Abstract: A method for generating an optimized body structure is provided. A first topology optimization of a first body configuration is performed to generate a second body configuration. A subset of critical body components are identified based on load path values for the second body component and are parameterized. A second optimization is performed. The second optimization includes a low fidelity optimization for the geometry, the gauge and the grade of the critical body components, and a high fidelity optimization for the mass of each of the critical body components to generate an optimized set of critical body components. The optimized set of critical body components are combined with non-critical body components from the second body configuration to generate a final body configuration which is optimized for performance and weight.

Abstract: A system for characterizing malicious activity in an intelligent utility grid system includes a system storage in which to store a database including a plurality of rules. A collector is operable to collect and store in the system storage information-technology (IT) data including IT-related activity from the intelligent grid system. A complex event processing (CEP) bus is operable to receive non-IT data including location-specific event data from a plurality of electronic sources, the CEP bus further operable to disregard the non-IT data failing to meet a predetermined level of relevance to one of a plurality of risk-related events. A processor is operable to apply the plurality of rules to the relevant non-IT data to: associate an undesired event with reference to the IT-related activity; and determine a probability that the undesired event is indicative of malicious activity. The processor further applies a risk characterization to the undesired event based on the probability and the IT-related activity.

Abstract: Techniques are described for monitoring the performance of advanced process control (APC) systems used to control complex industrial processes. By correlating an alarm status of the APC system with an alarm status associated with the service factor (or service factor thresholds), a plant operator can understand how well the APC system performs over time, as well as identify when operator intervention may be required (or alternatively, may be the source of poor plant performance). Accordingly, embodiments of the invention can significantly impact both the reliability and efficiency of complex industrial process, e.g., the production of industrial gases using air separation units (ASUs) and steam methane reformer (SMR) furnaces.

Abstract: A device and associated method for formulating, via an information technology device having a user interface, a numerical model of manufactured products, the numerical model including components, variables and constraints executes different steps successively. Each step stores, via the information technology device, the predetermined numerical data in order to construct the numerical model in memory. The numerical model may then be used to create a configuration of the manufactured product by making, via a user interface, choices among the structural, technical, manufacturing, and commercial characteristics of the numerical model of the manufactured product.

Abstract: Four basic measurements are performed when calibrating a spherical measurement probe fastened to a tool spindle having a fixed longitudinal position along the spindle axis. Moving the measurement probe transversely towards the calibration sphere yields a basic position of the tool spindle relative to an element with an attached calibration sphere, when measurement probe touches the calibration sphere. The measurement probe is rotated about the spindle axis from one basic measurement to the next by the same angle, whereas the orientation of the calibration sphere is maintained for all four basic measurements. Based on the basic positions, a reference position of the tool spindle relative to the element, at which the tool spindle is located above the calibration sphere and the spindle axis goes through a central point of the calibration sphere, is determined and taken into account in further calibration of the measurement probe.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a plant control system includes a station mounting controllers thereon, an engineering device which manages programs, and a device which connects the controllers and the engineering device. The engineering device includes database which stores information on a first variable for allowing data to be shared among programs in each controller and a second variable for allowing data to be shared among programs in the station, the database management part, and a relocate management part which moves the program, and the relocate management part includes a designating module which designates an execution order of programs in a source controller, one or more programs to be moved, a destination controller, and the source controller, a module which moves the program as designated in the designating module, and a changing module which, when the program is moved, moves or copies the first and second variable used in the program.

Abstract: Energy-efficient control of a vacuum pump having a pump controller integrated in a control and regulation device used in an industrial furnace complex is disclosed. A method and an industrial furnace complex provide incremental deactivation or activation of the vacuum pump depending on whether a vacuum is needed by using a program having one or more program steps, including a first query about whether a heat treatment process is active in the industrial furnace, a second query about whether the vacuum pump is required in a current phase of the heat treatment process, a third query about whether the vacuum pump will be required in a future phase of the heat treatment process, and/or a fourth query about whether a time until the next operation is greater than a required lead time for the vacuum pump to warm up.

