Abstract: A power receiving port includes an inlet, a pullout hole for a pullout type cord, and a selector switch. Inlet is connectable with a charging cable provided outside a vehicle. Pullout type cord is pulled out from pullout hole so as to be connectable to a socket of a power source outside the vehicle. In power receiving port, pullout hole is provided at a position where a distance between the pullout hole and a joint openably combining a lid with power receiving port is more than a distance between the inlet and the joint. Selector switch is to select whether to use inlet or pullout type cord by a user.

Abstract: The specification discloses a simple and effective system for tracking position and rotation of an object or portable device located within an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field may be produced by a primary coil, which inductively couples with one or more secondary coils located within a portable device. The relative strength of this inductive coupling may be used to determine the position, rotation, or both of the portable device relative to the primary coil.

Abstract: A system for charging a battery within an at least partially electric vehicle. The system includes a charging device wherein the charging device configured to electrically connect to the at least partially electric vehicle and charge at least one battery by a predetermined amount. The system also includes a network configured to determine the location of the charging device.

Abstract: A charge device converting electric power from an external power supply into a charging electric power for a power storage device is configured to allow power conversion bidirectionally. An AC/DC converter of an external charging system converts AC power of a power line into a charging electric power for an auxiliary battery. A DC/DC converter of the vehicle running system converts the electric power from the power storage device into the charging power for the auxiliary battery. When charging of the auxiliary battery is requested, a control device selectively executes a first charge of converting the electric power of the power storage device by the DC/DC converter to charge the auxiliary battery, and a second charge of converting the electric power of the power storage device by a charge device and the AC/DC converter to charge the auxiliary battery, according to an output state of the auxiliary battery.

Abstract: In an electric charging system (and electric vehicle), Electric-charger-side data Ds are calculated by subjecting an electric-charger-side supplied voltage Vs to filter processing, and electric-vehicle-side data Dr are calculated by subjecting an electric-vehicle-side received voltage Vr to filter processing. A reference point ?1 is set for the electric-charger-side data Ds on the basis of the variation in the rise rate of the electric-charger-side data Ds. Likewise, a reference point ?2 is set for the electric-vehicle-side data Dr based on variation in the rise rate of the electric-vehicle-side data Dr. When an insulation failure between the electric charger and the electric vehicle is determined, a time lag T between the electric-charger-side data Ds and the electric-vehicle-side data Dr is calculated based on the reference points ?1 and ?2, and the electric-charger-side data Ds and the electric-vehicle-side data Dr that are synchronized based on the time lag T are compared.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage system for supplying power to an application with a fluctuating load profile, such as, for example, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, wind energy harvesting equipment and solar energy harvesting equipment. The hybrid energy storage system includes an ultra-capacitor electrically connected to a DC bus and a power source electrically connected to the DC bus via a controlled switch. The hybrid energy storage system further including a DC/DC converter connected between the power source and the ultra-capacitor, the DC/DC converter boosting a voltage of the power source to charge the ultra-capacitor. The DC/DC converter is preferably controlled to maintain a voltage of the ultra-capacitor at a higher value than the voltage of the power source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a switch and a charging management module. The switch is configured to control an electrical connection between a charging device for a battery and a power source. A current flows from the power source through the charging device to the battery to charge the battery when the electrical connection is present between the charging device and the power source. The charging management module is configured to identify a period of time for charging the battery and to control the switch to electrically connect the charging device for the battery to the power source during the period of time identified for charging the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for charging batteries is provided. The apparatus comprises a monitoring unit configured for coupling to a battery and power source. The monitoring unit configured to acquire a control value indicative of a parameter, and to control the charging of the battery responsive thereto. The system comprises a plurality of battery chargers configured for coupling with respective batteries and a common power source. Each charger configured to obtain information relating to a parameter, to communicate the information to the other chargers, to acquire a control value from the information obtained thereby or received from another charger, and to control the charging of the associated battery based on the acquired control value. The method comprises providing a monitoring unit coupled to a battery and power source, acquiring a control value indicative of a parameter, and controlling the charging of the battery responsive to the control value.

