Search Patents
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Publication number: 20120046815Abstract: A method for limiting the adverse effects of temperature on the electrical energy storage system (ESS) of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off is provided. In general, whether or not coolant is circulated through a coolant loop coupled to the ESS depends on the difference between the ambient temperature and a preset temperature, the preset temperature typically corresponding to the temperature of the ESS.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20100134073Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventor: Scott Ira Kohn
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Publication number: 20100138092Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventor: Scott Ira Kohn
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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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Patent number: 7911184Abstract: 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: March 22, 2011Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventor: Scott Ira Kohn
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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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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: 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: 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: 8471521Abstract: 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: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Sarah G. Stewart, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20120098501Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving use efficiencies of lead-acid batteries, and more particularly to 12V external lead-acid batteries used in vehicles of all types, load-leveling installations, and backup power applications. A method includes the steps of: a) determining a state of charge (SOC) for a lead-acid battery; b) comparing the SOC against a predetermined charge zone, the charge zone having an upper bound no more than about 90% maximum charge and more preferably no more than about 85% maximum charge and the charge zone having a lower bound no less than about 70% maximum charge and more preferably no less than about 75% maximum charge; and c) maintaining a charge of the lead-acid battery wherein the SOC is within the charge zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventor: Anil Paryani
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Patent number: 8450974Abstract: 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: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Sarah G. Stewart, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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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: 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: 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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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: 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: 7683570Abstract: An apparatus including a rechargeable battery pack installed in an electric vehicle, the rechargeable battery pack coupled to a power supply, the power supply operable to provide a charge voltage to perform charging operations on the battery pack, a heating element to heat a fluid to be circulated through the rechargeable battery pack, a comparator circuit to compare a battery voltage of the rechargeable battery pack to a line source voltage, the comparator circuit operable to compare the battery voltage to the line source voltage and to provide an output signal when the battery voltage is less than a line voltage offset value, and a control circuit coupled to receive the output signal of the comparator, and to couple the line source voltage to the power supply, an to bypass the heating element if the comparator is not providing the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Krauer, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, Troy Adam Nergaard, Ian Craven, Arthur Joseph Hebert
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Patent number: 8536825Abstract: A system and method for improving cycle lifetimes for a lithium-ion battery pack, particularly for adapting to a dynamic use profile for a user.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Clay Hajime Kishiyama, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Christopher David Gadda