Patents Assigned to Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
  • METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A WELD-FREE APPARATUS FOR CONNECTION OF DISSIMILAR METALS USING FUNCTIONALLY GRADED COMPOSITIONALLY CONTROL POWDER METALLURGY AND HOT ISOSTATIC PROCESSING METHODS
    Publication number: 20130121868
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a weld-free apparatus for use in the connection of dissimilar metals includes the steps of providing a mold designed to replicate a reverse of the apparatus, introducing a low alloy, ferritic steel composition atomized powder into a first portion of the mold, introducing a series of atomized powders incrementally into a second portion of the mold to form a transition region between the ferritic steel composition and an austenitic stainless steel composition, and introducing an austenitic stainless steel composition atomized powder into a third portion of the mold. The method further includes the step of consolidating and melting the atomized powders in a high temperature, high pressure inert gas atmosphere to form the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Gandy, Kent K. Coleman, John Shingledecker
  • USE OF ADSORPTION OR ABSORPTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR THERMAL-ELECTRIC POWER PLANT COOLING
    Publication number: 20130118192
    Abstract: A hybrid cooling system adapted to provide cooling to a thermal-electric power plant includes an air-cooled condenser (ACC) adapted to provide cooling water to the thermal-electric power plant and a vapor absorption/adsorption refrigerant system (VARS) adapted to provide cooled air to the ACC. The cooled air is used by the ACC to condense steam to produce the cooling water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Baolan Shi, Robert Goldstein, Kent Zammit, Sean Bushart, Jianping Tu, Ram Narayanamurthy
  • Crystal habit modifiers for nuclear power water chemistry control of fuel deposits and steam generator crud
    Patent number: 8433030
    Abstract: Crystal habit modifiers (CHM) are provided to ameliorate deposit-related concerns in nuclear plant systems. The principal targets for utilization of crystal habit modifiers are Pressure Water Reactor (PWR) primary-side fuel rod crud and secondary-side steam generator deposits and Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) coolant system deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Paul Fruzzetti, Karen Samie Kim, Robert Douglas Varrin, Jr., Charles Marks
  • APPLICATION OF PHASE-LOCKED LOOP (PLL) IN OSCILLATION MONITORING FOR INTERCONNECTED POWER SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20130082753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for accurately detecting oscillations and improving stability of power systems. The method includes the steps of providing a phase-locked loop having a phase detector, a loop filter, and a number-controlled oscillator. The method further includes the steps of extracting an input signal from the power system, using the phase-locked loop to track the frequency and phase of a targeted mode in the input signal, and creating a locally generated reference signal to fit the input signal and to allow the input signal's modal information to be obtained. The method further includes the step of performing mode shape analysis utilizing the reference phase signals constructed from the tracked frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Kai Sun, Qiang Zhou
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSPECTION OF TUBES IN A BOILER
    Publication number: 20130081486
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspection of tubes in a boiler is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to generate and detect guided-waves and a mechanical device adapted to reach into a tube bundle and clamp the sensor onto an interior tube selected for inspection. The mechanical device includes a housing adapted to contain the sensor and an air cylinder adapted to actuate the housing to allow the housing to clamp onto the interior tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
  • QUALITY CONTROL OF CONCRETE VIBRATION
    Publication number: 20130075942
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling concrete vibration is disclosed. The apparatus includes a global positioning sensor adapted to provide a location of a vibrator relative to a concrete structure, a recording device adapted to record data during vibration of the concrete, and a data transmission device adapted to transmit the data to a processor for analysis of the data to determine if the vibration is in compliance. The vibrator is adapted to vibrate the concrete to remove air contained therein and promote concrete consolidation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
  • Transportable rapid deployment superconducting transformer
    Patent number: 8391938
    Abstract: A transformer including: a transformer housing having an interior, a superconducting wire winding disposed within the housing interior, a dry dielectric medium in contact with a superconducting wire winding, and a temperature control device in heat exchange communication with the dry dielectric medium, adapted to utilize a gaseous medium for controlling the temperature of the superconducting wire winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: David Timothy Lindsay, Steve Eckroad
