Abstract: A system and computer software mechanism is disclosed that can automatically detect smoking conditions for industrial flares. In an online mode, the software mechanism can analyze live video images to identify smoking conditions and generate a “Smoke Level” value to represent the seriousness of the smoking events. In an off-line mode, the software mechanism can load saved video files and analyze video images to identify smoking conditions and generate a “Smoke Level” value to represent the seriousness of the smoking events. In the online mode, the Smoke Level data can be sent to the plant distributed control system (DCS) or other control devices so alarms can be generated and automatic or manual control actions can be taken quickly to stop the flare from smoking. In both online and off-line modes, Smoke Level data can also be saved in historical files for reporting and smoke event tracking purposes.

Abstract: A system and computer software mechanism is disclosed that can automatically detect smoking conditions for industrial flares. In an online mode, the software mechanism can analyze live video images to identify smoking conditions and generate a “Smoke Level” value to represent the seriousness of the smoking events. In an off-line mode, the software mechanism can load saved video files and analyze video images to identify smoking conditions and generate a “Smoke Level” value to represent the seriousness of the smoking events. In the online mode, the Smoke Level data can be sent to the plant distributed control system (DCS) or other control devices so alarms can be generated and automatic or manual control actions can be taken quickly to stop the flare from smoking. In both online and off-line modes, Smoke Level data can also be saved in historical files for reporting and smoke event tracking purposes.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed that can automatically detect smoking conditions for industrial flares. It can analyze live or historical video images to identify smoking conditions and generate a “Smoke Level” value in the range of 0 to 10 to represent the seriousness of the smoking events. The Smoke Level data can be sent to the plant distributed control system (DCS) or other control devices so alarms can be generated and automatic or manual control actions can be taken to stop the flare from smoking quickly. The Smoke Level data can also be saved in historical files for reporting and smoke event tracking purposes. Using the described method and system, industrial plants can comply with EPA regulations at all times, improve flare control and monitoring, be better prepared for EPA reporting and auditing, and save energy and manpower.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed relating to smart Microgrids or off-grid solar systems with grid power integration supported by AC assisted off-grid power inverters that can (1) intelligently and selectively pull power from one or multiple DC sources including solar panels, wind generators, and batteries based on certain criteria; (2) invert DC power to AC power as generated AC power; (3) intelligently pull power from a connected AC source including grid AC, a gas generator, or a wind generator as input AC power; (4) combine the generated AC power with the input AC power; (5) supply the combined AC power, or the generated AC power, or the input AC power to an off-grid circuit to power various types of AC loads; (6) send no power to the connected AC source; (7) maximize DC power production; (8) minimize the consumption of input AC power; and (9) achieve good system performance under DC and AC power variations and load changes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that can intelligently invert DC power from single or multiple DC sources to single-phase, split-phase, or three-phase AC power, supply the AC power to the electric power grid when the grid is on, or supply AC power to electric devices or loads when the grid is down. A Smart and Grid-Flexible Power Inverter, or On/Off-Grid Power Inverter, is disclosed that can work in either the on-grid or off-grid mode, and switch back and forth between the two modes manually or automatically depending on the power grid conditions. The system provides a simple and cost-effective solution for areas where the power grid has frequent outages or long downtimes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that can intelligently invert DC power from single or multiple DC sources to single-phase, split-phase, or three-phase AC power, supply the AC power to the electric power grid when the grid is on, or supply AC power to electric devices or loads when the grid is down. A Smart and Grid-Flexible Power Inverter, or On/Off-Grid Power Inverter, is disclosed that can work in either the on-grid or off-grid mode, and switch back and forth between the two modes manually or automatically depending on the power grid conditions. The system provides a simple and cost-effective solution for areas where the power grid has frequent outages or long downtimes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed relating to smart microgrids supported by dual-output off-grid power inverters with DC source flexibility that can (1) intelligently and selectively pull power from one or multiple DC sources including solar panels, wind generators, and batteries based on certain criteria; (2) invert DC power to AC power; (3) supply the AC power to two off-grid circuits individually to power various types of AC loads that require different AC voltages, power quality, and power levels; (4) supply DC power through one or multiple DC output ports to power DC loads; and (5) charge batteries. Two or multiple dual-output off-grid power inverters can daisy-chain to form a group to support a larger microgrid which is ideal for off-grid AC Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed relating to smart microgrids supported by dual-output off-grid power inverters with DC source flexibility that can (1) intelligently