Abstract: A distributed energy storage or community energy storage unit incorporates a geothermal temperature regulation system. The system includes a sealed, chemically inert storage energy container or “pack” disposed within an underground chamber. The underground chamber is defined by a support structure or box pad 14 that includes side walls and a top or pad. Mechanical and electrical interfaces both to the utility connections and to the CES converter unit are also included.

Abstract: A large-scale, capacitor-based electrical energy storage and distribution system capable of effectuating load-leveling during periods of peak demand on a utility, and of effectuating a cost savings associated with the purchase of electrical energy. A capacitor or multitude of capacitors may be charged with electrical energy produced by the utility, such as during periods of low demand or low cost, and discharged during periods of high electrical energy consumption or high electrical energy cost. One or more capacitors may be located at a consumer's residence or business. Alternatively, a farm of capacitors may be provided at or near a utility, or at or near a location experiencing high demand. In another embodiment, one or more capacitors may be located in or on a vehicle, such as an automobile, a truck, or a train of a light rail system.

Abstract: A system and method for creating capacitor-based electrical energy storage modules and electrical energy storage systems assembled therefrom. Submodules having a plurality of capacitors capable of storing electrical energy are used in different combinations to create electrical energy storage modules. Preferably, a number of submodules are placed into an enclosure or cabinet, whereafter the submodules are placed in electrical communication. The number of submodules installed in an enclosure is determined by the power output desired, and the space constraints of the area in which the enclosure will be located. One enclosure of one or more submodules, or a plurality of interconnected enclosures of one or more submodules, may form an electrical energy storage module. The module may be designed to output either DC or AC electric power, and may be equipped with a power conversion system and/or communication and control electronics to control the charging and discharging thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for creating capacitor-based electrical energy storage modules and electrical energy storage systems assembled therefrom. Submodules having a plurality of capacitors capable of storing electrical energy are used in different combinations to create electrical energy storage modules. Preferably, a number of submodules are placed into an enclosure or cabinet, whereafter the submodules are placed in electrical communication. The number of submodules installed in an enclosure is determined by the power output desired, and the space constraints of the area in which the enclosure will be located. One enclosure of one or more submodules, or a plurality of interconnected enclosures of one or more submodules, may form an electrical energy storage module. The module may be designed to output either DC or AC electric power, and may be equipped with a power conversion system and/or communication and control electronics to control the charging and discharging thereof.

Abstract: A mechanical ice-shedding device for temporary or permanent attachment to a suspended cable, and particularly to a suspended power line. The ice-shedding device uses a motor to move at least one unbalanced weight, thereby causing a vibration of the device that is translated to the cable to which the device is attached. The vibration causes an oscillation of the cable which is sufficient to substantially shed ice that has accumulated thereon. The output of the motor is preferably regulated so that the cable may be ramped through several frequencies of oscillation, thereby improving its ice-shedding ability. The device may be driven by power from the power line to which it is attached, or from another source, such as a battery or storage capacitor.

Abstract: A large-scale, capacitor-based electrical energy storage and distribution system capable of effectuating load-leveling during periods of peak demand on a utility, and of effectuating a cost savings associated with the purchase of electrical energy. A capacitor or multitude of capacitors may be charged with electrical energy produced by the utility, such as during periods of low demand or low cost, and discharged during periods of high electrical energy consumption or high electrical energy cost. One or more capacitors may be located at a consumer's residence or business. Alternatively, a farm of capacitors may be provided at or near a utility, or at or near a location experiencing high demand. In another embodiment, one or more capacitors may be located in or on a vehicle, such as an automobile, a truck, or a train of a light rail system.

Abstract: An accelerometer properly positioned in conjunction with an energized electrical conductor produces an output that is dependent on conductor's inclination angle in real time where the inclination angle is then used to calculate the sag of the conductor. A transmitter is used to communicate this information in real time to a central location such that up to optimal or maximum power transmission is feasible through the conductor while maintaining safe clearance from the ground. This allows for close monitoring of thermal expansion resulting from increased load as well as varying environmental conditions.

