A self-monitoring and self-controlling smart irrigation system is provided. The smart irrigation system may include a plurality of tower control units, which tower control units include one or more processors, one or more memory units, and communication circuitry. The tower control units may be configured to determine one or more operational conditions of the smart irrigation system, to communicate to other tower control units the operational conditions, and to make adjustments based on the operational conditions. The tower control units may be configured for expedient and efficient replacement and maintenance in that they may be readily detachable from the smart irrigation system.

A power system includes: a first power circuit, having a first battery; a second power circuit, having a second battery, wherein a used voltage range of the second battery with respect to a closed circuit voltage overlaps with the first battery, and a static voltage of the second battery is lower than the first battery; a voltage converter, converting a voltage between the power circuits; a power converter, converting power between the first power circuit and a driving motor; and a management ECU and a motor ECU, operating the power converter based on required power. The management ECU and the motor ECU calculates limit power with respect to output power of the first battery based on an internal state of the second battery, and operates the power converter so that the output power of the first battery does not exceed the limit power.

An engine device of this invention includes including a post-treatment device, provided in an exhaust passage of an engine, for purifying an exhaust gas from the engine. As the post-treatment device, a three-way catalyst is used. The engine device further includes a filter case including a filter body for catching deposits in the exhaust gas. The filter case is disposed, in a replaceable manner, upstream of the post-treatment device in the exhaust passage.

An evaporative emissions control system includes a first vent valve configured to selectively open and close a first vent, a second vent valve configured to selectively open and close a second vent, a fuel level sensor configured to sense a fuel level in the fuel tank, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure in the fuel tank, an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle, and a controller configured to regulate operation of the first and second vent valves to provide pressure relief for the fuel tank. The controller is programmed to determine if a refueling event is occurring based one signals indicating the fuel level is increasing, the pressure in the fuel tank is increasing, and the vehicle is not moving, and open at least one of the first and second vent valves based on determining the refueling event is occurring.

Methods and systems are provided for preparing an energy receiving apparatus of a vehicle for receiving an increase in a level of energy storage prior to a vehicle reaching an energy replenishment station for receiving the increase. In one example, a method comprises via a controller, requesting a confirmation as to whether a vehicle operator intends to stop at a particular energy replenishment station, and when confirmation is received, commanding one or more actions to prepare the energy receiving apparatus for accepting the energy level increase. In this way, a time-frame for accepting the energy level increase may be reduced as compared to situations where the one or more actions are not undertaken.

A method for controlling an active air flap of a vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving individual amounts of cooling demand required by a plurality of apparatuses requiring cooling that are installed within an engine room. Demand duties are then calculated based on the amounts of cooling demand required by the respective apparatuses and correction duties for the respective apparatuses are calculated by multiplying the demand duties for the respective apparatuses by an outside temperature factor according to the outside temperature of the vehicle. A maximum value out of the correction duties for the respective apparatuses is selected as a final duty and the active air flap is operated with an opening degree based on the selected final duty.

An evaporative emissions control system includes a first vent valve configured to selectively open and close a first vent, a second vent valve configured to selectively open and close a second vent, a fuel level sensor configured to sense a fuel level in the fuel tank, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure in the fuel tank, an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle, and a controller configured to regulate operation of the first and second vent valves to provide pressure relief for the fuel tank. The controller is programmed to determine if a refueling event is occurring based one signals indicating the fuel level is increasing, the pressure in the fuel tank is increasing, and the vehicle is not moving, and open at least one of the first and second vent valves based on determining the refueling event is occurring.

A system includes an on-board charger that receives energy from an external power source and a battery having a state of charge (SOC) and a battery temperature. The system also includes a battery heater that converts electrical energy into thermal energy (heat) for increasing the battery temperature. The system also includes a battery management system (BMS) that determines or detects a current SOC of the battery and a current battery temperature. The system also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the on-board charger and to the BMS. The ECU controls the on-board charger to distribute energy to the battery and to the battery heater to cause the SOC to remain above a SOC threshold and to cause the battery temperature to remain above a battery temperature threshold based on the current SOC and the current battery temperature.

A vehicle drive device includes: a casing within which lubricating oil is received; a rotating electrical machine provided within the casing, and including a stator with a coil; a temperature sensor provided within the casing; and a control device that functions as: a coil temperature estimation device executing a first temperature estimation in which correlation with a detected temperature is relatively high, and a second temperature estimation in which the correlation is relatively low; a determination device determining whether or not positional relationship between the temperature sensor and oil level is in a permitted state that permits the first temperature estimation; and a limitation device limiting load factor of the rotating electrical machine based on a result of the first temperature estimation when being in the permitted state, and limiting the load factor based on a result of the second temperature estimation when not being in the permitted state.

A snap-fit assembly that allows securely attaching and locking components to each other or to wall-like objects. The snap-fit assembly includes an electronic device with a plastic housing designed to have at the same surface a set of oppositely disposed hooks and a tab for defining an area which is shaped and dimensioned to receive a sliding mechanical bracket. The hooks guide the mechanical bracket into place and securely attach the mechanical bracket to the plastic housing, while the tab forms a stop device for the mechanical bracket, while at the same time locking into a locking opening formed at the mechanical tab.