Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques implemented at least in part by a fuse-monitoring device to detect when a fuse cutout in an electric power system opens to disconnect a device and/or a load from a power line, and provides an indication of a location of the opened fuse cutout to a utility provider. The fuse-monitoring device may be attached to a fuse holder of the fuse cutout, and may include a movement sensor that detects when the fuse holder swings open due to its fuse melting, or blowing. The fuse-monitoring device may send a notification to the utility provider indicating that the fuse holder has swung open. The fuse-monitoring device may include a GPS sensor to determine the location of the fuse cutout, and may also notify the utility provider of the location of the fuse cutout so a line crew can quickly locate the fuse cutout that requires maintenance.

Abstract: An electrical continuity detection system may comprise a plurality of identification tags placed on an electrically conductive object, and configured to respond to an injection signal on the electrically conductive object with a response, and a monitoring device coupled to the electrically conductive object and configured to generate the injection signal and an injection signal on the electrically conductive object, receive the response from one or more of the plurality of tags, receive a return signal from the electrically conductive object, determine a characteristic of the electrically conductive object based on the received responses and return signals, and generate a notification based on the characteristic.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed that monitor an area adjacent to power system components and detect objects that may pose a probable risk of causing a fault, for example, making contact with the power system component. Various embodiments initiate a preventative, a corrective, and/or a mitigative action in advance of the fault. Examples of possible actions include, but are not limited to, an audible alert, a visual alert, a tactile alert, a remote notification, a limiting of machinery motion, a stopping of machinery motion, a reversing of machinery motion, de-energization of the power system component, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Current hoist systems often use a manual crank system with a lever arm that ratchets a rotational drum to tension a conductor. This disclosure describes systems and techniques for creating and operating a hoist system when connected and applying tension to an energized or de-energized conductor. Additionally, the systems and techniques may be applied to lifting or tensioning electrical equipment or cables that may support the conductor infrastructure. A hoist system may use a locally driven motor to apply a desired tension to a conductor or cable and may be controlled by an operator located at or away from the hoist system itself.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques to evaluate power usage and characteristics on a power distribution system. The power distribution system may include local distribution systems as well as transmission systems. Additionally, this disclosure describes techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR), for example, by using two variable characteristics to model a power load as a sum of a constant impedance load and a constant power load.

Abstract: A broadband access system, comprising a broadband access hub device (hub device) and broadband access premise devices (premise devices) wirelessly coupled the hub device to provide broadband services to multiple user equipment (UEs), is described. The hub device may access broadband services on a fiber optic broadband network and wirelessly provide access to the broadband services to the premise devices. The premise device may wirelessly communicate with the hub device and communicate with user equipment (UEs) for providing access to the broadband services through the hub device. The premise device may be attached to an electric utility meter, and a power interface module of the premise device may supply electrical power to the premise device from the electric utility meter.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques to evaluate power usage and characteristics on a power distribution system. The power distribution system may include local distribution systems as well as transmission systems. Additionally, this disclosure describes techniques to evaluate the power load on a power system, for example, by using two variable characteristics to model a power load as a sum of a constant impedance load and a constant power load.

Abstract: A non-linear power equation may be solved in linear form by locking one or more variables and iteratively solving to accurately and quickly estimate optimized power solutions for hydroelectric power stations. Additionally, these iterative calculations may provide for long term water resource planning and more accurate estimation models. Further, such optimized power solutions may be usable to create accurate and timely water management models for the operation and planning of hydroelectric power stations.