Abstract: A vehicle charging port arrangement is provided with a vehicle body, an electric charging port and a charging-in-progress indicator. The vehicle body includes a vehicle cabin and a vehicle front end portion having an upper surface. The electric charging port is arranged on the vehicle front end portion. The electric charging port is configured to receive an electric charging connector. The charging-in-progress indicator is movably mounted to the vehicle front end portion to move in a vertical direction between a charging port access position that provides access to the electric charging port and a charging port blocking position that prevents access to the electric charging port. The charging-in-progress indicator is visible from inside the vehicle cabin looking over the upper surface of the vehicle front end portion while the charging-in-progress indicator is in the charging port access position.

Abstract: A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station.

Abstract: A motor can be driven while reducing the power loss of the entire system where a plurality of devices that causes power losses exists. The system is provided with an inverter connected to a motor, a first converter that is connected between a fuel cell and the inverter and sets an output voltage of the fuel cell, a second converter that is connected between a power storage device and the inverter and sets an input voltage Vin of the inverter, and a controller that controls the first converter and the second converter. Under the operating condition (torque, number of revolutions) required for the motor, an input voltage of the inverter which minimizes a power loss of at least one of the motor, the first converter, the second converter and the inverter is determined, and the determined input voltage is output as a necessary voltage for the inverter.

Abstract: A system and method for charging an electric vehicle includes identifying vehicle information corresponding to the electric vehicle based on an electronic image of the electric vehicle, retrieving from an electronically stored database a location of a charging port on the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information, and robotically moving a charging connector according to the retrieved location to engage the charging port of the electric vehicle to charge a battery.

Abstract: An electric load is electrically connected to a path between an external power supply and a power storage device. An ECU executes temperature-rise control, when the temperature of the power storage device is low, ensuring power consumption of the electric load in association with charging/discharging of the power storage device. During execution of temperature-rise control, the ECU sets a power command value of the external charger, alternately causing a discharging mode having the output power of the external charger positively controlled and in which power consumption of the electric load is ensured in association with discharging of the power storage device, and a charging mode having the output power of the external charger negatively controlled and in which power consumption of the electric load is ensured in association with charging of the power storage device.

Abstract: A method comprises connecting to a charging server; connecting to an authorization management system; receiving a charging request from a charging server, the charging request identifying an electric charging device requested to be used to charge an electric vehicle; transmitting an authorization request to the authorization management system for the electric charging device to be used to charge the electric vehicle; receiving an authorization response from the authorization management system authorizing the electric charging device to be used to charge the electric vehicle; and transmitting an authorization instruction to the charging server to charge the electric vehicle using the electric charging device.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a PCU controlling electric power supplied to a motor, a first power storage device, a second power storage device, an ECU, a charger, system main relays SMR1 to SMR4, SMRA, SMRB, and charging relays CR1 to CR4. The first power storage device is formed such that a first module and a second module which are separately disposed are connected in series through SMRA and SMRB. The first power storage device is connected to the PCU through SMR1 and SMR2. The second power storage device is connected to the PCU through SMR3 and SMR4. The charger has a capacitor that is connected to the first power storage device through CR1 and CR2 and also connected to the second power storage device through CR3 and CR4. When charging is completed, the ECU turns on CR1, CR2, SMR1, and SMR2, and turns off SMRA, SMRB, CR3, CR4, SMR3, and SMR4.

Abstract: A charging method is used for a transportation vehicle without a contact wire. The transportation vehicle is configured so that when a vehicle (1) equipped with an energy storage device (5) stops at a station on a track (2), the energy storage device (5) of the vehicle (1) is charged by a charging device (9) provided on a ground side. The charging method includes charging, by the charging device (9), the energy storage device (5) with a voltage set value (VS) which is near a maximum allowable voltage value (VH) of the energy storage device (5).

