3579results about How to "Save fuel" patented technology

Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS / UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS / UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS / UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS / UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS / UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS / UAV. The UAS / UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS / UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS / UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.

A system and method of identify fuel savings opportunity in a fleet of vehicles based on a determination of fuel consumption due to modifiable use conditions is described. Modifiable use conditions, such as unauthorized usage, speeding and excessive idling, which represent opportunities for fuel savings are identified and fuel consumption based on the modifiable use conditions is determined. A user-defined statistical metric for the fleet, or a portion of the fleet, can be determined for each of the modifiable use conditions evaluated. Fuel consumption of an individual vehicle, or a group of vehicles, resulting from modifiable use conditions can be compared with a larger group of vehicle, or the fleet, to determine vehicles which correspond to a metric of the fleet. Fleet managers can use this information to modify the use conditions of individual or group of vehicles to provide fuel savings for the fleet.

A method includes determining an operational parameter of a first vehicle traveling with a plurality of vehicles in a transportation network and / or a route in the transportation network, identifying a failure condition of the first vehicle and / or the route based on the operational parameter, obtaining plural different sets of remedial actions that dictate operations to be taken based on the operational parameter, simulating travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network based on implementation of the different sets of remedial actions, determining potential consequences on travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network when the different sets of remedial actions are implemented in the travel that is simulated, and based on the potential consequences, receiving a selection of at least one of the different sets of remedial actions to be implemented in actual travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network.

A predictive cruise control system utilizes information about the current vehicle position, and upcoming terrain to save fuel and increase driving comfort. A vehicle operating cost function is defined, based on a plurality of environmental parameters, vehicle parameters, vehicle operating parameters and route parameters. As the vehicle travels over a particular route for which route parameters, such as road gradient and curvature, are stored in a road map, sensors aboard the vehicle detect environmental and vehicle operating parameters, including at least vehicle speed and its position relative to the road map. As the vehicle proceeds, an onboard computer iteratively calculates and stores in a memory vehicle control parameters that optimize the vehicle operating cost function for a predetermined prediction horizon along the route ahead of the vehicle. The optimal vehicle control parameters for the Prediction Horizon are then stored, updated and used to control the vehicle.

An automated aircraft towing vehicle system for use with aircraft is provided. When coupled to an aircraft the towing tractor vehicle facilitates the movement of the aircraft without the requirement for use of the aircraft's jet engines. The towing vehicle system comprises a towing tractor vehicle having remotely controllable steering, braking, and acceleration. The remote system controller is located in the aircraft being towed such that the pilot of the aircraft being towed is capable of controlling the starting, stopping and steering of the towing tractor vehicle. The towing tractor vehicle further includes a remotely controllable de-coupling means. When the aircraft is towed to the desired location, the decoupling of the aircraft from the towing tractor vehicle is controllable by the remote system controller.

A system includes a first controller, a data acquisition device, a friction modification unit, and a friction management controller. The first controller is configured to obtain an operational setting for a vehicle, and to output a first signal relating to the operational setting for controlling the vehicle. The data acquisition device is configured to obtain operational data of the vehicle as the vehicle travels, and to provide the operational data to the first controller. The first controller is configured to obtain a difference between the operational data and the operational setting, and to adjust the first signal based on the difference. The friction modification unit is configured to modify a friction characteristic of a surface of the route. The friction management controller is configured to direct the friction modification unit to modify the friction characteristic of the surface of the route based on the operational setting.

The present invention relates to variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) devices and methods for maximizing engine generator efficiency. In one embodiment, a VSCF device may include at least two paths for conducting power to the load. One path, a line inductor path, may advantageously incur minimal power loss when the engine generator is supplying rated power to a load. A second path, a VSCF path, may be used to ensure that the frequency of the power is maintained at a substantially constant frequency under various load conditions. Another embodiment of the invention describes a process for determining optimal engine generator speed for a particular load. Because engine speed can be varied using any VSCF device, this process determines a speed that minimizes fuel consumption, emissions, and noise pollution for a given load.

A weather briefing system that may be used in the cockpit to provide near real-time graphic and text weather information. Weather information and pilot reports are fed to the cockpit from, e.g., a satellite in geosynchronous orbit. Once delivered to the aircraft, the system processes the data stream and formats it for delivery to an end user device. The data is collected from an extensive network of sources. The end user device may be a portable electronic flight bag (EFB), panel-mounted display (MFD), or similar device programmed to display the formatted data. The system provides timely and accurate weather information to pilots of all types of aircraft. This information may be used for pre-flight planning and in-flight decision-making.

