Patents Assigned to ABB Research Ltd.
  • Patent number: 9418774
    Abstract: A curable epoxy resin composition including a defined aromatic epoxy resin component and a defined latent catalyst system, and optionally further additives, the curable composition being a single epoxy resin composition having a prolonged pot life at a processing temperature within the range of 40° C. to 70° C., wherein: (a) the epoxy resin component is a compound of formula (I) in monomeric form or in a low polymeric form thereof, or is a mixture of such compounds: the epoxy resin component having an inherent viscosity within the range of 80 mPas to 300 mPas, measured at a temperature of 50° C.; (b) the latent catalyst system includes at least one metal acetylacetonate and at least one phenolic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ABB RESEARCH LTD
    Inventors: Chau-Hon Ho, Spiros Tzavalas
  • Patent number: 9418183
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for facilitating development, by a user, of a model describing a condition of an industrial asset. An output parameter of the model can be defined within a model development environment. The output parameter describes a condition of the industrial asset and can be defined using one or more variables. During deployment of the model within a deployment environment, respective variables of the model can be mapped to a data store where data associated with the variable is located. In this way, during development, a user can specify variables to be used within the model without specifying where to fetch and/or push data associated with the variable, for example. Further, the model can be executed within the deployment environment to assess the condition for a plurality of industrial assets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Shakeel M. Mahate, Paul F. Wood, Karen J. Smiley
  • Patent number: 9419678
    Abstract: A transmitting node in an industrial wireless network transmits a first number of bits to a receiving node, where at least one bit is partitioned into segments and each segment is transmitted at a different frequency according to a frequency transmission scheme. The receiving node receives the number of bits, determines the quality of each segment of a received bit, collects quality determinations of segments, forms a quality measure for each frequency through combining quality determinations of the corresponding frequency, compares each quality measure with a quality measure criterion, determines at least one frequency that does not fulfill the quality measure criterion and informs the transmitting node about frequencies for which the corresponding quality measures do not fulfill the quality measure criterion. The transmitting node receives the information and updates the frequency transmission scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Anne Vallestad, Jan Endresen, Erik Carlson, Knut Rimstad
  • Patent number: 9406451
    Abstract: A method for determining the wear on a contact element of an electrical switch, for example, of a switching installation for high or medium voltage, includes recording electrical values which represent an electrical variable, which is relevant to an arc occurring at the switch during a switching operation, as a function of time, and calculating a wear value, which represents the wear on the contact element, from a plurality of wear contribution values. The wear contribution values are calculated from a plurality of subsets of the recorded electrical values using a plurality of wear contribution calculation rules, with the result that each of the wear contribution values is calculated from a respective one of the subsets of values according to a respective one of the wear contribution calculation rules. At least two of the wear contribution calculation rules differ from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: ABB RESEARCH LTD
    Inventors: Daniel Schrag, Kai Hencken, Eldin Smajic
  • Patent number: 9399245
    Abstract: A method of providing flatness control for rolling a strip in a mill including a plurality of rolls controllable by actuators. The method includes the steps of: receiving flatness measurement data pertaining to a flatness of the strip; determining a flatness error as a difference between a reference flatness of the strip and the flatness measurement data; determining an adjusted flatness error based on the flatness error and weights for actuator position combinations which provide a flatness effect below a threshold value; and utilizing the adjusted flatness error for the control units to control the actuators to thereby control the flatness of the strip. A computer program product and a control system for carrying out the above method are also presented herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Markus Holm, Per-Erik Moden
  • Patent number: 9396504
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for leasing electrical network computational services to one or more network control centers. A power grid may comprise one or more substations. Network control centers disposed within the power grid may be configured to manage the substations within the power grid. A remote centralized network control center may be configured to lease electrical network computational services to the network control centers (e.g., which may mitigate costs associated with including computational hardware and/or software within respective network control centers for performing such electrical network computational services). In this way, substation data received from a network control center may be processed by the remote centralized network control center according to a level of service subscribed to by the network control center. Computational results may be provided back to the network control center (e.g., in real-time).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Vaibhav Deepak Donde, Jean-Charles Albert Tournier
  • Patent number: 9395891
    Abstract: A method for providing a navigation tool of a user interface for an industrial control system. The control system is arranged with a plurality of process graphics including one or more software objects. The software objects are arranged in hierarchical groups each representing a process, part-process or an equipment, in which materials are moved and/or processed in a predetermined order. The navigation tool includes a graphic image or map showing the plurality of process graphics symbolically arranged as a plurality of nodes. Each node is spatially arranged at a given distance from the centre of the map according to a hierarchical relationship between the process graphics, and the map is displayed superimposed on top of the process graphic currently displayed on the workstation. A computer program and a workstation are also described. The node representing the currently open process graphic is shown by a visual indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Susanne Timsjo, Saad Azhar, Nils Johansson
  • Patent number: 9396848
