Battery Patents (Class 105/50)
  • Patent number: 10493861
    Abstract: A system and method for determining hydrogen production to provide energy to at least one vehicle that include determining that at least one vehicle is arriving towards a vehicle energy station. The system and method also include determining if the vehicle energy station includes a sufficient amount of hydrogen to refuel the at least one vehicle arriving towards the vehicle energy station. The system and method further include controlling production of hydrogen by the vehicle energy station if it is determined that the vehicle energy station includes an insufficient amount of hydrogen to refuel the at least one vehicle arriving towards the vehicle energy station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David Wong Cun
  • Patent number: 10110034
    Abstract: The rechargeable battery arrangement includes a first plurality of series-connected first charge storage cells, a second plurality of series-connected second charge storage cells, and a third plurality of series-connected third charge storage cells. The arrangement further includes a first converter having a first connection pair is connected to the third plurality of series-connected third charge storage cells, and a second connection pair, connected in series with the first plurality of series-connected first charge storage cells. A series connection consisting of the first plurality of first charge storage cells and the first converter is connected in parallel to the second plurality of second charge storage cells. Moreover, the first converter is configured to convert at least one of a voltage and a current supplied by the third plurality of series-connected third charge storage cells, and to output said voltage and/or current at the second connection pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dominik Gruber, Joerg Reuss, Andre Schmitz
  • Patent number: 9592724
    Abstract: An example vehicle includes a battery tray that is movably coupled to a front axle assembly of the vehicle. A back end of the tray is coupled to a first chassis member and a second chassis member of the vehicle via respective joints that allow rotational motion of the tray with respect to the first chassis member and the second chassis member. The vehicle's chassis includes a first rail comprising a first plurality of holes and a second rail comprising a second plurality of holes. The first rail slides within the second rail to provide an adjustable wheel-base length or width for various configurations of the vehicle. When the first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes are aligned, one or more fasteners may be used to secure the first rail to the second rail to select a particular wheel-base length or width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: HORIZON HOBBY, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Trujillo, Akira Kogawa
  • Patent number: 9511657
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable battery module for an electrically driven vehicle, with at least one bracket that can be detachably arranged on a bearing structure of the motor vehicle, and carries at least one battery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Friedhelm Engler, Clarence Kim, Richard Shaw
  • Patent number: 9415781
    Abstract: A diesel-electric locomotive has two separate engine systems, including a large engine system and a small engine system. The power output from the separate engine systems may be combined to power the locomotive's traction motors. When the locomotive requires low power output for propulsion, only the small engine system is used to power the traction motors. When the locomotive requires higher power output, only the large engine system is used to power the traction motors. When the locomotive requires maximum power output, the small and the large engine system may both be used and their power output combined to power the traction motors. Also, a unique control strategy maintains a smooth delivery of power to the traction motors in the event that one engine shuts down or starts as a result of a change in the commanded power output of the locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Progress Rail Services Corporation
    Inventors: W. Jack Hardin, Walter E. Earleson, Roy C. Fonseca
  • Patent number: 9327597
    Abstract: A solar battery mounting structure including a solar battery module which frame includes a light transmissive plate member, an adhesive portion by which a lower surface of a side end portion of the light transmissive plate member is adhered to an adhesive surface of a vehicle body frame member, and a fixation portion which is fixed to a lower surface of the light transmissive plate member through a sealing material layer, and is fixed to a fixation surface of the vehicle body frame member facing the lower surface, a protrusion portion in contact with the lower surface of the light transmissive plate member through the sealing material layer is fainted in the fixation portion, and frame a step portion is formed between the adhesive surface and the fixation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazutaka Kimura
  • Patent number: 9200554
