Abstract: A stress estimation method for a machine structure according to an embodiment is provided with a calculation step of calculating a relationship between the stress generated at the evaluation target position and a physical quantity including a sound pressure or vibration generated at a detection position different from the evaluation target position during vibration of the machine structure. The stress estimation method for a machine structure is provided with a detection step of detecting the physical quantity generated at the detection position during operation of the machine structure. The stress estimation method for a machine structure is provided with an estimation step of estimating the stress generated at the evaluation target position during operation of the machine structure on the basis of the relationship calculated in the calculation step and the physical quantity detected in the detection step.

Abstract: Liquid desiccant air conditioning systems and methods to operate them to achieved desired supply air dry bulb temperature and humidity conditions are described herein. In some embodiments, the liquid desiccant air conditioning systems can include a cooling unit, an absorber, a regenerator, and a control unit. The control unit can be operably coupled to the cooling unit, the absorber, and the regenerator such that the control unit can operate the liquid desiccant system to produce a supply air stream at a relatively independent target temperature and humidity. In some embodiments, the control unit can adjust one or more parameters and/or variables of the components of the liquid desiccant system to produce the supply air stream at a high energy efficiency.

Abstract: A solid-state energy harvester, including an anode that includes a first transition metal suboxide; a cathode that includes a second transition metal suboxide; and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode; wherein at least one of the anode, the cathode or the separator contains water; and wherein the harvester produces electricity when electrically connected to an external load.

Abstract: A wearable pouch operable to hold at least one portable battery pack and other power or communications equipment. The wearable pouch includes a main body with a front side, a back side opposite the front side, at least one scalable opening, and at least one opening for at least one lead from the at least one portable battery pack secured within the wearable pouch.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles for a portable power case are disclosed. The portable power case is comprised of at least one battery and at least one PCB. The portable power case has at least two access ports, at least two leads, or at least one access port and at least one lead and at least one USB port. The portable power case is operable to supply power to an amplifier, a radio, a wearable battery, a mobile phone, and a tablet. The portable power case is operable to be charged using solar panels, vehicle batteries, AC adapters, non-rechargeable batteries, and generators. The portable power case provides for modularity that allows the user to disassemble and selectively remove the batteries installed within the portable power case housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for testing printed circuit boards. The system is configured to test the simultaneously test a multiplicity of printed circuit boards. The system examines the electrical characteristics of a printed circuit board and is operable to identify if a printed circuit board meets a desired characteristic.

Abstract: Liquid desiccant air conditioning systems and methods to operate them to achieved desired supply air dry bulb temperature and humidity conditions are described herein. In some embodiments, the liquid desiccant air conditioning systems can include a cooling unit, an absorber, a regenerator, and a control unit. The control unit can be operably coupled to the cooling unit, the absorber, and the regenerator such that the control unit can operate the liquid desiccant system to produce a supply air stream at a relatively independent target temperature and humidity. In some embodiments, the control unit can adjust one or more parameters and/or variables of the components of the liquid desiccant system to produce the supply air stream at a high energy efficiency.

Abstract: A power storage control system includes a storage battery and a controller. The storage battery supplies electric power to an electric power system in collaboration with a power generator in response to a command value. The controller outputs, to the power generator, a stop signal causing the power generator to stop power generation when a state of charge of the storage battery is larger than a given value. The controller outputs, to the power generator, an execution signal causing the power generator to execute power generation when the state of charge is not larger than the given value. The controller acquires an actual electric power value generated by the power generator. The controller outputs a control signal causing the storage battery to execute charging and discharging for satisfying the command value on the basis of a difference between the command value and the actual electric power value.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transformer. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a transformer includes a case; a winding portion and an iron core portion, provided in the case; an insulating fluid provided in the case; and a reinforcing portion provided outside the case, and surrounding the case, wherein the reinforcing portion is made of a second material having a yield strength higher than a yield strength of a first material constituting the case, to pressurize the case and prevent expansion of the case.

Abstract: Air flows across an air-liquid interface such that liquid desiccant flowing through the interface absorbs water from the air and is thereby diluted to form an output stream. The output stream is circulated through an electrodialytic stack having a central ionic exchange membrane and first and second outer ionic exchange membranes. A redox shuttle loop circulates around the first and second outer ionic exchange membranes. A voltage is applied across the electrodialytic stack, which regenerates the liquid desiccant.