Abstract: A large scale, capacitor-based electrical energy storage and distribution system capable of effectuating load-leveling during periods of peak demand on a utility. A capacitor or multitude of capacitors may be charged with electrical energy produced by the utility during periods of low demand, such as the evening hours, and discharged during periods of high electrical energy consumption to help reduce demand on the utility. One or more capacitors may be located at a consumer's residence or business for providing at least a portion of the consumer's electrical power requirements. Alternatively, a farm of capacitors may be provided at or near a utility, or at or near a location experiencing high demand, such that electrical energy stored in the capacitors can be discharged into the utility's distribution grid to increase the amount of electrical energy available for use.

Abstract: A system and method for creating capacitor-based electrical energy storage modules and electrical energy storage systems assembled therefrom. Submodules having a plurality of capacitors capable of storing electrical energy are used in different combinations to create electrical energy storage modules. Preferably, a number of submodules are placed into corresponding receptacles within an enclosure or cabinet, wherein the submodules become electrically connected. The number of submodules installed in a cabinet is determined by the power output desired, and the space constraints of the area in which the cabinet will be located. One cabinet of one or more submodules, or a plurality of interconnected cabinets of one or more submodules, may form an electrical energy storage module. The module may be designed to output either DC or AC electric power, and is preferably equipped with a power conversion system and/or communication and control electronics to control the charging and discharging thereof.

Abstract: A large scale, capacitor-based electrical energy storage and distribution system capable of effectuating load-leveling during periods of peak demand on a utility. A capacitor or multitude of capacitors may be charged with electrical energy produced by the utility during periods of low demand, such as the evening hours, and discharged during periods of high electrical energy consumption to help reduce demand on the utility. One or more capacitors may be located at a consumer's residence or business for providing at least a portion of the consumer's electrical power requirements. Alternatively, a farm of capacitors may be provided at or near a utility, or at or near a location experiencing high demand, such that electrical energy stored in the capacitors can be discharged into the utility's distribution grid to increase the amount of electrical energy available for use.

Abstract: An accelerometer properly positioned in conjunction with an energized electrical conductor produces an output that is dependent on conductor's inclination angle in real time where the inclination angle is then used to calculate the sag of the conductor. A transmitter is used to communicate this information in real time to a central location such that up to optimal or maximum power transmission is feasible through the conductor while maintaining safe clearance from the ground. This allows for close monitoring of thermal expansion resulting from increased load as well as varying environmental conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing electrical clearances on power lines to increase the conductor to structure clearance and insulation length and the conductor clearance to ground and other underlying objects. The apparatus may be applied live-line and can be installed without significantly modifying existing support structure. A suspension insulator string extends vertically from the tower and a yoke plate is connected to the bottom thereof. First and second insulator strings extend outwardly in opposite directions from the yoke plate with a dead end strain clamp attached to an outer end of each insulator string. The dead end strain clamp of each insulator string, dead ends the electrical conductor forming an upgrade loop therebetween. A post insulator is rigidly mounted on the yoke plate and extends from the yoke plate to the conductor upgrade loop intermediate to the outer ends of the first and second insulator strings.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating the amount of resistive leakage current passing through an insulating portion (14) of an aerial boom (12) which is in contact with an electrical line includes a first current collector band (24) and a second current collector band (22). A first current path extends from the first current collector band to ground. A second current path extends from the second current collector band to ground. A first current flows through the first current path due to current that leaks through the insulating portion of the boom as well as capacitance effects. A second current flows through said second current path due to capacitance effects caused by nearby sources of extraneous ambient electrical energy. A converter box (44) converts the first and second currents into representative first and second voltage signals. The first and second voltage signals are transmitted to an electronics and readout box (70) by a pair of shielded cables (50 and 52) or other conventional means such as optical fibers.