Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods improve particulate filtration. A particulate filtration system is implemented within a fossil fuel power plant combustion system. A gas containing particulates flows through the filtration system. The filtration system comprises a collection hopper for collecting the particulates. Within the collection hopper, a particulate trap, upper baffles, and lower baffles are provided to retain collected particulates in the hopper and, thereby, improve the filtration of particulates from the gas flow. The particulate trap can include two sets of variously oriented, interconnecting retaining members crossing the interior of the collection hopper.

Abstract: A support system for transmission lines includes a base plate, a securing assembly, and a supporting arm. The base plate is secured to the transmission line pole with the securing assembly. The supporting arm can include an insulating apparatus; the insulator apparatus of the supporting arm is adapted to provide a safe dielectric distance from the transmission power line and the transmission line structure, e.g., power pole. A first end of the supporting arm is carried by a mounting member and is connected to the transmission line pole via the base plate, while the second end can receive a conductor with a connector. The connector is adapted to secure a conductor, and is positioned at the second end of the insulator apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method to treat large amounts of flue gas from a pulverized coal combustion power plant. The flue gas is contacted with solid sorbents to selectively absorb CO2, which is then released as a nearly pure CO2 gas stream upon regeneration at higher temperature. The method is capable of handling the necessary sorbent circulation rates of tens of millions of lbs/hr to separate CO2 from a power plant's flue gas stream. Because pressurizing large amounts of flue gas is cost prohibitive, the method of this invention minimizes the overall pressure drop in the absorption section to less than 25 inches of water column. The internal circulation of sorbent within the absorber assembly in the proposed method not only minimizes temperature increases in the absorber to less than 25° F., but also increases the CO2 concentration in the sorbent to near saturation levels. Saturating the sorbent with CO2 in the absorber section minimizes the heat energy needed for sorbent regeneration.

Abstract: A method for testing a line trap of the type whose blocking characteristics are a function of its resonant frequencies without requiring the line trap to be de-energized along with the transmission line to which the trap is connected by injecting a signal into the transmission line over a range of frequencies including at least one of the line trap's expected resonant frequencies; measuring the magnetic field strength produced by the current through the line trap's main coil and the total current flowing through the line trap, and computing the ratio of the magnetic fields where the ratio is computed over a range of frequencies that includes the expected resonant frequency(s) of the line trap, such that the resonant frequencies are indicated where said ratio is at a local maxima or minima.

Abstract: A method and system for real-time monitoring of a power system having a plurality of locations forming a transmission and distribution grid, wherein each location includes a plurality of connected components. A plurality of pseudorandom signals are injected at selected locations in the power system. A plurality of power system data are collected at other locations in the power system in response to the injected signals. A dynamic behavior of the power system is determined through a synchronized cross-correlation of the injected signals with the collected power system data. The dynamic behavior of the power system is analyzed to assess a dynamic stability and security state of the power system. The real-time, dynamic stability and security state of the power system is displayed to an operator at a monitoring station. The operational stability and security state can be depicted on an overlay of the nationwide power system grid.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for organic particulate filtration. An organic particulate filtration system is implemented within a fossil fuel power plant combustion system. The filtration system comprises a gas flow, in which gas are entrained particulates. The filtration system has a collection hopper located proximate a precipitator collection area. Within the collection hopper, a particulate baffle is provided in a downward-angled orientation. The particulate baffle is enabled to trap particulate, such as organic particulate, in the collection hopper, thereby preventing particulate re-entrainment in the gas flow.

Abstract: A method for testing a line trap of the type whose blocking characteristics are a function of its resonant frequencies without requiring the line trap to be de-energized along with the transmission line to which the trap is connected by injecting a signal into the transmission line over a range of frequencies including at least one of the line trap's expected resonant frequencies; measuring the magnetic field strength produced by the current through the line trap's main coil and the total current flowing through the line trap, and computing the ratio of the magnetic fields where the ratio is computed over a range of frequencies that includes the expected resonant frequency(s) of the line trap, such that the resonant frequencies are indicated where said ratio is at a local maxima or minima.

Abstract: A water-powered eductor cleaner for removing accumulated matter from within a chamber of an eductor. The water-powered eductor cleaner includes an eductor cleaning system for separating accumulated matter from the inside walls of the eductor chamber. The eductor cleaning system utilizes a high-pressured water stream from within the eductor chamber to provide the energy to move the eductor cleaning system between the inside walls of the eductor chamber, thereby engaging and dislodging the accumulated matter.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a centripetal cyclone for separating particulate material from a particulate laden gas solids stream. The cyclone includes a housing defining a conduit extending between an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet. In operation, when a particulate laden gas-solids stream passes through the upstream housing inlet, the particulate laden gas-solids stream is directed through the conduit and at least a portion of the solids in the particulate laden gas-solids stream are subjected to a centripetal force within the conduit.

