm is provided with a switch module, the switch module is connected in parallel with a buffer module; and a motor controller in the inverter is provided for providing driving signals to the switch module of a target upper bridge arm and the switch module of a target lower bridge arm to control the switch module of the upper bridge arm of any bridge arm among the three phases of bridge arms and the switch module of the lower bridge arm of at least one bridge arm among the bridge arms except the bridge arm where the switch module of the target upper bridge arm is located to be periodically turned on and off.

Abstract: A cooling circuit operable with fuel of a fuel cell system includes a fuel tank storing fuel for the fuel cell system, a fuel compressor configured to increase a pressure of the fuel, a first heat exchanger configured to cool the pressurized fuel, a first conduit coupled to an outlet of the first heat exchanger, a first turbine coupled to the first conduit and configured to expand the pressurized and cooled fuel, and a second conduit coupled to an outlet of the first turbine and configured to direct the expanded fuel to the fuel cell system. Further disclosed is a vehicle including at least one cooling circuit or a cooling system having a cooling circuit.

Abstract: An occupant detection system includes a controller, a sensing electrode, and a shield electrode, the electrodes disposed in a vehicle seat. The controller is electrically coupled to the sensing electrode and shield electrode by a sensing circuit. The controller is configured to send an input signal to the sensing electrode, the shield electrode, or both and measures current, impedance, or capacitance values to determine the presence of an object on the seat, to classify the object, or both.

Abstract: A control unit is provided that executes: acquiring a first direction that is a direction of the sun as seen from a vehicle that is traveling; acquiring preference data indicating a preference of a user regarding sunlight, the user being moved by the vehicle; and issuing an operation command to an actuator that changes a rotation angle of a seat, in which the user is seated, with respect to the vehicle, based on the first direction and the preference data.