Patent ID: 12252037

The figures are not exhaustive and do not limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) may include one or more fuel cell stacks that are operable to generate the electrical energy used by motors/motor-generators to power the wheels of such FCVs. Typically, a battery pack is associated with a fuel cell stack, where the fuel cell stack is more energy dense, while the typical battery used in FCVs supplement more power to the fuel cell system. Energy refers to a capacity to do work, while power is the rate at which work is done. In other words, energy is power integrated over time, and power is the rate at which energy is transmitted. Energy density typically refers to how much energy can be stored, while power density typically refers to how quickly stored energy can be released. A higher energy density generally results in the ability to store larger amounts of energy, while a high power density generally results in the ability to release higher amounts of energy more quickly. From a battery perspective, if there are two batteries in a system, the one with higher power density and lower energy density can be referred to as a “power battery” in the system. On the other hand, the one with lower power density and higher energy density can be referred to as an “energy battery” in the system. More specifically, the “power battery” carries less energy, but can provide higher power when the system needs high power. The “energy battery” carries more energy, and acts as an energy reservoir and a power supplement.

Depending on the energy/power requests from an FCV, the battery/battery pack may not sufficiently meet the energy/power request, e.g., the single battery may not be able to provide the requisite energy to propel the FCV in accordance with a desired level of acceleration. Additionally, single battery configurations, where the single battery is more power dense, can result in the single battery “dumping” its stored energy quickly, with nothing left in reserve, and in some instances, the single battery must handle both immediate/high-power-draw requests, as well as long-term/continuous/low-power draw requests. Again, this can lead to insufficient energy needed to meet an operational demand(s) of the FCV, and can also result in premature degradation/reduced life of the battery.

In accordance with various embodiments, a dual battery configuration is implemented relative to any one fuel cell/fuel cell stack, where one battery may be more energy dense, and where the other battery may be more power dense. In this way, different types of energy/power needs can be met by a battery configured to address those different needs appropriately. That is, power can be distributed from/by each of a fuel cell, first battery, and second battery according to triggers/indicators characterizing a particular driving condition or set of conditions, such as but not limited to, grade, rate of acceleration, and so on, as well as, e.g., the operating condition(s) (for example, battery state of charge (SOC), power range boundaries, temperatures, etc.) of one or both batteries.

An FCV100is shown inFIG.1as a representative electrified vehicle. In this description, uses of “front,” “forward” and the like, and uses of “rear,” “rearward” and the like, refer to the longitudinal directions of the FCV100. “Front,” “forward” and the like refer to the front (fore) of the FCV100, while “rear,” “rearward” and the like refer to the back (aft) of the FCV100. Uses of “side,” “sideways,” “transverse” and the like refer to the lateral directions of the FCV100, with “driver's side” and the like referring to the left side of the FCV100, and “passenger side” and the like referring to the right side of the FCV100.

InFIG.1, the FCV100is shown to be a semi-tractor or, in other words, a tractor unit that, together with a hitched semitrailer102, forms a semi-truck. The FCV100has an exterior and a number of interior compartments. The compartments include a passenger compartment104and one or more engine compartments106. The FCV100may include, among other things, seats and a dash assembly housed in its passenger compartment104.

The FCV100has a body108that forms its exterior and defines its compartments. The body108has upright sides, a floor, a front end, a rear end, a roof and the like. In the semi-truck to which the FCV100belongs, the semitrailer102similarly has an exterior and, as an interior compartment, a cargo compartment for carrying cargo. In addition to the body108, the FCV100has a chassis110. The chassis110serves as an underbody for the FCV100. The chassis110, like the body108, forms the exterior of the FCV100. As part of the chassis110, the FCV100includes a hitch112for hitching the semitrailer102to the FCV100. With the semitrailer102hitched to the FCV100, the FCV100is operable to pull the semitrailer102and any onboard cargo.

The FCV100has a drivetrain. The drivetrain is part of, mounted to or otherwise supported by the chassis110. The drivetrain may be housed, in whole or in part, in any combination of the passenger compartment104, the engine compartments106or elsewhere in the FCV100. As part of the drivetrain, the FCV100includes wheels114. The wheels114support the remainder of the FCV100on the ground. The FCV100includes ten wheels114, two of which are front wheels114F, and eight of which are rear wheels114R. The rear wheels114R are arranged in four dual-wheel setups. The rear wheels114R belonging to two driver's side dual-wheel setups are shown, with the other two, passenger side dual-wheel setups being mirror images that include the remaining rear wheels114R. One, some or all of the wheels114are powered to drive the FCV100along the ground. In a rear-wheel drive arrangement, one, some or all of the rear wheels114R are powered to drive the FCV100along the ground. For this purpose, also as part of the drivetrain, in addition to the wheels114, the FCV100includes any penultimate combination of a transmission, a differential, a drive shaft and the like, to which the wheels114are mechanically connected. It should be understood that various embodiments may be implemented in other types of FCVs, e.g., passenger FCVs that may similar or non-similar components/aspects as those described above in the context of an FCV semi-tractor.

The FCV100operates as an assembly of interconnected items that equip the FCV100to satisfy real-time vehicle demands. Generally speaking, a vehicle demand corresponds to a vehicle function whose performance satisfies the vehicle demand. Accordingly, the FCV100is equipped, in operation, to satisfy one or more vehicle demands by performing one or more corresponding vehicle functions. With respect to performing vehicle functions, the FCV100is subject to any combination of manual operation and autonomous operation. In the case of manual operation, the FCV100may be manual-only. In the case of autonomous operation, the FCV100may be semi-autonomous, highly-autonomous or fully-autonomous.

For purposes of satisfying vehicle demands, the FCV100includes one or more vehicle systems120. Either alone or in conjunction with the drivetrain, the vehicle systems120are operable to perform vehicle functions on behalf of the FCV100, and thereby satisfy corresponding vehicle demands on behalf of the FCV100. Any combination of the vehicle systems120may be operable to perform a vehicle function. Accordingly, from the perspective of a vehicle function, as well as a corresponding vehicle demand, one, some or all of the vehicle systems120serve as associated vehicle systems120. Moreover, each vehicle system120may be operable to perform any combination of vehicle functions, and thereby satisfy any combination of corresponding vehicle demands, in whole or in part. Accordingly, each vehicle system120, from its own perspective, serves as an associated vehicle system120for one or more vehicle functions, as well as one or more corresponding vehicle demands.

In addition to the vehicle systems120, the FCV100includes a sensor system122, as well as one or more processors124, memory126, and one or more control modules128to which the vehicle systems120and the sensor system122are communicatively connected. The sensor system122is operable to detect information about the FCV100. The processors124, the memory126and the control modules128together serve as one or more computing devices whose control modules128are employable to orchestrate the operation of the FCV100.

