Patents Assigned to The Electric Power Research Institute
  • Patent number: 8456176
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Robert Rylander, William Mack Grady, Arshad Mansoor, Frederic Gorgette
  • Publication number: 20130134935
    Abstract: An apparatus for DC fast charging of an electric vehicle includes an active front end AC-DC converter and an isolated DC-DC converter. The active front end AC-DC converter is adapted to rectify a medium voltage alternating current (AC) from a utility grid to a high voltage direct current (DC). The isolated DC-DC converter is adapted to transform the high voltage DC to a low voltage DC for charging the electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Arindam Maitra, Satish Rajagopalan, Jih-Sheng Lai, Mark Duvall, Mark McGranaghan
  • Publication number: 20130121868
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a weld-free apparatus for use in the connection of dissimilar metals includes the steps of providing a mold designed to replicate a reverse of the apparatus, introducing a low alloy, ferritic steel composition atomized powder into a first portion of the mold, introducing a series of atomized powders incrementally into a second portion of the mold to form a transition region between the ferritic steel composition and an austenitic stainless steel composition, and introducing an austenitic stainless steel composition atomized powder into a third portion of the mold. The method further includes the step of consolidating and melting the atomized powders in a high temperature, high pressure inert gas atmosphere to form the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Gandy, Kent K. Coleman, John Shingledecker
  • Publication number: 20130118192
    Abstract: A hybrid cooling system adapted to provide cooling to a thermal-electric power plant includes an air-cooled condenser (ACC) adapted to provide cooling water to the thermal-electric power plant and a vapor absorption/adsorption refrigerant system (VARS) adapted to provide cooled air to the ACC. The cooled air is used by the ACC to condense steam to produce the cooling water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Baolan Shi, Robert Goldstein, Kent Zammit, Sean Bushart, Jianping Tu, Ram Narayanamurthy
  • Publication number: 20130122317
    Abstract: A coated substrate including a substrate having a surface, a bond coat proximate to the substrate surface, a yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier layer opposite the substrate surface, and at least one interlayer disposed between the bond coat and the thermal barrier layer, wherein the interlayer contains an alloy having a nanocrystalline grain structure. A method for coating a substrate to be exposed to high in service temperatures and/or temperature cycles including depositing a bond coating on substrate surface, depositing at least one nanocrystalline interlayer on the bond coat opposite the substrate surface, and depositing a yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coating on the nanocrystalline interlayer opposite the bond coat, wherein the service life of the YSZ thermal barrier coating is extended relative to a substrate coated with the bond coating and the thermal barrier without the interlayer disposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Narayana Sastry CHERUVU, Ronghua WEI
  • Patent number: 8433030
    Abstract: Crystal habit modifiers (CHM) are provided to ameliorate deposit-related concerns in nuclear plant systems. The principal targets for utilization of crystal habit modifiers are Pressure Water Reactor (PWR) primary-side fuel rod crud and secondary-side steam generator deposits and Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) coolant system deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Paul Fruzzetti, Karen Samie Kim, Robert Douglas Varrin, Jr., Charles Marks
  • Publication number: 20130081486
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspection of tubes in a boiler is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to generate and detect guided-waves and a mechanical device adapted to reach into a tube bundle and clamp the sensor onto an interior tube selected for inspection. The mechanical device includes a housing adapted to contain the sensor and an air cylinder adapted to actuate the housing to allow the housing to clamp onto the interior tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130082753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for accurately detecting oscillations and improving stability of power systems. The method includes the steps of providing a phase-locked loop having a phase detector, a loop filter, and a number-controlled oscillator. The method further includes the steps of extracting an input signal from the power system, using the phase-locked loop to track the frequency and phase of a targeted mode in the input signal, and creating a locally generated reference signal to fit the input signal and to allow the input signal's modal information to be obtained. The method further includes the step of performing mode shape analysis utilizing the reference phase signals constructed from the tracked frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Kai Sun, Qiang Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130075942
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling concrete vibration is disclosed. The apparatus includes a global positioning sensor adapted to provide a location of a vibrator relative to a concrete structure, a recording device adapted to record data during vibration of the concrete, and a data transmission device adapted to transmit the data to a processor for analysis of the data to determine if the vibration is in compliance. The vibrator is adapted to vibrate the concrete to remove air contained therein and promote concrete consolidation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
  • Patent number: 8405949
    Abstract: A current sensor for measuring the inhomogeneity of potential distribution of an arrester having a metal casing, a protection circuit of sampling resistor, a signal conditioning circuit, a signal acquisition circuit, an electro-optical conversion circuit, and a battery module. The signal acquisition circuit includes MSP430F149 micro controller unit having an A/D converter and a serial port. The current sensor is an active sensor, works in a high floating potential, and has a good real time response, high accuracy, low power consumption, good electromagnetic compatibility, and strong anti-interference capability even under harsh electromagnetic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: China Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Baoshan Wang, Xi Zhang, Lin Tang, Yi Xiong, Zhongqiu Zuo, Jinchao Jia, Li Chen
  • Patent number: 8391938
    Abstract: A transformer including: a transformer housing having an interior, a superconducting wire winding disposed within the housing interior, a dry dielectric medium in contact with a superconducting wire winding, and a temperature control device in heat exchange communication with the dry dielectric medium, adapted to utilize a gaseous medium for controlling the temperature of the superconducting wire winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: David Timothy Lindsay, Steve Eckroad
  • Publication number: 20130042706
