Abstract: A secure tiered, robust, and deterministic converged communications architecture with the capacity to support a plurality of power distribution automation devices/components with fiber-enabled fail-over protection is described.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining active and/or reactive power flows in a distribution line of a distribution network. The determined power flows may be linear in nature, and they may further be used to determine an overall network power flow for the distribution network. Further, the network power flow can be used to determine a voltage magnitude for any distribution bus in the distribution network. The methods and systems are capable of considering a plurality of sensitivity factors that may affect one or more distribution buses.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating economic viability of a proposed microgrid, including uncertain variables are disclosed. One or more candidate distributed energy resources can be selected for use within a proposed microgrid. An investment cost and an operation cost of the one or more candidate distributed energy resources can be determined. A cost of drawing power from a main power grid can be compared to a sum of the investment cost and the operation cost of the one or more candidate distributed energy resources. The proposed microgrid can be identified for installation when the sum of the investment cost and the operation cost is less than the cost of drawing power from the main power grid.

Abstract: A secure tiered, robust, and deterministic converged communications architecture with the capacity to support a plurality of power distribution automation devices/components with fiber-enabled fail-over protection is described.

Abstract: A cover mountable over a sensor includes a hood and a baffle. The cover is adapted to create a barrier between the sensor and ambient light. The hood surrounds an interior volume for receiving the sensor. The baffle has a sidewall that surrounds an opening providing access to the volume.

Abstract: A pulley system is provided to encourage contact between a pulley and a rope, chain, cord, cable and the like. The pulley system has first and second side legs, an axle, a pulley and at least one guide member. The guide member can be coupled to or formed integrally with at least one of the side legs. The guide member has at least one wall extending outwardly and away from the radial direction of the pulley to act as a funnel and encourage contact between a rope, chain, cable and the like and the pulley, thereby reducing the amount of force required to pull the item.

Abstract: A compartmental transformer and a method maintenance therefore is provided. The transformer includes a first compartment housing first equipment electrically coupled to the high voltage side of the transformer and a second compartment housing second equipment electrically coupled with the low voltage side of the transformer. The transformer further includes a maintenance compartment, separate from the first and second compartments, for housing a plurality of maintenance devices used for servicing the transformer while the transformer is energized.

Abstract: A novel high-purity polymer dispersant and sludge conditioner added to the feedwater entering the secondary side of a nuclear steam generator for minimizing the accumulation of metal-oxide deposits within the nuclear steam generator during the continuing operation of the generator is disclosed. The high-purity polymer is selected from a group consisting of acrylic acid polymer, methacrylic acid polymer, acrylate polymer, methacrylate polymer, copolymers, and terpolymers, acrylate/acrylamide copolymer, acrylate/methacrylate copolymer, terpolymers, and mixtures thereof. Methods of making and applying the polymer dispersant and sludge conditioner are described. Means for removing the metal oxides and polymer from the blowdown stream are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel high-purity polymer dispersant and sludge conditioner added to the feedwater entering the secondary side of a nuclear steam generator for minimizing the accumulation of metal-oxide deposits within the nuclear steam generator during the continuing operation of the generator is disclosed. The high-purity polymer is selected from a group consisting of acrylic acid polymer, methacrylic acid polymer, acrylate polymer, methacrylate polymer, copolymers, and terpolymers, acrylate/acrylamide copolymer, acrylate/methacrylate copolymer, terpolymers, and mixtures thereof. Methods of making and applying the polymer dispersant and sludge conditioner are described. Means for removing the metal oxides and polymer from the blowdown stream are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel high-purity polymer dispersant and sludge conditioner added to the feedwater entering the secondary side of a nuclear steam generator for minimizing the accumulation of metal-oxide deposits within the nuclear steam generator during the continuing operation of the generator is disclosed. The high-purity polymer is selected from a group consisting of acrylic acid polymer, methacrylic acid polymer, acrylate polymer, methacrylate polymer, copolymers, and terpolymers, acrylate/acrylamide copolymer, acrylate/methacrylate copolymer, terpolymers, and mixtures thereof. Methods of making and applying the polymer dispersant and sludge conditioner are described. Means for removing the metal oxides and polymer from the blowdown stream are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides backup protection for circuit breaker failure by providing a programmable controller coupled to detect the failure of a circuit breaker to open on command and generate a command signal to all circuit breakers coupled to the programmable controller to open.

Abstract: An electrical service simulator includes four hinged panels that are movable between a storage position and an operational position. In the storage position the panels are arranged as a rectangle, while in the operational position the panels provide a free-standing display of multiple electrical service fixtures such as electrical service meters. An electrical supply system is connected to some of the meter service fixtures to power the fixtures during a training exercise.

