The present disclosure provides a method of managing thermal loads in the powertrain of an electric vehicle and controlling various electronic components of a powertrain thermal management system. The method may include heating a coolant of a powertrain coolant loop utilizing waste heat from a liquid-cooled powertrain component (e.g., an electric motor, a DCDC converter, etc.), measuring a coolant temperature, and utilizing combined feedforward and feedback control methods for different components (pump(s), radiator fan(s), valve(s)) of the powertrain thermal management system.
The present disclosure provides a radiator assembly that includes a stationary assembly that includes a fan assembly coupled to a fan frame assembly, a rotating assembly that includes a radiator frame assembly and a support frame assembly coupled to the radiator frame assembly, and an actuation assembly coupled to the rotating assembly. The rotating assembly may be rotatably coupled to the stationary assembly and configured to rotate relative to the stationary assembly in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The actuation assembly may be configured to enable and limit rotation of the rotating assembly relative to the stationary assembly in the first direction and the second direction.
B60K 11/04 - Arrangement or mounting of radiators, radiator shutters, or radiator blinds
F24D 19/02 - Arrangement of mountings or supports for radiators
F28D 1/04 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or mo with the heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
An electric vehicle includes a first heat exchanger positioned adjacent to a front of the electric vehicle and configured to transfer heat generated from a first heat generating system to an ambient environment. The electric vehicle may further include a second heat exchanger positioned adjacent to a rear of the electric vehicle and configured to transfer heat generated from a second heat generating system to the ambient environment, and an air supply plenum positioned longitudinally between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and in fluid communication with the ambient environment. The air supply plenum may define a cooling air pathway extending between the ambient environment and the second heat exchanger. The air supply plenum may isolate air flowing through the cooling air pathway from air circulating within the electric vehicle.
A pressure vessel mounting system for mounting a pressure vessel to a vehicle chassis is disclosed. The system includes a deformable bracket for dissipating force, for example force applied to an end of the pressure vessel. Via use of the pressure vessel mounting system, impact damage to pressure vessels may be reduced and/or eliminated. A vehicle fuel tank, such as a pressurized tank for liquid or gaseous fuels, is desirably integrated into a vehicle in a manner that reduces damage and/or rupture in the event of a crash or other operating conditions. Additionally, a vehicle fuel tank is desirably space-efficient and resistant to movement, damage arising from vibration, and so forth.
B62D 21/03 - Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted comprising longitudinally or transversely arranged frame members transverse members providing body support
B62D 21/09 - Means for mounting load bearing surfaces
Connection and control concepts for real-time mass estimation of an electric vehicle are provided. The vehicle comprises a vehicle control module (VCM). Further, the vehicle comprises an inverter coupled to the VCM, and an electric motor coupled to the inverter. The electric motor is configured to measure the torque output from one or more wheels of the vehicle. The VCM is configured to receive the torque output measured by the electric motor and estimate mass of the vehicle based on the received torque output.
B60W 40/10 - Estimation or calculation of driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit related to vehicle motion
B60W 50/04 - Monitoring the functioning of the control system
B60W 50/08 - Interaction between the driver and the control system
6.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE THERMAL MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING BATTERY THERMAL LOADS
The present disclosure provides a method of managing thermal loads in an electric vehicle and controlling various electronic components of a thermal management system. The method may comprise heating a battery coolant of a battery coolant loop utilizing waste heat from a battery to form a heated battery coolant, heating a refrigerant of a battery refrigeration loop by exchanging heat with the heated battery coolant, and measuring refrigerant temperature(s) and pressure(s) at an output of a chiller. The measured temperature(s) and pressure(s) may be utilized by the thermal management system as feedback signals for performing a proportional-integral-derivative control to compute an electronic expansion valve position command. Battery temperature(s) and/or battery coolant temperature(s) may be measured and utilized by the thermal management system as feedback signals for computing a pump speed command and performing a proportional-integral-derivative control to compute a compressor speed command and a condenser fan speed command.
B60H 1/14 - Heating, cooling or ventilating devices the heat being derived from the propulsion plant otherwise than from cooling liquid of the plant
B60L 58/26 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries for controlling the temperature of batteries by cooling
B60K 11/00 - Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
An integrated thermal management system for a fuel cell electric vehicle is disclosed. The integrated thermal management system includes a fuel cell system, a brake resistor, a fuel cell coolant loop that includes a fuel cell radiator thermally and fluidly coupled to the fuel cell system, a brake resistor coolant loop that includes a brake resistor radiator thermally and fluidly coupled to the brake resistor, and a heat exchanger loop that includes a coolant-coolant heat exchanger thermally and fluidly coupled to the fuel cell coolant loop and the brake resistor coolant loop. In a fuel cell cooling operating mode, heat is transferred from the fuel cell system to an ambient environment through the fuel cell radiator and the brake resistor radiator.
