Patents Assigned to Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
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Publication number: 20110192315Abstract: The present invention relates to a diverter system to allow a line inspection robot to traverse an object. The diverter system includes a first diverter attached to a shield wire, a second diverter attached to the shield wire at a position spaced from the first diverter, and a bridge having a first end connected to the first diverter and a second end connected to the second diverter. The first diverter disengages the robot from the shield wire and onto the bridge and the second diverter disengages the robot from the bridge and onto the shield wire to allow the robot to traverse the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, J. Mark Major, Glynn R. Bartlett
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Publication number: 20110196535Abstract: The present invention relates to an overhead transmission line inspection robot and system for inspecting transmission line components and right of way conditions. The overhead transmission line inspection robot includes a communications and control system adapted to control the robot and transmit information and a drive system for propelling the robot along a shield wire to enable inspection over a large area. The robot further includes a camera adapted to inspect right of way and component conditions; a light detection and ranging (LiDar) sensor adapted to measure conductor position, vegetation, and nearby structures; and a global positioning system adapted to identify the robot's position and speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, J. Mark Major, Glynn R. Bartlett
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Publication number: 20110156723Abstract: This invention relates to non-contact measurement methods and an apparatus for the identification of hazardous contact voltages on energized objects and surfaces. The apparatus includes an electric field sensor structured to sense an electric field and a gain amplifier electrically connected to the electric field sensor to amplify electric signals from the electric field sensor. The apparatus further includes a signal conditioning circuit adapted to process the amplified electric signals and form time-coordinated signals and a digital signal processor adapted to evaluate the time-coordinated signals and provide a user with a status of a contact voltage source by activating an appropriate status indicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Douglas Stewart Dorr, Kermit O. Phipps, Thomas A. Cooke, Philip C. Cochrane
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Publication number: 20110111132Abstract: A system and method for depositing coatings on an inner surface of a tubular structure includes at least one pump for creating and maintaining a vacuum in the tubular structure, a meshed electrode adapted to be positioned in a center of the tubular structure, and a biased voltage power supply connected to the meshed electrode. The biased voltage power supply is adapted to apply a negative voltage to the meshed electrode such that the negative voltage causes a hollow cathode discharge inside the meshed electrode. The creation of the hollow cathode discharge causes ions to be drawn out of a mesh on the meshed electrode and accelerate onto an inner surface of the tubular structure, thereby coating the inner surface with a desired coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Ronghua Wei, Christopher Rincon, Edward Langa, Narayana S. Cheruvu
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Publication number: 20110056417Abstract: A combustion apparatus includes: a combustion device operable to produce flue gas having large particulate ash entrained therein; an outlet duct coupled in flow communication with the combustion device so as to receive the flue gas; a screen positioned at least partially in the outlet duct downstream of the combustion device, the screen effective to trap large particulate ash while permitting flow of the flue gas therethrough; and apparatus operable to remove large particulate ash from the screen while at least a portion of the screen remains inside the duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Anthony Facchiano, Ramsay Chang
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Publication number: 20110040786Abstract: A method is provided for handling synchrophasor measurements relating to an electrical power system. The method includes: (a) acquiring a plurality of synchrophasor measurements containing data representing at least one power system event; (b) inserting and storing the event related synchrophasor measurements in a database as a partitioned binary large object (BLOB); (c) reading and transferring the synchrophasor measurements related to a user selected current or historical event from the database to a client computer partition by partition; and (d) processing the event data at the client computer on a partition-by-partition basis such that the client computer will be able to start a replay of the event replay as soon as processing of the first partition of the event BLOB data is completed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: Guorui Zhang, Hongtao Chen
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Publication number: 20110025317Abstract: The present application discloses a magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) probe for guided-wave inspection of the entire length of a fuel rod. The probe includes a waveguide adapted to be clamped to a fuel rod, and an MsS adapted to generate guided waves into the waveguide such that the guided waves propagate down the waveguide into the fuel rod and back to the waveguide for detection by the MsS.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Hegeon Kwun, Albert Joseph Parvin, JR., Rolf Glauser
