Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating multi-point temperature sensing system comprises a fiber sensing cable package and a plurality of clamping devices distributed along an inner surface of a wall in a circumferential direction for securing the fiber sensing cable package. The fiber sensing cable package comprises a fiber Bragg grating based sensing cable comprising at least one optical fiber, a plurality of Bragg gratings inscribed in the optical fiber, and a fabric layer and a sheath tube surrounding the optical fiber. The multi-point fiber temperature sensing system comprises a light source for transmitting light to the Bragg gratings based sensing cable package, and a detector module receiving reflected signal. Each clamping device comprises a radiation tee and defines at least one mounting hole for securing the fiber sensing cable.

Abstract: A planet gear assembly, including: a planet pin; a bearing comprising an inner race secured to the planet pin at a planet pin bearing end; a planet gear; and a compliant annular plate arranged to secure the planet gear to the planet pin. Compliance of the annular plate permits rotation of the planet gear when a planet gear axis of rotation is not coincident with an axis of rotation of a portion of the planet pin in the annular plate.

Abstract: A contactless power transfer system for a mobile asset is presented. The system includes a primary loop disposed adjacent to a location that is coupled to a power source. A secondary receiving coil is disposed on the mobile asset and coupled to a traction motor for receiving power from the primary loop. The power transfer system further includes a field-focusing element that can focus a magnetic field from the primary loop onto the secondary receiving coil, the field-focusing element having a non-linear current distribution.

Abstract: An automated in-line feed-through system integrating the delivery, application and infusion of a resin to one or more fiber tows and layup of the one or more infused fiber tows to form a composite structure. The system includes an automated resin delivery, deposition and infusion system configured to deposit the resin on one or more fiber tows and form the infused fiber tows. The system integrates an automated layup system including a compaction roller, a guide roller coupled to an extending cylinder, and an auxiliary roller configured to adhere the one or more infused fiber tows to a substrate. The system further includes a controller configured to control system parameters, including the control of tension of the one or more infused fiber tows within the automated layup system. Other aspects of the automated in-line manufacturing system are also provided.

Abstract: A fiber-optic dynamic sensing module comprises a support member, a beam extending from the support member, and a pre-strained fiber Bragg grating sensor and a strain-free fiber Bragg grating sensor mounted on the beam. The pre-strained and strain-free fiber Bragg grating sensors each comprise a Bragg grating inscribed in a fiber. The Bragg grating of the pre-strained fiber Bragg grating sensor is packaged more tightly along a longitudinal direction of the beam than the Bragg grating of the strain-free fiber Bragg grating sensor.

Abstract: A photovoltaic roofing system and a method of installing the photovoltaic ridge cap structure have been provided. The photovoltaic roofing system includes a ridge cap adapted to cover a ridge of a roof structure. The system also includes at least one photovoltaic cell disposed within the ridge cap. The method of installing a photovoltaic ridge cap structure includes mounting the ridge cap over multiple photovoltaic cells along a ridge of a roof structure. The method further includes routing electrical leads from each photovoltaic cell through one or more openings along the ridge of the roof structure.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a thickness of a refractory wall of a gasifier using electromagnetic energy is disclosed. The system includes a waveguide with a bistatic or monostatic phased array antenna at one end. The waveguide is operably connected to a Network Analyzer that generates a pulse of electromagnetic energy with a desired bandwidth. The pulse is transmitted through a coaxial cable to the waveguide. The reflection of the pulse is received by the waveguide and input to a data acquisition system. An output device displays the resolvable discontinuities in impedance encountered by the pulse in its propagation path in the system.

Abstract: A method for determining characteristics of a multi-material object is provided. The method includes producing a rotating electric field by providing an applied electrical signal set of individual electrical signal patterns to electrodes surrounding the multi-material object. The method also includes obtaining a measured electrical signal of electrical signals from the electrodes corresponding to each electrical signal pattern applied. An electrical network is determined based on the applied electrical signal set, the measured electrical signal set and an inverse of the applied electrical signal set. The method further includes determining the characteristics of the multi-material object by analyzing the electrical network.

