Abstract: A lighting fixture system for lamps includes one or more lamps and one or more ballasts configured to provide controlled power to the one or more lamps. The lighting fixture further includes a controller wired to the lighting fixture. The controller includes one or more relays configured to turn power provided to the one or more ballasts on and off such that the one or more lamps turn on and off with the switching of the one or more relays. The controller further includes a logic circuit configured to control the switching of the one or more relays, wherein the logic circuit is configured to log usage information for the lighting fixture in memory. The controller yet further includes communications electronics configured to output the logged usage information.

Abstract: A method is described for rendering char from a biomass fractionator apparatus (BMF char) suitable for addition to soil in high concentrations, the method relying on multiple processes comprising removing detrimental hydrocarbons from BMF char, removing adsorbed gases from BMF char, introducing microorganisms to the BMF char, and adjusting soil pH.

Abstract: A fuel vaporizer including fuel injectors is described herein. The vaporizer includes a housing having a plurality of baffles defining a plurality of chambers, with each of the plurality of baffles defining an aperture between adjacent chamber, and the apertures define a flow path from the air inlet, through the plurality of chambers, and to the vapor outlet. A conduit extends through the baffles and chambers, and the conduit is adapted to accept a flow exhaust gas and transfer thermal energy from the exhaust gas to an airflow along the flow path A fuel injector is positioned in the housing to inject fuel into the flow path in the first chamber, the thermal energy from the conduit vaporizing the fuel injected into the airflow and producing the flow of vaporized fuel. The fuel vaporizer may include a heat exchanger pre-heating the airflow and electric heating elements supplementing the conduit heating.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and system for improved energy efficiency in a direct reduction iron production process which uses a direct reduction shaft furnace and syngas as the reduction gas. The method and system of the invention use a part of the top gas emanating from the shaft furnace as transport gas for the gasifier, and control the volume of the top gas used as recycled top gas or fuel for the gas heater. The present invention achieves high energy efficiency, and reduces the need to use additional CH4 source for the reduction gas.

Abstract: A retrofitting kit includes at least one of an adapter bracket and a retainer configured to engage at least one of an existing troffer light fixture and a T-bar of a ceiling system and a door assembly configured to be held in the ceiling system by the at least one of the adapter bracket and the retainer. The door assembly has a housing, the housing including one or more sidewalls, where the one or more sidewalls extend upward to define a cavity, and a plurality of LEDs having primary light axes extending inward into the cavity. The plurality of LEDs are coupled to the one or more sidewalls and positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the housing from behind with a uniform distribution of light when engaged.

Abstract: An outdoor telecommunications equipment enclosure includes a dome, a base for receiving the dome, and a slide lock assembly for coupling the dome to the base. The slide lock assembly includes a housing coupled to one of the dome and the base and defining a channel and a slider positioned within the channel. The slider is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position for engaging the other one of the dome and the base. In one example embodiment, one of the slider and the housing includes multiple protrusions in contact with the other one of the slider and the housing. The protrusions inhibit surface contact between the slider and the housing. In another example embodiment, the slide lock assembly includes a gasket, seal and/or plug to inhibit ingress of debris into the slide lock assembly.

Abstract: A method for capturing material extracted from biochar, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a biochar; (ii) contacting the biochar with a treating liquid, where the treating liquid causes the removal of solids from the pores and surface of the biochar, thereby creating a resulting solution comprised of the treating liquid and removed solids; and (iii) collecting the resulting solution.

Abstract: There is provided a transformer including an E shaped and two I shaped magnetic cores and a first, second and third windings, wherein: one I shaped magnetic core is located between one side and a middle legs of the E shaped magnetic core, another is located between another side and the middle legs; there is an air gap on each of the two I shaped magnetic cores or two side or bottom legs of the E shaped magnetic core, the first winding is wound on a part of the magnetic cores where the air gap exists; the second and third windings are wound on the middle leg; and the first winding is connected in parallel with the second winding to constitute a primary winding; the third winding is a secondary winding. With the transformer provided by the disclosure, transformer winding loss can be reduced, and transformer efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: A method is described for generating useful chemical intermediaries from biomass using a novel pyrolysis reactor that utilizes the inherent thermal properties of carbon under compression as the biomass is subjected to sequential or concurrent temperature ramps. The ramps are sufficient to volatilize and selectively create different components, while the pressure application aids the selective decomposition of the biomass.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a biochar solution. The method comprises the steps of collecting biochar particles, dispersing the biochar particles in a liquid solution and adding a stabilizing agent to keep the biochar in flowable suspension. The stabilizing agent may be added to the liquid solution or to the biochar prior to placing the biochar in solution.