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING HIGH RISK NON-CERAMIC INSULATORS (NCI) WITH CONDUCTIVE OR HIGH PERMITTIVITY DEFECTS
    Publication number: 20130043881
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying the presence of high conductivity or permittivity conditions in a wide range of electrically insulating materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes a grounded enclosure containing electronics for controlling measurement and communication processes and first and second spaced-apart electrode assemblies for engaging an insulator to be tested. The first and second electrode assemblies are mounted in the enclosure for linear movement such that pressing of the first and second electrodes against an insulator causes the electronics to initiate a measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, Mark Major, Robert Carlton Lynch, Phillip Nathan Beverly, Sam Harrell
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING HIGH VOLTAGE INSULATORS
    Publication number: 20130042706
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus for inspecting high voltage insulators is disclosed. The inspection apparatus includes a first platform having first and second linkages, at least one outer gripping mechanism having first and second arms extending outwardly from the first platform, a second slidable platform adapted to slide along the first and second linkages, and at least one inner gripping mechanism having third and fourth arms extending outwardly from the second slidable platform. The outer and inner gripping mechanisms are adapted to move between an open position where the insulator is received by the outer and inner gripping mechanisms and a closed position where the outer and inner gripping mechanisms engage the insulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, Jason Cary Nave
  • Overhead Conductor Sensor
    Publication number: 20130022078
    Abstract: An overhead conductor sensor for measuring various parameters that affect an overhead conductor is disclosed. The overhead conductor sensor includes an electronics housing having first and second opposing ends, a jaw assembly having a first jaw connected to the first end of the electronics housing and a second jaw pivotally attached to the first jaw to allow the jaw assembly to move between an open position for receiving an overhead conductor therein and a closed position for securing the sensor to the overhead conductor, and a thermocouple assembly electrically connected to electronics housed in the electronics housing and extending through the jaw assembly for engagement with the overhead conductor. The thermocouple assembly is adapted to measure a temperature of the overhead conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, Mark Major, Robert Carlton Lynch, Kyle Hill, Sam Harrell, Brandon Rummage
  • Transportable Rapid Deployment Superconducting Transformer
    Publication number: 20120322664
    Abstract: A transformer including: a transformer housing having an interior, a superconducting wire winding disposed within the housing interior, a dry dielectric medium in contact with a superconducting wire winding, and a temperature control device in heat exchange communication with the dry dielectric medium, adapted to utilize a gaseous medium for controlling the temperature of the superconducting wire winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: David Timothy Lindsay, Steve Eckroad
  • Photovoltaic integrated variable frequency drive
    Patent number: 8334616
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) integrated variable frequency drive system having a variable frequency drive and an energy source. The variable frequency drive having a back end inverter, a DC bus electrically connected to the back end inverter, and an active front end electrically connected to the DC bus to facilitate bi-directional power flow to and from a power grid. The energy source being electrically connected to the DC bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Arshad Mansoor, Satish Rajagopalan, Jih-Sheng Lai, Faisal Habib Khan
  • METHOD OF USING POWDER METALLURGY FABRICATION FOR MANUFACTURING INTEGRAL HEADER AND TUBE REPLACEMENT SECTIONS
    Publication number: 20120301344
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing integral head and tube replacement sections includes the steps of providing a reverse mold of a head and tube replacement section, providing an atomized steel powder, and filling the reverse mold with the atomized steel powder. The method further includes the step of inserting the mold into a hot isostatic processing (HIP) furnace to consolidate and sinter the powder into the shape of the head and tube replacement section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Gandy, Kent K. Coleman, John Shingledecker
  • ON-LINE MONITORING SYSTEM OF INSULATION LOSSES FOR UNDERGROUND POWER CABLES
    Publication number: 20120299603