Abstract: A steam turbine comprises a steam turbine casing, a rotor, and at least one compliant plate seal assembly situated between the casing and the rotor. The compliant plate seal assembly comprises a supporting member being stationary with respect to the casing, a plurality of plate members movably mounted to the supporting member and extending towards the rotor, each plate member being inclined with respect to a rotation direction of the rotor, and an actuator for selectively exerting a pressure to retract the plate members in a direction away from the rotor.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling a gas turbine, comprises predicting frequencies of combustion dynamics in a combustor using operating conditions of a gas turbine, receiving a signal from a sensor that is indicative of combustion dynamics in the combustor, and detecting a flashback if a frequency of the received signal does not correspond to the predicted frequencies.

Abstract: A method for depositing nanowires is disclosed. The method includes depositing multiple nanowires onto a surface of a liquid. The method also includes partially compressing the nanowires. The method also includes dipping a substrate into the liquid. The method further includes pulling the substrate out of the liquid at a controlled speed. The method also includes transferring the nanowires onto the substrate parallel to a direction of the pulling.

Abstract: A composition comprises a modified polymeric material and a ceramic antiferroelectric particle. The modified polymeric material comprises a high temperature polymer chemically combined with a polar group. A method of making a composition comprises chemically combining a high temperature polymer with a polar group to form a modified polymeric material; and combining the modified polymeric material with antiferroelectric particles to form a composite composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for prediction of gas turbine trips due to component failures such as electro-hydraulic valve (gas control valve) system failures. Exemplary embodiments include prediction of gas turbine trips due to component failures, the method including collecting raw gas turbine operational data and using the raw gas turbine operational data to generate a prognostic indicator for the prediction of a turbine trip due to the failed gas control valves.

Abstract: An air distribution system for manipulating a boundary layer of air across a wind turbine rotor blade. The wind turbine rotor blade includes at least one sidewall that defines a cavity therein. The sidewall extends between a leading edge and an axially-spaced trailing edge, and defines a chordwise axis between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The air distribution system includes a plurality of bleed flow assemblies that are positioned within the rotor blade and are configured to discharge air into the boundary layer to reduce a separation of the boundary layer from the rotor blade. Each bleed flow assembly of the plurality of bleed flow assemblies includes a bleed flow conduit that is coupled to an inner surface of the sidewall and is oriented with respect to the chordwise axis between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The bleed flow conduit is configured to channel air through the rotor blade.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing asymmetric rotor load in a wind turbine includes calculating a time delay for pitching each blade toward feather upon initiation of a shutdown condition. The blades with the larger blade angle begin moving toward feather with an initial pitch rate, while the blade with the smallest blade angle begins moving toward feather with a final pitch rate. Once all the blades have reached approximately an identical blade angle, the blades move simultaneously together to feather at the final pitch rate. By introducing the time delay for pitching the blades having higher blade angles at the final pitch rate, a simple, time-based correction of initial conditions during shutdown reduces the extreme loads on turbine components.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having a static magnetic field source, a plurality of radio frequency magnetic field sources and a plurality of gradient magnetic field sources for generating a gradient magnetic field is provided. The static magnetic field source generates a static magnetic field for aligning a spin vector of an object in a direction of the magnetic field and plurality of radio frequency magnetic field sources generate a radio frequency magnetic field for rotating the spin vector by an angle. The apparatus further includes a processor for generating a plurality of radio frequency excitation pulses for the plurality of radio frequency magnetic field sources and a plurality of gradient excitation pulses for the plurality of gradient magnetic field sources.

Abstract: A compound planetary gear transmission unit includes a second stage with axially staggered planets.

Abstract: A stabilization system for a power generation system including non-conventional energy source coupled to a utility grid, the stabilization system comprising: a deadband limiter configured for detecting when a signal of the power generation system is outside of a signal range; a power shaper configured for providing a transient power generation adjustment signal in response to the signal being outside of the signal range; and a limit controller to configured to prevent the adjustment signal from causing the energy source of the power generation system to operate outside of at least one operating constraint.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus are provided for harvesting electrical energy from a photovoltaic source of electrical energy. The photovoltaic source has power-generating characteristics defined by a family of voltage-current curves comprising points of maximum electrical power over a respective range of at least one of the following for the photovoltaic source: distinct illumination intensities and distinct temperatures. The apparatus is made up of a switching converter coupled to the photovoltaic source. The converter has an input voltage-current curve having a predefined functional relationship between the input voltage and the input current.

Abstract: A coating for use in combustion systems includes a plurality of refractory metal particles in a ceramic, glass or metal matrix disposed on surfaces of the system that are prone to slag, ash, and/or char buildup during operation of the combustion system. The coating is effective to prevent any substantial interaction with the slag, ash, and/or char.