Abstract: A fitting for receiving an insulated lead and a method for assembly thereof are provided. The fitting comprises an elongate member, a sleeve, a collar, and an insulator. The elongate member comprises a first end, a second end, and an interior surface defining an elongate cavity. The first end is open. The sleeve is configured to receive the insulated lead. The first end is configured to receive the sleeve. The collar is configured to compress the sleeve onto the insulated lead to form a seal between the insulated lead and the elongate member. The insulator is configured to inhibit electrical contact between an inner conductor of the insulated lead and the interior surface of the elongate member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method heat a structure during frozen precipitation. The apparatus comprises: (i) heating means for heating the structure; a control unit 14 for controlling operation of the heating means; and a frozen precipitation forecast sensor that: receives, over a time frame, weather data for a geographic region of the structure; determines, at time instances during the time frame, whether there is a likelihood of frozen precipitation in a geographic zone around the structure based on the received weather data; and transmits command signals to the control unit based on the determinations of whether there is a likelihood of frozen precipitation in the geographic zone around the structure. The command signals can be commands to the control unit for the operational state of the heating means.

Abstract: An extrusion assembly, a method of constructing an extrusion assembly, and an additive manufacturing system including an extrusion assembly are disclosed. The extrusion assembly includes an extrusion die; a channel having an inlet and an outlet, which is in fluid communication with the extrusion die; and a heating element that melts a filament material drive through the channel so that the melted material is extruded by the extrusion die. The heating element can be helically wound about the channel or extend parallel to the channel, among other configurations. Further, the extrusion assembly includes a temperature sensor that is positioned adjacent to the channel between the extrusion die and the heating element. The channel, heating element, and temperature sensor are enclosed together within a sheath as a single integral unit. An additive manufacturing system utilizing the extrusion assembly can include a drive assembly, a support assembly, and a controller.

Abstract: An improved signal light unit for heat trace cables includes an energy storage device that stores energy during normal operation of the heat trace cable. During the normal operation, the light source of the signal light unit has a first illumination status. When there is a fault or other type of interruption in the electrical power in the heat trace cable, the energy storage device can discharge to power the light source. The light source can be illuminated in a different manner when it is powered by the energy storage device than during normal operation. Keeping the light energized in this manner when there is a fault in the heat trace cable and, moreover, making the light illuminate differently when there is a fault compared to normal operation, will facilitate inspection of the facility in which the heat trace cable is installed.

Abstract: Enclosure comprises a plurality of bar members translatably attached to an interior surface of the door of the enclosure. Each of the plurality of bar members comprises a projection. A plurality of blocks are disposed on a peripheral edge of the opening of the enclosure's body, such that there is a corresponding block for each projection, and wherein each of the plurality of blocks define a channel for receiving and engaging its corresponding projection. When actuated in a first member, an actuator causes each of the plurality of bar members to translate between a first position and a second position. When the door is in a closed position, translation of the bar members to the first position causes each projection to engage with the channel of its corresponding block to thereby hold the door in the closed position. Translation of the plurality of bar members to the second position causes each projection to be translated out of engagement with its corresponding block such that the door can be opened.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an electrical heating assembly is disclosed. The electrical heating assembly comprises one or more electrical heating elements. A current leakage sensor is operatively coupled to the one or more heating elements. The current leakage generates a signal indicative of current leakage from the electrical heating elements. The current leakage is proportional to an amount of moisture in contact with the electrical heating elements. A thyristor is coupled to the electrical heating elements. The thyristor is configured to control a power level of the one or more heating elements. A control logic is coupled to the thyristor and the leakage circuit. The control logic is configured to activate the one or more heating elements in a dry-out mode and a control mode. The control logic switches from the dry-out mode to the control mode when the signal indicative of the current leakage is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A kit or assembly comprises a plug body, a housing, and an end cap. The plug body comprises an opening sized to receive a cable, and first and second members. The first member is pivotably connected to the plug at a first position and comprises a first blade extending inwardly relative to the plug body and a first electrical contact. The second member is pivotably connected to the plug at a second position and comprises a second blade extending inwardly relative to the plug body and a second electrical contact, where the second position is longitudinally offset from the first position. The housing comprises a socket to receive the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact and the end cap is threadably engageable with the housing, with the end cap comprising an interior sized to receive the plug body.

Abstract: A heat trace system heats (or maintains the temperature of) vessels of a piping system. Heat trace cables are connected to power control devices in respective wireless modules such that when the power control device in a wireless module is on, the heat trace cable connected to that wireless module conducts current, and thereby heats the vessel contacting the heat trace cable. The wireless module receives control commands for controlling its power control device wirelessly from the main power distribution and control system via a wireless communication network. A wireless module can include a sensor, where the wireless module report backs conditions sensed by the sensor to the main power distribution and control system via the wireless network.

Abstract: Heat trace system for heating vessels of a piping system comprises a main control system, a plurality of heat trace elements, and a plurality of wireless modules. Each heat trace element is adjacent to one of the vessels of the piping system and connected to an electrical power source of the main control system 16. Each of the wireless modules: (a) is connected to and powered by an associated heat trace element; (b) comprises an energy storage device connected to the associated heat trace element for storing energy from the associated heat trace element to power the wireless module; and (c) comprises an RF module for communicating wirelessly with the main control system via a wireless communication network. The stored energy in the energy storage device can be used to power components of the wireless module, even when no current is flowing in the heat trace element to which the wireless module is connected.

