Patents Examined by Julio C. Gonzalez
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Patent number: 9926807Abstract: Turbine assemblies, loss recovery systems, and related fabrication methods are provided for managing temperatures associated with an electrical generator. One exemplary turbine assembly suitable for use in a loss recovery system includes a wheel configured to rotate in response to a portion of a fluid flow bypassing a flow control valve, a generator including a stator assembly disposed about a rotor coupled to the wheel to rotate in response to rotation of the wheel, a conductive structure in contact with the stator assembly, and an insulating structure radially encompassing the conductive structure and the generator. The conductive structure accesses at least a portion of the fluid flow bypassing the flow control valve and impacting the wheel, thereby providing thermal coupling between the stator assembly and the bypass fluid flow to transfer heat from the stator assembly to the bypass fluid flow via the conductive structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Glenn F. Thompson, Patrick Beresewicz, Mike Guidry, Andrew Love
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Patent number: 9926862Abstract: A method involves operating an internal combustion engine connected to an electric generator, in particular a synchronous generator, during a network fault, in particular during an electric short-circuit, in a power supply network connected to the generator. A mechanical power delivered by the internal combustion engine is introduced into the generator and converted into electric power in the generator. The electric power is delivered to the power supply network, and the mechanical power delivered by the internal combustion engine is at least temporarily increased depending on the value of at least one operating parameter of the generator and/or the internal combustion engine prior to the network fault and/or during the network fault, preferably by an amount of a fuel introduced into the internal combustion engine being increased.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: GE JENBACHER GMBH & CO OGInventors: Jose Gomez, Herbert Kopecek, Erich Kruckenhauser, Herbert Schaumberger
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Patent number: 9902467Abstract: A wave power generation device, including a power generation assembly, a mooring system, a floating platform, floating towers, control cabins, a connecting member, and anti-sway plates. The floating platform is a square floating box. The power generation assembly includes a swing plate, a hydraulic cylinder, an energy accumulator, a hydraulic motor, a generator, a battery, and a power generation and distribution device. The floating platform includes a main deck. The main deck includes a manhole and a support for supporting the swing plate. The swing plate is connected to the support via a first hinge. One end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the swing plate, and another end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a floating platform. The mooring system includes four anchor windlasses. A method for operating and maintaining the wave power generation device is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignees: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Yan Lin, Xiaoning Jiang, Yanyun Yu, Zhikang Zhang, Fei Pei
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Patent number: 9893563Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a wind turbine electrical power configured to minimize power losses. The power system includes a generator having a generator stator and a generator rotor, a power converter electrically coupled to the generator, a main transformer electrically coupled to the power converter and the power grid, and an auxiliary transformer. More specifically, the main transformer is connected to the power grid via a voltage line comprising a voltage switch gear. Thus, the auxiliary transformer is connected directly to the voltage line, i.e. rather than being connected to the grid through the main transformer.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Till Hoffmann, Werner Gerhard Barton, Hartmut Scholte-Wassink
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Patent number: 9841101Abstract: Systems and methods for use in controlling a hydraulically powered AC generator are provided. One control system includes a valve system. The valve system includes a fixed valve configured to provide a substantially constant flow rate of the fluid through the fixed valve to the hydraulically powered AC generator. The valve system further includes a variable valve configured to provide a variable flow rate of the fluid through the variable valve to the hydraulically powered AC generator. The control system further includes a sensor device configured to measure a speed of movement of a component of the hydraulically powered AC generator. The control system further includes a control circuit configured to control the variable flow rate of the variable valve based on the speed of movement of the component measured by the sensor device.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Cummins Power Generation IP, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Torney, Nick V. Halstead, Hans L. Drabek, Eric G. Bollensen, James C. Alexander, Tony Leakey, Gerald R. Williams
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Patent number: 9819292Abstract: A method includes combusting a fuel and an oxidant in a combustor of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) gas turbine system that produces electrical power and provides a portion of the electrical power to an electrical grid. The method further includes controlling, via one or more processors, one or more parameters of the EGR gas turbine system to decrease the portion of the electrical power provided to the electrical grid in response to an over-frequency event associated with the electrical grid, wherein controlling the one or more parameters comprises decreasing a flow rate of fuel to the combustor in response to the over-frequency event.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2015Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignees: General Electric Company, ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Jonathan Carl Thatcher, Ilya Aleksandrovich Slobodyanskiy, Aaron Lavene Vorel
