A battery management system and method that allows a battery bank to be composed of battery modules that can be heterogeneous with respect to each other. A battery bank composed of modules that support the battery management system allows for any subset of modules to be easily replaced with modules of different electrochemical characteristics. Each of the modules may also have a controller that manages cells of the module. The bank level controller and module level controller may operate to virtualize the hardware under their management to reduce or eliminate the heterogeneous features of the underlying cells and modules.

A modular battery system provides propulsive power to the rotor system of an aircraft. The modular battery system includes an array of battery modules arranged in at least one stack. Each battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, a first side having positive and negative receptacles and a second side, that is opposite of the first side, having positive and negative plugs. The receptacles and plugs are configured such that adjacent battery modules in a side-by-side relationship are electrically coupled together via plug and receptacle connections and such that the battery modules are electrically coupled together in parallel. An interconnection electrically couples each stack of battery modules together via plug and receptacle connections with one of the battery modules in each stack such that the stacks of battery modules are electrically coupled together in parallel.

A modular battery system provides propulsive power to the rotor system of an aircraft. The modular battery system includes an array of battery modules arranged in at least one stack. Each battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, a first side having positive and negative receptacles and a second side, that is opposite of the first side, having positive and negative plugs. The receptacles and plugs are configured such that adjacent battery modules in a side-by-side relationship are electrically coupled together via plug and receptacle connections and such that the battery modules are electrically coupled together in parallel. An interconnection electrically couples each stack of battery modules together via plug and receptacle connections with one of the battery modules in each stack such that the stacks of battery modules are electrically coupled together in parallel.

Connection and control concepts for battery packs in a high voltage battery assembly are provided. Parallel, modular configurations permit improved safety, voltage balancing, and redundancy, improving operation and reliability of an associated high voltage electrical vehicle such as a heavy-duty truck.

Connection and control concepts for battery packs in a high voltage battery assembly are provided. Parallel, modular configurations permit improved safety, voltage balancing, and redundancy, improving operation and reliability of an associated high voltage electrical vehicle such as a heavy-duty truck.

A battery-powered motor may include an electric motor, a controller, and a housing. The electric motor may be wound to enable the battery-powered motor to achieve a non-limited motor maximum motor revolutions per minute (RPM) for at least one specified battery. The controlling current may include limiting current to the electric motor at lower RPMs, and limiting the current to prevent the RPM of the electric motor from exceeding a limited maximum motor RPM which is lower than the non-limited motor maximum RPM. The housing may enclose the electric motor and the controller and the specified battery. The housing may have a form factor to engage with a machine that engages with an internal combustion engine that has a maximum engine RPM that is approximately the same as the limited maximum motor RPM.

An automated storage and retrieval system includes a track system including a first set of tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The first set of tracks and the second set of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each grid cell includes an opening defined by the first set of tracks and the second set of tracks such that the track system includes a plurality of openings. A plurality of storage containers are arranged in columns beneath the track system such that the storage containers are located vertically below the openings. A plurality of container handling vehicles for lifting and moving the storage containers are configured to move on the track system and access the storage containers via the openings. Each container handling vehicle of the container handling vehicles includes a lower part in contact with the track system and an upper part. The lower part has a width and a length that form a vehicle footprint. The vehicle footprint of the lower part has dimensions smaller than the opening such that a contact area of the container handling vehicle does not extend into an adjacent grid cell. The upper part, which is disposed vertically above the lower part, includes a protruding section and a recessed section. The protruding section is configured to extend beyond the lower part into the adjacent grid cell. The recessed section is of a complimentary shape to the protruding section such that the recessed section is configured to receive other protruding sections of other vehicles of the container handling vehicles. The lower part further includes a storage space configured to accommodate a storage container of the storage containers.

A vehicle includes a tilt rotor that is aft of a fixed wing and that is attached to the fixed wing via a pylon. A flight computer configured to instruct the tilt rotor to produce a maximum downward angle including by updating an actuator authority database associated with the flight computer to reflect the maximum downward angle, and generating a rotor control signal for the tilt rotor using the updated actuator authority database that reflects the maximum downward angle, wherein the maximum downward angle is adjustable.

A vehicle includes a tilt rotor that is aft of a fixed wing and that is attached to the fixed wing via a pylon. A flight computer configured to instruct the tilt rotor to produce a maximum downward angle including by updating an actuator authority database associated with the flight computer to reflect the maximum downward angle, and generating a rotor control signal for the tilt rotor using the updated actuator authority database that reflects the maximum downward angle, wherein the maximum downward angle is adjustable.

Systems and methods for storing energy for use by an electric vehicle are disclosed. Systems can include an electric vehicle battery pack including a rack configured to couple a plurality of independently removable battery strings to the vehicle, the battery strings configured to be selectively coupled in parallel to a vehicle power bus. The battery strings may include a housing, a plurality of electrochemical cells disposed within the housing, a circuit for electrically connecting the electrochemical cells, a positive high-voltage connector, a negative high-voltage connector, a switch within the housing, and a string control unit configured to control the switch. Each battery string can include a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet configured to couple with and sealingly uncouple from an external coolant supply conduit and an external coolant return conduit, and an auxiliary connector configured to couple with an external communications system and/or an external low-voltage power supply.