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a device with overvoltage protection that includes a varistor which can be connected by a first connection via a first line to high-voltage potential in a circuit arrangement, while a second connection is connected to ground via a second line. Furthermore, an additional impedance is provided, which can be connected between the second connection and ground or the first connection and the high voltage, or is mounted fixed in this position. The corresponding line can be interrupted by a switching arrangement. In order to test the withstand voltage of the circuit arrangement, at least one of the first and second line is interrupted and an additional impedance is inserted. A test voltage is applied to the circuit arrangement. After the overvoltage test, the interruption in at least one of the first and second lines is removed again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Dieter Fuechsle, Daniel Neeser, Bernhard Doser, Daniel Müller, Marlene Ljuslinder, Felix Greuter
  • Patent number: 9391444
    Abstract: Voltage instability protection for an electric power system is implemented by determining a change in power injected into a region of interest within the electric power system based on synchronized power measurements from different power injection points of the region of interest, and by determining a change in power absorbed by one or more loads in the region of interest based on synchronized power measurements from different load points of the region of interest. A change in power loss for the region of interest is determined based on the difference between the change in power injected into the region of interest and the change in power absorbed by the region of interest. A voltage instability condition is indicated when the change in power loss for the region of interest approximates the change in power injected into the region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: ABB RESEARCH LTD.
    Inventors: Mahyar Zarghami, Reynaldo Nuqui
  • Patent number: 9389022
    Abstract: A heat exchanger which can include at least a first group and a second group of channels arranged to provide fluid paths between a first end and a second end of the heat exchanger. Connecting parts are arranged at the first end and at the second end of the heat exchanger. A first heat transfer element transfers a heat load to fluid, and a second heat transfer element transfers a heat load from the fluid. The channels have capillary dimensions. The connecting parts include fluid distribution elements, and the first and second heat transfer element contact all channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruno Agostini, Matteo Fabbri
  • Patent number: 9382798
    Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow in a fluid network system by means of a plurality of fluid machines. The disclosure provides a simple empirical method of identifying network characteristics of the fluid network system used for providing the required fluid flow rate in the fluid network system utilizing minimal fluid machine power. The method includes the steps of determining a relation between a change in fluid machine speed and a corresponding change in fluid flow rate for each of the plurality of fluid machines empirically; determining a minimum total fluid machine power which provides a minimum required flow rate in the fluid network system based on a constraint involving the relation between the fluid flow rate and the corresponding fluid machine speed, and controlling a speed of the plurality of fluid machines such that the minimum total fluid machine power in the fluid network system is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Lundh, Jan Nyqvist
  • Patent number: 9385585
    Abstract: In a method based on the MPDTC algorithm for controlling an inverter of an electrical system, the harmonics and resonances in the inverter can be damped by extracting frequency information from predicted data of the MPDTC algorithm and by damping harmonic distortion of the electrical system by reintroducing the extracted frequency information into a control loop of the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Tobias Geyer, Georgios Papafotiou, Silvia Mastellone
  • Patent number: 9377451
    Abstract: A sensor assembly is disclosed for sensing a status condition of a liquid-filled electrical equipment such as a transformer. The sensor assembly can include a light source; a first hydrogen detection section, the first hydrogen detection section being optically coupled to the light source for receiving light from the light source, wherein the first hydrogen detection section has a first hydrogen sensitive layer that changes an optical response with respect to the received light depending on whether an amount of hydrogen at the first hydrogen sensitive layer is above or below a first threshold; and a first output section optically coupled to the first hydrogen detection section for receiving light having interacted with the first hydrogen sensitive layer such that the received light depends on the optical response of the first hydrogen sensitive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Barbara Panella, Jacobus Lodevicus Martinus Van Mechelen, Robin Gremaud, Pierre Lorin
  • Publication number: 20160173385
    Abstract: A wireless communication device providing a node in an industrial wireless network investigates if there is more than one data packet with process control data from the same data originating device destined for a process control device in a transmission queue, where the data originating device is an interface to the process being controlled and transmits data packets in the transmission queue. If there is more than one such data packet, the wireless communication device further compares time stamps of the data packets, where a time stamp reflects the time of generation of a corresponding data packet, keeps the newest data packet and discards older data packets, so that only the most recent data packets from a data originating device are sent to the process control device from the node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD
    Inventors: Alf ISAKSSON, Johan ÅKERBERG, Krister LANDERNÄS
  • Patent number: 9368960
    Abstract: A converter valve unit including a plurality of parallel connected controllable semiconducting elements. A free-wheeling diode is connected in anti-parallel with each semiconducting element. A control unit is configured to control each semiconducting element. A current sensor is connected to each of the parallel connected semiconducting elements. The current sensor is configured to sense a current of each semiconducting element by measuring a voltage over the current sensor. A differentiator is configured to compare the currents of the semiconducting elements by comparing the voltages. Upon detecting an unbalance in the currents the differentiator sends a turn-on signal to all control units to control all the semiconducting elements of the valve unit into a conducting stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: ABB RESEARCH LTD.