    Abstract: A modular locomotive UC storage system includes: at least one cabinet section in a locomotive; a plurality of vertical stacks of UC modules housed within each cabinet section, each UC module including a plurality of UC cells; wherein each UC module within each of the vertical stacks of UC modules is connected in parallel to the UC modules within the vertical stack; wherein each of the vertical stacks of UC modules are connected in series with the other vertical stacks of UC modules within each cabinet section; wherein the connections between the UC modules and between the vertical stacks of UC modules are made by bus bars located such that the UC modules electrically connect with the bus bars in an appropriate combination of series and parallel connections when the UC modules are located in position within the cabinet sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Clean Train Propulsion
    Inventor: David Cook
  • Publication number: 20150135459
    Abstract: Provided is a blade maintenance device for a wind turbine. The blade maintenance device for the wind turbine includes: a body that travels along a leading edge of a blade; support units that extend from the body to both sides of the blade and support the sides of the blade; and a maintenance unit installed at at least one of the body and the support units so as to perform maintenance of an outer side of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG HEAVY IND. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byung Kyu Lee, Hong Gyeoum Kim, Jong Hwan Lee, Young Seok Cho, Young Youl Ha, In Chul Ha, Dong Ki Han
  • Patent number: 9003976
    Abstract: An electric machine has a base body in which a stator of the electric machine is arranged. The electric machine has a rotor shaft which is mounted in the base body in bearings for rotation. The electric machine has a pick-up element connected in fixed rotative engagement with the base body and which taps a voltage present on the rotor shaft. The pick-up element is electrically connected to the base body via a capacitor and/or an ohmic resistor. A capacitance value of the capacitor is at least 1 nF. A resistance value of the ohmic resistor is between 10 mO and 10 O.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Brauer, Carsten Probol
  • Publication number: 20140318410
    Abstract: A locomotive includes a plurality of axles and a plurality of pairs of wheels, each pair of wheels being connected to one of said axles. The locomotive also includes a plurality of traction motors, each traction motor operably attached to at least one of the axles. The locomotive includes a power system including at least one power module, the power system being configured to provide power to the traction motors. The locomotive includes a controller configured to receive a control signal indicative of a locomotive powering mode and determine a number of power modules operably connected to the power system and, based on the number of power modules operably connected to the power system and the control signal, send a command signal to the power system for operating the power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: PROGRESS RAIL SERVICES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Franklin Kral, Jeffrey Holt Wright, Sidarta Fornari Beltramin, Luis Roberto van den Berg
  • Patent number: 8857345
    Abstract: A system for distributing energy among a plurality of power consumers may include a plurality of reaction cells configured to receive electrolytes and provide electric power. The system may also include a first tank configured to contain a supply of fluid including positively charged electrolytes and a second tank configured to contain a supply of fluid including negatively charged electrolytes. The system may also include at least one pump configured to pump fluid among the plurality of reaction cells and the first and second tanks. The system may include a controller configured to control operation of the at least one pump based on a desired power supply to at least one of the plurality of power consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Van Polen
  • Publication number: 20140299014
    Abstract: A flow battery system may include at least one electrolyte tank for storing electrolytes. The system may also include a plurality of reaction cells, each having an output current. The system may further include a plurality of pumps, each associated with one of the plurality of reaction cells, for pumping the electrolytes into the reaction cell at a flow rate. The system may also include a pump sensor configured to monitor the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps. The system may also include an output sensor configured to monitor an output current of at least one of the plurality of reaction cells. The system may further include a controller configured to control the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps based on the output current of the reaction cell associated with the at least one of the plurality of pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry Van Polen
  • Patent number: 8847524
    Abstract: Braking current generated by an electrical motor on mining equipment during a retard interval is switched through one or more grid resistors that are liquid cooled. Under low ambient temperatures, a heating current can be switched through the grid resistors when the electrical motor is not operating in a retard interval. An integrated cooling system can be used to cool grid resistors and power modules. Heat dissipated by the grid resistors and the power modules can be circulated through auxiliary heating loops to heat portions of the mining equipment under low ambient temperatures. Multiple liquid-cooled power modules, liquid-cooled grid resistors, auxiliary heating loops, control modules, radiators, and pumps can be coupled by a liquid distribution system with various combinations of parallel and serial branches. Temperature, pressure, and flow rate in each branch can be independently controlled. Operation of the integrated cooling system can be controlled by a computational system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Joy Mazumdar