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Publication number: 20110024183Abstract: This invention relates to an overhead coaxial-type transmission system. The system includes a coaxial-type conductor, a support structure adapted to support the coaxial-type conductor at a pre-determined elevation above the ground, and a conductor support extending downwardly from the horizontal support such that the coaxial-type conductor is secured thereto. The support structure includes a vertical support secured in the ground and a horizontal support secured to and extending outwardly from the vertical support.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Bernard Clairmont, John Chan, Rambabu Adapa, Gary Sibilant, Ivo Hug
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Publication number: 20110016864Abstract: A compressed air energy storage (CAES) system encompassing direct heating. The compressed air energy storage system includes a compressor for compressing ambient air, an air storage reservoir, and a thermal energy storage system. The air storage reservoir is adapted to store compressed air from the compressor. The thermal energy storage system is adapted to supply heat to the compressed air energy storage system such that the compressed air is heated to increase work production of the compressed air. The thermal energy storage system is heated using off-peak electricity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Sean Edward Wright, Richard Joseph Lordan, Robert B. Schainker
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Patent number: 7850764Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing a vapor phase contaminant from a gas stream, thereby reducing the concentration of the vapor phase contaminant in the gas stream. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for removing a vapor phase contaminant from a gas stream, comprising contacting a gas stream comprising a vapor phase contaminant with a first side of a membrane; sorbing the vapor phase contaminant using the membrane; reacting the vapor phase contaminant into an reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant; transporting the reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant through the membrane to a second side of the membrane; contacting the second side of the membrane with a liquid; and dissolving the reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant into the liquid. Methods for making a membrane comprising a metal for use in the present invention is also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventor: David W. DeBerry
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Publication number: 20100300218Abstract: A method for reducing corrosion product transport in a power producing facility. The method includes the steps of selecting a chemical dispersant adapted to reduce the deposition of corrosion products in the recirculation path, and using at least one chemical injector to inject the chemical dispersant into a fluid contained in the recirculation path during recirculation path cleanup to increase corrosion product removal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Keith Paul Fruzzetti, Charles Marks
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Publication number: 20100285968Abstract: A method of compensating for thermal contraction of superconducting and cryo-resistive cables. The method includes the steps of determining a compensation length for a cable such that when the cable is subjected to an operating temperature, the cable is in or near a stress-free state, and installing the cable into a pipe such that portions of the cable extend outwardly past ends of the pipe. The method further includes the steps of marking each end of the cable such that the determined compensation length is visibly shown, forcing the cable into the pipe at an ambient installation temperature such that a cable pattern is formed therein, and maintaining the cable in the pipe to prevent the cable from being pushed out of the pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventor: Brian Gregory
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Patent number: 7806010Abstract: This invention relates to a rotating test port assembly for measuring air flow and particulate matter in conduits. The test port assembly includes a first end section, a second end section, and a rotating section adapted for rotation between the first and second end sections. The assembly further includes a test port positioned on the rotating section for allowing a test probe to be inserted into a stream flowing in a conduit.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Mudry, Matthew M. Fleming, Bruce Delvin
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Publication number: 20100202945Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for removing aerosols and, in some cases, vapor phase contaminants, such as mercury, from a gas stream. One method is directed to the removal of additional aerosols from a gas stream from which aerosols have previously been removed by using a screen in combination with a primary aerosol collection device. Another method is directed to the removal of both aerosols and vapor phase contaminants by using a sorbent in combination with a screen. Another method is directed to the removal of vapor phase contaminants by using a catalyst to convert the contaminant to a form that is more easily removed from the gas stream and optionally injecting a chemical to increase the rate of conversion. The invention also provides various apparatuses for use in performing the various methods of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Mark Simpson Berry, Ramsay Chang