Specifically, the control modules128operate the vehicle systems120based on information about the FCV100. Accordingly, as a prerequisite to operating the vehicle systems120, the control modules128gather information about the FCV100, including any combination of the information about the FCV100detected by the sensor system122and information about the FCV100communicated between the control modules128. The control modules128then evaluate the information about the FCV100, and operate the vehicle systems120based on their evaluation. As part of their evaluation of the information about the FCV100, the control modules128identify one or more vehicle demands. Relatedly, as part of their operation of the vehicle systems120, when a vehicle demand is identified, the control modules128operate one or more associated vehicle systems120to satisfy the vehicle demand, while maintaining the fuel cell and batteries within their operative range with respect to SOC, power, temperature, etc). For example, actuation of an accelerator pedal of FCV100results in a request for some particular, desired amount of torque to be applied to wheels114vis-à-vis energy system152providing energy to propulsion system154to drive wheels114(described in greater detail below).

Vehicle Systems

The vehicle systems120are part of, mounted to or otherwise supported by the chassis110. The vehicle systems120may be housed, in whole or in part, in any combination of the passenger compartment104, the engine compartments106or elsewhere in the FCV100. Each vehicle system120includes one or more vehicle elements. On behalf of the vehicle system120to which it belongs, each vehicle element is operable to perform, in whole or in part, any combination of vehicle functions with which the vehicle system120is associated. It will be understood that the vehicle elements, as well as the vehicle systems120to which they belong, may but need not be mutually distinct.

The vehicle systems120include an energy supersystem130and a propulsion supersystem132. The energy supersystem130and the propulsion supersystem132are electrically connected to one another. Moreover, the drivetrain is mechanically connected to the propulsion supersystem132. The propulsion supersystem132and the drivetrain together serve as an electrified powertrain for the FCV100. The energy supersystem130is operable to perform one or more energy functions, including but not limited to generating electrical energy. The propulsion supersystem132is operable to perform one or more propulsion functions using electrical energy from the energy supersystem130, including but not limited to powering the wheels114.

Specifically, the energy supersystem130is operable to generate electrical energy, store electrical energy, condition and otherwise handle electrical energy, and store and otherwise handle fuel. In conjunction with the drivetrain, the propulsion supersystem132is operable to power the wheels114using electrical energy from the energy supersystem130. With the wheels114powered, the propulsion supersystem132is employable to accelerate the FCV100, maintain the speed of the FCV100(e.g., on level or uphill ground) and otherwise drive the FCV100along the ground. The propulsion supersystem132is also operable to generate electrical energy using one, some or all of the wheels114, and consequently retard the wheels114. With the wheels114retarded, the propulsion supersystem132is employable to decelerate the FCV100, maintain the speed of the FCV100(e.g., on downhill ground) and otherwise drive the FCV100along the ground. The energy supersystem130, in turn, is operable to store electrical energy from the propulsion supersystem132. As the combined product of generating electrical energy, and consequently retarding the wheels114, and storing electrical energy, the propulsion supersystem132and the energy supersystem130are operable to regeneratively brake the FCV100at the wheels114.

In addition to the energy supersystem130and the propulsion supersystem132, the vehicle systems120include one or more auxiliary systems134. The auxiliary systems134include a braking system140, a steering system142, a heating/cooling system144, and an accessory system146. The auxiliary systems134, like the propulsion supersystem132, are electrically connected to the energy supersystem130. The auxiliary systems134are operable to perform one or more auxiliary functions using electrical energy from the energy supersystem130, including but not limited to frictionally braking the FCV100, steering the FCV100, cooling the FCV100, heating the FCV100and one or more accessory functions. Accordingly, although the propulsion supersystem132acts as the principal electrical load on the energy supersystem130, the auxiliary systems134act as electrical loads on the energy supersystem130as well.

Sensor System

As part of the sensor system122, the FCV100includes one or more onboard sensors. The sensors monitor the FCV100in real-time. The sensors, on behalf of the sensor system122, are operable to detect information about the FCV100, including information about user requests and information about the operation of the FCV100. For example, sensor system122may monitor the state of charge (SOC) of a battery of battery system162, and power and temperature of the fuel cell stack and the batteries through constant monitoring of voltages, currents, temperatures associated with/relevant to the fuel cell stack and batteries.

The FCV100includes user controls. The user controls serve as interfaces between users of the FCV100and the FCV100itself, and are operable to receive mechanical, verbal and other user inputs requesting vehicle functions. In conjunction with corresponding user controls, and among the sensors122, the FCV100includes an accelerator pedal sensor, a brake pedal sensor, a steering angle sensor and the like, and one or more selector sensors, one or more microphones, one or more cameras and the like. Relatedly, among information about user requests, the sensor system122is operable to detect user inputs requesting powering the wheels114(e.g., vis-à-vis the accelerator pedal), user inputs requesting braking, steering and the like, user inputs requesting heating, cooling and the like, as well as user inputs requesting accessory functions.

Also among the sensors122, the FCV100includes one or more speedometers, one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more wheel sensors, one or more thermometers, one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs), one or more controller area network (CAN) sensors and the like. Relatedly, among information about the operation of the FCV100, the sensor system122is operable to detect the location and motion of the FCV100, including its speed, acceleration, orientation, rotation, direction and the like, the movement of the wheels114, temperatures of the FCV100, and the operational statuses of one, some or all of the vehicle systems120.

Control Modules

As noted above, the processors124, the memory126and the control modules128together serve as one or more computing devices whose control modules128orchestrate the operation of the FCV100. The control modules128include a global control module128G. Relatedly, as part of a central control system, the FCV100includes a global control unit (GCU) to which the global control module128G belongs. Although the FCV100, as shown, includes one global control module128G, it will be understood that this disclosure is applicable in principle to otherwise similar vehicles including multiple global control modules128G. The control modules128also include one or more power control modules128P. Relatedly, the FCV100includes one or more power control units (PCUs) to which the power control modules128P belong. Although the processors124and the memory126are shown as being common to the GCU and the PCUs, it is contemplated that one, some or all of the GCU and the PCUs could be a standalone computing device with one or more dedicated processors124and dedicated memory126.

The global control module128G orchestrates the global operation of the FCV100, including but not limited to the operation of the vehicle systems120, on behalf of the GCU. The power control modules128P orchestrate the operation of the energy supersystem130and the propulsion supersystem132, as well as certain auxiliary systems146, on behalf of the PCUs.

