There is provided a control system (200), a vehicle (1), a method (500), and computer software, for controlling thermal energy capture of vehicle kinetic energy of a vehicle. The control system (200) is configured to determine whether to enter a first regenerative braking energy conversion mode or a second regenerative braking energy conversion mode. The control system is configured to output a control signal (508, 510) to cause an electric machine (402, 404) of the vehicle to enter the first regenerative braking energy conversion mode or the second regenerative braking energy conversion mode in dependence on the determination. The first regenerative braking energy conversion mode is configured to provide a first proportion of total energy generated via the electric machine as thermal energy added to a cooling system (400) of the vehicle. The second regenerative braking energy conversion mode is configured to provide a second, greater, proportion of total energy generated via the electric machine as thermal energy added to the cooling system.

A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater for use in a vehicle air conditioner. The PTC heater comprises a plurality of independently electrically controllable PTC modules that can be selected. All the PTC modules are directly started simultaneously to activate the entire PTC heater; or the operation of one or some of the PTC modules is started before all the PTC modules are started simultaneously to activate the entire PTC heater. In addition, a method for controlling the PTC heater and a control system for operating the control method are also provided. By controlling the coordinated operation of the PTC heater and a compressor, the purposes of reducing power consumption to increase energy efficiency and extending the range of an electric bus are achieved.

A vehicle thermal management system includes a first coolant loop that passes through a battery and a first valve. A second coolant loop passes through a heater, a cabin, and a second valve. A first connecting path connects the first valve and a second point of the second coolant loop. A second connecting path connects the second valve and a first point of the first coolant loop. The first valve selectively allows coolant to circulate through the first coolant loop or flow to the second point 280 through the first connecting path. The second valve selectively allows coolant to circulate through the second coolant loop or flow to the first point 180 through the second connecting path. A second cooling unit cools the cabin. The first coolant loop additionally passes through a first cooling unit.

A method for steady on-chip operation during an automotive thermal malfunction is described. The method includes monitoring a cooling system of a system-on-chip (SoC) during operation of a vehicle control sub-system. The method also includes detecting a thermal failure of the cooling system in response to the monitoring. The method further includes activating a lower power mode of the SoC in response to the detecting of the thermal failure. The method also includes switching to a manual vehicle control.