B60H 1/14 - Heating, cooling or ventilating devices the heat being derived from the propulsion plant otherwise than from cooling liquid of the plant
B60H 1/20 - Heating, cooling or ventilating devices the heat being derived from the propulsion plant otherwise than from cooling liquid of the plant the air being heated from the plant exhaust gases using an intermediate heat-transferring medium
H01M 8/04007 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
8.
FUEL CELL EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE
An exhaust duct of a fuel cell exhaust system includes a convolute duct, a resonator coupled to and in fluid communication with the convolute duct, a mid-duct coupled to and in fluid communication with the resonator, and a tail duct coupled to and in fluid communication with the mid-duct, the tail duct comprising a lower duct and an upper duct. The upper duct includes an incline duct, a transition duct, a decline duct, and a hydrogen sensor having a portion positioned within the transition duct. A first portion of an exhaust is diverted to the lower duct and a second portion of the exhaust is diverted to the upper duct and measured by the hydrogen sensor to determine hydrogen content of the exhaust.
B60L 58/30 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
B60L 50/72 - Constructional details of fuel cells specially adapted for electric vehicles
F02D 19/02 - Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with gaseous fuels
A battery pack assembly comprises a battery enclosure having a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, a fourth side panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel defining a module containing volume. The battery pack assembly may contain a plurality of battery modules in the module containing volume, the plurality of battery modules having a first battery module, a second battery module, and a third battery module. The first battery module and the second battery module are positioned in a first orientation and stacked to form a column of battery modules and the third battery module is positioned in a second orientation and positioned adjacent to the column of battery modules.
B60L 58/25 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries for controlling the temperature of batteries by controlling the electric load
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60R 16/033 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems characterised by the use of electrical cells or batteries
The present disclosure provides a thermal management system for an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle may include a cabin, a battery system, a battery coolant loop including a battery coolant line thermally coupled to the battery system, a heat pump loop including a heat pump line thermally coupled to an internal heat exchanger, and a refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger thermally coupled to the battery coolant loop and the heat pump loop. The thermal management system may be configured to provide heating or cooling to the cabin or battery system depending on an operating mode.
An electric vehicle has a thermal management system that comprises a common radiator, a brake resistor loop, and an electric power source loop. The brake resistor loop comprises a brake resistor and a brake resistor controller that are coupled to the common radiator. The electric power source loop comprises an electric power source coupled to the common radiator. When the brake resistor loop is determined to be in operation, the common radiator is utilized by the brake resistor loop to absorb heat generated by the brake resistor loop. When the brake resistor loop is determined to not be in operation, the common radiator is utilized by the electric power source to absorb heat generated by the electric power source loop.
B60L 58/26 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries for controlling the temperature of batteries by cooling
The present disclosure provides an electric vehicle comprising a chassis, a front axle and a rear axle spaced apart and coupled to the chassis, and a battery frame assembly coupled to the chassis between the front axle and the rear axle. The battery frame assembly comprises a plurality of transversely extending members and a plurality of longitudinally extending members, wherein the plurality of transversely extending members and the plurality of longitudinally extending members define a matrix of battery pack receptacles configured to receive at least one battery pack. The battery frame assembly is configured to deflect torsionally in response to torsional deflection of the front axle relative to the rear axle.
B62D 21/02 - Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted comprising longitudinally or transversely arranged frame members
13.
HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE
Connection and control concepts for battery packs in a high voltage battery assembly are provided. Parallel, modular configurations permit improved safety, voltage balancing, and redundancy, improving operation and reliability of an associated high voltage electrical vehicle such as a heavy-duty truck.
B60K 1/02 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units comprising more than one electric motor
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
B60R 16/02 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric
B60R 16/03 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems
B60R 16/033 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems characterised by the use of electrical cells or batteries
14.
FUEL CELL VEHICLE THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING FUEL CELL THERMAL LOADS
The present disclosure provides a method of managing thermal loads in a fuel cell vehicle. The method may comprise heating a fuel cell coolant of a fuel cell coolant loop utilizing waste heat from a fuel cell to form a heated fuel cell coolant, heating a battery coolant of a battery coolant loop utilizing waste heat from a battery to form a heated battery coolant, heating a refrigerant of a battery refrigeration loop by exchanging heat with the heated battery coolant, and superheating the refrigerant of the battery refrigeration loop by exchanging heat with the heated fuel cell coolant.