The processors124may be any components configured to execute any of the processes described herein or any form of instructions to carry out such processes or cause such processes to be performed. The processors124may be implemented with one or more general purpose or special purpose processors. Examples of suitable processors124include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors or other forms of circuitry that execute software. Other examples of suitable processors124include without limitation central processing units (CPUs), array processors, vector processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic circuitry or controllers. The processors124may include at least one hardware circuit (e.g., an integrated circuit) configured to carry out instructions contained in program code. In arrangements where there are multiple processors124, the processors124may work independently from each other or in combination with one another.

The memory126is a non-transitory computer readable medium. The memory126may include volatile or nonvolatile memory, or both. Examples of suitable memory126includes random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), registers, magnetic disks, optical disks, hard drives or any other suitable storage medium, or any combination of these. The memory126includes stored instructions in program code. Such instructions are executable by the processors124or the control modules128. The memory126may be part of the processors124or the control modules128, or may be communicatively connected the processors124or the control modules128.

Generally speaking, the control modules128include instructions that may be executed by the processors124. The control modules128may be implemented as computer readable program code that, when executed by the processors124, execute one or more of the processes described herein. Such computer readable program code may be stored on the memory126. The control modules128may be part of the processors124, or may be communicatively connected the processors124.

Power Modules

As noted above, the vehicle systems120are operable to perform vehicle functions on behalf of the FCV100, and thereby satisfy corresponding vehicle demands on behalf of the FCV100. Specifically, the energy supersystem130is operable to perform energy functions, and thereby satisfy corresponding energy demands, the propulsion supersystem132is operable to perform propulsion functions, and thereby satisfy corresponding propulsion demands, and the auxiliary systems134are operable to perform auxiliary functions, and thereby satisfy corresponding auxiliary demands.

From the perspective of the global control module128G and the power control modules128P, and the orchestration of the global operation of the FCV100, the vehicle demands include one or more global vehicle demands or, in other words, vehicle demands common to the FCV100. Specifically, one or more of the energy demands are global energy demands, and one or more of the propulsion demands are global propulsion demands. The global energy demands may include any combination of one or more demands to generate electrical energy, one or more demands to store electrical energy, and one or more demands to store and otherwise handle fuel. The global propulsion demands may include one or more demands to power the wheels114and one or more demands to retard the wheels114. Any combination of the global energy demands and the global propulsion demands may be part of global combined energy and propulsion demands, such as one or more demands to regeneratively brake the FCV100. Moreover, each auxiliary demand is a global auxiliary demand. The global auxiliary demands may include any combination of one or more demands to frictionally brake the FCV100, one or more demands to steer the FCV100, one or more demands to cool the FCV100, one or more demands to heat the FCV100and one or more demands to perform accessory functions.

Beyond being equipped to satisfy the global vehicle demands by performing corresponding vehicle functions, the FCV100is equipped to satisfy one or more vehicle demand requirements. Specifically, in relation to being operable to perform vehicle functions, and thereby satisfy corresponding global vehicle demands, the vehicle systems120have the capacity to satisfy vehicle demand requirements on behalf of the FCV100. Accordingly, the energy supersystem130has the capacity to satisfy certain energy demand requirements, the propulsion supersystem132has the capacity to satisfy certain propulsion demand requirements, and the auxiliary systems134have the capacity to satisfy certain auxiliary demand requirements.

Generally speaking, vehicle demand requirements are specific to particular vehicle applications. For example, the FCV100, as a semi-tractor application, has higher energy demand requirements and higher propulsion demand requirements than many other vehicle applications. In some cases, the FCV100could have multiple times the energy demand requirements and multiple times the propulsion demand requirements of other vehicle applications.

FCV100may include a power module150. Although the FCV100, as shown, includes one power modules150, it will be understood that this disclosure is applicable in principle to otherwise similar vehicles including two or more power modules150. In the FCV100, the energy supersystem130and the propulsion supersystem132are arranged across the power module150, with power module150including an energy system152and a propulsion system154.

In power module150, the propulsion system154and the energy system152are electrically connected to one another. Moreover, the drivetrain is mechanically connected to each propulsion system154. On behalf of the power module150, each energy system152is operable to perform energy functions with which the energy supersystem130is associated, including but not limited to generating electrical energy. Propulsion system154is operable to perform propulsion functions with which the propulsion supersystem132is associated using electrical energy, including but not limited to powering the wheels114. Propulsion system154is, specifically, operable to perform propulsion functions using electrical energy from the energy system152of the power module150to which it and the energy system152belong.

Energy system152, and the power module150to which it belongs, includes a fuel cell system160, a battery system162and a fuel tank system164. Propulsion system154, and the power module150to which it belongs, includes a motor system166. Inside power module150, the motor system166is electrically connected to the fuel cell system160. Moreover, the battery system162and the fuel cell system160are electrically connected to one another, and the motor system166and the battery system162are electrically connected to one another. Moreover, the fuel cell system160is fluidly connected to the fuel tank system164. The fuel cell system160is operable to generate electrical energy using electrical energy from the battery system162and fuel from the fuel tank system164. In conjunction with the drivetrain, the motor system166is operable to power the wheels114using electrical energy from any combination of the fuel cell system160and the battery system162. As alluded to above, electrified vehicles may utilize motors/motor generators. That is, motor system166is also operable to generate electrical energy using the wheels114, and consequently retard the wheels114. The battery system162is operable to store electrical energy from the fuel cell system160. The battery system162is also operable to store electrical energy from the motor system166, (which is responsible for collecting the energy regenerated from braking). The fuel tank system164is operable to store and otherwise handle fuel, including fueling the fuel cell system160with fuel.

Although vehicle demand requirements are specific to particular vehicle applications, some vehicle demand requirements are less application-dependent than others. The FCV100, for instance, even as a semi-tractor application, still has similar auxiliary demand requirements as many other vehicle applications. In the FCV100, the auxiliary systems134, rather than having multiple counterpart relationships, are common to the FCV100. At power module150, each auxiliary element, either individually or as part of the auxiliary system134to which it belongs, as the case may be, is electrically connected to the energy system152. On behalf of the FCV100and the auxiliary system134to which it belongs, each auxiliary element is operable to perform auxiliary functions using electrical energy from the energy system152. Accordingly, in power module150, although the propulsion system154acts as the principal electrical load on the energy system152, the auxiliary elements act as electrical loads on the energy system152as well.

As noted above, the power control modules128P orchestrate the operation of the energy supersystem130and the propulsion supersystem132, as well as certain auxiliary systems146. That is, power control module128P orchestrates the operation of the power module150, including the operation of the energy system152and the operation of the propulsion system154, as well as the operation of the auxiliary elements.

Energy System and Propulsion System

As noted above, power module150includes an energy system152and a propulsion system154. Energy system152includes a fuel cell system160, a battery system162and a fuel tank system164. Inside power module150, a motor system166is electrically connected to the fuel cell system160through, e.g., a junction box (not shown). Moreover, the battery system162and the fuel cell system160are electrically connected to one another through the junction box, and the motor system166and the battery system162are also electrically connected to one another through the junction box.

