Patents Assigned to Electricite de France (Service National)
  • Patent number: 7473404
    Abstract: A device for exchange and/or reaction between at least two fluids is taught and described herein comprising at least a first space of selected thickness and including side walls defining a first chamber provided with a central part at least partly recessed for a first fluid flow and at least a second chamber for a second fluid flow, the first and second chambers being separated by a first exchanging wall adapted to ensure exchange and/or reaction between fluids of thermal and/or mass transfer type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignees: Alfa Laval Vicarb, Electricite de France - Service National
    Inventors: Fabrice Chopard, Marc Berthou, Christian Aussudre
  • Publication number: 20070185694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the effects of a mechanical force on an object consisting of a solid material, according to which the deformations and stresses caused by the mechanical force at a plurality of points on the object are determined by means of a digital calculation method in an anelastic mode wherein the behaviour of the material is represented by a polycrystalline microscopic behaviour model using a maximum of ten grain blocks, the deformations of said grain blocks being determined from a maximum of six sliding systems, and optionally a maximum of seven grain joint blocks, the deformations of said grain joint blocks being determined from at least one system and a maximum of one hole block having a variable volumic fraction, the plastic deformations of said hole block being purely volumic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: Electricite De France-Service National
    Inventors: Gilles Rousselier, Sylvain Leclercq
  • Patent number: 7235328
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electrochemical generator element (102) comprising successively a first electrode layer having a polarity (114), a first electrolyte layer (110), a second electrode layer with reverse polarity (108), a second electrolyte layer (112), a second electrode layer with said polarity (116). The electrode layers of said polarity (114, 116) are connected by a parallel connection. It further comprises current collectors (118, 120) connected to the electrode layers with said polarity (114, 116). The thickness of the first electrode layer with said polarity (114) is different from the thickness of said second electrode layer with said polarity (116). The invention is applicable to lithium-polymer storage batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Electricite de France - Service National
    Inventor: Stéphane Lascaud
  • Publication number: 20070098905
    Abstract: Method of preparing a metal oxide layer on a substrate, in which the following successive steps are carried out: a) a metal oxide powder is dispersed in a liquid medium comprising a dispersion solvent and a dispersant, the said liquid medium containing neither plasticizer nor binder, by means of which a suspension A of the said metal oxide powder in the said liquid medium is obtained; b) a solution of at least one polymer in a solvent is added to the said suspension A, by means of which a suspension B is obtained; c) suspension B is deposited on the substrate by a dip coating method, by means of which a green layer is obtained; d) the green layer obtained in step c) is dried; and e) the dried layer obtained in step d) is calcined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE SERVICE NATIONAL
    Inventors: Manuel Gaudon, Christel Laberty-Robert, Florence Ansart, Philippe Stevens
  • Patent number: 7026258
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making thin-film CIGS which consists in: electrochemically depositing on a substrate a layer of stoichiometry close to CuInSe2; then rapidly annealing said layer from a light source with pulses of sufficient power to recrystallize CIS. Advantageously, the electrodeposited elements are premixed. Thus, after the deposition step, a homogeneous matrix is obtained which can support sudden temperature increases during the rapid annealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignees: Electricite de France Service National, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-CNRS
    Inventors: Stéphane Taunier, Olivier Kerrec, Michel Mahe, Denis Guimard, Moëz Ben-Farah, Daniel Lincot, Jean-François Guillemoles, Pierre-Philippe Grand, Pierre Cowache, Jacques Vedel
  • Patent number: 6975094
    Abstract: In a method of charging several electrochemical cells 5, 6, 7 connected in series, by a charger 1 which allows adjusting the voltage and the charging current, the voltage of each cell is detected permanently, and when a first cell reaches a predetermined threshold voltage, an increment of the charging current is applied to several cells 5, 6, 7 and simultaneously a shunt resistor of a current equivalent to the increment in the charging current of the several said cells 5, 6, 7 is connected in parallel to said first cell, and when each of the subsequent cells reaches the threshold voltage, a shunt resistor of a current equal to the increment in charging current of said several cells 5, 6, 7 is also connected in parallel to this cell. The invention is applicable to the use of accumulator systems for powering electric vehicles and thermal vehicles with self-contained electric mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignees: Electricite de France-Service National, Schneider Electric Industries S.A.