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Patent number: 9800186Abstract: A magnetoelectric device capable of storing usable electrical energy includes an inductive servo control unit and a motor. The motor includes a rotor and three ferromagnetic-core coils disposed around the rotor. The inductive servo control unit executes individual phase control on the three-phase induction motor to magnetize the ferromagnetic-core coils with respective phases. When each of the ferromagnetic-core coils is demagnetized, it generates a current due to counter-electromotive force to charge a damping capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Inventors: Fu-Tzu Hsu, Chieh-Sen Tu
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Patent number: 9797366Abstract: An underwater pumped storage power plant that includes: an accumulator system with pressure vessels fillable with water and; a water outlet for water flow out of the system into a surrounding ocean against hydrostatic water pressure (PT) corresponding to water depth (T); a pump at the water outlet to pump water out of the system by converting electrical energy into potential energy corresponding to a displaced water column PT; a water inlet to allow water flow into the system from the surrounding ocean; a common generator at the water inlet, to convert the potential energy back into electrical energy when water flows in; electric lines to transport the electrical energy from the ocean surface to the power plant and back, wherein the pressure vessels are pressure-resistant and resistant to deformation from the PT at the ocean floor.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Roentdek-HandelsInventors: Horst Schmidt-Boecking, Gerhard Luther
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Patent number: 9789770Abstract: The invention relates to a work machine, in particular in the form of a dump truck or truck, having a diesel electric traction drive, wherein at least one alternator is or can be driven by at least one internal combustion engine of the work machine. In accordance with the invention, the current generation can also be reliably interruptible with a running internal combustion engine by interruption of the excitation circuit by means of a breaker switch.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Liebherr-Mining Equipment Colmar SASInventors: Adrien Levaray, Bernd Sommer, Scott Bellamy
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Patent number: 9793756Abstract: A wind turbine pitch drive system comprises an electric grid for supplying electrical power, a motor for driving a pitch actuator, an electronic converter for controlling the motor and a back-up energy storage unit for supplying electrical power. The electronic converter comprises a DC-link capacitor bank. The system furthermore comprises a switching device for selectively connecting the DC-capacitor bank link to the back-up energy storage unit, and a frequency generator for controlling the switching device. Also disclosed is a method for protecting a component of the electronic converter.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: ALSTOM Renewable TechnologiesInventors: Pedro Palomares Rentero, Alejandro Rujas, Héctor Ortiz De Landazuri
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Patent number: 9765640Abstract: An exemplary system may include a gas turbine engine configured to operate at an engine power level to satisfy an engine power demand. The system may also include at least one generator operatively coupled to the engine and configured to generate electrical power based at least in part on the engine power demand. The system further may include at least one heating element in communication with the at least one generator, and at least one control unit coupled to the at least one heating element. The at least one heating element may be configured to receive electrical power from the at least one generator to generate thermal energy. The at least one control unit may be configured to energize the heating element when the engine power demand is below the engine power level and/or there is an anticipated increase in the engine power demand.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Rolls-Royce CorporationInventor: Alan W. Smith
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Patent number: 9745944Abstract: An engine starter unit for starting an engine, includes a starter, a first controller, and a prohibiting means. The starter includes a motor generating a rotary force and a pinion transmitting the rotary force generated by the motor to the engine, the starter cranking the engine up to an engine speed of 450 rpm or more in a drive ON state. The first controller turns the starter into the drive ON state to make the starter start cranking in response to an ON operation of an ignition switch by a user. The prohibiting means prohibits the starter from being turned into the drive ON state again in response to another ON operation of the ignition switch for a prohibition duration after the first ON operation by the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Tatsuya Fujita
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Patent number: 9735718Abstract: A method for controlling an alternator includes determining a temperature-dependent value associated with a battery coupled to an alternator and determining an excitation emergency threshold for the alternator based on the determined temperature-dependent value associated with the battery. The method further includes initiating, by a controller of an alternator, at least one safety measure upon a determination that a voltage associated with the battery exceeds the determined excitation emergency threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Martin Grafling, Christoph Seidl