Referring now toFIG.2, an example schematic representation of an example energy system200is illustrated. Example energy system200may be one embodiment of energy system152ofFIG.1. FCV100includes one or more energy elements as part of the fuel cell system160. Among the energy elements of the fuel cell system160, the FCV100includes a fuel cell stack202. Although the FCV100, as shown, includes one fuel cell stack202per fuel cell system160, it will be understood that this disclosure is applicable in principle to otherwise similar vehicles including multiple fuel cell stacks202per fuel cell system160. In relation to the fuel cell stack202, among the attendant energy elements of the energy system152, the FCV100includes a fuel cell converter204. The fuel cell converter204is electrically connected to the fuel cell stack202. The fuel cell stack202is operable to generate electrical energy. The fuel cell converter204is operable to condition electrical energy from the fuel cell stack202. Specifically, the fuel cell converter204is a DC/DC converter operable to convert lower voltage DC electrical energy from the fuel cell stack202into higher voltage DC electrical energy. For instance, the lower voltage DC electrical energy may be medium voltage DC electrical energy, and the higher voltage DC electrical energy may be high voltage DC electrical energy.

The FCV100also includes one or more propulsion elements as part of the motor system166. Among the propulsion elements of the motor system166, the FCV100includes a motor208. Although the FCV100, as shown, includes one motor208per motor system166, it will be understood that this disclosure is applicable in principle to otherwise similar vehicles including multiple motors208per motor system166. The motor208can be a synchronous three-phase AC electric motor. In relation to the motor208, among the attendant energy elements of the energy system152, the FCV100includes a motor inverter210. The motor inverter208is electrically connected to the fuel cell converter204through the junction box, and the motor208is electrically connected to the motor inverter210. Moreover, the drivetrain is mechanically connected to the motor208. The motor inverter210is operable to condition electrical energy from the fuel cell converter204. Specifically, the motor inverter210is operable to convert DC electrical energy from the fuel cell converter204into three-phase AC electrical energy. For instance, the three-phase AC electrical energy may be high voltage AC electrical energy. In conjunction with the drivetrain, the motor208is operable to power the wheels114using electrical energy from the motor inverter210.

The FCV100may also include one or more energy elements as part of the battery system162. Among the energy elements of the battery system162, the FCV100includes a battery212. It should be understood that in some embodiments, fuel cell stack202may be considered/referred to as a primary energy/power source, while battery212is considered/referred to as a secondary batter/energy/power source. In relation to battery212, among the attendant energy elements of the energy system152, the FCV100includes a battery converter212. From the perspective of the fuel cell system160, the battery converter212is electrically connected to the fuel cell converter204through the junction box, and the battery212is electrically connected to the battery converter214through the junction box. The battery converter214is operable to condition electrical energy from the fuel cell converter204. Specifically, the battery converter214may be a DC/DC converter operable to convert higher voltage DC electrical energy from the fuel cell converter204into lower voltage DC electrical energy. For instance, the higher voltage DC electrical energy may be high voltage DC electrical energy, and the lower voltage DC electrical energy may be medium voltage DC electrical energy. The battery212is operable to store electrical energy from the battery converter214.

Also, from the perspective of the battery system162, the battery converter2214is electrically connected to the battery212through the junction box, the motor inverter210is electrically connected to the battery converter214through the junction box, and, as noted above, the motor208is electrically connected to the motor inverter210. Relatedly, the battery converter214is also operable to condition electrical energy from the battery212. Specifically, the battery converter214is a DC/DC converter operable to convert lower voltage DC electrical energy from the battery212into higher voltage DC electrical energy. For instance, the lower voltage DC electrical energy may be medium voltage DC electrical energy, and the higher voltage DC electrical energy may be high voltage DC electrical energy. The motor inverter210is also operable to condition electrical energy from the battery converter214. Specifically, the motor inverter210is operable to convert DC electrical energy from the battery converter214into three-phase AC electrical energy. As noted above, the three-phase AC electrical energy may be high voltage AC electrical energy. Once again, in conjunction with the drivetrain, the motor208is operable to power the wheels114using electrical energy from the motor inverter210.

Similarly, from the perspective of the motor system166, the motor inverter210is electrically connected to the motor208, the battery converter214is electrically connected to the motor inverter210through the junction box, and, as noted above, the battery212is electrically connected to the battery converter214through the junction box. Relatedly, in conjunction with the drivetrain, the motor208is also operable to generate electrical energy using the wheels114, and consequently retard the wheels114. Moreover, the motor inverter210is also operable to condition electrical energy from the motor208. Specifically, the208inverter210is operable to convert three-phase AC electrical energy from the motor208into DC electrical energy. For instance, the three-phase AC electrical energy may be high voltage AC electrical energy, and the DC electrical energy may be high voltage DC electrical energy. The battery converter214is also operable to condition electrical energy from the motor inverter210in the same manner as electrical energy from the fuel cell converter204. Once again, battery212is operable to store electrical energy from the battery converter214. As the combined product of generating electrical energy, consequently retarding the wheels114and storing electrical energy, the motor208and battery212are operable to regeneratively brake the FCV100at the wheels114.

Among other things, it follows that the motor208is operable to power the wheels114using electrical energy from any combination of the fuel cell stack202and battery212. Moreover, battery212is operable to store electrical energy from the fuel cell stack202. In a fuel-cell-powered implementation, the motor208principally powers the wheels114using electrical energy from the fuel cell stack202. In cases of shortages, the motor208powers the wheels114using a combination of electrical energy from the fuel cell stack202and supplementary electrical energy from battery212. On the other hand, in cases of surpluses, the motor208powers the wheels114using some electrical energy from the fuel cell stack202, and battery212may store the remaining electrical energy from the fuel cell stack202.

As noted above, the FCV100includes the fuel cell stack202among the energy elements of the fuel cell system160. Fuel cell stack202is fluidly connected to a fuel (in this example, hydrogen) supply system200B (described in greater detail below) and to a fuel/hydrogen tank200A (also described in greater detail below). It should be noted that other elements, components, units, such as other inverters, converters, pumps, filters and the like may be used in energy system200, but are not shown for ease of reference. For example, a pump inverter may be operable to condition electrical energy (DC to three-phase AC) from a power supply unit electrically connected to fuel cell stack202. For example, a fuel pump is operable to pump fuel from the fuel tank200A into the fuel cell stack202.

Also among the energy elements of the fuel cell system160, the FCV100includes an air compressor, filter, and humidifiers, which may be a part of air supply system224. The air supply system224is operable to pump air into the fuel cell stack202using electrical energy from a compressor inverter (not shown).