H01M 8/04 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
B60L 58/31 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells for starting of fuel cells
B60L 58/33 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells for controlling the temperature of fuel cells, e.g. by controlling the electric load by cooling
B60L 58/34 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells for controlling the temperature of fuel cells, e.g. by controlling the electric load by heating
H01M 10/50 - Heating or cooling or regulating temperature (control of temperature in general G05D 23/00)
Improved membrane electrode assemblies, cation-associating components thereof, and methods of making and treating the same are provided. Membrane electrode assemblies may include an ionomer having a first pKa value, and a water-insoluble net polymer having a weakly-acidic functional group, wherein the weakly-acidic functional group has a second pKa value greater than the first pKa value.
A pressure vessel mounting system for mounting a pressure vessel to a vehicle chassis is disclosed. In various embodiments, the system includes a first end frame; a second end frame spaced a distance from the first end frame, the distance being sufficient to receive a pressure vessel between the first end frame and the second end frame; a first side frame extending between the first end frame and the second end frame, the first side frame configured for coupling to a first chassis rail of the vehicle chassis via at least one of the first end frame and the second end frame; and a second side frame extending between the first end frame and the second end frame. Via use of the pressure vessel mounting system, impact damage to pressure vessels may be reduced and/or eliminated.
Improved catalyst layers for use in fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies, and methods for making such catalyst layers, are provided. Catalyst layers can comprise structured units of catalyst, catalyst support, and ionomer. The structured units can provide for more efficient electrical energy production and/or increased lifespan of fuel cells utilizing such membrane electrode assemblies. Catalyst layers can be directly deposited on exchange membranes, such as proton exchange membranes.
A battery module includes a module terminal, electrochemical cells and a bus bar that electrically connects at least a subset of the cells to the module terminal. The bus bar includes an electrically conductive substrate and an insulation layer disposed between the substrates and ends of the cells. The substrate includes primary connection through holes, each primary connection through hole having a second diameter and being aligned with the first end of a unique one of the cells. The insulation layer includes secondary connection through holes. Each secondary connection through hole has a third diameter and is concentric with a corresponding one of the primary through holes. The third diameter is less than the second diameter, and an electrical connector extends between the substrate and the cell tenninal and provides an electrical connection between the substrate and the cell terminal.
A battery pack including a battery pack housing, and a battery module disposed in the battery pack housing, Tire pack housing is sealed and flooded with a dielectric fluid. The battery module includes a module housing that is fluid permeable and includes a fluid passageway, and electrochemical cells disposed in the module housing in such a way that terminals of the cells are exposed to fluid disposed in the fluid passageway. The battery pack includes a thermal management system having an inlet plenum assembly disposed at a first end of the battery module, an outlet plenum assembly disposed at a second end of the battery module, and a fluid pump that directs fluid to the inlet plenum assembly via a fluid delivery line and receives fluid from the outlet plenum assembly via a fluid return line.
A battery module includes an array of electrochemical cells, and a frame configured to support the cells within the battery module, the frame encircling the array in such a way as to overlie the cell sidewall of each cell and expose the cell first end and the cell second end of each cell. The frame is surrounded by a spacer. The spacer includes a first wall portions that faces the cell first ends, and a second wall portion that faces the cell second ends. The first and second wall portions include grooves that serve as coolant fluid passages. The frame is disposed in the spacer interior space in such a way that each of the cell first ends and each of the cell second ends are exposed to the fluid passages of the first wall portion and the second wall portion.
A battery pack includes a battery pack housing having a lid joined to an open end via a fluid-impermeable seal. The battery pack further includes a battery module disposed within the battery housing and comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells. In addition, the battery pack includes a pressure compensation device positioned within the battery pack housing, the pressure compensation device having a first bladder fluidly coupled to a second bladder by a primary fitting. The battery pack housing is filled with a dielectric fluid. And further, the pressure compensation device has a second fluid.
A pressure relief system comprises a pressurized vessel containing a fuel source and comprising a thermal pressure relief device, a heat shield coating disposed on an outer surface of the pressurized vessel, a sensor in thermal communication with the heat shield and configured to receive thermal energy from the heat shield, and an electronic control module electrically coupled to the sensor and the thermal pressure relief device. The sensor, responsive to receiving a threshold amount of thermal energy from the heat shield coating, may transmit a signal to the electronic control module. The electronic control module may activate the thermal pressure relief device in response to the signal.
Systems and methods for fueling (or charging) communication, for example between a hydrogen fueling station and a hydrogen powered vehicle (or an electric vehicle and charging station) may utilize near field communication as well as vehicle to infrastructure communication. Safety information, fueling or charging information, payment information, and other information may be transmitted, and the redundant nature of the communication permits fault recovery and improved process monitoring. In this manner, fueling and/or recharging is made safer, faster, and more efficient.