An auxiliary power device for attachment to an existing refrigeration unit of a refrigerated trailer to serve as a power source to a truck cab, thereby allow operation of electrical devices in said cab without idling of the truck's engine. The auxiliary power device comprises a housing attached beneath the existing refrigeration unit, an electric generator enclosed within the housing, and a pulley assembly mounted in the housing and connected by drive shaft to the generator. The pulley assembly is connected via drive belt to the diesel motor in the existing refrigeration unit. When the generator is activated a first relay governs the speed of the diesel motor in the refrigeration unit, which turns the generator to generate power, and a second relay prevents drainage of the refrigeration unit battery. The power from the generator is routed through a breaker panel mounted in the cab of the truck for distributing and regulating power from the battery and / or generator into the truck cab. Thus, the driver can power electric devices in the cab from the auxiliary power generation device without idling the truck's main engine, thereby reducing fuel consumption, harmful emissions, and prolonging engine life.

A ship intelligent energy efficiency management system includes a basic function module and an advanced function module. The basic function module is used for monitoring and evaluation on energy consumption and energy efficiency; through automatic collection and online monitoring of ship navigational status and energy consumption condition data, by applying data correlation analysis and a data model algorithm, analysis, evaluation and predication are performed on ship energy consumption, energy efficiency and discharge, so that data evaluation and analysis results and assisting decision suggestions are provided for ship operation managers and intelligent energy efficiency management basic functions of ship energy efficiency real time monitoring, intelligent evaluation and optimization andcomprehensive report generation are implemented. The advanced function module is used for navigational speed optimization and establishing of a ship energy efficiency analysis model and a navigationalspeed optimization analysis model, so that the navigational speed optimization function based on voyage number plan and economic benefit is implemented. Real time evaluation is performed based on data collected in real time. Ship operation condition is regulated based on energy efficiency improvement on the basis of actual data, so that ship energy efficiency management becomes more scientific and effective.

A control device for an internal combustion engine, which comprise a turbocharger, of which turbo flow rate is made variable, and an intake valve provided with a variable valve mechanism and in which mirror cycle is performed, the control device comprising: device, which calculates an intake air quantity per unit time and an intake air quantity per cycle on the basis of torque required to the internal combustion engine; device, which controls the turbocharger so that with the intake air quantity per unit time, supercharging pressure is further increased in that range, in which a ratio of supercharging pressure and exhaust pressure is equal to or less than a predetermined value; and device, which controls the variable valve mechanism on the basis of the supercharging pressure and the intake air quantity per cycle.

The invention is directed toward methods for operating a parallel hybrid vehicle in a manner that responds to the operator's demand for power output, while maximizing engine efficiency and minimizing disruptions in vehicle drivability. According to principles of the present invention, when the driver of a hybrid vehicle makes a demand for power output immediately after a braking event, the power provided to meet the initial demand is from either an ICE or a secondary power source. Which power source is used, and when it is engaged and disengaged, depends on various vehicle operating conditions. Also, the ICE is selectively turned off and on in response to various operating conditions.

A control device for cylinder reducing operation of a multi-cylinder engine for a vehicle controls the number of working cylinders in the engine more appropriately for fuel economy while ensuring the operational stability of the engine and comfortable drivability of the vehicle. The control device comprises a detector detecting engine output torque and judges if cylinder reducing operation is to be executed while referring to the engine output torque. Because of the detection of engine output torque, cylinder reducing operation will be executed as long as torque requested of the engine is available from the reduced number of working cylinders, thereby ensuring the generation of torque required in operating the engine while saving fuel as much as possible. Through a learning process, criteria for the judgment of execution of cylinder reducing operation are modified to be adapted for any variation of engine output performances.

Temperature control systems and methods can be designed for controlling the interior climate of a vehicle or other the climate of another desired region. The temperature control system for a vehicle can have a thermoelectric system providing heating and / or cooling, including supplemental heating and / or cooling. The thermoelectric system can transfer thermal energy between a working fluid, such as liquid coolant, and comfort air upon application of electric current of a selected polarity. The thermoelectric system can supplement or replace the heat provided from an internal combustion engine or other primary heat source. The thermoelectric system can also supplement or replace cold energy provided from a compressor-based refrigeration system or other primary cold energy source.

