Patents Assigned to Active Power, Inc.
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Patent number: 9627923Abstract: An apparatus and method for backfeed detection in, and control of, an uninterruptible power system is disclosed. An adaptive controller in an uninterruptible power system enables delivery of power from a second, backup, power source, to loads connected to an output of the system, when a first, primary, input source is detected to be in a fault condition. Subsequent to enabling the second power source, and within a time interval that is less than one AC period following the detection of the input fault, the controller may sense and measure a backfeed of energy from the second source to the first source and may adapt a subsequent fault response based upon the measurement of the backfeed. Adapting the subsequent response may comprise adapting a response to a fault at the output. The subsequent response may comprise disabling or enabling delivery of energy from the second source.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: Richard Greer, Stephen Edley, Terry Ault
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Patent number: 8822822Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing corona discharge include an insulation system for a coil conductor in which a grounded conductive or semi-conductive layer is molded over a primary insulation layer, molded on the coil conductor, which limits the occurrence of voltage drop to the primary insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventor: Karl Schuetze
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Patent number: 8671686Abstract: Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: Joseph F. Pinkerton, David Beatty, David E. Perkins
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Publication number: 20130133917Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing corona discharge are provided. In one embodiment, an insulation system for a coil conductor comprising a grounded conductive or semi-conductive layer is molded over a primary insulation layer molded on coil conductor which limits the occurrence of voltage drop to the primary insulating layer is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: ACTIVE POWER, INC.Inventor: Karl Schuetze
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Patent number: 8333330Abstract: Systems and methods for using a dual-path fluid routing system that uses a flow restriction device to enhance temperature and pressure control of fluid are provided. Systems and methods for using a setpoint pressure control system to accurately control the setpoint pressure of a regulator are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: Karl T. Schuetze, Robert S. Hudson
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Publication number: 20110215645Abstract: It is an object of this disclosure to provide an efficient continuous power system that may be deployed quickly and at low cost to a variety of destinations. The containerized nature of the presently disclosed system may allow these advantages to be attained. The disclosed system is particularly well suited for deployment in data center applications, but one of ordinary skill will recognize that it may be useful in a variety of situations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: ACTIVE POWER, INC.Inventors: Markus Schomburg, Uwe Schrader-Hausmann, James Murphy, Ron Landis, Karl Schuetze, Bradley Walter
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Patent number: 7918091Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling humidity of a working fluid used to provided climate control of a mission critical application are provided. Such control may be accomplished by using a humidification system in connection with a CAS or TACAS system. The humidification system may introduce a liquid (e.g., water) into one or more, predetermined points within the CAS or TACAS system to adjust the moisture content of a working fluid used to influence the environment of a mission critical application or enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: David E Perkins, Joseph F Pinkerton
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Patent number: 7753646Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cooling bearings or other objects. Such cooling may be accomplished by expanding a compressed gas in a cooling channel surrounding a bearing and allowing the expanded air to come into direct contact with the bearing. Expanding a compressed gas in local proximity of the bearing takes advantage of the Joule-Thompson expansion of gas, resulting in a substantial drop in gas temperature, thereby maximizing the cooling potential of the gas being directly applied to the bearing. Cooling bearings in this manner extends their operational life and enables them to operate at the desired speeds. A housing may be provided for receiving a compressed gas, expanding the compressed gas to a predetermined pressure, enabling the expanded gas to directly contact the bearing, and exhausting the expanded gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: James A. Keck, Donald M. Hudson, Paul C. Peterson
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Publication number: 20100171366Abstract: This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2006Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: Active Power, Inc.Inventor: David E. Perkins
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Patent number: 7750518Abstract: This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventor: David E. Perkins
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Patent number: 7693402Abstract: A thermal storage unit having at least one conduit around which a cast is made is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional piping or tubing to create conduits that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass by proving multiple passes for the fluid through the cast. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Hudson, David E. Perkins, Donald M. Hudson, David J. Beatty, Donald L. Stamets, Joseph F. Pinkerton
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Patent number: 7642664Abstract: This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: James A Andrews, Robert S. Hudson
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Patent number: 7425807Abstract: This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: David E Perkins, James A Andrews, Scott D Logan, Karl T Schuetze, David A Badger, Robert S Hudson
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Patent number: 7400052Abstract: This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventor: David A. Badger
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Patent number: 7314059Abstract: Systems and methods for using a dual-path fluid routing system that uses a flow restriction device to enhance temperature and pressure control of fluid are provided. Systems and methods for using a setpoint pressure control system to accurately control the setpoint pressure of a regulator are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: Karl T. Schuetze, Matthew D. Weaver
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Publication number: 20070022755Abstract: Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2006Publication date: February 1, 2007Applicant: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Pinkerton, David Beatty, David Perkins
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Patent number: 7127895Abstract: Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: Joseph F Pinkerton, David Beatty, David E Perkins
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Patent number: 7086231Abstract: Combined thermal and compressed air storage systems are provided that utilize an exhaustless heater, such as a thermal storage unit, to provide power with enhanced efficiency. Compressed air is heated by the thermal storage unit prior to entering a turbine, which powers an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air temperature, turbine exhaust or other types of waste heat are used to preheat the compressed air prior to the compressed air entering the thermal storage unit, thereby further increasing system efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventor: Joseph F. Pinkerton
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Patent number: 7030593Abstract: The present invention relates to variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) devices and methods for maximizing engine generator efficiency. In one embodiment, a VSCF device may include at least two paths for conducting power to the load. One path, a line inductor path, may advantageously incur minimal power loss when the engine generator is supplying rated power to a load. A second path, a VSCF path, may be used to ensure that the frequency of the power is maintained at a substantially constant frequency under various load conditions. Another embodiment of the invention describes a process for determining optimal engine generator speed for a particular load. Because engine speed can be varied using any VSCF device, this process determines a speed that minimizes fuel consumption, emissions, and noise pollution for a given load.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: Joseph F. Pinkerton, III, David A. Badger
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Patent number: 6955050Abstract: A thermal storage unit having at least one annular flow channel formed between an inner and outer member is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional mill products to create annular flow channels that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass included in the inner and outer members. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the annular channel.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Active Power, Inc.Inventors: David E. Perkins, Robert S. Hudson