F17C 5/06 - Methods or apparatus for filling pressure vessels with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases for filling with compressed gases
B65B 3/00 - Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans or jars
F17C 5/00 - Methods or apparatus for filling pressure vessels with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases
F17C 13/00 - VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES - Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
F17C 13/02 - Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
H01M 8/04 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
24.
HIGH VOLUME, FAST HYDROGEN FUELING OF A HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLE
The present disclosure relates to systems andmethodsforfueling a tank of a heavy- duty vehicle having a total volume above 1000 liters with a gaseous hydrogen fuelin an accelerated manner. An average slope of the mass flow of a first part of the fueling implemented as a first fueling method is higher than the slope of the mass flow of a second part of the fueling implemented as a second fueling method.
The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell system (10) using a first operating mode, in which when all of the fuel cell stacks (22, 26) are inactive, one fuel cell stack (22) is pre-heated using a coolant that is pre-heated by means of an electric heater (42) while bypassing all cooler circuits (58) of the active coolant circuits (14) via bypass lines (64) and the one pre-heated fuel cell stack (22) is activated in order to pre-heat an additional fuel cell stack (26) of the fuel cell system (10), a second operating mode, in which all of the coolant circuits (14, 18) are operated and one fuel cell stack (26) is inactive, wherein the cooler circuits (58) are actively operated for all of the fuel cell stacks (22) being actively operated, and additionally the bypass of a cooler circuit (66) via the bypass line (72) of the one inactive fuel cell stack (26) is reduced, a third operating mode, in which at least two fuel cell stacks (22, 26) and the cooler circuits (58, 66) of all of the fuel cell stacks (22, 26) are actively operated during the operation of all of the coolant circuits (14, 18), and a fourth operating mode, in which when at least one fuel cell stack (26) is inactive, the corresponding cooler circuit (66) is bypassed via the bypass line (72) and all of the coolant circuits (14, 18) of the fuel cell system (10) are active.
The invention relates to a cooling system (10) for fuel cell stacks (22, 26), comprising a first cooling module (14) and a second cooling module (18). The first cooling module (14) comprises a fuel cell stack (22, 26), a supply line connection (30, 34) for connecting a supply line (38, 42) for supplying coolant to the fuel cell stack (22, 26), a discharge line connection (46, 50) for connecting a discharge line (54, 58) for discharging coolant from the fuel cell stack (22, 26), and a ventilation line connection (94, 98) for connecting a ventilation line (102, 106). The second cooling module (18) comprises a collection line (114) which is connected to the supply line connection (30, 34) of the first cooling module (14) via the supply line (38, 42), a cooler line connection (126, 130) for connecting to a cooler line (134, 138) of a cooler (118, 122), a bypass line connection (142, 146) for connecting to a bypass line (150, 154) by means of which the cooling of a coolant can be bypassed, a start-up heater (166) which is connected to the collection line (114) via a start-up heater supply line (170) and a start-up heater discharge line (174), and a heat exchanger supply connection (198) and a heat exchanger discharge connection (202) for connecting a heat exchanger (206).
H01M 8/04225 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells during start-up
H01M 8/04223 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells
H01M 8/249 - Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells comprising two or more groupings of fuel cells, e.g. modular assemblies
H01M 8/04007 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
A battery assembly is disclosed that includes a battery housing, a battery array, and one or more cooling plates. The battery housing forms a battery compartment having a width and length greater than a height. The battery array includes a plurality of cylindrical battery cells oriented with an axis perpendicular to the height of the battery compartment. The plurality of cells are organized into a plurality of rows within the battery compartment. The one or more cooling plates oriented perpendicular to the axis of the battery cells and positioned proximal to an end of battery cells within a row of the plurality of rows.
A utility task vehicle (UTV) includes a frame having frame rails and a battery assembly positioned laterally between the frame rails. The battery assembly includes a battery housing and a battery array having a plurality of battery cells. The battery array is positioned within the battery housing and the battery assembly provides support for or is located under a floor of a cabin of the utility task vehicle.
Systems, methods, and devices for a vehicle windshield are disclosed herein. A vehicle includes a vehicle body comprising a front, a first side, and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite one another on the vehicle body. The vehicle comprises a cabin located within the body of the vehicle, wherein the cabin comprises an interior that is configured to accommodate at least one person. The vehicle comprises at least one door that provides ingress and egress to the interior of the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle comprises a windshield that provides a visual line of sight out of the cabin for a user located within the interior of the cabin, and wherein the windshield extends across the front and at least partially on to at least one of the first side or the second side.
patents