Abstract: Energy storage systems and methods use medium voltage (MV) electrical heat exchangers to increase the efficiency of the energy storage system and/or reduce emission of pollutants. MV electrical heat exchangers use medium range voltages to heat a fluid, such as a gas or liquid. The heated fluid is used in the energy storage system to either drive a turbine generator directly or indirectly, such as by generating steam to drive the turbine generator. The electricity used to power the MV electrical heat exchangers can be from renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind-powered sources, further increasing efficiency of the energy storage system.

Abstract: Powering a sensor module of a heat trace system used for heating vessels. The sensor module may comprise a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a vessel. A microprocessor-based controller of the heat trace system uses the sensed temperature from the sensor module to control the voltage applied to the heat trace, and thereby control the heat provided by the heat trace to the vessel. The sensor module may comprise an energy storage device that stored energy from the voltage difference across a pair of buss wires in the heat trace cable, and the stored energy is used to power the components of the sensor modules.

Abstract: A medium-voltage heating element assembly. The medium-voltage heating element assembly can include a dual core having an inner core and an outer core. Segments comprising the inner core and the outer core can be staggered. Furthermore, the dual core can include a notch-and-groove interface to prevent axial rotation of the inner core and/or inner core segments relative to the outer core and/or outer core segments. A bushing of the heating element assembly can include a stepped region, and the bushing can interface with the dual core along the stepped region.

Abstract: Energy storage systems and methods use medium voltage (MV) electrical heat exchangers to increase the efficiency of the energy storage system and/or reduce emission of pollutants. MV electrical heat exchangers use medium range voltages to heat a fluid, such as a gas or liquid. The heated fluid is used in the energy storage system to either drive a turbine generator directly or indirectly, such as by generating steam to drive the turbine generator. The electricity used to power the MV electrical heat exchangers can be from renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind-powered sources, further increasing efficiency of the energy storage system.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an electrical heating assembly is disclosed. The electrical heating assembly comprises one or more electrical heating elements. A current leakage sensor is operatively coupled to the one or more heating elements. The current leakage generates a signal indicative of current leakage from the electrical heating elements. The current leakage is proportional to an amount of moisture in contact with the electrical heating elements. A thyristor is coupled to the electrical heating elements. The thyristor is configured to control a power level of the one or more heating elements. A control logic is coupled to the thyristor and the leakage circuit. The control logic is configured to activate the one or more heating elements in a dry-out mode and a control mode. The control logic switches from the dry-out mode to the control mode when the signal indicative of the current leakage is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A medium-voltage heating element assembly. The medium-voltage heating element assembly can include a dual core having an inner core and an outer core. Segments comprising the inner core and the outer core can be staggered. Furthermore, the dual core can include a notch-and-groove interface to prevent axial rotation of the inner core and/or inner core segments relative to the outer core and/or outer core segments. A bushing of the heating element assembly can include a stepped region, and the bushing can interface with the dual core along the stepped region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating unit which can comprise a tube, or pipe, having an aperture therein which can be configured to receive a heating element. In various embodiments, the heating element can comprise a resistive element which can be configured to generate heat when a voltage differential is applied thereto. In certain embodiments, the heating unit can further comprise a collar which is threadably engaged with the tube, wherein a flame path, or exhaust path, can be defined between threads on the pipe and threads on the collar, for example. In certain embodiments, the flame path can comprise a passageway defined between the circumference, or perimeter, of the tube and the collar. Such a flame path can be configured to allow pressurized gasses to safely escape from the tube along a predetermined path.

Abstract: Systems and method for generating electricity using heat from a SCWO reaction. The system may comprise a pump that pumps the mixture undergoing the SCWO reaction to a pressure above the critical pressure point for the mixture. The pressurized mixture is heated, by a heating system, above the critical temperature point for the mixture. The SCWO reaction occurs in a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is in thermal communication with a vessel that holds water such that the heat from the mixture heats the water into steam. The steam powers a steam turbine, which is connected to an electrical generator to thereby generate electricity.

Abstract: A power controller generally includes a switching device and a heat sink in contact with the switching device for dissipating heat generated by the switching device. The heat sink may include a base and a plurality of fins extending from the base. The power controller may include a fan for forcing cooling air toward the heat sink and an air guide mounted to the heat sink for dividing the cooling air such that cooling air flows over the top of the heat sink and cooling air flows through the fins of the heat sink. The power controller may include multiple heat sinks and one or more temperature sensors.

Abstract: A load bank, comprising a housing, a user interface located on the housing, the user interface having at least one control, and at least one heater located in the housing and controlled by the control, wherein the control configures the heater to act as a test load for testing a power source.

Abstract: A power controller generally includes a first switching device and a first bus bar mounted to the first switching device such that wiring may enter and exit the power controller. The first bus bar may have a face plate that extends at least partially above opposed side plates of the power controller and a mounting plate in electrical contact with the first switching device. A power controller assembly generally includes a power controller having one or more bus bars and a cover having a top surface, opposed end surfaces, and opposed side surfaces for attaching to and enclosing the power controller. The opposed end surfaces may have one or more windows through which wiring may pass and connect to one or more of the bus bars of the power controller.