Abstract:
An apparatus configured to reduce drag is provided. The apparatus includes a plasma actuator including a hollow cylinder with two open bases, a first electrode disposed inside the cylinder, a second electrode disposed outside the cylinder, and a plasma layer disposed inside the cylinder next to the first electrode, a surface including the plasma actuator disposed on the surface, and a motion actuator configured to move the plasma actuator in a sweeping motion across a face of the surface.
Abstract:
Processor-implemented methods and systems for aerodynamically optimizing a design geometry of a vehicle body using a convolutional neural network (CNN) are provided. The method may include receiving a signed distance function (SDF) data file that represents the design geometry of the vehicle body. The method includes receiving a range of inflow boundary conditions. The processor processes the SDF over the range of boundary conditions, using the CNN, to generate therefrom drag and lift outputs for the design geometry. The drag and lift outputs may be displayed in the form of one or more intensity maps.
Abstract:
A heating apparatus is provided. The heating apparatus includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element and a power controller configured to generate and apply a pulse width modified signal to the PTC heating element. The power controller is configured to vary a current of the pulse width modified signal linearly with respect to a temperature of a space being heated by the PTC heating element.
Abstract:
Systems and apparatuses for applying a plasma actuator system for reducing aerodynamic drag of a vehicle by discharging plasma is provided. The system includes: at least one pair of thin films configured to integrate into a pair of electrodes wherein each of the thin films of the pair of thin films is composed of a thin film piezo-electric material; a dielectric configured as an insulator region to separate each electrode integrated with the thin film piezo-electric material; and a power supply to deliver alternating current to each electrode to provide a high voltage output obtained by the thin film piezo-electric material integrated with the pair of electrodes wherein the high voltage output is about 10 kV.
Abstract:
Systems and apparatuses for applying a plasma actuator system for reducing aerodynamic drag of a vehicle by discharging plasma is provided. The system includes: at least one pair of thin films configured to integrate into a pair of electrodes wherein each of the thin films of the pair of thin films is composed of a thin film piezo-electric material; a dielectric configured as an insulator region to separate each electrode integrated with the thin film piezo-electric material; and a power supply to deliver alternating current to each electrode to provide a high voltage output obtained by the thin film piezo-electric material integrated with the pair of electrodes wherein the high voltage output is about 10 kV.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for radiant heating by PTC radiant patches. A radiant heating system for warming an occupant of an enclosed space includes patches to radiate heat into the enclosed space toward the occupant. A power supply supplies electric power to the patches. A controller controls the electric power supplied to the patches based on a temperature in the enclosed space and locations of the patches within the enclosed space.
Abstract:
Cab extender systems and methods are provided for reducing the aerodynamic drag on a pickup truck. A cab extender system includes a cab with a roof panel and a rear wall. The cab extends upward on the vehicle to the roof panel and the rear wall extends downward from the roof panel. A tailgate is disposed at a rear of the vehicle and a utility box extends between the rear wall and the tailgate. An extender extends in a rearward direction from the roof panel a length of between ten and twenty centimeters from the rear wall.
Abstract:
A plasma actuator includes a first electrode disposed on a substrate, covered by a dielectric layer, and a second electrode disposed on the dielectric layer. In operation, the plasma actuator creates a plasma region, altering air flowing over the actuator. The plasma actuator in various embodiments: has no moving parts, helps to improve fuel economy by reducing aerodynamic drag, improves vehicle stability control under severe unsteady flow environments, reduces wind noise around a vehicle on which the actuator is used, and reduces emission and CO2 foot print through the fuel economy improvement.
Abstract:
A system, for use in evaluating operation of a vehicle, includes a hardware-based processing unit, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage component including various functioning modules. The modules in various embodiments include an input module that, when executed by the hardware-based processing unit, receives, from a vehicle-braking sensor, braking data indicting characteristics of a braking event at the vehicle. The system in some implementations includes an input unit receiving the braking data from the sensor and passing it to a braking-monitoring module. The braking-monitoring module, when executed by the hardware-based processing unit, determines, based on the braking data, whether the braking event is within an acceptable pre-established limit. The technology in various embodiments includes processes performed by the system and algorithms used therein.
Abstract:
A thermal conditioning system for an inductive charging system. An open enclosure charging unit includes at least one surface generating an electromagnetic field for inductively charging a portable device. A primary conduit coupled to the open enclosure charging unit. The primary conduit outputs conditioned air to the open enclosure charging unit. The conditioned air output by the primary conduit maintains a temperature of the portable device at a predetermined temperature range within the open enclosure charging unit.