Abstract: A fall protection device for protecting a user from falling while climbing a pole includes a housing dimensioned to fit over a top end of the pole. THe housing comprises a closed end and an opposite open end, through which the top end of the pole is received. In one embodiment, a pivot pin is fixedly connected to and extends upwardly from the closed end of the housing in a substantially vertical direction. A swing arm assembly includes an extended portion connected to a hollowed swing portion having a swing axis and an interior surface. The swing portion is dimensioned to receive the pivot pin and to house at least two bearing assemblies. Each of the bearing assemblies is axially disposed between the pivot pin and the interior surface of the swing portion. In another embodiment, the swing arm assembly includes a cam follower assembly connected to the extended portion.

Abstract: An improved fuse block-out device is disclosed that includes a fuse block-out device that includes a first portion shaped to be received by a fuse block and a second portion shaped to securely engage a fuse. When a fuse is removed from the fuse block, the first portion of the fuse block-out device is inserted into the fuse block, and the removed fuse is inserted into the second portion of the fuse block-out device. In this way, the fuse block-out device reduces accidental electrical shock and prevents accidental replacement of the removed fuse. Because the removed fuse is securely engaged, the fuse block-out device controls the location of the removed fuse.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for integrated reclosing of circuit breakers in a power substation by providing a programmable controller which is programmed to detect the opening of a circuit breaker and initiate a reclosing window during which time it can generate a command signal to the opened circuit breaker commanding it to close.

Abstract: A novel high-purity polymer dispersant and sludge conditioner added to the feedwater entering the secondary side of a nuclear steam generator for minimizing the accumulation of metal-oxide deposits within the nuclear steam generator during the continuing operation of the generator is disclosed. The high-purity polymer is selected from a group consisting of acrylic acid polymer, methacrylic acid polymer, acrylate polymer, methacrylate polymer, copolymers, and terpolymers, acrylate/acrylamide copolymer, acrylate/methacrylate copolymer, terpolymers, and mixtures thereof. Methods of making and applying the polymer dispersant and sludge conditioner are described. Means for removing the metal oxides and polymer from the blowdown stream are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates a composite insulation and shielding article and a method of permanently installing the composite article onto a system to provide at least radioactive shielding. The composite shielding for permanently reducing radioactive radiation emanating from a system comprises at least one inner layer, at least one outer layer, and a shielding layer between said inner and outer layers, said shielding layer comprising a shield material that reduces said radioactive radiation.

Abstract: A dam surrounding a slag tap on a refractory covered, boiler-tube floor for holding back a protective slag layer. The dam is comprised of a plurality of adjacent refractory blocks mechanically secured to the refractory covered, boiler-tube floor near the slag tap. Each refractory block is shaped to brace an adjacent refractory block against motion toward the slag tap. Additional dams are used when a single dam is not sufficient to cover the entire surface of the floor with slag.

Abstract: A pipe repair apparatus includes first and second housings that are bolted together to form a closed conduit extending between the ends of the housings. This conduit is shaped to received a pipe to be repaired. A first seal is mounted in the housing to seal against an outer circumferential surface of the pipe, and a second seal is mounted to extend around the conduit at an end of the housings to seal the housings against a wall extending outwardly from the pipe. A retainer is coupled to the housings to clamp the second seal against the wall. This retainer can include a threaded rod that passes through the housings or a spring that biases the housings toward the wall. The disclosed pipe repair is well suited for repairing a supply pipe in an internal core spray system of a nuclear reactor. This pipe repair forms a permanent repair that structurally replaces the pipe and welds being repaired. It is well suited for remote installation with minimal as-built information and in a minimal time.

Abstract: A weld cleaning machine includes a frame which is secured by a roller chain immediately adjacent to a pipe having a weld to be cleaned. A rotary weld cleaning element is mounted to the frame on an oscillating arm such that the weld cleaning element oscillates along an oscillation axis oriented axially with respect to the pipe. A first motorized drive system is mounted on the frame to rotate the frame circumferentially around the pipe. A second motorized drive system is mounted on the frame to oscillate the weld cleaning element along the oscillation axis. A third motorized drive system is included in the oscillating arm to rotate the weld cleaning element. The weld cleaning machine is controlled remotely via a control cable and a control panel such that the operator can stand some distance from the pipe being cleaned. Preferably the machine automatically performs a programmed sequence of motions to clean a strip of substantial width along the axis of the pipe.