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus for inspecting high voltage insulators is disclosed. The inspection apparatus includes a first platform having first and second linkages, at least one outer gripping mechanism having first and second arms extending outwardly from the first platform, a second slidable platform adapted to slide along the first and second linkages, and at least one inner gripping mechanism having third and fourth arms extending outwardly from the second slidable platform. The outer and inner gripping mechanisms are adapted to move between an open position where the insulator is received by the outer and inner gripping mechanisms and a closed position where the outer and inner gripping mechanisms engage the insulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, Jason Cary Nave
  • Publication number: 20130043881
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying the presence of high conductivity or permittivity conditions in a wide range of electrically insulating materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes a grounded enclosure containing electronics for controlling measurement and communication processes and first and second spaced-apart electrode assemblies for engaging an insulator to be tested. The first and second electrode assemblies are mounted in the enclosure for linear movement such that pressing of the first and second electrodes against an insulator causes the electronics to initiate a measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, Mark Major, Robert Carlton Lynch, Phillip Nathan Beverly, Sam Harrell
  • Patent number: 8367162
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pretreatment method for improving antioxidation of steel T91/P91 in high temperature water vapor, which includes applying a slurry, containing rare earth oxide, on a surface of a substrate; holding the temperature in a gas mixture environment of inert gas and water vapor after drying; and cleaning away the solid powder left by the slurry on the surface, thereby obtaining the substrate with a surface rich in chromium and having a small amount of rare earth oxide. As a result of the method, the antioxidation capability of steel T91/P91 in the 500-750° C. water vapor environment can be improved, and films rich in chromium oxide can be formed on the surface of steel T91/P91.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignees: Shandong Electric Power Research Institute, State Grid Corporation of China
    Inventors: Duqing Zhang, Guangming Liu, Guangcheng Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130022078
    Abstract: An overhead conductor sensor for measuring various parameters that affect an overhead conductor is disclosed. The overhead conductor sensor includes an electronics housing having first and second opposing ends, a jaw assembly having a first jaw connected to the first end of the electronics housing and a second jaw pivotally attached to the first jaw to allow the jaw assembly to move between an open position for receiving an overhead conductor therein and a closed position for securing the sensor to the overhead conductor, and a thermocouple assembly electrically connected to electronics housed in the electronics housing and extending through the jaw assembly for engagement with the overhead conductor. The thermocouple assembly is adapted to measure a temperature of the overhead conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, Mark Major, Robert Carlton Lynch, Kyle Hill, Sam Harrell, Brandon Rummage
  • Patent number: 8339153
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a test equipment of direct current thyristor valve, and particularly relates to a fault current test equipment of direct current thyristor valve. This present invention equipment includes high voltage low current circuit and low voltage high current circuit, said test equipment includes fault current circuit, said fault current circuit includes resonant circuit, said high voltage low current circuit, low voltage high current circuit and fault current circuit are all connected with the thyristor sample Vt respectively. In his present invention, the thyristor sample is first heated through the high voltage circuit and low voltage high current circuit to reach the stable state. And then shut off the switch and carries out the test using the fault current which is produced by the fault current circuit. This prevents the power system from the short-circuit impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: China Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Kunpeng Zha, Chong Gao, Jialiang Wen, Xingang Zhang, Zhiyuan He
  • Patent number: 8339151
    Abstract: This invention provides a high voltage thyristor valve multi-injection test method, it can meet one way valve and double valve operation test and over current test requirements. It has high equivalence and good flexibility. It includes FACTS double way thyristor valve and normal direct current thyristor valve operation tests and over current test. This method is novel, flexible, can carry out many different test and their mixture test and including the high voltage thyristor valve different tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: China Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Zhiyuan He, Guangfu Tang, Jialiang Wen, Kunpeng Zha
  • Publication number: 20120322664
    Abstract: A transformer including: a transformer housing having an interior, a superconducting wire winding disposed within the housing interior, a dry dielectric medium in contact with a superconducting wire winding, and a temperature control device in heat exchange communication with the dry dielectric medium, adapted to utilize a gaseous medium for controlling the temperature of the superconducting wire winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: David Timothy Lindsay, Steve Eckroad
  • Patent number: 8334616
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) integrated variable frequency drive system having a variable frequency drive and an energy source. The variable frequency drive having a back end inverter, a DC bus electrically connected to the back end inverter, and an active front end electrically connected to the DC bus to facilitate bi-directional power flow to and from a power grid. The energy source being electrically connected to the DC bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Arshad Mansoor, Satish Rajagopalan, Jih-Sheng Lai, Faisal Habib Khan
  • Publication number: 20120306511
    Abstract: A partial discharge test power supply system for an extra high voltage transformer comprises: an electric motor (1); an intermediate frequency generator (2) driven by the electric motor and outputting an intermediate frequency voltage; a middle transformer (9) receiving the intermediate frequency voltage and outputting a test voltage to be applied to a test sample (11) by a generator outlet (5); a low-voltage compensating reactor (8) connected between the intermediate frequency generator and the middle transformer; a high-voltage compensating reactor (10) connected between the middle transformer and the sample; wherein the electric motor and the intermediate frequency generator are arranged in a metal housing (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: CHINA ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Guangfan Li, Jie Yang, Jinzhong Li, Xiaocen Hu, Shuqi Zhang, Yuewen Qi, Xiaoning Wang, Ninghua Wang