Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to an induction heating system for heating a component. The induction heating system includes a power module for outputting an alternating current, the power module being operable to output the alternating current at a variable supply frequency. A controller is provided to identify at least one resonant frequency of the alternating current supplied to the at least one induction element. The controller is configured to determine an operating temperature of the component in dependence on the at least one identified resonant frequency. Aspects of the present also relate to an induction heating controller; a component comprising an induction heating element; and to a method of heating a component by inductive heating.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system (2) configured to heat a conduit (4) composed of metal. The thermal management system (2) includes an electrical generator (16) for generating alternating current at a high frequency. First and second electrical connectors (19, 20) are provided for connecting the electrical generator (16) to the conduit (4). In use, the electrical generator (16) outputs alternating current at a high frequency to the first and second electrical connectors (19, 20), the alternating current being introduced into the conduit (4) and causing direct heating of the conduit (4). The present disclosure also relates to an exhaust system (1) comprising a comprising a thermal management system (2); and to a related method of heating a conduit (4).

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus comprises at least one sensor for measuring a current of the electric motor to generate a time-based signal and at least one electronic processor configured to transform the time-based signal into a frequency-based signal and to analyse the frequency-based signal to identify a signal pattern representing a pump fault condition. By monitoring the frequency-based signal, the monitoring apparatus can identify a pump fault condition.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus comprises at least one sensor for measuring a current of the electric motor to generate a time-based signal and at least one electronic processor configured to transform the time-based signal into a frequency-based signal and to analyse the frequency-based signal to identify a signal pattern representing a pump fault condition. By monitoring the frequency-based signal, the monitoring apparatus can identify a pump fault condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum pumping system (10) which comprises: a vacuum pumping mechanism (12) and a motor (14) for driving the vacuum pumping mechanism. Means (16) are provided for determining a cumulative load on the vacuum pumping system over time by monitoring a characteristic of the motor over that time. Means (18) are also provided for activating a maintenance activity on the system when the cumulative load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system (60) comprising: a pumping mechanism (64); a motor (51) for driving the pumping mechanism; a drive control (50) for controlling the motor; and means (52) for monitoring at least one state within the system; wherein, to improve the performance of the system, the drive control causes the system to operate for transient periods in an overload condition which can result in said monitored state exceeding a predetermined operational limit, and when operating in said overload condition said drive control controls the power to the motor dependent on the level of said monitored state thereby avoiding said state from exceeding said operational limit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum pumping system (10) which comprises: a vacuum pumping mechanism (12) and a motor (14) for driving the vacuum pumping mechanism. Means (16) are provided for determining a cumulative load on the vacuum pumping system over time by monitoring a characteristic of the motor over that time. Means (18) are also provided for activating a maintenance activity on the system when the cumulative load exceeds a predetermined amount.