Abstract: A structure and associated process for joining dissimilar materials to form various components of an x-ray tube is illustrated that utilizes one or more intermediate or interfacial filler material members positioned between the primary welding or mating surfaces of the base material components to be joined. The use of the interfacial or intermediate filler material preserves the multiple benefits of friction welding, as well as enabling the joining of highly dissimilar material components, decreasing the required joining temperature, and providing increased microstructural control of the resulting weld or joint.

Abstract: A spar assembly for a rotor blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. The spar assembly includes a first spar cap segment and a second spar cap segment. The first spar cap segment is configured on an interior surface of a first blade segment and the second spar cap segment is configured on an interior surface of a second blade segment. Each spar cap segment includes an end having a joint section that is joinable at a chord-wise joint. Each of the first and second joint sections includes a plurality of holes formed therein. Further, the spar assembly includes a plurality of pins inserted into the plurality of holes of the first and second joint sections to join the first and second blade segments so as to improve stiffness of the rotor blade.

Abstract: A cover plate adapted to axially overlie root or shank portions of one or more buckets or blades secured to a turbomachine wheel, includes an arcuate cover plate body adapted to be secured to the turbomachine wheel so as to cover a root portion of at least one of the turbine buckets or blades; and at least one arcuate angel-wing seal segment detachably secured to one side of the arcuate cover plate body.

Abstract: A vehicle location determination system and method provide an estimate of real time location of the vehicle along a route in response solely to vehicle GPS information and vehicle speed information such that the estimated real time distance is robust to errors and disturbances associated with both the vehicle GPS information and vehicle speed information to ensure the estimated real time location information is accurate.

Abstract: A system includes a solid feed pump having a housing, a rotor disposed in the housing, a curved passage disposed between the rotor and the housing, a solid feed inlet coupled to the curved passage, and a solid feed outlet coupled to the curved passage. Also, a solids packing device is coupled to the solid feed inlet of the solid feed pump. The solids packing device includes a first channel configured to receive a solid feed with a first range of sizes, a second channel configured to receive transport assisting particles (TAP) with a second range of sizes. The first range is different from the second range. A third channel is configured to receive and mix the solid feed and the TAP to provide a solid feed-TAP mixture with the TAP filling interspatial spaces between the solid feed. The third channel is coupled to the solid feed inlet.

Abstract: A power station (10) is provided having a turbine shafting (11) including a gas turbine (12) and a generator (18) which is driven directly by the gas turbine (12), produces alternating current at an operating frequency and whose output is connected to an electrical grid (21) with a predetermined grid frequency. An electronic decoupling apparatus or a variable electronic gearbox (27) is arranged between the generator (18) and the electrical grid (21), and decouples the operating frequency from the grid frequency.

Abstract: A system includes a multi-stage turbine. The multi-stage turbine includes a first turbine stage with a first wheel having a plurality of first blade segments spaced circumferentially about the first wheel, a second turbine stage with a second wheel having a plurality of second blade segments spaced circumferentially about the second wheel, and an interstage seal assembly extending axially between the first and second turbine stages. The interstage seal assembly includes a first coverplate coupled to the first turbine stage. The first coverplate includes a first seal. The interstage seal assembly also includes a second coverplate coupled to the second turbine stage. The second coverplate includes a second seal. The interstage seal assembly also includes a spacer wheel extending from a rotor shaft and configured to engage with the first coverplate and the second coverplate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving load transient response in LLC converters are provided herein. The method includes coupling a current sensing circuit to an output of the LLC converter, sensing load current of the LLC converter, and increasing a setpoint voltage for a power factor correction (PFC) circuit output based on the sensed load current.

Abstract: A system for enhancing a flow of a fluid induced by a rod pumping unit is provided. A pumping control unit is configured to control stroke movement of the rod pumping unit. The pumping control unit is configured to store a first set of stroke timing data based on a first pressure level and a second set of stroke timing data based on a second pressure level, store a set of pressure weights, and receive a current pressure level. The current pressure level is between the first pressure level and the second pressure level. The pumping control unit is also configured to determine a current set of stroke timing data based on the current pressure level, the first set of stroke timing, the second set of stroke timing, and the set of pressure weights, and initiate at least one stroke of the rod pumping unit.

