This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a driven mass, a generator, a charger, a hardware controller, and a communication circuit. The driven mass rotates in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle and is coupled to a shaft such that rotation of the driven mass causes the shaft to rotate. The driven mass exists in one of (1) an extended position and (2) a retracted position. The generator generates an electrical output based on a mechanical input coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the mechanical input to rotate. The charger is electrically coupled to the generator and: receives the electrical output, generates a charge output based on the electrical output, and conveys the charge output to the vehicle. The controller controls whether the driven mass is in the extended position or the retracted position in response to a signal received from the communication circuit.

A hybrid vehicle drive system for a vehicle includes a first prime mover, a first prime mover driven transmission, and a rechargeable power source. The hybrid vehicle drive system further includes an interface between the transmission and the prime mover for coupling to an electric motor. The electric motor can be in direct or indirect mechanical communication with a hydraulic pump. The electric motor can receive power from the prime mover driven transmission through the interface.

A hybrid vehicle drive system for a vehicle includes a first prime mover, a first prime mover driven transmission, and a rechargeable power source. The hybrid vehicle drive system further includes an interface between the transmission and the prime mover for coupling to an electric motor. The electric motor can be in direct or indirect mechanical communication with a hydraulic pump. The electric motor can receive power from the prime mover driven transmission through the interface.

An apparatus comprising an onboard energy storage device, an onboard power conversion device configured to be electrically coupled to an external power source for receiving electrical power therefrom, and at least one drive system electrically coupled to the onboard energy storage device and the onboard power conversion device, wherein the onboard energy storage device and the onboard power conversion device cooperatively provide electrical power for the at least one drive system. A vehicle and a method for managing power supply are also disclosed.

An apparatus comprising an onboard energy storage device, an onboard power conversion device configured to be electrically coupled to an external power source for receiving electrical power therefrom, and at least one drive system electrically coupled to the onboard energy storage device and the onboard power conversion device, wherein the onboard energy storage device and the onboard power conversion device cooperatively provide electrical power for the at least one drive system. A vehicle and a method for managing power supply are also disclosed.

A system includes a thermal engine operatively connected to drive a propeller. An electric motor is operatively connected to the thermal engine to drive the propeller together with the thermal engine. An external input system is configured to accept input and output a thrust command. A protection function module is configured to enforce limits on the thermal engine, electric motor, and propeller. A low select module is operatively connected to receive input from the external input system and form the protection function module and to output the lower of input from the protection function module and external input system to the thermal engine, the electric motor, and the propeller.

A radioisotope power source is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power source includes a dielectric liquid held within a vessel, a radioisotope material dissolved as an ionic salt within the dielectric liquid thereby forming an ionic salt solution, and a thermal-to-electric power conversion system configured to receive thermal heat generated from the decay of the radioisotope material and to generate electrical power.

An electric vehicle powered and recharged by multiple redundant independent kinetic energy charging systems to ensure extended operation of the vehicle. While driving, each kinetic energy charging system is responsive to wheel rotation for generating electricity for storage thereof at the vehicle. Redundant kinetic energy charging systems include: a Center Hub kinetic recharger system, a Rear Hub kinetic recharger system, and a Hubless Tire kinetic recharger system. The power generated from each charging system is routed to a smart charge combiner to combine generated electricity output and a smart ultracapacitor energy storage system that stores combined electricity output. The stored charge can power a vehicle battery or battery bank under control of a smart charge controller to extend an operating range of the vehicle without recharging. The ultracapacitor storage system is configured in a portable energy storage unit removable from the vehicle and adapted for delivering electricity to other devices.

An electric vehicle powered and recharged by multiple redundant independent kinetic energy charging systems to ensure extended operation of the vehicle. While driving, each kinetic energy charging system is responsive to wheel rotation for generating electricity for storage thereof at the vehicle. Redundant kinetic energy charging systems include: a Center Hub kinetic recharger system, a Rear Hub kinetic recharger system, and a Hubless Tire kinetic recharger system. The power generated from each charging system is routed to a smart charge combiner to combine generated electricity output and a smart ultracapacitor energy storage system that stores combined electricity output. The stored charge can power a vehicle battery or battery bank under control of a smart charge controller to extend an operating range of the vehicle without recharging. The ultracapacitor storage system is configured in a portable energy storage unit removable from the vehicle and adapted for delivering electricity to other devices.

This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus can comprise a generator, a hardware controller, a capacitor, and a battery. The controller can control whether the capacitor is electrically coupled with the battery based on one or more conditions. The controller can control whether the generator is electrically coupled with the capacitor and/or the battery.