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Patent number: 9735719Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of generator technology. It is an object of the invention to control the stability in an electric grid in which a plurality of generators are connected providing electric power to the grid. A static exciter system includes a control device for controlling the field voltage of the field winding of at least two generators connected to a grid system via a busbar.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbHInventors: Luis Diez-Maroto, Luis Rouco-Rodriguez, Fidel Fernandez-Bernal, Idriss El-Merdoui
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Patent number: 9732699Abstract: A high efficiency, thermodynamically interactive power system incorporating a “thermodynamic battery” operating in the cryogenic range. The “thermodynamic battery” is drawn upon to optimize the efficiency of power generation during times of peak demand and is “recharged” during periods of low demand. The system is ideally suited for (although not limited to) micropowerplants suitable for widely distributed generation of power in or associated with homes and small businesses, reducing transmission loading on the grid and capable of supplying power into the grid during peak load periods. The widely distributed power generation made practical by present inventions also enables distribution of heating and chill service locally on a much larger scale than is possible with large, centralized generation plants.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Inventor: Richard H. Vogel
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Patent number: 9714641Abstract: A wind power turbine configured to produce and feed electric energy to an electric power grid; the wind power turbine having: a blade assembly; at least one electric machine connected to the blade assembly to generate electric energy, and having a rotor, and a stator divided into a quantity or number of stator subsystems; and an electric transmission system configured to connect the quantity or number of stator subsystems to the electric power grid, and having an electric transmission assembly for, and connected to, each stator subsystem. The wind power turbine being characterized by having a control device connected to, and configured to receive malfunction signals from, the electric transmission assemblies, and configured to define an individual target torque reference value on the basis of the malfunction signals from the electric transmission assemblies, so as to reduce discontinuity in the torque of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: WINDFIN B.V.Inventors: Davide Bagnara, Matteo Casazza, Leonardo Mandrioli
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Patent number: 9709021Abstract: A wave power generator comprises a buoyant casing (500) intended to float in a body of water. An electric machine (103) located within the casing has an armature and a field source, the electric machine having a fixed part coupled to the casing and a moving part. A counterweight assembly (104) is movable within the casing, comprising the moving part of the electric machine and wherein a relative movement of the counterweight assembly and the fixed part of the electric machine generates electric power. Power storage (400) stores power generated by the electric machine and a control system (200) determines a bi-directional energy flow between the power storage and the armature, wherein energy is returned to the electric machine to drive a motion of the counterweight assembly anti-symmetrically to a motion of the casing.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: DDNT CONSULTANTS AUSTRALIA PTY LTDInventors: Dalibor Frtunik, George Brawley
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Patent number: 9664180Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for generating power, such as electrical power, using an increased volume of a working liquid in a tank when the working liquid is heated. The increased volume of the working liquid may increase a pressure in the tank such that a portion of the working liquid is forced through one or more fluid lines towards a hydraulic generator. The hydraulic generator may then generate electricity based at least in part on the portion of fluid transferred to the hydraulic lines.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Inventor: John A. Saavedra
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Patent number: 9657711Abstract: A waste-watermill for generating electrical energy from a flow of waste water running through an underground waste-water conduit. The flow of waste water defines a free surface and a flow direction inside the waste water conduit. The waste-watermill comprises 1) a water wheel for being driven by the flow of waste water in an undershot configuration, 2) an axle for defining an rotational axis for the water wheel, where the flow of waste water passes below and transverse to the rotational axis in the undershot configuration, 3) a wheel support for rotationally supporting the water wheel in the undershot configuration and in a stationary position relative to the underground waste-water conduit, and 4) an electric generator operatively connected with the water wheel and the axle for being driven by the water wheel to produce electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: E-MILL APSInventor: Carsten Stausgaard
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Patent number: 9651018Abstract: A power generating assembly for generating electricity from a flowing medium includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes an elongated duct along which the medium flows. The duct defines a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. The duct includes a converging inlet nozzle having a span in the lateral direction. At least one pair of turbines is arranged within and on either side of the duct in the lateral direction. The turbines are rotated in opposite directions by the flowing medium. The turbines have a span in the lateral direction. The span of the converging inlet nozzle is at least the span of the at least one pair of turbines. A generator is interconnected with each turbine of the at least one pair of turbines via a drive means such that the generator rotates with rotation of the turbines.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Inventor: Mihalis Vorias