and selectively pull power from one or multiple DC sources including solar panels, wind generators, and batteries based on certain criteria; (2) invert DC power to AC power; (3) supply the AC power to two off-grid circuits individually to power various types of AC loads that require different AC voltages, power quality, and power levels; (4) supply DC power through one or multiple DC output ports to power DC loads; and (5) charge batteries. Two or multiple dual-output off-grid power inverters can daisy-chain to form a group to support a larger microgrid which is ideal for off-grid AC Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that can intelligently invert DC power from single or multiple DC sources to single-phase, split-phase, or three-phase AC power, supply the AC power to the electric power grid when the grid is on, or supply AC power to electric devices or loads when the grid is down. A Smart and Grid-Flexible Power Inverter, or On/Off-Grid Power Inverter, is disclosed that can work in either the on-grid or off-grid mode, and switch back and forth between the two modes manually or automatically depending on the power grid conditions. The system provides a simple and cost-effective solution for areas where the power grid has frequent outages or long downtimes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for maximizing power production for solar power systems when there is low sunlight during sunrise, sunset, clouding, partial shading, and other low irradiance conditions. A multiple-channel solar power Mini-Inverter can work in the low power mode when there is low sunlight, take power from one solar panel to supply DC power to its internal electronic circuits, and also invert the DC power from the remaining connected solar panels to single-phase or three-phase AC power feeding to the electrical grid or powering AC loads. This invention can significantly reduce the required startup and shutdown irradiance and DC power for the solar power inverter, avoid undesirable shutdowns due to partial shading, and allow the inverter to run in power generation mode for a few more hours each day.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for intelligently inverting DC power from DC sources such as photovoltaic (PV) solar modules to single-phase or three-phase AC power to supply power for off-grid applications. A number of regular or redundant off-grid Mini-Inverters with one, two, three, or multiple input channels in a mixed variety can easily connect to one, two, three, or multiple DC power sources such as solar PV modules, invert the DC power to AC power, and daisy chain together to generate and supply AC power to electrical devices that are not connected to the power grid including motors, pumps, fans, lights, appliances, and homes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for maximizing power production for solar power systems when there is low sunlight during sunrise, sunset, clouding, partial shading, and other low irradiance conditions. A multiple-channel solar power Mini-Inverter can work in the low power mode when there is low sunlight, take power from one solar panel to supply DC power to its internal electronic circuits, and also invert the DC power from the remaining connected solar panels to single-phase or three-phase AC power feeding to the electrical grid or powering AC loads. This invention can significantly reduce the required startup and shutdown irradiance and DC power for the solar power inverter, avoid undesirable shutdowns due to partial shading, and allow the inverter to run in power generation mode for a few more hours each day.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for intelligently controlling continuous process variables. An automatic controller comprises an Intelligent Engine mechanism and a number of Model-Free Adaptive (MFA) controllers, each of which is suitable to control a process with specific behaviors. The Intelligent Engine can automatically select the appropriate MFA controller and its parameters so that the automatic controller can be easily used by people with limited control experience and those who do not have the time to commission, tune, and maintain automatic controllers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for intelligently controlling continuous process variables. A Dream Controller comprises an Intelligent Engine mechanism and a number of Model-Free Adaptive (MFA) controllers, each of which is suitable to control a process with specific behaviors. The Intelligent Engine can automatically select the appropriate MFA controller and its parameters so that the Dream Controller can be easily used by people with limited control experience and those who do not have the time to commission, tune, and maintain automatic controllers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for intelligently inverting DC power from DC sources such as photovoltaic (PV) solar modules to single-phase or three-phase AC power to supply power for off-grid applications. A number of regular or redundant off-grid Mini-Inverters with one, two, three, or multiple input channels in a mixed variety can easily connect to one, two, three, or multiple DC power sources such as solar PV modules, invert the DC power to AC power, and daisy chain together to generate and supply AC power to electrical devices that are not connected to the power grid including motors, pumps, fans, lights, appliances, and homes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for intelligently controlling continuous process variables. A Dream Controller comprises an intelligent Engine mechanism and a number of Model-Free Adaptive (MFA) controllers, each of which is suitable to control a process with specific behaviors. The Intelligent Engine can automatically select the appropriate MFA controller and its parameters so that the Dream Controller can be easily used by people with limited control experience and those who do not have the time to commission, tune, and maintain automatic controllers.