Temperature control systems and methods can be designed for controlling the interior climate of a vehicle or other the climate of another desired region. The temperature control system for a vehicle can have a thermoelectric system providing heating and / or cooling, including supplemental heating and / or cooling. The thermoelectric system can transfer thermal energy between a working fluid, such as liquid coolant, and comfort air upon application of electric current of a selected polarity. The thermoelectric system can supplement or replace the heat provided from an internal combustion engine or other primary heat source. The thermoelectric system can also supplement or replace cold energy provided from a compressor-based refrigeration system or other primary cold energy source.

Method and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method comprises, adjusting a brake torque applied to a deactivated rotating engine after an engine restart request, the brake torque applied to slow the engine to at least a predetermined threshold speed without stopping the engine, and engaging a starter to the still rotating engine to increase the engine speed and restart the engine.

The invention discloses a starting power generation system for an electric automobile, which comprises a double salient pole starting power generator, a starting power generation controller and controller working power; the starting power generation controller comprises a bidirectional power conversion circuit, an exciting current detection unit, an output current detection unit, an output voltage detection unit, a position rotation speed detection unit, an armature current detection unit, an exciting main circuit and a digital signal processor, wherein the exciting main circuit includes an exciting relay, a rectification filter unit and a chopper circuit which are connected in series in turn; and the digital signal processor is connected with the exciting current detection unit, the output current detection unit, the output voltage detection unit, the armature current detection unit, the position rotation speed detection unit, and the control ends of the bidirectional power conversion circuit, the exciting relay and the rectification filter unit by signals respectively. The invention also discloses an electric automobile and a control method thereof. Compared with the prior art, the starting power generation system is simple in structure, low in cost and flexible to control.

The technology described herein provides a powertrain system with a route-learning feature. Particularly, learned information is used to optimize powertrain operation along any learned route. The learned information comprises, generally, feedback from the vehicle's acceleration and brake sensors and information from an on-board trip computer. At the least, the powertrain is able to optimize its operation to a driver's preference based on the feedback recorded along a particular route that the driver has specified. The route-learning powertrain control described herein is particularly useful with a hybrid powertrain, and can be used to optimize start / stop and regenerative braking control. The system described herein can also be integrated with a navigation system and GPS receiver, to provide more accurate route-learning and / or automated operation.

A control device for cylinder reducing operation of a multi-cylinder engine for a vehicle controls the number of working cylinders in the engine more appropriately for fuel economy while ensuring the operational stability of the engine and comfortable drivability of the vehicle. The control device comprises a detector detecting engine output torque and judges if cylinder reducing operation is to be executed while referring to the engine output torque. Because of the detection of engine output torque, cylinder reducing operation will be executed as long as torque requested of the engine is available from the reduced number of working cylinders, thereby ensuring the generation of torque required in operating the engine while saving fuel as much as possible. Through a learning process, criteria for the judgment of execution of cylinder reducing operation are modified to be adapted for any variation of engine output performances.

Systems and methods for determining operation of a cylinder deactivating / reactivating device are disclosed. In one example, degradation of the cylinder deactivating / reactivating device is based on intake manifold oxygen concentration.

The present invention relates to a support system for determining a trajectory to be followed by an agricultural work vehicle, when working a field, said system comprises:a mapping unit configured for receiving:i) coordinates relating to the boundaries of a field to be worked; andii) coordinates relating to the boundaries of one or more obstacles to be avoided by said work vehicle; wherein said one or more obstacles being located within said field;a capacity parameter unit configured for receiving one or more capacity parameters relating to said working vehicle;a trajectory calculating unit configured for calculating an optimized trajectory to be followed by said work vehicle; wherein said optimized trajectory is being calculated on the basis of said coordinates received by said mapping unit; and one or more of said one or more capacity parameters received by said capacity parameter unit.

A method includes determining an operational parameter of a first vehicle traveling with a plurality of vehicles in a transportation network and / or a route in the transportation network, identifying a failure condition of the first vehicle and / or the route based on the operational parameter, obtaining plural different sets of remedial actions that dictate operations to be taken based on the operational parameter, simulating travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network based on implementation of the different sets of remedial actions, determining potential consequences on travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network when the different sets of remedial actions are implemented in the travel that is simulated, and based on the potential consequences, receiving a selection of at least one of the different sets of remedial actions to be implemented in actual travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network.

