Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to methods and associated systems for managing a plurality of device-exchange stations. The method includes, for example, (1) receiving empirical information regarding exchanges of energy storage devices from each of the plurality of device-exchange stations in an initial time period; (2) determining a target time period; (3) identifying a plurality of reference factors and associated weighting values based on empirical information regarding exchanges of energy storage devices; (4) determining demand information during the target time period for each of the plurality of device-exchange stations during the target time period for each of the device-exchange stations; and (5) forming a plurality of charging plans for each of the plurality of device-exchange stations according to demand information during the target time period.
Abstract:
A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To avoid theft and tampering of the portable electrical energy storage devices, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is locked in and operably connected to the vehicle to which it provides power unless the vehicle comes within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device such as that in a service center. Once within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device a locking mechanism in the vehicle or within the portable electrical energy storage device unlocks and allows the portable electrical energy storage device to be exchanged or serviced.
Abstract:
An electrical energy storage device for powering portable devices such as vehicles or consumer electronics includes barriers to minimize migration of thermal energy and propagation of combustion in the rare event that electrical energy storage cells fail, burst and ignite. Thermal energy absorbing materials are contained within the electrical energy storage device. Sacrificial members are provided within the thermal energy absorbing materials. In-situ channels are formed within the thermal energy absorbing materials when the sacrificial members thermally decompose.
Abstract:
An actuatable foot rest system includes a foot rest member pivotably displaceable between a first position to a second position. The actuatable foot rest system may also include a biasing member that biases the foot rest member about the at least one pivotable connection, at least from the first position to the second position. The actuatable foot rest system may further include a remotely actuated retention mechanism that includes an actuator disposed remote from the foot rest member and which maintains the foot rest member in the first position and, when remotely actuated using the actuator, releases the foot rest member from the first position.
Abstract:
Manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers provide vehicles that include various components and systems that operate to provide safe, environmentally conscious transportation compliant with local, state, and federal requirements. Each of the components or systems may include a nontransitory storage media containing data indicative of an authentication code specific to the respective component or system. Authentication data may be communicated from each of the nontransitory storage media on a vehicle to a control system where the authentication data is compared to one or more defined criteria. If the one or more criteria confirm the validity of the authentication data supplied by the components or systems, full operation of one or more vehicular systems is permitted. If the one or more criteria fail to confirm the validity of the authentication data supplied by the components or systems, the operation of at least one vehicular system is at least partially inhibited.
Abstract:
Electrically powered vehicles may be equipped with both mechanical braking systems and regenerative braking systems. Regenerative braking systems improve vehicle efficiency by returning a portion of the energy lost in deceleration to the battery of the electrically powered vehicle. An electrically powered vehicle controller that provides collision avoidance functionality can maximize the energy returned to the battery of the electrically powered vehicle by maximizing the use of regenerative braking for collision avoidance. A first braking mode can include only regenerative braking for objects greater than the minimum regenerative stopping distance. A second braking mode can include composite braking using both mechanical and regenerative braking. The electrically powered vehicle controller determines the maximum regenerative braking level at least based on data provided battery charge level or battery state sensors.
Abstract:
A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. The charging and distribution machines may distribute portable electrical energy storage devices of particular performance characteristics and other attributes based on customer preferences and/or customer profiles. The charging and distribution machines may provide instructions to or otherwise program portable electrical energy storage devices stored within the charging and distribution machines to perform at various levels according to user preferences and user profiles.