  • Patent number: 8816534
    Abstract: A system of charging and utilizing rechargeable battery packs. A vehicle is provided that has an internal vehicle battery rack with removable battery packs. The vehicle recharges the battery packs when in operation. An auxiliary battery rack is provided that is separate from the vehicle. The auxiliary battery rack can also receive the rechargeable battery packs. A power inverter converts direct current from the rechargeable battery packs to alternating current. To utilize the system, the battery packs are charged by the vehicle. Once charged, at least one of the rechargeable battery packs is moved to the auxiliary battery rack. Once engaged with the auxiliary battery rack, the power inverter converts power from the rechargeable battery packs into alternating current. The alternating current is then used to power circuits in a building or to provide a mobile AC power source that can be used in place of a mobile generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Ricardo Vasquez
  • Patent number: 8789473
    Abstract: A flow battery system may include at least one electrolyte tank for storing electrolytes. The system may also include a plurality of reaction cells, each having an output current. The system may further include a plurality of pumps, each associated with one of the plurality of reaction cells, for pumping the electrolytes into the reaction cell at a flow rate. The system may also include a pump sensor configured to monitor the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps. The system may also include an output sensor configured to monitor an output current of at least one of the plurality of reaction cells. The system may further include a controller configured to control the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps based on the output current of the reaction cell associated with the at least one of the plurality of pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Van Polen
  • Publication number: 20140144346
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems drive an infant carrier through space while providing soothing acceleration and/or sonic components. Infant-soothing swaying and vibrating mechanisms help to calm an upset infant and/or help the infant to fall asleep. Embodiments described herein include infant carriers capable of self-locomotion and/or platforms capable of self-locomotion with snap-in fasteners to accept an infant carrier. In some embodiments, a platform with an attached infant carrier travels along a track or monorail. In some embodiments, an infant carrier with wheels may be pulled by a toy providing the locomotion. Some embodiments incorporate a device controller with biofeedback mechanisms to adaptively pinpoint characteristics of soothing motions and sounds appropriate to a selected soothing task for a particular infant in a particular emotional state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Albert Daniel Houston
  • Patent number: 8677908
    Abstract: A power conversion unit is unitized by accommodating an inverter, converter, and control equipment etc in a box-shaped enclosure having six faces. A storage battery unit is unitized by accommodating a storage battery and storage battery control equipment etc in a box-shaped enclosure having six faces. The driving control equipment of a driver's cab is accommodated in a box-shaped enclosure having six faces. A power generation unit is unitized by accommodating an engine, main generator and radiator etc in a box-shaped enclosure having six faces. The power conversion unit, storage battery unit, driver's cab and power generation unit are mounted on a car body under-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Masahiko Kanda
  • Patent number: 8671844
    Abstract: A railway vehicular power converter adapted to be fixed beneath a floor of a railway vehicle has a power conversion unit, a housing, and a plurality of L-shaped securing members provided at upper end parts of an outer surface of the housing for fixing beneath the floor of the railway vehicle. The plurality of securing members is reinforced by reinforcing members provided inside the housing and attached behind the surface of the housing where the securing members are disposed. Each of the reinforcing members has a C-channel having a length substantially the same as a length of the housing in a shorter direction thereof, and has two edges in the shorter direction bent at least once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8640629
    Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are provided. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Norfolk Southern Corporation
    Inventors: Gibson V Barbee, Gerhard A. Thelen, Robert S Runyon, Derick Vander Klippe
  • Patent number: 8596434
    Abstract: An electric railway system includes an electric car and an electric-power supply device that supplies electric power to the electric car. The electric-power supply device includes a power source, and an overhead conductor portion connected to the power source. The electric car includes: a power collector installed on a roof of the electric car, having a contact conductor portion contactable to the overhead conductor portion, and being capable of raising and lowering the contact conductor portion based on an instruction from outside; a switching unit connected to the power collector, opening and closing a main circuit; an electric-power conversion device connected to the switching unit, performing an electric power conversion; an electric-power storage device connected to the electric-power conversion device; an electric motor driven by the electric-power conversion device, driving the electric car; and a control unit controlling at least the switching unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Kitanaka