Abstract: A rechargeable battery is used with a plurality of battery cells restrained by a restraint member. After the rechargeable battery has the restraint member removed therefrom and is thus disassembled when the rechargeable battery is subsequently re-restrained by the restraint member and thus reused an internal resistance measurement unit measures the rechargeable battery's internal resistance based on battery data detected after the rechargeable battery is re-restrained. At least for the internal voltage, from a value thereof as measured after the battery is re-restrained an evaluation unit evaluates a value of the rechargeable battery that is reused.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field.

Abstract: A power supply system and method for charging a battery of a vehicle are provided and include a charger that is configured to charge the battery and a charging controller that is configured to receive a voltage to charge the battery and operate the charger. An auxiliary battery is configured to supply a first DC voltage to operate the charging controller and a power supplier is configured to generate a second DC voltage greater than the first DC voltage using external AC power, and to supply the second DC voltage to the charging controller as a driving power source to charge the battery. First and second diodes are respectively installed at output ends of the power supplier and the auxiliary battery, a cathode voltage of the second diode is increased when the power supplier supplies the second DC voltage, and the first DC voltage of the auxiliary battery is blocked.

Abstract: A method and device for charging a battery is provided. A charging device transmits a charging initiation request including the meter identifier and a charging identifier to a server, and receives a charging initiation response in response to the charging initiation request from the server. The charging device transmits a charging completion message indicating power consumed for the charging to the server upon completion of the charging, and receives charging information indicating billing information according to the charging of the battery from the server.

Abstract: A cargo carrier system is presented for a motor vehicle with a supporting frame for accommodating at least one object and with an energy supply device for supplying the object accommodated on the supporting frame with electric energy.

Abstract: A battery charging control device for controlling a power generation device installed in an electric vehicle sets a battery energy management area using a current position of a host vehicle as a reference, detects at least one travelable route within the battery energy management area, calculates a battery energy management upper limit value and a battery energy management lower limit value on the basis of a maximum value and a minimum value of energy values required to travel to respective points on the travelable route from the current position, and calculates a battery energy management width by subtracting the management lower limit value from the management upper limit value. When the battery energy management width is not within a predetermined range, the battery energy management area is modified so as to enter the predetermined range.

Abstract: A single electric vehicle charger for electrically connecting to multiple electric vehicles simultaneously while automatically charging the multiple electric vehicles sequentially. The charger includes an AC to DC rectifier, at least one ground fault circuit interrupter, and at least two physical electrical disconnects. The AC to DC rectifier electrically connects to an AC power source and allows DC batteries of the multiple electric vehicles to be charged from the AC power source. The at least one ground fault circuit interrupter is in electrical communication with the AC to DC rectifier and disconnects whenever current becomes unbalanced between an energized conductor and a return neutral conductor.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is configured to be capable of traveling with fuel and electric power serving as energy sources. A charger receives electric power from an external power supply connected to a charging port to charge a power storage device. An ECU calculates a distance traveled per unit amount of electric power supplied from the external power supply by the charger and a distance traveled per unit amount of fuel consumed by an engine. A notification unit notifies a user of each distance traveled, as calculated by the ECU.

Abstract: A hybrid system includes a hybrid controller which controls the speed and torque of an engine based on the operated level of an accelerator pedal within a first range where the power generation efficiency of the system becomes equal to or higher than a preset power generation efficiency to allow the engine to operate at an engine operating point when the SOC detected by an SOC sensor is equal to or higher than an HEV low SOC, and which controls the speed and torque of the engine based on the operated level of the accelerator pedal within a second range where the power generated by a power generator motor becomes larger than that of the first range to allow the engine to operate at the engine operating point when the SOC detected by the SOC sensor is lower than the HEV low SOC.