Abstract: Operation of a hydropower generation facility may be optimized by consideration and analysis of multiple factors influencing function of the facility. Aspects of the facility and surrounding hydraulic system are represented in a model that may include efficiency curves for hydropower turbines. Efficiency curves for one or more turbines are approximated by piecewise linear functions. The use of piecewise linear representations allows for calculation of recommended operational settings as well as predicted outputs in real time. An optimization system may consider input data such as weather and market prices for electricity. The input data may also include desired operational outputs of the hydropower generation facility. A user interface may present recommendations for specific operational settings to achieve the desired operational outputs.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that assist in predicting, diagnosing, and/or managing an incident in a utility service area. A communication system is provided in the service area to communicate with nodes of the service area. Nodes of the service area may communicate with the communication system using a variety of different communication technologies and/or communication protocols. In some instances, the communication system may detect a communication technology and/or a communication protocol used by a node.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that assist in predicting, diagnosing, and/or managing an incident in a utility service area. A communication system is provided in the service area to communicate with nodes of the service area. In some instances, the communication system is configured to communicate with nodes of the service area according to a hierarchy of the nodes and/or a physical location of the nodes.

Abstract: A non-linear power equation may be solved in linear form by locking a variable or variables and iteratively solving to provide a Web service for accurately and quickly estimating optimized power solutions for hydroelectric power stations. Additionally, these iterative calculations may provide for long term water resource planning and more accurate estimation models. Further, such optimized power solutions may be usable to create accurate and timely water management models for the operation and planning of hydroelectric power stations.

Abstract: Operation of a hydropower generation facility may be optimized by consideration and analysis of multiple factors influencing function of the facility. Aspects of the facility and surrounding hydraulic system are represented in a model that may include efficiency curves for hydropower turbines. Efficiency curves for one or more turbines are approximated by piecewise linear functions. The use of piecewise linear representations allows for calculation of recommended operational settings as well as predicted outputs in real time. An optimization system may consider input data such as weather and market prices for electricity. The input data may also include desired operational outputs of the hydropower generation facility. A user interface may present recommendations for specific operational settings to achieve the desired operational outputs.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that assist in predicting, diagnosing, and/or managing an incident in a utility service area. A communication system is provided in the service area to communicate with nodes of the service area. In some instances, the communication system is configured to communicate with nodes of the service area according to a hierarchy of the nodes and/or a physical location of the nodes.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that assist in predicting, diagnosing, and/or managing an incident in a utility service area. A communication system is provided in the service area to communicate with nodes of the service area. Nodes of the service area may communicate with the communication system using a variety of different communication technologies and/or communication protocols. In some instances, nodes of the communication are capable of two-way communication with the communication system.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that assist in predicting, diagnosing, and/or managing an incident in a utility service area. A communication system is provided in the service area to communicate with nodes of the service area. Nodes of the service area may communicate with the communication system using a variety of different communication technologies and/or communication protocols. In some instances, the communication system may detect a communication technology and/or a communication protocol used by a node.

Abstract: A non-linear power equation may be solved in linear form by locking a variable or variables and iteratively solving to provide a Web service for accurately and quickly estimating optimized power solutions for hydroelectric power stations. Additionally, these iterative calculations may provide for long term water resource planning and more accurate estimation models. Further, such optimized power solutions may be usable to create accurate and timely water management models for the operation and planning of hydroelectric power stations.

Abstract: A non-linear power equation may be solved in linear form by locking one or more variables and iteratively solving to accurately and quickly estimate optimized power solutions for hydroelectric power stations. Additionally, these iterative calculations may provide for long term water resource planning and more accurate estimation models. Further, such optimized power solutions may be usable to create accurate and timely water management models for the operation and planning of hydroelectric power stations.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell power system for producing electrical power is described and which includes a plurality of discrete fuel cell modules having at least two membrane electrode diffusion assemblies, each of the membrane electrode diffusion assemblies having opposite anode and cathode sides; a pair of current collectors are individually disposed in juxtaposed ohmic electrical contact with opposite anode and cathode sides of each of the membrane electrode diffusion assemblies; and individual force application assemblies apply a given force to the pair current collectors and the individual membrane electrode diffusion assemblies. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell power system also includes an enclosure mounting a plurality of subracks which receive the discrete fuel cell modules. Additionally, a control system is disclosed which optimizes the performance parameters of the discrete proton exchange membrane fuel cell modules.