  • Publication number: 20130269566
    Abstract: A power converter may include an uncharged tank for storing fluid including uncharged electrolytes. The power converter may include a plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells configured to receive the fluid from the uncharged tank and an input voltage, and charge the uncharged electrolytes. The power converter may also include a charged tank configured to receive fluid from the plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells. The power converter may also include a first pump configured to pump the fluid from the plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells to the charged tank. The power converter may include a plurality of series-connected reaction cells configured to receive fluid from the charged tank and provide electric power at an output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry Van Polen
  • Publication number: 20130220164
    Abstract: A flow battery system may include at least one electrolyte tank for storing electrolytes. The system may also include a plurality of reaction cells, each having an output current. The system may further include a plurality of pumps, each associated with one of the plurality of reaction cells, for pumping the electrolytes into the reaction cell at a flow rate. The system may also include a pump sensor configured to monitor the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps. The system may also include an output sensor configured to monitor an output current of at least one of the plurality of reaction cells. The system may further include a controller configured to control the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps based on the output current of the reaction cell associated with the at least one of the plurality of pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry VAN POLEN
  • Publication number: 20130167752
    Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Gibson V. Barbee, Gerhard A. Thelen, Robert S. Runyon, Derick Vander Klippe
  • Patent number: 8413589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container-based locomotive power source that can be readily interchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Union Pacific Railroad Company
    Inventor: Michael E. Iden
  • Patent number: 8381658
    Abstract: A method of operating a locomotive including a set of electrical traction motors, a fuel cell power module for generating electrical current for the traction motors, an air system for providing an air mass to the fuel cell power module, and a cooling system for cooling the fuel cell power module. When an amount of power is requested from the power module, a required current and a stoic set point for the power module are determined. From the required current, the stoic set point, and numerical factors characterizing the power module, an air mass flow set point is determined for producing the requested amount of power. A compressor set point including speed and torque set points of a compressor motor are determined for the air system to produce the air mass flow corresponding to the requested amount of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Arnold R. Miller, Kris S. Hess, Timothy L. Erickson, James L. Dippo
  • Patent number: 8342103
    Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage devices. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Norfolk Southern Corporation
    Inventors: Gibson V Barbee, Gerhard A Thelen, Robert S Runyon, Derick Vander Klippe
  • Publication number: 20120160124
    Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Gibson V. Barbee, Gerhard A. Thelen, Robert S. Runyon, Derick Vander Klippe
  • Patent number: 8171860
    Abstract: A cooling system for a hydrogen hybrid locomotive including a set of electric traction motors and a hydrogen fuel cell system for providing electric power for driving the traction motors. The cooling system includes a radiator for extracting heat from cooling fluid circulated through the hydrogen fuel cell system and a circulation system. The circulation system has a pump for moving the cooling fluid through the circulation system, a first circulation path including a radiator output valve for controlling a selected amount of the cooling fluid provided by the pump to a cooling fluid inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell system through the radiator, and a second circulation path including a bypass valve for bypassing a selected amount of the cooling fluid provided by the pump around the radiator and to the cooling fluid inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell system. A fan system provides air flow across the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Arnold R. Miller, Kris S. Hess, Timothy L. Erickson, James L. Dippo
  • Patent number: 8136454
    Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Norfolk Southern Corporation
    Inventors: Gibson V Barbee, Gerhard A Thelen, Robert S Runyon, Derick Vander Klippe
  • Patent number: 8117969