Abstract: An antitheft system of a charger for an electric vehicle that prevents theft of a charger during charging a battery of the electric vehicle is disclosed. More specifically, a first signal generating portion is provided at the charger, receives a decoupling will of the charger, and generates a decoupling signal. A second signal generating portion generates a position signal, so that anyone who is allowed to handle the electric vehicle possesses the second signal generating portion. A control portion generates an operating signal when both the decoupling signal of the first signal generating portion and the position signal of the second signal generating portion are received by the control portion. Once received, an actuator decouples the charger from the connector once the operating signal from the control portion is received.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with a battery, an electric motor configured so as to generate the driving force of the vehicle by use of the electric power stored in the battery, a charger configured so as to supply the electric power outputted from the power supply outside of the vehicle to the battery, and an ECU configured so as to control the state of charge of the battery when the battery is charged. The ECU calculates an index value indicating the state of charge of the battery, and sets the control range thereof. The ECU raises the upper limit of the index value so that the possible travel distance of the vehicle becomes not less than the target distance when predetermined conditions on degradation of the battery are satisfied.

Abstract: A diagnostic system configured to test the performance of a vehicle component may include a processor configured to process test information from the vehicle component and control the vehicle component to be tested. The system may also include a memory configured to store the test information of the vehicle component and software that operates the vehicle component and a capacitive element configured to supply power to perform the testing of the vehicle component, wherein the memory and the capacitive element are in communication with the processor.

Abstract: A system for monitoring operation of an electric vehicle charging station is provided. The system includes a battery charger configured to couple to a device for supplying current to the device, a current sensor coupled to the battery charger for measuring current supplied from the battery charger to the device, the current sensor configured to generate a measured current profile based on the measured current supplied to the device, and a processor coupled to the current sensor. The processor is configured to receive the measured current profile transmitted from the current sensor, and compare the measured current profile to at least one known current profile to monitor operation of the charging station.

Abstract: A charging system for a traction battery is disclosed. The charging system includes a power grid, a stationary battery, a first controlled power supply, a second controlled power supply, and a switching unit. The first controlled power supply is configured to provide electrical power from the power grid to the stationary battery, at a first controlled rate. The second controlled power supply is configured to provide electrical power from the stationary battery to a traction battery, at a second controlled rate, higher than the first controlled rate.

Abstract: An integrated electronic power control unit of an environmentally friendly vehicle includes an inverter and an LDC (low voltage DC-DC converter), which share a DC input terminal. In the integrated electronic power control unit, the inverter is an electronic power control unit that drives a motor by converting DC voltage into AC voltage, and the low voltage DC-DC converter serves as another electronic power control unit that charges a low-voltage battery by converting DC high voltage into low voltage DC voltage, where the inverter includes a capacitor module composed of a capacitor leveling input voltage and a capacitor removing noise of the input voltage, and the inverter and the low voltage DC-DC converter are integrated such that the output of the capacitor module of the inverter becomes the output of the low voltage DC-DC converter.

Abstract: A system including at least one electric rotary machine and an integrated control circuit and an electronic control unit, the system being embarked in an automobile. The integrated control circuit of the system includes a RAM connected to the electronic control unit via a data communication link, and the electronic control unit includes a rewritable memory. The system further includes a configuration data permanent storage of the system in the rewritable memory as well as an upload of the configuration data into the RAM during a configuration phase of the system. The system herein enables the integrated control circuit of the electric rotary machine to be standardized by virtue of the fact that the configuration data are no longer written in a read-only memory but reside in a RAM of this circuit.

Abstract: A load system includes a power supply input unit for load test of an external power supply, a charging circuit or a charger to which electric power from the power supply is supplied via the power supply input unit, a plurality of loads to which the electric power from the charging circuit or the charger is supplied, and a control circuit that switches selectively and connects the plurality of loads to the charging circuit or the charger. The plurality of loads is a plurality of storage batteries as a load resistance. The control circuit is configured to switch selectively and connect the plurality of storage batteries to the charging circuit or the charger such that the storage battery connected to the charging circuit or the charger among the plurality of storage batteries is charged by the charging circuit or the charger.