    Inventor: Hans Peter Nee
  • Patent number: 9366715
    Abstract: A method of determining a fault direction parameter of a fault on an AC transmission line of a power distribution system relative to a measurement location of the transmission line. The method includes measuring a time-dependent AC current of the transmission line at the measurement location to obtain time-domain current data indicative of the measured current, obtaining a time of the fault on the transmission line, identifying first and second times by identifying a periodically re-occurring feature of the current data, such that the fault time is between the first and second times, extracting, from the current data, an offset indicative parameter indicative of a time offset of the current at the fault time and between the first and second times, calculating an offset direction parameter by comparing the offset indicative parameter to a non-offset indicative parameter, and establishing the fault direction parameter based on the offset direction parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Abhisek Ukil, Bernhard Deck, Vishal H. Shah
  • Patent number: 9365359
    Abstract: A component feeder including a lift for elevating a selection of components from a bulk storage, and a pick surface adjacent to the lift for receiving the selection of components. A spreader gives the selection of components a push for spreading the selection of components from the lift on the pick surface. The combination of a vertical lift and a separate pick surface adjacent to the lift enables the bulk storage being positioned right below the pick surface. The area of the pick surface is large in relation to the total footprint of the component feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Sirkett, Arne Trangard, Ivan Lundberg, Ryan Mackenzie, Andre Jaber
  • Patent number: 9361002
    Abstract: A method for providing an improved user navigation interface for an industrial control system. The system includes a computer and a display device and a computer implemented workplace application. The system also includes a plurality of process control interfaces displayed on the display device. The process control interfaces include one or more software objects for controlling and/or monitoring objects controlled by the control system. The method includes displaying in the user interface a set of the process control interfaces generated by one instance of the workplace application in a designated view that includes a corresponding set of graphic user interface objects. Each graphic user interface object identifies and, on selection, displays the corresponding the process control interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ABB RESEARCH LTD.
    Inventors: Torgeir Enkerud, Kristoffer Husoy, Charlotte Skourup
  • Patent number: 9363273
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a secure one-step IEEE 1588 clock using either a symmetric or asymmetric protection scheme. Clocks of mission-critical or highly-available devices in industrial automation systems connected to a communication network are synchronized by sending, by a master clock, a synchronization message, e.g., a single message of the one-step-clock type according to IEEE 1588, including a time stamp, and by receiving and evaluating, by a slave clock, the synchronization message. A synchronization component or module of the master clock prepares, or composes, prior to a projected send time, a synchronization message including a time stamp of the projected send time, and secures the synchronization message in advance of the projected send time. Securing the synchronization message occurs by suitable cryptographic means allowing for authentication of the time stamp at a receiving slave clock. At the projected send time, the secured synchronization message is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Hubert Kirrmann, Jean-Charles Tournier
  • Patent number: 9360255
    Abstract: A method for reducing vortex formation in molten metal when bottom tapping the molten metal from a metallurgical vessel in a metal making process. The method includes the steps of tapping the molten metal via a tapping hole in the metallurgical vessel, and providing a flow of the molten metal in the metallurgical vessel while tapping via a time-varying electromagnetic field applied to the metallurgical vessel, the flow of the molten metal being such that it constantly moves vortices in the molten metal away from a tapping hole region during the tapping to thereby prevent accumulation of the vortices for vortex formation over the tapping hole. It is also presented an arrangement for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Jan-Erik Eriksson, Tord Kroon, Mohamed Ali Rahmani, Ola Widlund, Xiaojing Zhang, Christer Carlsson, Hongliang Yang