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Publication number: 20100180914Abstract: A conductor cleaning system for cleaning aluminum strands of all aluminum and steel reinforced conductors, such as ACSS, ACSR, ACAR, and AAA. The conductor cleaning system having a container adapted to receive a portion of a conductor to be cleaned, a housing adapted to receive and support the container, and a cleaning solution contained in the container for cleaning the portion of the conductor. The cleaning solution being adapted to clean the conductor without reacting with or damaging the conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Andrew J. Phillips, Andrew H. Stewart, Shridas Ningileri, Neil J. Hurst, J. Finley Bush, Sike Xia, Chenghe Xiao, Yansheng Liu
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Publication number: 20100180921Abstract: A conductor cleaning system for cleaning aluminum strands of all aluminum and steel reinforced conductors, such as ACSS, ACSR, ACAR, and AAA. The conductor cleaning system having a container adapted to receive a portion of a conductor to be cleaned, a housing adapted to receive and support the container, and a cleaning solution contained in the container for cleaning the portion of the conductor. The cleaning solution being adapted to clean the conductor without reacting with or damaging the conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Phillips, Andrew H. Stewart, Shridas Ningileri, Neil J. Hurst, J. Finley Bush, Sike Xia, Chenghe Xiao
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Patent number: 7731781Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for removing aerosols and, in some cases, vapor phase contaminants, such as mercury, from a gas stream. One method is directed to the removal of additional aerosols from a gas stream from which aerosols have previously been removed by using a screen in combination with a primary aerosol collection device. Another method is directed to the removal of both aerosols and vapor phase contaminants by using a sorbent in combination with a screen. Another method is directed to the removal of vapor phase contaminants by using a catalyst to convert the contaminant to a form that is more easily removed from the gas stream and optionally injecting a chemical to increase the rate of conversion. The invention also provides various apparatuses for use in performing the various methods of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: Mark Simpson Berry, Ramsay Chang
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Patent number: 7708803Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for removing additional aerosols and in some cases additional particulate matter from a gas stream, wherein a certain portion of such aerosols and particulate matter has already been removed using a primary aerosol and particulate collection device. In some embodiments, the invention includes a method for removing additional aerosols from a gas stream, including passing a gas stream having a plurality of aerosols through a gas duct; removing a first portion of the plurality of the aerosols using a primary aerosol collector; passing the gas steam through a screen; collecting at least a second portion of the plurality of aerosols on the screen; and cleaning a portion of the screen outside of the gas duct. The invention also provides various apparatuses for use in performing the method of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: Mark Simpson Berry, Ramsay Chang
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Patent number: 7701087Abstract: The present invention provides a method, computer program product, and apparatus and control system and method for providing substantially uninterrupted power to a load. The apparatus includes a control system coupled with an electrical power storage subsystem and a electrical power generator. The control system is configured to provide a plurality of modes of operation including at least a static compensator (STATCOM) mode, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) mode and a generator mode (gen set), and to control transitions between each of the plurality of modes. In one embodiment, the control system is an integrated closed loop control system that includes a current control system and a voltage control system. The apparatus is capable of operating at least two of the plurality of modes simultaneously, including ramping the gen set mode up and simultaneously ramping the UPS mode down as the gen set mode is ramped down.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: Steven Eckroad, Franz-Joseph Unterlab, Martin Hilscher, Hans-Christian Doht
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Publication number: 20100085065Abstract: This invention relates to a hybrid passive agent system impedance monitoring station and method. The method of monitoring impedance of an electrical system includes the steps of providing an impedance monitoring station adapted to test and monitor system impedance, solving for system impedance in a time domain, solving for system impedance in a frequency domain, and determining a time domain driving point impedance and a frequency domain driving point impedance to identify the impedance of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Robert Rylander, William Mack Grady, Arshad Mansoor, Frederic Gorgette