Patents Assigned to Southern Company
-
Publication number: 20140050520Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a torque transfer system. The torque transfer system can comprise a shaft coupled to a gearbox, and the gearbox can impart torque to the shaft. The torque transfer system can further comprise an adaptor engaged with the shaft and having a hollow center. An output table can also be engaged with the adaptor. A plug can be disposed within the hollow center of the adaptor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: The Southern CompanyInventors: Donald W. Varner, David W. Dodson
-
Publication number: 20140041926Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for autotensioning conductors of transmission lines. In one embodiment, among others, an autotensioner system includes tensioning assemblies coupled between a structure and corresponding conductors and a tension controller that controls a tensioning assembly to adjust a tension of the corresponding conductor to within a predefined tolerance of a corresponding tension setpoint. In another embodiment, a method includes receiving a current conductor tension for each of multiple conductors and adjusting the conductor tension of one of the conductors by remotely controlling a corresponding tensioning assembly. The adjustment may be based at least in part upon the current conductor tensions and a tension setpoint.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Drew Benton McGuire, Dennis Mize, Stephan Hicks
-
Publication number: 20140028323Abstract: An embodiment of an electric meter socket testing system features a plurality of tester line terminals adapted to connect with line terminals of an electric meter socket; a plurality of tester load terminals adapted to connect with load terminals of the electric meter socket; and a test module adapted to control input of voltage from the line terminals to the load terminals; and an indication interface configured to output whether the electric meter socket is determined to be safe for connecting an electric meter. Accordingly, the test module may further be adapted to check for a short circuit in an electrical distribution wiring network coupled to the line terminals in at least one diagnostic procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Drew Benton McGuire, Chad Alan McMicken
-
Patent number: 8629778Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for monitoring fuel usage and/or remaining run time of backup power sources. In one embodiment, a method includes tracking run time of a backup power source; determining a current fuel level associated with the backup power source; and providing a fuel level warning. In another embodiment, a system includes a fuel monitoring system including logic that obtains a current run time corresponding to a backup power source; logic that determines a current fuel level based at least in part upon the current run time, the current fuel level corresponding to a fuel source supplying the backup power source; and logic that provides a fuel level warning based upon the current fuel level and a predefined fuel level threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.Inventor: Christopher James Burrow
-
Patent number: 8612059Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for evaluation of events such as the startup of power generation units. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining operational data associated with a power generation unit, the operational data corresponding to a predefined period of time; determining start and end times for a startup phase associated with the power generation unit based upon a set of predefined startup conditions corresponding to the startup phase; and generating a network page including the start and times. In another embodiment, a system includes a unit evaluation system executable in a computing device that includes logic that obtains operational data associated with a power generation unit, the operational data corresponding to a predefined period of time and logic that determines start and end times for an event phase associated with the power generation unit based upon a set of predefined conditions corresponding to the event phase.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.Inventors: Antonio Chamblin, Kenneth Clifford Barnett
-
Publication number: 20130325383Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for monitoring and analysis of electrical components. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining raw radio frequency (RF) component data associated with an electrical component, cross-correlating the raw RF component data with a synchronized pseudo-random sequence (PRS) signal injected into the electrical component to determine a correlated impulse response, and determining a condition of the electrical component based at least in part upon the correlated impulse response. In another embodiment, a system includes a signal injection system coupled to an electrical component. The signal injection system injects a synchronized PRS signal into the electrical component. A data capture device obtains raw RF component data synchronized with the PRS signal through a RF antenna. A data analysis device cross-correlates the raw RF component data with the PRS signal to determine characteristics associated with the electrical component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: Southern Company Services, Inc.Inventors: Olin Alvin Williams, JR., Michael Jack Swan
-