Abstract: A charger (200) electrically charges a main battery via (10) an electric power conversion path extending through an isolation transformer (260) and providing electrical isolation between an external power supply (400) and the main battery (10) when first and second relays (RL1, RL2) are turned off and a relay (RL3) is turned on. In contrast, the charger (200) electrically charges the main battery (10) via an electric power conversion path bypassing the isolation transformer (260) and providing electrical connection between the external power supply (400) and the main battery (10) when the first and second relays (RL1, RL2) are turned on and the third relay (RL3) is turned off.

Abstract: An electric power reception terminal is configured such that it can electrically be connected to an AC power supply. A charger is configured to convert AC power input from the electric power reception terminal to a prescribed DC voltage. A non-contact electric power reception portion is configured to receive electric power in a non-contact manner from an AC power supply as a result of magnetic coupling to an electric power transmission portion of the AC power supply. The non-contact electric power reception portion is connected to an electric power conversion circuit of the charger. A charge ECU compares conductive-reception electric power with non-contact-reception electric power, and controls the charger to perform charging by using any greater one of the conductive-reception electric power and the non-contact-reception electric power, based on a result of comparison.

Abstract: A power source comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack) is provided, wherein the second battery pack is only used as required by the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first battery pack or as a result of the user selecting an extended range mode of operation. Minimizing use of the second battery pack prevents it from undergoing unnecessary, and potentially lifetime limiting, charge cycles. The second battery pack may be used to charge the first battery pack or used in combination with the first battery pack to supply operational power to the electric vehicle.

Abstract: An interconnection housing for a motor vehicle, including connection terminals for a battery and connection terminals for an inverter. The housing includes connection terminals for an external electric power supply and outlets for connection to an AC electric motor, such that the battery can be recharged when the external power supply, the inverter, the electric motor, and the battery are all connected simultaneously to the interconnection housing.

Abstract: A power source comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack) is provided, wherein the second battery pack is used when the user selects an extended range mode of operation. Minimizing use of the second battery pack prevents it from undergoing unnecessary, and potentially lifetime limiting, charge cycles.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes: a storage device configured to store power used for traveling; an auxiliary battery configured to store power supplied to an auxiliary load; a converter configured to charge the auxiliary battery by using power supplied from the storage device; and a shut-off device configured to switch between a supply condition in which power is supplied to the auxiliary load from the auxiliary battery and a shut-off condition in which power is not supplied to the auxiliary load from the auxiliary battery. During control of the electric vehicle, the converter is controlled such that an output voltage of the converter is higher when the shut-off device is in the shut-off condition than when the shut-off device is in the supply condition.

Abstract: The electrical vehicle energy storage system permits the electric refueling of the electric vehicle just like an automobile would be refueled with gasoline at a gas station. Circuitry on board the vehicle accessible by the electric refueling station enables the determination of the energy content of the battery module or modules returned to the electric refueling station and the owner of the vehicle is given credit for the energy remaining in the battery module or modules which have been exchanged. Selective refueling may take place for given battery modules by removing them from the battery system and charging them at home, office or factory. A process for operating an electric vehicle is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A battery management system of a vehicle utilizing electrical energy and a driving method thereof is provided. The battery management system includes a sensing unit and a main control unit (MCU). The sensing unit detects voltage of a battery cell. MCU determines an operation state of a vehicle, and generates a sampling signal depending on the operation state of the vehicle. The sampling control signal transmits to the sensing unit, and controls the detection of the voltage of the battery cell. The operation state of the vehicle includes a running state and a stopping state.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides systems and methods for efficiently charging a battery of a vehicle using a regenerative braking system. In one aspect of the invention, the battery charging system includes a regenerative braking system that is configured to convert mechanical energy from braking of the vehicle into electrical energy. The battery charging system also includes a bank of capacitors that is configured to store the electrical energy generated by the regenerative braking system. The battery charging system also includes a circuit that is configured to feed into the battery at least a portion of the electrical energy stored in the bank of capacitors as a series of current pulses at a frequency that corresponds to a resonant frequency of the battery. The series of pulses includes constructive resonant ringing that is constructive with respect to charging the battery.