The fuel cell stack202includes one or more fuel cells. The fuel cell stack202is operable to employ the fuel cells to execute a chemical reaction that combines fuel from a fuel pump (which may be a part of fuel supply system200B) with oxygen in air from the air supply system224, and generate electrical energy.

In a hydrogen-fueled implementation, the fuel is hydrogen fuel. In the fuel cell stack202, each fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode. In each fuel cell, hydrogen fuel (from fuel/hydrogen tank200A and via fuel/hydrogen supply system200B) is pumped to the anode where, as part of the chemical reaction, hydrogen molecules are activated by an anode catalyst. The hydrogen molecules thereby release electrons, and become hydrogen ions. The released electrons travel from the anode to the cathode, thereby generating electrical current. The electrical current generated by the fuel cells serves as the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell stack202. In each fuel cell, the hydrogen ions also travel from the anode to the cathode. Oxygen in air from the air supply system224is pumped to the cathode where, as part of the chemical reaction, the hydrogen ions bond with oxygen on a cathode catalyst to generate water. In the hydrogen-fueled implementation, each fuel tank200A is a high-pressure hydrogen tank operable to store hydrogen fuel.

Several byproducts result from the generation of electrical energy by way of fuel cell stack202, i.e., water, nitrogen-rich air (also referred to as off-gas), and heat. Accordingly, a water/heat management system232may be operatively connected to fuel cell stack202to process and contain (or expel) the water/heat (and any off-gas) as needed. For example, water and heat management system232may comprise water and coolant loops to element waste heat/water. For example, heat from fuel cell stack202may be harvested and used to heat the cabin of FCV100. Ultimately, electricity produced by fuel cell stack202is routed (as described in part above) through power control unit206to motor208, which assistance from battery212(as needed) to provide additional power.

In the drivetrain, any penultimate combination of a transmission, a differential, a drive shaft and the like, to which the wheels114are mechanically connected, is mechanically connected to some output coupling (not shown) such that the drivetrain is mechanically connected to the motor208. Again, motor208(or other motors/motor-generators if more than one motor is implemented) from fuel cell stack202or battery212. As opposed to the codependent spinning action by motor208, in the mechanical domain, the wheels114are subject to being powered using electrical energy from any combination of the energy systems152of the power module150to which motor208and the energy systems152respectively belong. As the product of the wheels114spinning the output coupling about a motor axis (not shown), motor208is also operable to generate electrical energy using the wheels114, and consequently retard the wheels114.

Generally speaking, from the perspective of power module150, the use of resources is commensurate with the satisfaction of global vehicle demands. One goal of contributorily satisfying global vehicle demands is resource balancing or, in other words, balancing fuel, electrical energy and other resources. Specifically, resource balancing is the product of load balancing or, in other words, balancing electrical and other loads, and load balancing, in turn, is the product of contributorily satisfying global vehicle demands.

In accordance with various embodiments, a dual battery configuration is provided.FIG.3illustrates an schematic example of this shift from a single battery-to-fuel cell configuration to a dual battery-to-fuel cell configuration. That is, while a conventional FCV may have an energy system200comprising in part, a single battery212and a fuel cell stack202, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy system300for an FCV may have again, a single fuel cell stack302, but instead of a single battery, two batteries (Battery A304A and Battery B304B).

As alluded to above, and for example, a typical heavy duty truck (HDT) application, the fuel cell system employs a proton electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEM FC) as a primary energy source for truck traction. A secondary battery (i.e., a single supporting battery) can be used as a power booster in the event greater power than can be delivered via electrical energy from the fuel cell is needed to achieve some desired level of acceleration, for example, or to meet both propulsion system and auxiliary system(s) demands, etc. For example, a semi-tractor used for drayage may be equipped with two 114 kW fuel cell stacks (with a total power of 228 kW), and two 12 kWh power lithium-ion battery packs. In such a conventional architecture, the two fuel cell stacks typically provide driving/motive energy, while each power battery pack provides extra power to when needed, and can recoup energy via regenerative braking as described above. The fuel cell stacks may also be responsible for charging the power battery packs. The weight of such a vehicle is approximately 80,000 lbs, where the total maximum power from the fuel cell stacks and batteries is approximately 500 kW with a driving range of approximately 300 miles.

The size of a fuel cell system including the fuel cell stack and fuel tank (e.g., fuel cell stack202and hydrogen tank200A) tend to be large in size. For example, a typical FC HDT is usually equipped with 228 kW (maximum power) fuel cell stacks. Because maximum power of a fuel cell stack is limited or dictated by the basic electrochemistry used in the fuel cell, increasing maximum power necessitates a corresponding increase in fuel cell capacity using a bigger fuel cell stack. A bigger fuel cell stack is more costly, and occupies a larger volume. Additionally, in order to have high power and a long cycle life, typical power dense batteries are designed to have much less energy density, which translates into the need for much more space to install such power dense batteries.

In accordance with various embodiments, a smaller power dense battery/battery pack, e.g., battery304A and a larger energy dense battery/battery pack, e.g., battery304B, may be used to take the place of single battery212. By maintaining the same or approximately the same space as that taken up by battery212, the dual battery configuration of batteries304A and304B can improve the total battery system utilization efficiency of an FCV, extend driving range, and improve battery cycle life. Such improvements/advantages can also translate into a lowered cost of FCV ownership, and the realization of a better, overall FCV driving experience.

Additionally, three electrical energy storage systems are now implemented, i.e., the fuel cell stack302, a high power battery304A, and a high energy battery304B.

It should be understood that in some embodiments, battery304A may comprise a battery/have an electrochemical makeup such that battery304A has and high power density, low energy density, and long life. In general, a “power battery” can be designed to have more/longer cycle life than an “energy battery.” This can be accomplished through varying chemical compounds and composition in a battery. Battery304A can be frequently charged or recharged due to having more power density and longer cycle life than a “energy battery”. In some embodiments, charging/recharging battery304A can be accomplished by harvesting regenerated energy from regenerative braking (described above), or by fuel cells stack302, or further still, by battery304B. In this way, battery304A can be discharged to contribute sustainable power to power module150/propulsion system154. It should be understood that battery304A may also be recharged via plugin charging, e.g., via building mains, external charging unit, and so on.

In contrast, battery304B may comprise a battery/have an electrochemical makeup such that battery304B has high energy density. Battery304B can contribute to power module150/propulsion system154in form of a range extender and also as a sustainable power contributor. It should be understood that like battery304A, battery304B may also be recharged via plugin charging, e.g., via building mains, external charging unit, and so on.