Publication number: 20130319230Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a carbon-dioxide (“CO2”) sequestration system comprising a CO2 source, a process-water source, a membrane module, and a sequestration duct. The membrane module comprises a first section, a second section, and a membrane. The first section can be configured to receive gaseous CO2 at a first pressure from the CO2 source. The second section can be configured to receive process-water at a second pressure from the process-water source, wherein the first pressure is greater than the second pressure. The membrane can be positioned between the first section and the second section and can comprise a plurality of apertures configured such that the gaseous CO2 passes through the plurality of apertures and dissolves into the process-water to form a process-water-CO2-soluution. The sequestration duct can be in fluid communication with the second section and configured to transport the process-water-CO2 solution to a sequestration site.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: SOUTHERN COMPANYInventor: Dhansukhbhai V. Patel
-
Patent number: 8547109Abstract: The present invention relates to a capacitor bank monitoring system for monitoring the status of a capacitor bank in a power distribution system. The capacitor bank monitoring system includes a current transformer, a metering connection, and a housing for an electric utility meter. The current transformer is in electrical communication with a neutral terminal of the distribution system and can measure the current carried by the neutral terminal. The meter connection subsystem can provide electrical communication between the electric utility meter and the current transformer, such that the electric utility meter communicates the status of the capacitor bank.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: The Southern CompanyInventor: Van L. Holsomback
-
Patent number: 8478714Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for communicating with an integrated distribution management system (IDMS). An IDMS often employs a communications protocol that is incompatible with a service oriented architecture. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure can allow utility computing systems in a service oriented architecture or in a messaging based environment to communicate with an IDMS.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Ray Floyd, Steven Kirk Hubbartt
-
Patent number: 8474289Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of locking systems that include a barrel lock. The barrel lock is configured to damage, deface, and/or capture a key that is inserted into the barrel lock. Additionally, some embodiments include a locking mechanism adapter that can allow the locking mechanism to be operated by a key if the user has knowledge about the properties of the barrel lock.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.Inventor: Arnold Cory Solomon
-
Publication number: 20130158972Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for simulating distribution electric circuit models containing simulated software intelligent electronic devices. The distribution circuit and intelligent electronic simulator application facilitates the creation of user created software intelligent electronic devices. The software intelligent electronic devices imitate the operation of actual intelligent electronic devices on a power line. Communication between the software intelligent electronic devices and the automated recovery system can be captured using the distribution circuit and intelligent electronic device simulator application.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: Southern Company Services, Inc.Inventor: Malcolm Linn Fry, JR.
-
Publication number: 20130145934Abstract: A regenerator that can handle rich loaded chemical solvent containing precipitated absorption reaction products is disclosed. The invention is particularly suitable for separating CO2 from large gas streams that are typical of power plant processes. The internally circulating liquid stream in the regenerator (ICLS regenerator) rapidly heats-up the in-coming rich solvent stream in a downcomer standpipe as well as decreases the overall concentration of CO2 in the mixed stream. Both these actions lead to dissolution of precipitates. Any remaining precipitate further dissolves as heat is transferred to the mixed solution with an inverted bayonet tube heat exchanger in the riser portion of the regenerator. The evolving CO2 bubbles in the riser portion of the regenerator lead to substantial gas hold-up and the large density difference between the solutions in the downcomer standpipe and riser portions promotes internal circulation of the liquid stream in the regenerator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: The Southern CompanyInventor: The Southern Company
-
Publication number: 20130133383Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of locking systems that include a barrel lock. The barrel lock is configured to damage, deface, and/or capture a key that is inserted into the barrel lock. Additionally, some embodiments include a locking mechanism adapter that can allow the locking mechanism to be operated by a key if the user has knowledge about the properties of the barrel lock.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Arnold Cory Solomon
-
Patent number: 8412475Abstract: A synchronized pseudorandom sequence injector is provided for injecting a plurality of pseudorandom signals at selected locations in a power system having a plurality of locations forming a transmission and distribution grid. A synchronization pulse generator generates an accurate reference clocking signal. A pseudorandom clocking and sequence generator receives the clocking signal and generates a string of pseudorandom sequences. A binary drive control creates a tri-state voltage output from a logic level output of the pseudorandom clocking and sequence generator. A signal conditioning interface processes the voltage output to attenuate any protection related carrier signals from a pseudorandom signal injection point at a selected location.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.Inventor: Olin A. Williams, Jr.