Abstract: A charging cable for use in charging a vehicle includes a power line, an input section, an oscillator, and a pulse-width adjusting device. The power line is used to carry power from an external power supply to the vehicle. The external power supply and the vehicle are connected to each other with the power line disposed therebetween. A set charging current value in charging the vehicle is input to the input section. The oscillator is configured to generate an oscillation signal having a pulse width within a range of a rated current of the external power supply. The rated current is capable of being supplied to the vehicle. The pulse-width adjusting device is configured to adjust the pulse width of the oscillation signal generated by the oscillator to correspond to the set charging current value input from the input section.

Abstract: Deterioration of a power storage unit included in a vehicle is prevented or the power storage unit that has deteriorated is repaired, and the charge and discharge performance of the power storage unit is maximized to be maintained for a long time. Attention has focused on a reaction product formed on an electrode surface which causes malfunction or deterioration of a power storage unit such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In the power storage unit used for a vehicle that runs on the power of an electric motor, rapid discharge occurring in the acceleration of the vehicle or the like tends to promote the solidification of the reaction product. The reaction product is removed by application of an electrical stimulus, specifically, an inversion pulse voltage.

Abstract: A power supply system of a vehicle includes: a first power storage device that stores power for travel; a second power storage device that stores power for auxiliary equipment; a voltage conversion device that is provided between the first power storage device and the second power storage device, and that charges the second power storage device through voltage conversion of power that is outputted by the first power storage device; and a control device that executes charging control of charging the second power storage device by way of the voltage conversion device, while the vehicle is parked. The control device determines an abnormality in the second power storage device on the basis of information relating to dark current in the second power storage device during parking, and, upon determination of abnormality in the second power storage device, sets the charging control to non-execution.

Abstract: There is provided an electric charging system in which an electric charger and an electric vehicle are connected by a charging cable. The electric charger calculates a voltage drop amount in the charging cable on the basis of a supplied current at the electric charger side and an electric resistance of the charging cable. The electric charger also compares a determination voltage with a supplied voltage at the electric charger side and determines that a battery has been charged to a fully charged state when the supplied voltage reaches the determination voltage. The determination voltage used for such full charge determination is updated by adding the voltage drop amount to a basic determination voltage that is set in advance.

Abstract: Frequency responsive charging for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV), a frequency sensing charging system and a method are provided for implementing demand response and regulation services to power grid using frequency detection for a frequency-based charge controller for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV). A frequency of the power grid is continuously monitored and compared to a predefined tolerance band by a frequency sensor. Responsive to the frequency being outside the predefined tolerance band, the frequency is applied to a programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller uses the applied frequency to identify a control action. A charge controller and a switch coupled to a battery charger receive respective identified control actions for controlling the battery charger.

Abstract: Charging station for electric vehicles. A network stabilization is achieved by a network frequency measuring device 8 being arranged to acquire a network frequency and to detect a network frequency which deviates from a reference frequency, and a load regulating device 10 being in operational connection with the network frequency device 8 such that, upon a deviation from the reference frequency being detected in the network frequency, the load regulating device 10 regulates the electrical power emitted to an electric vehicle by the charging station 2.

Abstract: A battery charge/discharge control apparatus for a vehicle capable of driving an electric motor by a battery is provided. Temperature of the battery is detected, temperature history distribution of the battery after start of temperature detection is calculated, and a lifetime workload of the battery is calculated on the basis of this temperature history distribution of the battery. A permissible value of a workload increase rate indicating a workload to increase per unit distance is calculated on the basis of the lifetime workload of the battery and a travel distance of the vehicle. An actual workload increase rate of the battery is compared with the permissible value of the workload increase rate.