For example, in a Class 8 Drayage FC HDT, a power battery pack has a 12 kWh lithium ion battery pack, while occupying a total volume of 350 L of space in the FC HDT. In accordance with various embodiments, the power battery pack can be replaced with two batteries, one energy dense, and one power dense. A commercially available energy lithium ion battery pack which can be used as battery304B with an energy density of 250 Wh/L will result in 75 kWh of available energy, and has a volume of about 300 L. The power battery, battery304A, may be the same/similar to the original power battery pack, where energy density is calculated based on the 12 kWh battery pack. Preferably, battery304A will have a volume of approximately 50 L (given the total volume of available space is 350 L.

Power performance targets may be specified, e.g., such that the dual battery system/architecture is to provide 400 kW in 10 seconds, 350 kW in 30 s, and 200 kW constantly. The dual-battery system may need to release 1.1 kWh and 2.9 kWh energy for 400 kW in 10 seconds, and 350 kW in 30 seconds, respectively. Furthermore, the constant discharge rate of the dual battery system for constantly providing 200 kW power into the requisite vehicle systems is calculated based on a battery's total energy when fully charged.

The maximum battery SOC percentage (SOC %) at various power demand levels can be calculated using an assumption that the battery is used on its own (without any supplementation from another power source). As will be described below, a battery management system or mechanism may be used to balance and optimize the power output from each battery. For instance, the discharge SOC % of both the batteries at a power demand of 350 kW in 30 seconds may exceed a battery's capacity. Moreover, if a battery has a particularly high discharge rate given a constant power demand of 200 kW, the result is that battery304A would have to jointly provide power using battery304B.

Moreover, the difference between the total energy of batteries340A and340B relative to the original, “base” battery (12 kWh) may present extra energy in the same space or volume in an FCV. The extra energy that the dual-battery system brings to FCV can be, for example, 64.9 kWh, 64.8 kWh and 68.9 kWh based on existing/available batteries that can be used to embody batteries304A and304B. Assuming the FCV is an FC HDT with a gross cargo weight of 80,000 lb, the FCV uses 2.25 kWh energy for every 1.0 mile driven. Thus, the extra energy could bring extra driving ranges of 28.8 miles, 28.6 miles, and 30.6 miles in electric mode, respectively, without the need for additional space to contain/house the batteries304A and304B.

FIG.4illustrates an example architecture for operating/controlling an FCV100in which a hybrid, dual-battery configuration is used. As alluded to above, various sensors122may monitor/track/sense information regarding various operative characteristics of FCV100. As illustrated inFIG.4, such sensors may include, but are not necessarily limited to, e.g., a sensor to sense acceleration demand122A, a sensor122B to sense braking demand, a GPS receiver122D to detect a current/future/past location or position (which in some embodiments can be translated into road grade information, for example), a sensor122E to monitor operating state of the fuel cell stack, sensors122F and122G to respectively monitor the battery SOCs associated with the two batteries, e.g., batteries304A and304B, and other sensors122H, which may be position sensors, accelerometers, imaging devices (cameras), etc.

That is, sensors122may monitor, measure, detect and/or otherwise obtain data regarding various inputs or conditions to the fuel cell stack302, and various outputs, outcomes or operating states of the fuel cell stack302/components comprising fuel cell stack302. The various conditions of the fuel cell stack302may include the gas pressure or the water pressure within the cathode/anode, the gas temperature or the water temperature within the cathode/anode, the mol flow rate of the gas or the water within the cathode/anode or the mol fraction of the gas or the water within the anode. Other conditions may include an overall amount of water in the fuel cell stack302, and a flux or an amount of gas or water transfer between the anode and the cathode. The various gases may include hydrogen, nitrogen and/or oxygen. The various outputs of the fuel cell stack302include a voltage and/or a water balance cross-over.

Sensor information from one or more of sensors122may be sent to and received by dual battery control circuit402, which may be an embodiment of or a part of processor124, global control module128G, power control module128P, or energy supersystem130, or its own dedicated processor/processing system. As illustrated inFIG.4, dual battery control circuit402may comprise a data interface404, which may be an embodiment of a wireless/wired communications interface through which sensor signals can be received. Memory406and processor408, as noted above, may respectively comprise any form of appropriate GPU, CPU, etc., and flash, RAM, EEPROM, etc.

Sensor data indicating, e.g., the battery SOC of batteries304A and304B along with propulsion-related requests or demands via acceleration sensor122A, etc. may be received by dual battery control circuit402. Processor408may execute instructions stored in memory406to determine whether to enable one or more of fuel cell stack302, battery304A, or battery304B depending on the operating conditions/conditions relevant to FCV operation gleaned by sensors122. Considerations regarding enabling or selecting one or more of fuel cell stack302, battery304A, or battery304B to provide energy/power to support or meet some operational request or demand may be taken into account, and an appropriate energy/power split directive can be implemented.

For example, Table 1 below represents example driving conditions mapped to an appropriate corresponding usage/suggested use of one or more of fuel cell stack302, battery304A, or battery304B. It should be understood that Table 1 is a non-limiting example of power source-to-conditions mappings. Other conditions and mappings can be considered or taken into account when determining which power source(s) to use given a particular condition (or set of conditions). It should be understood that such conditions need not be considered exclusively or in a singular fashion—rather, various embodiments may consider multiple conditions relevant to power source selection. In accordance with various embodiments, driving conditions can be indicative of or can comprise operating characteristics of an FCV (e.g., rate of acceleration, traveling speed, etc.), as well as environmental characteristics of some roadway(s) or path(s) already traversed, being traversed, or to be traversed that can impact operation of the FCV. For example, past, current, or future traversal of an up/downhill road, a particular navigation path(s) to a particular destination, etc. may have an impact on how propulsion or auxiliary systems of the FCV may operate or be powered.

TABLE 1MainPowerindicators ofDriving ConditionsSourceRequirement*GradeCruise0-30 mph**0-60 mph**Fuel CellHigh Energy,✓✓✓✓Stack302High Power,Long LifeBatteryHigh Power,♦✓✓304ALong LifeBatteryHigh Energy,✓♦304BModerate Life*: Safety/cost equally important to listed indicators;**: accel;✓ = use;= assist if needed;♦ = idle/being charged

As shown in Table, 1, power sources, i.e., fuel cell stack302(FIG.3). Battery304A, a power dense battery, and Battery304B, a more energy dense battery may be mapped to or associated with certain driving conditions. For example, when driving conditions, e.g., sensed by one or more sensors122, indicate that the FCV is at least one of traveling on an uphill grade, cruising, accelerating from 0 to 30 mph, or accelerating from 0 to 60 mph, fuel cell stack302is always used as a power source for propulsion system154.