-
Patent number: 8399770Abstract: A bushing assembly including a first bushing element, a second bushing element, and a locking subsystem. The first bushing element has a first end, a second end, a first outer surface with a first outer diameter, a first inner surface defining a first channel, and a first flange positioned proximate the first. The second bushing element has a first end, a second end, a second inner surface having a second inner diameter greater than the first outer diameter, a second outer surface, and a second flange positioned proximate the second end. The second inner surface defines a second channel that receives a portion of the first bushing element. The locking subsystem is proximate the first end of the first bushing element and secures the first bushing element to the second bushing element.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: The Southern CompanyInventor: Earl M. Phillips, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20130056242Abstract: A bushing assembly including a first bushing element, a second bushing element, and a locking subsystem. The first bushing element has a first end, a second end, a first outer surface with a first outer diameter, a first inner surface defining a first channel, and a first flange positioned proximate the first. The second bushing element has a first end, a second end, a second inner surface having a second inner diameter greater than the first outer diameter, a second outer surface, and a second flange positioned proximate the second end. The second inner surface defines a second channel that receives a portion of the first bushing element. The locking subsystem is proximate the first end of the first bushing element and secures the first bushing element to the second bushing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: The Southern CompanyInventor: EARL M. PHILLIPS, JR.
-
Publication number: 20130055936Abstract: A pressurized transport oxy-combustor with different configurations is disclosed. Substantially pure oxygen is fed to the transport oxy-combustor under pressure to combust fossil fuels, generating steam for power generation. The end product is the flue gas containing substantially pure CO2 after moisture condensation. The low excess oxygen necessary to achieve complete combustion in the combustor is scavenged by adding another fuel so that substantially all oxygen fed to the combustor is completely consumed. The capability to operate the transport oxy-combustor as a circulating fluidized bed combustor at very high solids circulation rates makes it unnecessary to use recycled CO2 or flue gas as a means to moderate and control the combustion temperature. The temperature in the combustor is effectively controlled by relatively cooler circulating solids that enter the combustion zone. A small amount of CO2 is recycled for aeration and to convey solids fuel to the combustor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: Southern CompanyInventors: Pannalal Vimalchand, Guohai Liu, WanWang Peng
-
Publication number: 20130054580Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for generating a data hierarchy for ordering a collection of data values and tracking a consumption pattern for each of the data values. In one embodiment, a data service generates a data hierarchy according to a plurality of attributes associated with each of the data values, where the data service determines a classification system for generating the hierarchy based on the attributes. The data service may receive a request for accessing a subset of the complete collection of data values. In response, the data service may generate a data profile that includes the subset of requested data values and provides the data profile to the requesting service. The data service may then determine a consumption profile that describes how the requesting service consumes the subset of data values in the data profile and associate the consumption profile with the consumed data values.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Gregory Lee Sewell, Matthew Stephen Wilson, Gregory Ansel Edwards
-
Publication number: 20130030582Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for evaluation of events such as the startup of power generation units. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining operational data associated with a power generation unit, the operational data corresponding to a predefined period of time; determining start and end times for a startup phase associated with the power generation unit based upon a set of predefined startup conditions corresponding to the startup phase; and generating a network page including the start and times. In another embodiment, a system includes a unit evaluation system executable in a computing device that includes logic that obtains operational data associated with a power generation unit, the operational data corresponding to a predefined period of time and logic that determines start and end times for an event phase associated with the power generation unit based upon a set of predefined conditions corresponding to the event phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Antonio Chamblin, Kenneth Clifford Barnett
-
Publication number: 20130006600Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for transmission evaluation. In one embodiment, among others, a method includes evaluating a plurality of contingencies to generate a plurality of contingency results, where at least one of the contingency results includes an overload condition. The evaluation is based at least in part upon a case associated with a transmission network. The method further includes sorting the plurality of contingency results based upon corresponding overload-contingency pairs and determining a potential remediation solution to the overload condition based at least in part upon the overload-contingency pair. In another embodiment, a system includes a transmission evaluation application executed in a computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Joseph E. Sneed, III