    Abstract: A monitoring system adapted to assess insulation losses of an underground power cable includes a cable circuit having first and second, spaced-apart terminals. The cable circuit is disposed along a section of the underground power cable. The system further includes a communications device adapted to transmit data gathered at the first and second terminals, and a processor adapted to receive and process the data measured at the same time with the synchronization device and transmitted from the communications device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: Tiebin Zhao
  • FUNCTIONALLY GRADED COMPOSITIONAL CONTROL METHODS TO ELIMINATE DISSIMILAR METAL WELDS (DMWs) DURING MANUFACTURE OF INTEGRAL HEADERS
    Publication number: 20120299288
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a header assembly having a header section and a tube section includes the steps of providing a reverse mold of the header assembly, forming the header section by filling a header section of the reverse mold with an atomized low alloy steel powder, and forming the tube section. The tube section is formed by filling a first portion of a tube section with an atomized low alloy steel powder, forming a transition region by filling a second portion of the tube section with a series of atomized steel powders incrementally from a low alloy steel to an austenitic stainless steel, and filling a third portion of the tube section with an atomized austenitic stainless steel powder. The method further includes the step of consolidating and melting the atomized powders in a high temperature, high pressure atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Gandy, John Shingledecker
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ON-LINE, REAL-TIME ANALYSIS OF CHEMICAL GASES DISSOLVED IN TRANSFORMER OIL
    Publication number: 20120300210
    Abstract: An inspection probe for directly measuring a transmission spectrum of a solvent oil in a transformer includes a tube having a plurality of apertures spaced along a side of the tube to allow oil to pass therethrough, and first and second optical collimators disposed at opposing ends of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Bo Dong, Anbo Wang, Jianmin Gong
  • METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FROST ON A HEAT TRANSFER DEVICE
    Publication number: 20120279238
    Abstract: A method for controlling frost on a heat transfer device includes the steps of providing an air flow device adapted to provide a stream of air at a high flow rate, and using the air flow device to subject a heat transfer device to the stream of air during frosting times. The stream of air interacts with the heat transfer device to remove water droplets disposed on the heat transfer device, thereby preventing frost from accumulating on the heat transfer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Kalinowski, John Lawler, Seguei Dessiatoun, Amir Shooshtari
  • METHODS FOR REDUCING NOx IN SCR FOSSIL-FUEL FIRED BOILERS
    Publication number: 20120282564
    Abstract: A method for reducing NOx in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) fossil-fuel fired boiler includes the steps of providing a first set of optical measurement devices adapted to measure NOx and NH3 concentrations contained in an exhaust stream from a fossil-fuel fired boiler, performing measurements of NOx and NH3 at an SCR inlet using the first set of optical measurement devices, and determining an NH3/NOx molar ratio using the measurements taken by the first set of optical measurement devices. The method further includes the steps of using the determined NH3/NOx molar ratio in comparison against a user specified NH3/NOx molar ratio set-point, and controlling an NH3 control valve to match ammonia flow to changes in boiler NOx emissions such that the molar ratio set-point is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Marshall Himes
  • UNDERGROUND UTILITY VAULT INSPECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20120271501
    Abstract: An underground utility vault inspection system and method includes a pre-defined railway installed in an underground utility vault, and an inspection vehicle adapted to traverse the railway to provide inspection results to inspection personnel. The inspection vehicle includes inspection tools for inspecting underground power lines and equipment, recording inspection results, and transmitting the inspection results to the inspection personnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Tiebin Zhao, Andrew John Phillips, Steven Wallace Eckroad
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RAPID ADSORPTION-DESORPTION CO2 CAPTURE
    Publication number: 20120247330
    Abstract: An apparatus for capture and sequestration of CO2 from fossil fuel-fired power plant flue gas includes a polymer matrix embedded with a sorbent suitable for removing CO2 from the flue gas and a spacer mated with the polymer matrix. The spacer is adapted to create channels between adjacent portions of the polymer matrix such that the flue gas flows through the channels and comes in contact with the sorbent. Further, an apparatus for the capture and sequestration of CO2 from fossil fuel-fired power plant flue gas includes a hollow fiber membrane embedded with an adsorbent or other suitable material for removing CO2 from the flue gas. The adsorbent particles may be embedded into a wall of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Ramsay Chang, Adam Berger, Abhoyjit Bhown