Abstract: A support system for transmission lines includes a base plate, a securing assembly, and a supporting arm. The base plate is secured to the transmission line pole with the securing assembly. The supporting arm can include an insulating apparatus; the insulator apparatus of the supporting arm is adapted to provide a safe dielectric distance from the transmission power line and the transmission line structure, e.g., power pole. A first end of the supporting arm is carried by a mounting member and is connected to the transmission line pole via the base plate, while the second end can receive a conductor with a connector. The connector is adapted to secure a conductor, and is positioned at the second end of the insulator apparatus.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to remediation of contaminants in the environment, and more specifically to improved chemistries, systems, and methods for in-situ immobilization of contaminants in various media. More particularly, an aspect of the present invention is directed to an in-situ method for immobilizing a contaminant in a medium, comprising: contacting a medium in-situ with a chemical reagent, the medium comprising a contaminant, wherein the contacting the medium in-situ with a chemical reagent does not involve physical mixing of the medium and the chemical reagent; and immobilizing at least a portion of the contaminant in the medium in-situ to yield an immobilized contaminant in the medium, wherein the immobilized contaminant in the medium is neither extracted from the medium nor degraded by the chemical reagent.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable medium for organizing, managing, and accessing large quantities of data in a centralized database received from a plurality of non-homogenous data sources. In the method, a specific format is defined for storing the received data in a plurality of data records in the centralized database. A plurality of datasets are created including a definition and a translation for each data item, the plurality of datasets establishing the data that is transferred into or out of the centralized database. The plurality of datasets are stored in the centralized database. A plurality of value tags are created defining a plurality of data formats and database column names to use in importing or exporting data. An inbound interface is created for accepting data from the plurality of non-homogenous data sources wherein the data represent measured values of physical resources. An outbound interface is created for exporting data upon request to an external application.

Abstract: A device adapted to support a jumper wire during maintenance or repairs to various elements associated with the suspension and switching of electrical power conductors on both transmission and distribution power grids. The device comprises two members of various shapes, pinned together in opposition with a pivot, to allow the opening and closing of said clamping system. The device can be manufactured of many materials in order to meet specific strength or dielectric requirements. Additionally, the shape of the device can be optimized to support a variety of objects.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for quantifying a risk of an expected unserved energy in an energy generation system using a digital simulation. An energy load demand forecast is generated based at least in part on a weather year model. A plurality of energy generation resources are committed to meet the energy load demand. An operating status is determined for each committed energy generation resource in the energy generation system. A determination is made as to whether or not the committed resources are sufficient to meet the energy load demand. A dispatch order for a plurality of additional energy resources is selected if the committed resources are not sufficient to meet the energy load demand. Additional resources are committed based on the selected dispatch order until the energy load demand is met. The expected unserved energy is determined and an equivalent amount of energy load demand is shed based at least in part on an expected duration of unserved energy and a customer class grouping.

Abstract: A fall arrest system adapted to prevent falls while climbing structures. A fall arrest system adapted to prevent lineman from falling from power poles during maintenance or repairs to various elements associated with the suspension and switching on transmission and/or distribution power grids. The system can comprise a safety belt type device comprising an inner strap assembly and an outer strap assembly for encircling a structure to be climbed. The system can comprise many materials in order to meet certain criteria, such as strength and/or stiffness. Additionally, the system can be easily manipulated as the user climbs up or down the structure to maintain the proper angle of the belt with respect to the user.

Abstract: A vacuum actuated and sustained ammonia feed system for the pH adjustment of power plant condensate and boiler feed water is described. This system can provide a safe means of providing anhydrous ammonia for pH adjustment to the condensate/feed water system of a power plant.

Abstract: A fall arrest system is adapted to prevent the falling of a lineman/pole climber from a wooden structure. The fall arrest system is connectable to a body belt of the climber, which is strapped about the waist of the climber. The fall arrest system includes at least two outer straps and at least two bias members, or springs, in communication thereto for on-the-fly adjustment of a loop to surround the wooden structure to be climbed.

Abstract: Alert systems indicate removal of one or more protected portions of electrical grounding assemblies. An alert system can include a signal transmitter, a signal receiver, an alert device, and a communication cable. The signal transmitter can transmit a signal to be received by the signal receiver. The alert device can be coupled to the signal receiver, such that the alert device is activated when the signal is not received. A non-metallic communication cable can propagate the signal from the signal transmitter to signal receiver. The communication cable can be bound to a protected portion of the grounding assembly, such that disturbance of the protected portion can damage the communication cable. Because damage to the communication cable can cause an interruption in the signal, such damage can result in activation of the alert device. Accordingly, disturbance of the protected portion of the grounding assembly can activate the alert device.

Abstract: A non-boring support system, or a temporary arm gain, is described. The support system enables attaching a supporting arm to an existing utility pole. The support system can include a securing assembly and a mounting member. The securing assembly can define an aperture sufficiently large enough to receive and secure the supporting arm. The mounting member can be adapted to mount the securing assembly to the utility pole.