Abstract: A control system for use with a plurality of wind turbines includes a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor. The memory device is configured to store a plurality of program modules that, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to receive data representative of a power generation of a first wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines, and determine an expected power generation of a second wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines based on the power generation of the first wind turbine.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a system and method for operating a wind turbine. The method includes measuring, via one or more temperature sensors, a local temperature of a component of the wind turbine for a predetermined time period. The method also includes determining a power capability of the wind turbine as a function of the local temperature. Another step includes measuring, via one or more sensors, a power output of the wind turbine for the predetermined time period. A further step includes determining a power margin of the wind turbine as a function of the power capability and the measured power output and controlling the power output of the wind turbine based, at least in part, on the power margin.

Abstract: A system may include a memory storing a turbomachinery degradation model configured to model degradation of a turbine system over time. Further, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the memory, which derives a turbomachinery wash timing based on at least one input signal from the turbine system and the turbomachinery degradation model. The turbomachinery degradation model may derive a desired wash point by estimating a modeled power of the turbine system, a modeled heat rate of the turbine system, or both. Furthermore, the controller may use the desired wash point to determine a time for washing components of the turbine system.

Abstract: A system for modeling electrical activity of an anatomical structure. The system includes a database that is configured to store cell set data corresponding to a group of cells of the anatomical structure. The cell set data includes a cell model that represents electrical activity of the group of cells. The cell model has a model parameter that relates to ion channels in the cells. The electrical activity represented by the cell model is at least partially based upon the model parameter. The system also includes a user interface that is configured to accept user inputs to change the model parameter and thereby change the electrical activity represented by the cell model to form a reconfigured cell model. The system also includes a display that is configured to display the user inputs and a processor that is configured to determine the electrical activity of the anatomical structure using the reconfigured cell model.

Abstract: A system includes a controller that has a processor configured to receive a first signal from a first oxygen sensor indicative of a first oxygen measurement, wherein the first oxygen sensor is disposed upstream of a catalytic converter system; and to receive a second signal from a second oxygen sensor indicative of a second oxygen measurement, wherein the second oxygen sensor is disposed downstream of the catalytic converter system; and to execute a catalyst estimator system, wherein the catalyst estimator system is configured to derive an oxygen storage estimate based on the first signal, the second signal, and a catalytic converter model. The processor is configured to derive a system oxygen storage setpoint for the catalytic converter system based on the catalytic converter model and the oxygen storage estimate.

Abstract: Diagnosing equipment coupled to a generator. A condition of the equipment is diagnosed based on information provided by signals from a generator operationally connected to the equipment or other signals associated with an engine. Different types of degradation are distinguished based on discerning characteristics within the information. Thus, a degraded equipment component can be identified in a manner that reduces service induced delay.

Abstract: A neutron detector includes an anode and a cathode. The cathode circumscribes the anode and has a plurality of planar segments facing the anode. In one embodiment, the neutron detector is part of an array of neutron detectors.

Abstract: A wind blade is provided. The wind blade includes a self-supporting structural framework, having multiple chord-wise members and one or more span-wise members. Each of the multiple chord-wise members and the one or more span-wise members have an aerodynamic contour. The wind blade also comprises a fabric skin located over the self-supporting structural framework. Further, the wind blade includes a tensioning mechanism configured for providing pretensioning in the fabric skin. The tensioning mechanism includes multiple mechanical force elements coupled with the fabric skin for providing a predetermined force for maintaining an aerodynamic surface of the fabric skin during operation of the wind blade.

Abstract: A system includes a first computer hosting a version control system, the version control system providing a version control system repository configured to store one or more temporary files, wherein the version control system repository is configured to allow concurrent access of the temporary files by a plurality of computers or computer processes. Also the version control system repository is deleted by the first computer or by one of the plurality of computers or computer processes when the temporary files are no longer needed.

Abstract: Blue and green-emitting Eu2+-activated oxyhalide phosphors of formula A-E may be used in devices for lighting or display applications: A. M3SiO3X4:Eu2+; B. M5Si3O9X4:Eu2+; C. M1.64Si0.82O3.1X0.36:Eu2+; D. M10Si3O9X14:Eu2+; E. M2SiO3X2:Eu2+; and wherein M is Ba, Ca, Sr, or a mixture thereof; X is Cl or Br, or a mixture thereof.