Abstract: A battery backup unit (BBU) for supplying backup power to a load includes at least one battery, an output terminal for coupling to a load, a power converter having an input coupled to the at least one battery and an output coupled to the output terminal, and a bypass circuit having an input coupled to the at least one battery and an output coupled to the output terminal. The power converter is configured to regulate a voltage at the output terminal after startup of the power converter. The bypass circuit is configured to regulate the voltage at the output terminal during startup of the power converter. Other example systems including one or more BBUs are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to power supplies and control methods for power supplies. Example power supplies include an output terminal, a transformer having a secondary winding including a first terminal and a second terminal, first and second diodes coupled between the output terminal and the first and second terminals, respectively, first and second switches coupled between the output terminal and the first and second terminals, respectively, and a controller coupled to the first switch and the second switch. The controller is configured to control the power supply in an asynchronous mode when output current is below a defined threshold so current flows to the output terminal through the first diode and the second diode, and to control the power supply in a synchronous mode when output current is above the defined threshold so current flows to the output terminal through the first switch and the second switch.

Abstract: Selectively annealing one or more materials of a composite cathode occurs through selection of composite cathode material composition, particle shape and size of composite cathode material, microwave waveform, microwave duration, and environment. Electron conductor material and ion conducting material may be annealed in a staged process to substantially reduce cross contamination of resulting electron and ion conducting pathways while increasing the number or electron and ion conducting pathways in a composite cathode.

Abstract: A retrofitting kit for retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture having a troffer housing includes an adaptor bracket and a door assembly. The adaptor bracket includes a channel configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system, and further configured to be located between the T-bar and the troffer housing, a slot, and a latch surface. The channel defines an open slot configured to receive and retain a portion of the troffer housing thereby facilitating a retrofit installation. The door assembly includes a latch configured to engage the latch surface of the adaptor bracket, a hinge configured to interface with the slot of the adaptor bracket, a housing including the latch and the hinge, and a light source coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A pyrolysis apparatus, including a retort tube in a closed loop configuration the retort tube defining a single entrance point and two exit points, a vortex separator joined to retort tube; and a plurality of fins positioned in spiraling rows about the retort tube, the fins extending through and sealed to a wall of the retort tube, the fins simultaneously extending beyond either side of the wall and being positioned to be a static mixer inside and outside the retort tube.

Abstract: Treated biochar and methods for treating biochar are provided. The method for treating the biochar includes forcing, assisting or accelerating the movement of an infiltrant into the pores of the biochar, whereby the treatment affects properties of the biochar that provide for a more reliable and predictable biochar for use in various applications, including, but not limited to, agricultural applications.

Abstract: An electronics equipment cabinet includes a plurality of walls defining a first space and a second space adjacent the first space. A wall of the plurality of walls separates the first space and the second space and includes an opening. The cabinet further includes a heat generating module having an inlet side, an outlet side opposing the inlet side, a heat generating component between the inlet side and the outlet side, and an internal fan for directing air heated by the heat generating component into the second space via the opening of the wall. One or more walls of the plurality of walls defining the second space includes a thermally conductive material for transferring heat from the second space to a surrounding environment external to the cabinet to reduce a temperature in the cabinet. Other example cabinets and methods for reducing temperature in cabinets are also disclosed.

Abstract: An example enclosure includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and at least one heat generating module adjacent the top portion of the enclosure. The heat generating module includes an inlet side, an outlet side, a heat generating component and an internal fan. The enclosure also includes a heat collector positioned adjacent the outlet side of the heat generating module to collect warm air from the outlet side of the heat generating module and divert the warm air to the bottom portion of the enclosure to mix with cooler air. The internal fan of the heat generating module draws the mixed air into the heat generating module to create an airflow loop within the enclosure to cool the heat generating component without a heat sink, a heat exchanger, or a fan external to the heat generating module. Other example enclosures and methods of managing heat inside enclosures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A retrofitting kit for retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture having a troffer housing includes an adaptor bracket and a door assembly. The adaptor bracket includes a channel configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system, and further configured to be located between the T-bar and the troffer housing. The channel defines an aperture configured to accept either a hinge or a latch of the door assembly, and the channel defines a latch surface. The door assembly includes a hinge configured to interface with the adaptor bracket, a latch configured to engage the latch surface of the adaptor bracket to hold the door assembly in a closed position, a housing including the latch and the hinge, and a light source coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A light fixture is configured for use in either retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture or for use in new construction. The light fixture includes a self-supporting adaptor bracket configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system and further configured to optionally receive a housing of the existing troffer light fixture. The light fixture further includes a door assembly including a latch configured to engage a latch surface of the adaptor bracket, a hinge configured to interface with a slot of the adaptor bracket, a housing including the latch and the hinge, and a light source within the housing.