    Inventors: Stéphane Lascaud, Eric Baudoin, Eric Bettega, Michel Barrault
  • Patent number: 6950007
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for monitoring enablement of an electrical apparatus connected to a power grid. The method consists in: transmitting (A) from a specialised transmitter (ES) to the electrical apparatus (EA) a coded information message comprising an enablement information, in accordance with an enablement control code; and in receiving (B) by means of a receiver (R) equipping the electrical apparatus (EA) said information message. The latter is decoded (C) in accordance with specific enablement data integrated in the receiver (R) to generate decoded enablement data. The enablement of the electrical apparatus (EA) is granted (D, E) if the decoded data are in conformity with the integrated specific enablement data and enablement is refused (D, F) otherwise. The invention is useful for protecting electrical appliances against theft, for managing service delivery on a distant site, monitoring contractual terms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Electricite de France Service National
    Inventors: Fabrice Martin, Robert Froehlich, Yves Dherbecourt
  • Patent number: 6924992
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power supply control device comprising a configuration comprising a voltage source, a resonant inverter circuit powered by said source and comprising a plurality of switch half-bridges connected to the terminals of capacitor means, said configuration also comprising means for controlling the opening and closing of said switches and means for modifying the chopper frequency, a bridge of diode-forming elements connected between the source and the half-bridges of the inverter circuit, and resonant capacitor means connected between the midpoints of the branches of the diode bridge and the midpoints of the half-bridges of the inverter circuit, the device being characterized in that the resonant means further comprise inductor means connected on either side of the bridge of diode-forming elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Electricite de France (Service National)
    Inventors: Christophe Gaudin, Mohammed Karimi
  • Patent number: 6909322
    Abstract: Output amplifier stage (1) of a high frequency generator (1) with tube (2) operating in class B or C has its output (5) looped back on the input (4) by means of a coaxial line (31) with a length equal to approximately the wave length corresponding to the operating frequency. The apparent gain of the amplifier stage (1) is thus increased and the output power from an intermediate amplifier (24) can be correspondingly reduced, amplifying a stable signal at the operating frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Electricite de France Service National
    Inventors: Georges Roussy, Michel Moneuse, William Benoit, Bernard Dichtel, Jean-Marie Jacomino
  • Patent number: 6792728
    Abstract: An elementary module (21) having at least one beam, (11) made of a composite, and a longitudinal element, (22) made of an insulating material, right through which at least one channel (23) for housing the beam (11) passes. Also, a building structure provided with a thermal bridge break formed from such elementary modules (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Electricite de France - Service National
    Inventors: Charles Toulemonde, Marion Escudero, Bernard Yrieix
  • Publication number: 20040109798
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for exchange and/or reaction between at least two fluids comprising at least a first spacer of selected thickness and including side walls defining a first chamber provided with a central part at least partly recessed for a first fluid flow, and at least a second chamber for a second fluid flow, the first and second chambers being separated by a first exchanging wall adapted to ensure exchange and/or reaction between fluids, of thermal and/or mass transfer type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicants: Alfa Laval Vicarb, Electricite de France - Service National
    Inventors: Fabrice Chopard, Marc Berthou, Christian Aussudre
  • Patent number: 6572777
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for purifying the cooling circuit of an alternator stator, characterized in that part of the water of the closed cooling circuit is derived upstream of the alternator towards the deionization circuit supplying the recovery tank, said deionization circuit comprising a mixed bed demineralization circuit and a treament circuit placed parallel to the demineralization circuit, and when the inflow rate into the deionization circuit is fixed at a value less than 10%, preferably less than about 20% of the nominal flow passing through the stator, the treatment circute consists in a cation-exchanging resin; when the inflow rate into the deionization circuit is fixed at a value higher than 10%, preferably higher than about 20% of the nominal flow passing through the stator, either the treatment circuit is interrupted, or the treatment circuit consists of a cation-exchanging resin or a mixed bed resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Electricite de France Service National
    Inventor: Didier Vermeeren
  • Patent number: 6568277
    Abstract: The method and device are able to overcome possible clogging of measuring devices comprising probes each surrounded by a tranquilliser. It chiefly comprises a tranquilliser (21), preferably spherical in shape, fitted with a separating partition (33) allowing measurement via side holes (32) in a measuring channel (20) and return of condensates via end holes (35) leading to a deflector for evacuation via slatted openings (23) leading into the steam generator (1). Outer measuring holes are made in the median plane of the tranquilliser (21). Application to all steam generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Electricite de France Service National