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system (10) for an aircraft cabin (12) with at least one air inlet (14) for supplying air to the cabin (12), at least one air outlet (16) for discharging air from the cabin (12) and at least one compressed-air source (52, 54, 56), which is adapted to provide pressurised fresh air for supplying to the cabin (12) via the at least one air inlet (14). The air conditioning system (10) further comprises a heat exchanger (42) supplied with ram air from a ram air inlet (92) for cooling air from the compressed-air source (52, 54, 56), wherein the heat exchanger (42) is disposed upstream of the air inlet (14) of the cabin (12). It is intended that the air conditioning system (10) comprises a cabin air heat exchanger (100) which is designed to be supplied with air discharged from the cabin (12), wherein the cabin air heat exchanger (100) is disposed downstream of the at least one air outlet (16) and upstream of a point (N) at which fresh air is mixed with air from the cabin (12).

The invention relates to an electric secondary AC circuit detection method which comprises the following steps: before a power plant machine set is started, a low-voltage short-circuit point or a short-circuit bogie is input; three-phase 380 V voltage is added at the high-voltage side of a booster station to form a circuit by means of the impedance of a transformer and a generator; current amplitude and phase are measured through a current detecting apparatus to check polarity and transformation ratio in advance; all current protective directions such as generator differential motion are measured. When a neutral point is not connected, a short-circuit point is made at a high plant transformer low-voltage side, and the three-phase 380 V voltage is added at the neutral point of the generator, thereby realizing overall checkup of a generator AC circuit; then, the three-phase 380 V voltage is converted into one-phase voltage or two-phase voltage to carry out overall checkup of a zero sequence circuit. The detection method can check all CT and PT circuits of a generation-transformer group before power transmission; moreover, all protection directions of the generation-transformer group are checked in advance, thereby saving time and fuel oil along with economical efficiency, environmental protection and safety. The electric secondary AC circuit detection method can check secondary circuits such as the transformer and the bus differential protection of a transformer substation.

Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque transferred via a driveline disconnect clutch is estimated based on characteristics of a torque converter to improve driveline operation.

An internal combustion engine having a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry includes a compressor and an exhaust-gas turbine, whose turbine geometry can be adjusted to adjustably set the effective turbine cross section area. Using a closed-loop and open-loop control device, the operating state of the internal combustion engine can be detected, and the internal combustion engine can be adjusted as a function of the load and state. A movable limit stop is provided for limiting the control path of the variable turbine geometry, the limit stop being adjustable between a limiting position that limits the control path of the variable turbine geometry and a release position outside of the control path of the turbine geometry.

Methods and related apparatus embodiments are disclosed that allow novel Conformal Vortex Generator and / or Elastomeric Vortex Generator art to improve energy efficiency and control capabilities at many surface points of a body or object moving at speed in aero / hydrodynamic Newtonian fluids, by reducing; shock energy losses, surface flow turbulence, and / or momentum layer thicknesses.

A roadway upon which a vehicle travels is provided in which the vehicle is decelerated. The roadway includes: a movable surface extending in a direction of the vehicle's travel; and a potential energy storage mechanism operatively connected to the movable surface for converting a kinetic energy of the vehicle into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface thereby slowing the vehicle. Also provided is a roadway upon which a wheeled vehicle travels in which the vehicle is accelerated. The roadway includes: a movable surface extending in a direction of the vehicle's travel; and a potential energy transfer mechanism operatively connected to the movable surface for transferring a stored potential energy associated with the movable surface into kinetic energy upon movement of the movable surface thereby propelling the vehicle.

The invention belongs to the technical field of environmental protection, and in particular relates to a device for remediation of organic contaminated soil by using thermal desorption combined with an oxidant and a remediation method. The device of the invention is composed of an air heater, an air compressor, an air valve, a dosing valve, a dosing tank, a vacuum suction pump, a delivery pump, an electric power control unit, an insulation layer, lateral pipes, injection syringes, injection wells, a gas collection well and vacuum suction pipelines. According to the invention, through a treatment method of in situ thermal desorption and adding the oxidant, volatile organic compound contaminated soil is effectively treated. The technique of the invention is applicable to a relatively broad scope, can be used to perform in situ pollution remediation of volatile organic compounds under different climatic conditions, geological conditions, soil properties, and earth surface conditions. The heater of the present invention can infuse more produced heat into the soil, thus saving fuel and combustion time.