    Abstract: A hydrogen hybrid locomotive including a set of batteries for driving a plurality of electric traction motors for moving the locomotive along a set of railroad rails and a fuel cell power plant for charging the set of batteries and driving the electric traction motors. The fuel cell power plant includes at least one fuel cell power module for generating electrical current by reacting hydrogen fuel and oxygen from intake air, the amount of electrical current being proportional to an air mass flow of the intake air. An air system selectively provides an air mass flow to the fuel cell module to generate an amount of electrical current required for corresponding operating conditions of the locomotive. A cooling system cools the at least one fuel cell power module in response to the amount of current being generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Arnold R. Miller, Kris S. Hess, Timothy L. Erickson, James L. Dippo
  • Patent number: 8006627
    Abstract: A cooling system for a hydrogen hybrid locomotive having a set of electric traction motors and a hydrogen fuel cell system for providing electric power for driving the traction motors includes a radiator for extracting heat from cooling fluid circulated through the hydrogen fuel cell system by a circulation system. The circulation system includes a bypass valve for bypassing a selected amount of the cooling fluid around the radiator and a radiator output valve for controlling an amount of the cooling fluid passed to the hydrogen fuel cell system from the radiator. A fan system provides air flow across the radiator. A control system selectively sets a position of the radiator output valve and a position of the bypass valve and selectively controls a speed of the fan, as required to control cooling of the hydrogen fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Arnold R. Miller, Kris S. Hess, Timothy L. Erickson, James L. Dippo
  • Patent number: 7971538
    Abstract: A hydrogen hybrid locomotive including traction motors for moving the locomotive along a set of tracks, a set of batteries for providing electrical power to the traction motors, a hydrogen fuel cell power plant for charging the set of batteries, an air system having a variable speed compressor for providing air flow to the power plant, and a DC to DC converter for managing power distribution from the hydrogen fuel cell power plant to the batteries. A controller determines an amount of current required from the power plant to produce a selected amount of power, determines a stoic operating setpoint for the power plant based on the current required, sets the speed of a compressor within the air system to provide a selected amount of air flow to the power plant for the determined stoic operating setpoint, determines from a resulting actual air flow to the power module available power, and sets an operating setpoint of the DC to DC converter from the determined an available power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Arnold R. Miller, Kris S. Hess, Timothy L. Erickson, James L. Dippo
  • Patent number: 7966945
    Abstract: A hydrogen hybrid locomotive driven by a set of electric traction motors powered by at least one hydrogen fuel cell power module and plurality of batteries includes a chassis, an isolation structure disposed on the chassis for isolating the at least one hydrogen fuel cell power module from shock and vibration and a battery rack disposed on the chassis for supporting the plurality of batteries. A hydrogen containment module is disposed above the battery rack and includes a support rack supporting a plurality of hydrogen tanks and a manifold coupled to each of the plurality of hydrogen tanks for allowing charging and discharging of the hydrogen tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Arnold R. Miller, Kris S. Hess, Timothy L. Erickson, James L. Dippo
  • Publication number: 20110083578
    Abstract: A rail consist having at least one propulsion car having traction motors and at least one working car having working motors. Energy storage units are provided on the consist to provide power to the traction motors and the working motors. The energy storage units provide sufficient power for work mode, travel speeds and curve characteristics of the consist. The use of the energy storage units provides safety, environmental and operational benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: HARSCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Syed Reza Ahmed SAMI
  • Publication number: 20100275810
    Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Gibson V. Barbee, Gerhard A. Thelen, Robert S. Runyon, Larry Conrad, Derick Vander Klippe
  • Patent number: 7761198
    Abstract: Methods and systems for energy management system for a vehicle are provided. The system includes a first power source configured for cranking an engine wherein the first power source includes a switch configured to electrically couple the first power source to a starter for the engine and wherein the first power source is electrically isolated from auxiliary onboard loads. The system further includes a second power source configured for supplying auxiliary on board loads, a charging subsystem electrically coupled to the first and the second power sources. The charging subsystem is configured to supply charging current to the first and the second power sources. The system further includes a controller configured to maintain the first power source in a substantially fully charged condition and supply the auxiliary loads from the second power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ramesh Chandra Bhardwaj
  • Patent number: 7669534
    Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting a propulsion circuit of an existing Off Highway Vehicle to enable the propulsion circuit to operate as a hybrid energy Off Highway Vehicle propulsion circuit. The hybrid propulsion circuit includes a primary power source, and a traction motor for propelling an Off Highway Vehicle in response to the primary electric power. The traction motor has a motoring mode of operation and a power dissipation mode of operation. The traction motor generates dynamic braking electrical power in the power dissipation mode of operation. An electrical energy storage system includes a chopper circuit coupled to an energy storage device. The storage device is responsive to the chopper circuit to selectively store electrical energy generated in the power dissipation mode. The storage system selectively provides secondary electric power from the storage device to traction motor to assist in propelling the Off Highway Vehicle during the motoring mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Henry Todd Young
  • Patent number: 7667436
    Abstract: An energy saving type feeder voltage compensation apparatus improved in availability at low temperatures, wherein when a electric energy storage apparatus is lower in temperature than a predetermined value, an output voltage output to a feeder side is made equal to or higher than a no-load output voltage of a substation connected in parallel. Power is supplied to a power running rolling stock preferentially from the electric energy storage apparatus. The heating value of the secondary battery is increased and the battery temperature is raised by this discharging, whereby internal resistance of the electric energy storage apparatus is lowered, and the charging and discharging loss is suppressed, and the efficiency and availability of the energy saving type feeder voltage compensation apparatus as a whole are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomomichi Ito, Tetsuya Kato, Takashi Ikimi
  • Patent number: 7661370
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems for prolonging battery life, such as maintaining battery cell temperatures in battery packs within specified limits, providing vibration and shock resistance, and/or electrically isolating groups of batteries from nearby conductive surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Railpower, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Pike, Brian L. Jarrett
  • Publication number: 20090038499
    Abstract: A cableway with suspended tram and remote bogie is disclosed. This includes a self-contained motor, traction and support sheaves with provision for adjusting the height of the tram below said cable for limiting vertical acceleration caused by travel along the cantenary curve of the cableway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Richard David Morris
  • Publication number: 20080295726
    Abstract: A method for predicting a low battery voltage condition includes calculating a minimum battery capacity required to start an engine, determining a first capacity of a battery at a first time, determining a second capacity of the battery at a second time, and predicting, based on the first and second determined capacities, when a remaining capacity of the battery will be less than the minimum battery capacity. A control system programmed with the above method and a locomotive included the programmed control system are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Charles Earl Cooper, Julie Ann Crosscut
  • Publication number: 20080276824
    Abstract: A propulsion system for a vehicle is provided. The propulsion system includes a first traction drive system and a second traction drive system. The first traction drive system includes a heat engine and a first drive motor. The heat engine supplies energy to the first drive motor to propel the vehicle. The second traction drive system includes a second drive motor and a first energy storage device. The second drive motor both supplies energy to the first energy storage device and receives energy from the first energy storage device. Also provided is a propulsion system for a vehicle that includes the first traction drive system and a propulsion means for supplying energy to a first energy storage device and for receiving energy from the first energy storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Dean King, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Lembit Salasoo
  • Publication number: 20080276825
    Abstract: A system is provided for retrofitting an electrically propelled vehicle. The vehicle has an engine-driven generator, and at least a first traction motor and a second traction motor coupled to the generator. The system includes an energy storage device capable of being coupled to at least the first traction motor; and a control system operable to control a distribution of propulsive power between the first traction motor and the second traction motor. An associated method and a retrofit kit are provided, also.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Dean King, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Lembit Salasoo
  • Patent number: 7448328
    Abstract: A computerized system for use in connection with a hybrid energy off highway vehicle system of a off highway vehicle. The hybrid energy off highway vehicle system includes an off highway vehicle, a primary power source, and an off highway vehicle traction motor propelling the off highway vehicle in response to the primary electric power, and an energy capture system for storing and/or transferring electrical power. An energy management processor carried on the off highway vehicle controls transmission of electrical power among the primary electric power generator, the vehicle propulsion system, an electrical energy capture system, and each of the plurality of dynamic braking resistance grid circuits during motoring, operating and braking the travel of the off highway vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