When fuel exists for fuel cell stack302, battery304A is used to supplement power provided by fuel cell stack302when the FCV is accelerating at the given rates. However, when the FCV is traveling, e.g., up an incline, battery304A may be used if fuel cell stack302is unable to, e.g., provide enough power to propulsion system154to meet the torque demands to traverse the incline. When the FCV is in a cruise mode, e.g., the speed of the FCV stays within some threshold speed range/band without exceeding any acceleration thresholds, battery304A is not used, and may be charged. In a situation, for example, when the FCV is accelerating from a stop/standstill, and the FCV is traversing an uphill grade, based on the mapping set forth in Table 1, battery304A would be used to provide supplemental power to that provided by fuel cell stack302until one or more sensors122determine that that 30 mph acceleration threshold has been met, at which point, battery304A may be “disabled” or simply no longer relied upon for power delivery to propulsion system154.

Battery304B may used to provide power assistance to fuel cell stack302when the FCV is traveling on a grade as well as if the FCV is accelerating from a standstill/stop through 60 mph. When the FCV is cruising, battery304B is always used, whereas when the FCV is accelerating from 0 mph to 30 mph, it remains idle or can be charged.

It should be understood that the above mapping and conditions, as well as condition thresholds, can be customized or adapted to particular FCVs, e.g., an FC HDT versus a passenger FCV, the conditions in which an FCV typically is operating, etc. A particular electrochemical makeup of either (or both) batteries, as well as the operating characteristics of fuel cell stack302may also be a basis for adjusting the mapping, thresholds, etc. In Table 1, the high energy/high power/long life is useful for all driving conditions. During acceleration events, high power is useful, hence the mapping of battery304A's use when the FCV accelerates from 0 to 30 mph or from 0 to 60 mph. when the FCV is cruising, however, high power (fast discharge of a high amount of energy) is not needed, and so battery304A's operating characteristics being high power and long life, battery304A is not used. When the FCV is cruising, battery304B, a high energy, moderate life battery is instead leveraged to provide power since cruising does not require large amounts of power to be delivered quickly (as opposed to high acceleration events, for example). In some embodiments, battery SOC of each of batteries304A and304B may be a factor taken into account prior to utilizing that particular battery(ies). For example, if battery304A is below a certain battery SOC threshold for providing power, even if the power source-to-driving conditions mapping indicates use of battery304A, battery304A may be prohibited from being used. For example, certain batteries may experience shortened battery life, reduced ability to hold charge, etc. if discharged below a particular SOC level.

Referring back toFIG.4, it should also be understood that dual battery control circuit402may further comprise algorithms for battery management, such that instructions executed by processor408may compare respective pre-setting operation boundaries for the fuel cell stack302and the dual batteries304A/304B, such as fuel cell power limits, battery power limits and battery SOCs as well as temperatures of the fuel cell stack302and the dual batteries304A/304B against state of fuel cell302and total power demands to determine when/how to discharge (if and when appropriate) one or both of the batteries. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, dual battery control circuit402may determine, based on driving/operating conditions and a power source-to-conditions mapping, what power sources are available for use given the current (or future/upcoming) operating/driving conditions. Based on which power source(s) are to be utilized to meet some total power demand from one or more FCV systems, dual battery control circuit402can assess, based on received sensor data, whether or not a selected power source(s) has enough energy to discharge to meet some or all of the total power demand. For example, dual battery control circuit402may make power source usage determinations based on some optimal or specified operating window within which the one or more power sources are allowed to be used. If some power source is unable to meet its energy delivery requirements, dual battery control circuit402can assess any other available power source (such as battery304B if battery304A has no charge left) to determine if it may, given the right conditions, based on some override command/process, etc., be able to provide the needed supplemental power. If not, some form(s) of restricted FCV operation may be initiated. For example, acceleration may be capped to a certain rate, vehicle speed may not be allowed to exceed some restriction threshold, certain auxiliary systems, e.g., air-conditioning systems, may be temporarily blocked from use, limited to level(s) of use, etc.

Referring again toFIG.4, driving conditions (or other relevant conditions) set forth in Table 1, for example, can be determined via sensors122. Sensors122may comprise sensors that simply relay data/signals to dual battery control circuit402to translate, process, analyze, etc., or sensors102may have their own processors, and may send data that can be directly used by dual battery control circuit402. In some embodiments, data interface404may receive relevant conditions-related data or information from other information sources, e.g., radio, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, navigation maps, calculated routes from the FCV itself or some remote navigation source, etc.

Table 1 may be stored as a lookup table, matrix, or other data structure in memory406that can be accessed by processor408to determine, based on the sensor122data/information, what power source(s) to enable. When a determination regarding the appropriate power source(s) to be used, depending on the sensed or otherwise learned conditions, control signals or instructions may be transmitted to energy system152to control fuel cell stack302, battery304A, or battery304B to provide the requisite power.

FIG.5illustrates various example scenarios in which different power sources or combinations of power sources may be used to address FCV demands (whether for propulsion/motive purposes or to provide power to one or more auxiliary systems of the FCV). InFIG.5, power in kW is presented as a function of time in minutes. In example scenario 1, it can be appreciated that fuel cell stack302and (power dense) battery304A are both engaged to provide power to meet a demand load/request. That is, fuel cell stack302is operating (502) near it's maximum power threshold. To meet the total power demand500, battery304A is enabled to provide supplemental power (504) in addition to that provided by fuel cell stack302.

In example scenario 2, the FCV's operating conditions are such that the total power demand500can be met by fuel cell stack302alone as the total power demand500amounts to less than fuel cell stack302's maximum power. As such, fuel cell stack302or battery304B may (separately or together) be used to recharge battery304A, which as illustrated inFIG.5, no longer has energy to discharge. This can be indicative of a cruising scenario.

In example scenario 3, it can be appreciated that battery304B requires recharging while the FCV is driving/in operation. Such a scenario is not necessarily preferred because in this example, energy from fuel cell stack302is consumed to recharge battery304B. It can be appreciated that at this time, battery304A has not yet been recharged, and it cannot be used to recharge battery304B. Nevertheless, fuel stack302can be used to recharge battery304B. Alternatively, based on sensors122, and dual battery control circuit402analyzing data regarding, e.g., the amount of remaining fuel, e.g., hydrogen, in the fuel tank200B, and information from, e.g., the FCV's navigation system or GPS receiver/sensor122D, can be used assess whether or not enough fuel remains to reach the next refueling station. As can be appreciated, fuel cell stack302in during scenario 3, remains below its maximum power limit, and during the latter half of scenario 3, excess energy in fuel cell stack302(not used to reach the refueling station) can be used to charge battery304B. It should be understood that because charging a battery takes a much longer time than re-filling a fuel tank for a fuel cell, it is preferred that extra fuel energy will be used to charge the battery304B during driving. Of course, the remaining fuel can be estimated to firstly ensure that the vehicle can reach the fuel station.