Abstract: Interface (101) for converting human control input gestures to telematic control signals. The interface includes a plurality of articulating arms (107a, 107b, 108a, 108b, and 109a, 109b) each mounted at a base end (113, 115, 117) to an interface base and coupled at an opposing end to a housing (106). The articulating arms are operable to permit linear translational movement of the housing in three orthogonal directions. At least one sensor (116) of a first kind is provided for measuring the linear translational movement. A pivot member (201) is disposed in the housing and is arranged to pivot about a single pivot point. A grip (102) is provided and is attached to the pivot member so that a user upon grasping the grip can cause the pivot to rotate within the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that allow a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to receive Demand Response (DR) data and process the data in a PLC Function Block (FB). Embodiments provide a PLC demand response FB that solicits DR data and a demand response load manager FB that compares the DR data with predetermined demand constraints corresponding to electrical equipment. The demand constraints provide energy consumption strategies for buildings and factories.

Abstract: A network-based energy management system may identify an area that exhibits a need for electrical energy. The network-based energy management system may also identify an area that exhibits an ability to provide electrical energy. The network-based energy management system may cause electrical energy to be routed from the second area to the first area. In some embodiments, the first area and the second area may include base stations that are electrically connected to one another by one or more energy conduits, which may include superconducting wires so as to minimize transmission losses between base stations and their respective areas.

Abstract: This invention relates to a PMU-based controlled system separation method to protect against a catastrophic blackout. The method includes the steps of performing an offline analysis of an electrical transmission network to partition generators into a number of coherent groups, performing online monitoring of the transmission network to determine a separation interface and frequencies and damping ratios of dominant inter-area modes, and estimating the risk of system separation to perform real-time control.

Abstract: A hybrid heating system and method including: (a) a heat pump water heating system; (b) a conventional heating system including a conventional heater having a surface heat exchanger, and a primary circulation arrangement fluidly communicating with the surface exchanger, the primary circulation arrangement adapted to effect an exchange of heat between the surface heat exchanger and a flow of liquid to produce a heated flow of liquid; (c) a plurality of sensors associated with the heat exchange system; (d) an input arrangement adapted to provide cost data pertaining to a first power cost for supplying power to the heat pump system, and to cost information pertaining to a second power cost for operating the conventional system, and (e) a processor including a memory storing criteria specifying when to operate the heat pump water heating system, and when to operate the conventional heating system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for optimizing the operation of an induration furnace and a method thereof; the system comprising: an interactive means to monitor and control the furnace to provide an optimized furnace operation, calibration means for generating a plurality of ideal set points for validation purposes, and a processing unit receiving, in real-time, the online process data from the interactive means and compute therein a plurality of real-time active set points which are matched with corresponding ideal set points from the calibration means, wherein, if optimization is required, an optimizing signal is generated and communicated to the interactive means. The system predicts in real-time the process and product parameters, that cannot be measured directly, thus, providing real-time optimization of the furnace operation, and thereby reducing the operating and production costs.

Abstract: A heat sink for a handheld device is formed as a one piece chassis for supporting heat-producing circuits inside the device while having heat radiating surfaces outside the device. In another embodiment a battery pack control circuit under microprocessor control allows battery packs having different battery chemistries and characteristics to be interchanged in the same device without switches or adapters. Control of operating modes of the device despite changes in the battery pack including battery chemistry, state of charge, available voltage, or desired operating mode are automatic. The microprocessor measures the battery pack characteristics, using look up tables in a suitable program to adjust the circuit operating modes. The microprocessor also responds to sequential switch contact closures in setting operating modes.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for estimating demand response load change. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for estimating energy usage change associated with a demand event. The method may include determining energy potential change during a demand event for one or more devices associated with a location; estimating energy usage patterns for the location over predefined time periods before and after the demand event; determining pre-demand event and post-demand event energy rebounds based at least in part on the estimated energy usage patterns; determining an energy change profile associated with the location based at least in part on the determined energy potential change, and the pre-demand event and post-demand event energy rebounds.

Abstract: A method and system for removing mortar from a plurality of joints between a plurality of masonry units in a masonry structure is provided. The steps for accomplishing the method include sensing the location of at least one of the plurality of joints between the plurality of masonry units and transmitting joint location data to a computer control system. Next, the computer control system computes a work path based upon the joint location data. In a further step, the computer control system controls the position and operation of at least one work tool such that the work tool moves along the work path to remove mortar from a portion of one of the plurality of joints along the work path. Finally, the dust and debris generated when the work tool removes mortar from a portion of one of the plurality of joints along the work path is contained and removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing large transient identification for advanced control with multiple constraints. A request to change a current operating condition of a controlled plant is detected. A value of a control constraint corresponding to the request to change the current operating condition of the controlled plant is determined. A magnitude of a transient error corresponding to the request relative to the value of the control constraint is determined and the current operating condition of the controlled plant is adjusted based on the determined magnitude of the transient error.