An electric power system includes an inverter device coupled with a motor. The inverter device receives from the motor electric energy generated by dynamic braking of the motor. An energy storage device is coupled with the inverter device, and a variable resistive component is disposed between the inverter device and the energy storage device. The variable resistive component controls a direction of conduction of the electric energy from the inverter device toward the energy storage device, a resistive grid, or a system load. The variable resistive component controls the direction of conduction of the electric energy from the inverter device based on a first amount of the electric energy conducted from the inverter device, a transfer rate of the electric energy conducted from the inverter device, or one or more characteristics of the energy storage device.

An alternator system includes an alternator with a stator having at least one stationary winding and a rotor with a rotatable field coil for producing alternating current, a main voltage regulator having a main controller and a main power switch configured to control the current through the field coil, a redundant voltage regulator having a redundant controller and a redundant power switch configured to control the current through the field coil. The main power switch, the field coil and the redundant power switch are connected in series, in that order. A power supply for an electrical system includes a battery and the alternator system. A vehicle includes the power supply.

A PD device comprises: a DC/DC converter disposed between an input and a VBUS output; a primary-side controller configured to control an input current of the DC/DC converter; a secondary-side controller coupled to a plurality of control inputs, the secondary-side controller configured to executed a signal conversion of control input signals of the plurality of the control inputs, and configured to feedback the control input signals subjected to the signal conversion to the primary-side controller, wherein the primary-side controller varies an output voltage value and an available output current value (MAX value) of the DC/DC converter by controlling the input current of the DC/DC converter on the basis of the control input signal fed back from the secondary-side controller. The PD device is capable of switching with respect to the plurality of apparatuses and controlling the output voltage value and the available output current value (MAX value).

The method of control according to the invention slaves a DC voltage generated by the alternator to a predetermined setpoint value by controlling an excitation current flowing in an excitation circuit comprising an excitation winding of a rotor of the alternator. The excitation current is controlled by means of a semiconductor switch, in turn controlled by a control signal having a predetermined period. The method comprises a detection of a failure of the excitation circuit. At least one short-circuit of the excitation winding is detected. According to another characteristic of the method, the control signal is generated on the basis of a combination of a setpoint signal formed by pulses of the predetermined period exhibiting a duty ratio representative of the setpoint value and of a detection signal indicative of the short-circuit.

A circuit interrupting device for use with a electrical power distribution system includes a housing containing a circuit interrupting mechanism. A battery tube is positioned in the housing. A battery assembly is configured to be inserted into the battery tube. The battery assembly includes a battery assembly body having a first end and a second end. A battery is positioned in the battery assembly body. The battery assembly is configured such that both a positive contact and a negative contact are exposed from the second end of the battery assembly body. In some embodiments, the battery assembly includes a keyed portion mates with the battery tube to ensure alignment of the battery assembly in the battery tube.

A circuit interrupting device for use with a electrical power distribution system includes a housing containing a circuit interrupting mechanism. A battery tube is positioned in the housing. A battery assembly is configured to be inserted into the battery tube. The battery assembly includes a battery assembly body having a first end and a second end. A battery is positioned in the battery assembly body. The battery assembly is configured such that both a positive contact and a negative contact are exposed from the second end of the battery assembly body. In some embodiments, the battery assembly includes a keyed portion mates with the battery tube to ensure alignment of the battery assembly in the battery tube.

Compact integrated battery packs for hybrid vehicles are fully integrated with an on-board cooling system and include both the battery cells for supplying a primary voltage, such as powering a belt-driven starter generator (BSG) unit for engine start/stop, as well as a direct current (DC) to DC converter for stepping down the primary voltage to a secondary voltage for powering low voltage components and/or recharging a lead-acid battery. The on-board DC to DC converter decreases packaging size and eliminates the need for an alternator, which further decreases packaging size. Primary and secondary voltage output ports can also be implemented for quick and easy connection to other components. Configurations include single-layer and dual-layer arrangements with integrated air or liquid cooling for placement in or beneath a trunk of a vehicle, behind or beneath seats in a cab of a pickup truck, and/or beneath a vehicle.

Systems and methods are disclosed for control schemes and intelligent battery selection for electric vehicles. In one embodiment, an example method may include determining a first charge level of a first battery system that is configured to power a homopolar generator, causing the first battery system to be charged by a power input source, and determining that a second charge level of the first battery system is greater than a first threshold value. Example methods may include causing the first battery system to power the homopolar generator, wherein the homopolar generator is configured to output charging current to a second battery system, causing the solid state relay to form a parallel connection between a first battery, a second battery, and the homopolar generator, directing a first charging current from the homopolar generator to the first battery, and directing a second charging current from the homopolar generator to the second battery.

A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system includes a housing containing a circuit interrupting device. A battery tube is positioned in the housing. A battery assembly is configured to be inserted into the battery tube. The battery assembly includes a assembly body having a first end and a second end. A battery is positioned in the assembly body. A cap assembly is connected to the assembly body and configured to connect the battery assembly to the battery tube. The cap assembly includes a torque-limiting device that prevents overtightening of the cap to the battery tube.

A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system includes a housing containing a circuit interrupting device. A battery tube is positioned in the housing. A battery assembly is configured to be inserted into the battery tube. The battery assembly includes a assembly body having a first end and a second end. A battery is positioned in the assembly body. A cap assembly is connected to the assembly body and configured to connect the battery assembly to the battery tube. The cap assembly includes a torque-limiting device that prevents overtightening of the cap to the battery tube.