Abstract: A heat exchange system including a tank, a phase change material (PCM) held in the tank, an immiscible liquid layer held in the tank, a heat exchanger located within the immiscible liquid layer, and a distributor located above the heat exchanger. The immiscible liquid layer has a density lower than a density of the PCM and is located above the PCM. The distributor is configured to introduce a plurality of PCM droplets into the immiscible liquid layer and above the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A charging and discharging control device includes one or more processors configured to determine, in response to a stop of alternate-current power supply, whether a voltage value of a storage battery, being capable of supplying power to a direct-current load, is a first threshold or less; determine, in response to a restart of the alternate-current power supply, whether a difference in voltage value between the storage battery and direct-current power output from a rectifier is a second threshold or less; disconnect between the storage battery, and the rectifier and the direct-current load when determining the voltage value of the storage battery as being the first threshold or less, and reconnect from the rectifier to the storage battery when determining the difference in voltage value between the storage battery and the direct-current power is the second threshold or less.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of thermal conversion reactors and assemblies/units, systems, and methods including the same for thermally converting landfill-bound plastic waste (broadly, polymeric materials) into electrical energy.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles for a portable power case are disclosed. The portable power case is comprised of at least one battery and at least one PCB. The portable power case is operable to supply power to a transceiver. The portable power case is operable to be charged using a DC power source (e.g., solar panel, wind turbine, water turbine). A plurality of portable power cases, DC power sources, and transceivers are operable to form a mesh network.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles having a heat-shielding or blocking, heat-dissipating and/or heat signature-reducing material layer or coating are disclosed. In one example, the heat-shielding or blocking, heat-dissipating and/or heat signature-reducing material completely covers the interior of a housing having a plurality of battery cells removably disposed therein. Other examples include a heat-shielding or blocking, heat-dissipating and/or heat signature-reducing material layer having anti-static, anti-radio frequency (RF), anti-electromagnetic interference (EMI), anti-tarnish, and/or anti-corrosion materials and properties that effectively protect battery-operated devices and/or the batteries that power them from damage or diminished operation.

Abstract: A pluggable state-of-charge (SOC) indicator and methods of use are disclosed. The pluggable SOC indicator includes at least one voltage input jack for connecting to a battery, at least one instance of control electronics, and at least one SOC indicator, such as a 5-bar liquid crystal display (LCD). Embodiments of the pluggable SOC indicator include, but are not limited to, a pluggable single-connector SOC indicator, a pluggable dual-connector SOC indicator, a pluggable tri-connector SOC indicator, and a pluggable quad-connector SOC indicator. Further, the control electronics are programmable for any input voltage range and/or battery discharge characteristics.

Abstract: A system for supplying power to a portable battery pack including a battery enclosed by a wearable and replaceable pouch or skin using at least one solar panel is disclosed, wherein the pouch or skin can be provided in different colors and/or patterns. Further, the pouch or skin can be MOLLE-compatible. The battery comprises a battery element housed between a battery cover and a back plate, wherein the battery element, battery cover, and back plate have a slight curvature or contour. Further, the battery comprises flexible leads.

Abstract: A wearable pouch operable to hold at least one portable battery pack and other power or communications equipment. The wearable pouch includes a main body with a front side, a back side opposite the front side, at least one sealable opening, and at least one opening for at least one lead from the at least one portable battery pack secured within the wearable pouch.

Abstract: A superconducting coil includes: a winding member 12 that has a side surface 18 along a coil radial direction and is formed by laminating a superconducting tape wire 20 in the coil radial direction by winding; and a bypass 19 that is provided on the side surface 18 of the winding member 12 and electrically connects the superconducting tape wire 20 in the coil radial direction.

Abstract: A system for supplying power to a portable battery pack including a battery enclosed by a wearable and replaceable pouch or skin using at least one solar panel is disclosed, wherein the pouch or skin can be provided in different colors and/or patterns. Further, the pouch or skin can be MOLLE-compatible. The battery comprises a battery element housed between a battery cover and a back plate, wherein the battery element, battery cover, and back plate have a slight curvature or contour. Further, the battery comprises flexible leads.