Search Patents
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Patent number: 8803470Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Sarah G. Stewart, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20090143929Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows the end user to optimize the performance of an all-electric or hybrid vehicle and its charging system for a desired mode of operation is provided. The system of the invention includes multiple charging/operational modes from which the user may select. Each charging/operational mode controls the cut-off voltage used during charging and the maintenance temperature of the battery pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Martin Forest Eberhard, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Eugene Michael Berdichevsky, Andrew Gregory Simpson, Craig Bruce Carlson
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Patent number: 7928699Abstract: A system for optimizing battery pack charging is provided. In this system, during charging the coupling of auxiliary systems (e.g., battery cooling systems) to the external power source are delayed so that the battery pack charge rate may be optimized, limited only by the available power. Once surplus power is available, for example as the requirements of the charging system decrease, the auxiliary system or systems may be coupled to the external power source without degrading the performance of the charging system.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventor: Scott Ira Kohn
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Publication number: 20120041625Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is 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). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 8543270Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is 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). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20120041627Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is 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). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle. Further optimization is achieved by setting at least one maximum speed limit based on vehicle efficiency and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first and second battery packs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20120041624Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Sarah G. Stewart, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 9797181Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes: a door; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the door; a push-open actuator mounted at a rear of the door, the push-open actuator configured for pushing against a body of the vehicle; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle. A system for a vehicle includes: a front door; a rear door behind the front door, the rear door having a dual-hinge design that opens and closes in a substantially vertical direction; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the front door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the front door; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Tesla, Inc.Inventors: David Wheeler, Chris McCarthy, Jacob Warman, Austin Newman, John Hughes
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Publication number: 20120041626Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is 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). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle. Further optimization is achieved by setting at least one acceleration limit based on vehicle efficiency and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first and second battery packs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 7719232Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a system that includes a battery, an electric vehicle, the battery coupled to the electric vehicle to propel the electric vehicle, and a charging circuit to charge the battery. The embodiment includes a charging cost circuit to estimate a charging cost rate and to turn on the charging circuit. The embodiment also includes a timer circuit to provide a time signal to the charging cost circuit. The embodiment is configured such that the charging cost circuit is to turn on the charging circuit during a first time period in which the charging cost rate is below a first threshold until the battery reaches a first energy stored level, and to turn on the charging circuit during a second time period in which the charging cost rate is above the first threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt R. Kelty, Eugene M. Berdichevsky
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Patent number: 8803471Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Sarah G. Stewart, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 8346419Abstract: One embodiment includes a method that includes monitoring a battery state of charge circuit that is coupled to a vehicle battery, calculating an averaged value of the state of charge over a time period, charging the vehicle battery by powering a generator with a fuel burning engine that powered on and powered off according to one of a first operational mode and a second operational mode, wherein in the first operational mode the engine is powered on when the battery state of charge drops below a first state of charge and continues until the averaged value of the state of charge increases to a first preprogrammed value.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 8463481Abstract: A dual mode battery charging system and method of use are provided for use in an electric vehicle. The system utilizes at least two user selectable, charging operational modes. In a first operational mode, a state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a first level and until the battery state of charge reaches a second level, where the second level is higher than the first level. In a second operational mode, the state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a third level and until the battery state of charge reaches the second level, where the third level is lower than both the first and second levels.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20140088809Abstract: A controller identifies a condition of a hazardous internal short by comparing patterns of series element voltages to the last known balance condition of the series elements. If the loaded or resting voltage of one or more contiguous series elements uniformly drop from the previously known condition by an amount consistent with an over-current condition, an over-current internal short circuit fault is registered. The desired response is to prevent the affected series elements from heating to a hazardous temperature by summoning the maximum heat rejection capability of the system until the short ceases and the affected elements cool, the cooling function is no longer able to operate due to low voltage, or the affected series string has drained all of its energy through the short. Also includes are responses that allow the battery pack to continue to power the cooling system even though it may enter an over-discharged state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston A. Hermann, Scott I. Kohn
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Patent number: 8190320Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is 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). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle. Further optimization is achieved by setting at least one maximum speed limit based on vehicle efficiency and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first and second battery packs.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20100187024Abstract: A method and apparatus for an all-electric vehicle using a primary drive system and a secondary drive system is provided. The primary drive system and the secondary drive system each utilize a single electric motor. In one configuration, a single electrical energy storage system (ESS) is used to supply power to both drive systems. A DC/DC converter can be used so that the two drive systems can utilize different DC bus voltage ranges. In another configuration, each drive system is coupled to a different electrical ESS. A bi-directional DC/DC converter can be used to provide an electrical path between each motor's inverter and the electrical ESS of the other drive system. An energy transfer control module connected to the bi-directional DC/DC converter and one or more sensors can be used to control the use of the bi-directional DC/DC converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventor: Yifan Tang
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Patent number: 8180512Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is 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). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle. Further optimization is achieved by setting at least one acceleration limit based on vehicle efficiency and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first and second battery packs.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20130179012Abstract: A controller identifies a condition of a hazardous internal short by comparing patterns of series element voltages to the last known balance condition of the series elements. If the loaded or resting voltage of one or more contiguous series elements uniformly drop from the previously known condition by an amount consistent with an over-current condition, an over-current internal short circuit fault is registered. The desired response is to prevent the affected series elements from heating to a hazardous temperature by summoning the maximum heat rejection capability of the system until the short ceases and the affected elements cool, the cooling function is no longer able to operate due to low voltage, or the affected series string has drained all of its energy through the short. Also includes are responses that allow the battery pack to continue to power the cooling system even though it may enter an over-discharged state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn
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Patent number: 8428806Abstract: A dual mode battery charging system and method of use are provided for use in an electric vehicle. The system utilizes at least two user selectable, charging operational modes. In a first operational mode, a state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a first level and until the battery state of charge reaches a second level, where the second level is higher than the first level. In a second operational mode, the state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a third level and until the battery state of charge reaches a fourth level, where the fourth level is higher than the third level, and where both the third and fourth levels are lower than both the first and second levels.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 8463480Abstract: A dual mode battery charging system and method of use are provided for use in an electric vehicle. The system utilizes at least two user selectable, charging operational modes. In a first operational mode, a state of charge circuit cycles an engine/generator system on/off between a first level and a second level, where the second level is higher than the first level. In a second operational mode, the state of charge circuit cycles the engine/generator system on/off between a third level and a fourth level. After the fourth state of charge has been reached once, the state of charge circuit cycles the engine/generator system on/off between a fifth level and the fourth level, where the fifth level is higher than the third level and lower than the fourth level, and where the fourth level is lower than both the first and second levels.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey Brian Straubel