    Inventor: Michel Emin
  • Patent number: 6489743
    Abstract: The method serves for the control of an electric power plant (2) associated with a power source (6) with temporally random availability, the plant comprising at least one battery (10) adapted to be supplied with electric current from the source. When the random power (6) is available, the battery (10) current supply is controlled. The supply is controlled so as to come as close as possible to a state of complete charge of the battery, and preferably to reach this state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Electricite de France (Service National)
    Inventors: Jean Alzieu, Jean-Claude Camps, Hassan Smimite
  • Patent number: 6445269
    Abstract: The invention concerns an air-core primary voltage winding comprising a conductive wire coil coated with an insulating sheath, characterized in that said coil (1) is encapsulated in a high voltage insulating thermoplastic resin (2), and in that it further comprises an electroconductive potential fixing surface layer (3) in thermoplastic resin compatible with the thermoplastic resin of the insulating encapsulation (2), deposited on this encapsulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignees: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Electricite de France-Service National, Schneider Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Laureote Sylvain, Dominique Feldmann, Michel Sacotte, Jacques Wild, Lana Sheer, Albert P. Walrave, Max-André Mounoud
  • Patent number: 6438250
    Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing process of an electrical conductor or circuit compensated for radio interferences, including those from the electrical circuit itself. An application of a semi-conductor material (2) of resistivity coefficient allowing the external surface of the conductor (1) to the electrical circuit to be maintained at a static electrical potential near to that of the conductor (1) and the random electrical discharge currents to be absorbed is made to eliminate the interface micro-discharge interference phenomena. Application in the field of HiFi, home automation, instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Electricite de France, Service National
    Inventor: Pierre Johannet
  • Patent number: 6421501
    Abstract: A resistive heater comprises at least one heater chamber defined by walls, two of which are constituted by parallel conductive plates spaced apart by a selected distance. The chamber also has an inlet for introducing a fluid close to a first end of the plates and an outlet placed close to a second end of the plates, opposite from the first, for collecting the fluid after it has flowed between the plates, parallel thereto, and devices are provided to power the plates with electricity so that the fluid is heated in the chamber by the resistive effect while it is flowing parallel to the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignees: Electricite de France-Service National, Alfa Laval Vicarb
    Inventors: Marc Berthou, Christian Aussudre, Fabrice Chopard
  • Patent number: 6397621
    Abstract: The refrigeration cycle uses an evaporation zone prior to compression and a condensation zone after the latter, in which the thermodynamic fluid used in the cycle as well as the fluid used in the cold-exchange and heat-exchange cycles is water. The installation is operated on the basis of dynamic compression in two separate compression stages linked to one another by at least one zone with de-superheating and enclosed in a hermetically sealed and heat-insulated enclosure confining the vapor at very low pressure; the wheels of these two stages are mounted directly on the opposite ends of the shaft of a common, sealed, variable speed electric motor disposed inside the enclosure between these stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Electricite de France Service National
    Inventors: Jean-François Reynaud, Guy Chambaron, Henri Rodie-Talbere
  • Patent number: 6392857
    Abstract: This device for protecting a line (10, 12) of a network of supply lines comprises two protective relays (18, 20; 22, 24) furnished with means for detecting faults and a circuit breaker adapted so as to disconnect the line from the network of lines in the presence of a fault, each relay being adapted so as to monitor a first zone (Z1) of the line corresponding to a zone of certain detection of a fault (10, 12) and at least one second zone (Z2) juxtaposed with the first zone and corresponding to a zone of uncertain detection of a fault. At least one of the relays comprises means for detecting the opening of the circuit breaker associated with the other relay in response to a detection, by the latter, of a fault in the first zone in such a way as to cause the opening of the circuit breaker associated with the said at least one relay (18, 20; 22, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Electricite de France-Service National
    Inventors: Volker Leitloff, Michael Nassaeur, Patrick Bastard
  • Patent number: 6225915
    Abstract: A device for transmitting commands to a suite of equipment, such as for example, equipment found in an abode. The device is capable of sending and receiving control signals in the form of modulated infrared or radio waves. The device is also capable of transmitting control signals via carrier currents to equipment of the installation to be actuated. Logic is included in the device for purposes such as decoding and synchronizing received electrical signals. The device further includes electrically erasable memory for storing a file containing commands organized in accordance with the configuration of the installation. The device can further be linked with other devices to generate the file of commands organized according to the configuration of the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Electricite de France-Service National
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lobert