An embodiment of a control system includes a current command module configured to receive a torque command and output a current command for controlling a direct current (DC) motor, and a current capability limiting module configured to receive the current command and a current limit indicating a maximum motor current, limit the current command based on the current limit, and actively further limit the current command based on a capability limit value.

A rechargeable motorized personal shopping and utility cart. Designed for elderly or infirm consumers who find it difficult to pull or push a manual utility cart, particularly on inclines, the electronic shopping cart would propel itself on demand. Designed in every aspect for the ultimate in convenience, the front of the unit would also feature an easy-access swing-open door which makes the loading and unloading of the electronic shopping cart far easier, even for extra tall items.

A hybrid-electric propulsion system includes a gas turbine engine, an electric machine coupled to and rotatably driven by the gas turbine engine to produce AC electric power, an energy storage system, and a propulsion unit. The gas turbine engine includes a combustor and a recuperator that places an exhaust air flow that is downstream from the combustor in a heat exchange relationship with a compressed air flow that is upstream from the combustor to transfer thermal energy from the exhaust flow to the compressed flow. The propulsion unit includes a fan and an electric motor rotably coupled to the fan, the electric motor being driven by electric power from one of the electric machine or the energy storage system.

A drive system for a vehicle having a rear drive assembly powered by a first power source, a front drive assembly in selective electrical communication with a second power source, a selector switch to selectively permit or prevent electrical communication between the front drive assembly and the second power source, and an output capacity sensor to detect an output of the first power source, where the rear drive assembly drives the vehicle when the selector switch is in a first position and both the rear and front drive assemblies drive the vehicle when the selector switch is in a second position and the output capacity sensor detects that the output of the first power source meets a threshold output.

For a long stator linear motor comprising a switch and secure guidance of the transport vehicles in the direction of movement along the transport track, it is provided that the transport vehicle (Tn) is force-guided, at least in sections, in the direction of movement (x) outside the switch (W), and at least one one-sided track section (2d) is provided on the transport track (2), along which a vehicle guide element (7) only on one side of the transport track (2) interacts with the track guide element (6) on the assigned side of the transport track (2) for the mechanical forced guidance in the direction of movement (x), and the forced guidance in the direction of movement (x) in the transverse direction (y) is canceled in the region of the switch (W).

An off-board load power management system for an electrified vehicle is provided. The system may include a DC-to-AC inverter for providing power to auxiliary loads. Using a manual selector, an operator may select an amount of power to be allocated for inverter use at all time during vehicle operation. A controller may guarantee the selected amount of power is available for inverter use and control a generator accordingly. The controller may manage the distribution of power from a battery and/or generator to the powertrain and other vehicle accessories to ensure the selected amount for the inverter always remains available.

A torque stick apparatus for driving a personal transporter across a transport surface by positioning the torque stick apparatus against a drive surface is described. The torque stick apparatus includes a tubular housing, throttle control, battery pack, motor coupled to a wheel, and motor controller. The motor controller is coupled to the motor, the battery pack, and the throttle control. The motor controller determines whether to select regenerative braking mode based at least in part on the position of the throttle control. The motor controller supplies power from the battery pack to the motor in accordance with the throttle control when regenerative braking mode is not selected. The motor controller provides power from the motor to the battery pack when regenerative braking is selected. The battery pack and the motor controller are contained within the housing.

An electric powered vehicle having a battery pack capable of storing electric energy and a clean fuel engine operated with a clean fuel. A first D/C alternator communicating with the clean fuel engine, supplying electric energy to the electric driving motor. A timing gear belt driven starter/alternator that is connected directly to the clean fuel engine, activating the clean fuel engine when the battery pack reaches loss at a maximum of 30% capacity remaining. Thereafter, a second D/C alternator and yet thereafter a third D/C alternator communicating with the clean fuel engine during periods when no electrical communication exists between the electric driver motor and battery packs. The D/C alternators maintain an electrical output to the battery packs until recharged.

An embodiment of a control system includes a current command module configured to receive a torque command and output a current command for controlling a direct current (DC) motor, and a current capability limiting module configured to receive the current command and a current limit indicating a maximum motor current, limit the current command based on the current limit, and actively further limit the current command based on a capability limit value.

A vehicle includes a first prime mover and a first prime mover driven transmission. A vehicle drive system for the vehicle includes an electric energy source, an electric motor in direct or indirect mechanical communication with the first prime mover, and a high power generator coupled to the electric motor. The electric motor is configured to generate energy for storage in the energy source via rotation using power from the first prime mover and drives the generator using energy from the electric energy source.