In example scenario 4 ofFIG.5, battery304B may contribute more power to energy system152/200when the total power demand500exceeds the maximum power output of both fuel cell stack302and battery304A. Example scenario 4 or a similar scenario can typically arise at the end of some road grade or during an acceleration event.

FIG.6is a flow chart illustrating example operations that may be performed to control and selectively use one or more power sources of an FCV including a fuel cell stack and a dual battery support system/architecture to supplement the fuel cell stack. At operation600, driving conditions associated with an FCV are obtained. As described above, operating conditions can encompass nearly anything, if not all situational characteristics involving or relevant to operation of the FCV. Such driving conditions can include, for example, current speed, road grade, operating mode/state of the FCV (accelerating and at what rate or to what speed, cruising, etc.)

Such conditions may be mapped to an appropriate power source in accordance with a specified mapping, e.g., lookup table or other data structure used to associate a particular power source for use under a certain condition/combination of conditions. Accordingly, at operation604, based on the driving conditions, which power source(s) of the FCV are considered to provide power to an FCV system, is determined. The power sources comprise a fuel cell stack, and two supplemental batteries. On battery may be a more energy dense battery relative to the other battery which may be a more power dense battery. This energy/power density distinction can be leveraged to specifically target a particular battery based on the anticipated demand load for which the power is being provided. For example, continuous discharging of energy may be addressed by the more energy dense battery, while fast discharge of a lot of energy may be handled by the more power dense battery.

At operation604, operating conditions of each of the power sources is assessed, one or more of the power sources is controlled to deliver power to the FCV system based on the operating conditions of each of the power sources. That is, driving conditions may be ascertained to determine which power source(s) to use for a particular driving condition/conditions. For example, thresholds, parameters, operating windows, and other operating constraints may be specified for one or more of the fuel cell stack, and each of the batteries. In this way, none of the power sources is made to operate above/beyond its maximum capabilities. When a particular power source is deficient or lacking in the amount of available energy it can discharge to the FCV system(s), the alternative battery may be used (if warranted/allowed).

As used herein, the terms circuit and component might describe a given unit of functionality that can be performed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present application. As used herein, a component might be implemented utilizing any form of hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more processors, controllers, ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logical components, software routines or other mechanisms might be implemented to make up a component. Various components described herein may be implemented as discrete components or described functions and features can be shared in part or in total among one or more components. In other words, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this description, the various features and functionality described herein may be implemented in any given application. They can be implemented in one or more separate or shared components in various combinations and permutations. Although various features or functional elements may be individually described or claimed as separate components, it should be understood that these features/functionality can be shared among one or more common software and hardware elements. Such a description shall not require or imply that separate hardware or software components are used to implement such features or functionality.

Where components are implemented in whole or in part using software, these software elements can be implemented to operate with a computing or processing component capable of carrying out the functionality described with respect thereto. One such example computing component is shown inFIG.7. Various embodiments are described in terms of this example-computing component700. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how to implement the application using other computing components or architectures.

Referring now toFIG.7, computing component700may represent, for example, computing or processing capabilities found within a self-adjusting display, desktop, laptop, notebook, and tablet computers. They may be found in hand-held computing devices (tablets, PDA's, smart phones, cell phones, palmtops, etc.). They may be found in workstations or other devices with displays, servers, or any other type of special-purpose or general-purpose computing devices as may be desirable or appropriate for a given application or environment. Computing component700might also represent computing capabilities embedded within or otherwise available to a given device. For example, a computing component might be found in other electronic devices such as, for example, portable computing devices, and other electronic devices that might include some form of processing capability.

Computing component700might include, for example, one or more processors, controllers, control components, or other processing devices. This can include a processor704. Processor704might be implemented using a general-purpose or special-purpose processing engine such as, for example, a microprocessor, controller, or other control logic. Processor704may be connected to a bus702. However, any communication medium can be used to facilitate interaction with other components of computing component700or to communicate externally.

Computing component700might also include one or more memory components, simply referred to herein as main memory708. For example, random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory, might be used for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor704. Main memory708might also be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor704. Computing component700might likewise include a read only memory (“ROM”) or other static storage device coupled to bus702for storing static information and instructions for processor704.

The computing component700might also include one or more various forms of information storage mechanism710, which might include, for example, a media drive712and a storage unit interface720. The media drive712might include a drive or other mechanism to support fixed or removable storage media714. For example, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical drive, a compact disc (CD) or digital video disc (DVD) drive (R or RW), or other removable or fixed media drive might be provided. Storage media714might include, for example, a hard disk, an integrated circuit assembly, magnetic tape, cartridge, optical disk, a CD or DVD. Storage media714may be any other fixed or removable medium that is read by, written to or accessed by media drive712. As these examples illustrate, the storage media714can include a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software or data.

In alternative embodiments, information storage mechanism710might include other similar instrumentalities for allowing computer programs or other instructions or data to be loaded into computing component700. Such instrumentalities might include, for example, a fixed or removable storage unit722and an interface720. Examples of such storage units722and interfaces720can include a program cartridge and cartridge interface, a removable memory (for example, a flash memory or other removable memory component) and memory slot. Other examples may include a PCMCIA slot and card, and other fixed or removable storage units722and interfaces720that allow software and data to be transferred from storage unit722to computing component700.

Computing component700might also include a communications interface724. Communications interface724might be used to allow software and data to be transferred between computing component700and external devices. Examples of communications interface724might include a modem or softmodem, a network interface (such as Ethernet, network interface card, IEEE 802.XX or other interface). Other examples include a communications port (such as for example, a USB port, IR port, RS232 port Bluetooth® interface, or other port), or other communications interface. Software/data transferred via communications interface724may be carried on signals, which can be electronic, electromagnetic (which includes optical) or other signals capable of being exchanged by a given communications interface724. These signals might be provided to communications interface724via a channel728. Channel728might carry signals and might be implemented using a wired or wireless communication medium. Some examples of a channel might include a phone line, a cellular link, an RF link, an optical link, a network interface, a local or wide area network, and other wired or wireless communications channels.

In this document, the terms “computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” are used to generally refer to transitory or non-transitory media. Such media may be, e.g., memory708, storage unit720, media714, and channel728. These and other various forms of computer program media or computer usable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processing device for execution. Such instructions embodied on the medium, are generally referred to as “computer program code” or a “computer program product” (which may be grouped in the form of computer programs or other groupings). When executed, such instructions might enable the computing component700to perform features or functions of the present application as discussed herein.

It should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described. Instead, they can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more other embodiments, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present application should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like. The term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof. The terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known.” Terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time. Instead, they should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “component” does not imply that the aspects or functionality described or claimed as part of the component are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various aspects of a component, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.