  • Patent number: 7444944
    Abstract: A hybrid power locomotive system has a plurality of combustion engines for driving a plurality of electric power generators that supply electric power to at least one traction battery. The battery is connected to supply power to a plurality of electric traction motors coupled in driving relationship to respective ones of a plurality of wheel-axle sets of the locomotive. At least one traction motor drive is connected for controlling power to the electric traction motors. An electric power controller is arranged for coupling electric power from the power generators to the battery and senses the available energy in the battery and the power demand from the traction drives for activating selected ones of the plurality of combustion engines for charging the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Robert D. King, Chi-Houng Eddie Lu, Leonard Michael Hill
  • Publication number: 20080264291
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems for prolonging battery life, such as maintaining battery cell temperatures in battery packs within specified limits, providing vibration and shock resistance, and/or electrically isolating groups of batteries from nearby conductive surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: RAIL POWER TECHNOLOGIES CORP
    Inventors: James A. Pike, Brian L. Jarrett
  • Patent number: 7402982
    Abstract: An energy saving type feeder voltage compensation apparatus improved in availability at low temperatures, wherein when a secondary battery is lower in temperature than a predetermined value, an output voltage output to a feeder side is made equal to or higher than a no-load output voltage of a substation connected in parallel. Power is supplied to a power running rolling stock preferentially from the secondary battery. The heating value of the secondary battery is increased and the battery temperature is raised by this discharging, whereby internal resistance of the secondary battery is lowered, and the charging and discharging loss is suppressed, and the efficiency and availability of the energy saving type feeder voltage compensation apparatus as a whole are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomomichi Ito, Tetsuya Kato, Takashi Ikimi
  • Patent number: 7325498
    Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting a propulsion circuit of an existing Off Highway Vehicle to enable the propulsion circuit to operate as a hybrid energy Off Highway Vehicle propulsion circuit. The hybrid propulsion circuit includes a primary power source, and a traction motor for propelling an Off Highway Vehicle in response to the primary electric power. The traction motor has a motoring mode of operation and a power dissipation mode of operation. The traction motor generates dynamic braking electrical power in the power dissipation mode of operation. An electrical energy storage system includes a chopper circuit coupled to an energy storage device. The storage device is responsive to the chopper circuit to selectively store electrical energy generated in the power dissipation mode. The storage system selectively provides secondary electric power from the storage device to traction motor to assist in propelling the Off Highway Vehicle during the motoring mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Henry Todd Young
  • Patent number: 7185591
    Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting a propulsion circuit of an existing Off Highway Vehicle to enable the propulsion circuit to operate as a hybrid energy Off Highway Vehicle propulsion circuit. The hybrid propulsion circuit includes a primary power source, and a traction motor for propelling an Off Highway Vehicle in response to the primary electric power. The traction motor has a motoring mode of operation and a power dissipation mode of operation. The traction motor generates dynamic braking electrical power in the power dissipation mode of operation. An electrical energy storage system includes a chopper circuit coupled to an energy storage device. The storage device is responsive to the chopper circuit to selectively store electrical energy generated in the power dissipation mode. The storage system selectively provides secondary electric power from the storage device to traction motor to assist in propelling the Off Highway Vehicle during the motoring mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Henry Todd Young
  • Patent number: 7137344
    Abstract: A system and method for managing electrical power generated by an engine for use in connection with operating a hybrid energy off highway vehicle load control system. A load control circuit determines a current operating condition of the Off Highway Vehicle, and determines a corresponding target operating condition of the Off Highway Vehicle The load control system determines a difference between the current operating condition and a target operating condition to identify transients. The load control system delivers power from the power source to a energy storage for an initial period after a transient condition is identified and then delivers power from the power source to source to the traction motors to propel the Off Highway Vehicle. The load control system also retrieves to power from the energy storage to assist in propelling the Off Highway Vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Lembit Salasoo, Robert Dean King, Henry Todd Young