Patents by Inventor Charles Huff

Charles Huff has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11391185
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to optimize ramp rates in combined cycle power plants are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes predicting a first setpoint for a gas turbine in a combined cycle power plant over a prediction horizon and predicting a second setpoint for a steam generator over the prediction horizon. The example method includes identifying a first steam property of steam generated by the steam generator in the combined cycle power plant based on the second setpoint. The example method includes comparing the first steam property to a second steam property of steam associated with a steam turbine in the combined cycle power plant and dynamically adjusting at least one of the first setpoint or the second setpoint based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT POWER & WATER SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ranjit Ramesh Rao, Xu Cheng, Frederick Charles Huff, Jacob Nathaniel Adams
  • Publication number: 20210108541
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to optimize ramp rates in combined cycle power plants are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes predicting a first setpoint for a gas turbine in a combined cycle power plant over a prediction horizon and predicting a second setpoint for a steam generator over the prediction horizon. The example method includes identifying a first steam property of steam generated by the steam generator in the combined cycle power plant based on the second setpoint. The example method includes comparing the first steam property to a second steam property of steam associated with a steam turbine in the combined cycle power plant and dynamically adjusting at least one of the first setpoint or the second setpoint based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Ranjit Ramesh Rao, Xu Cheng, Frederick Charles Huff, Jacob Nathaniel Adams
  • Patent number: 10781723
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to optimize ramp rates in combined cycle power plants are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes predicting a first setpoint for a gas turbine in a combined cycle power plant over a prediction horizon and predicting a second setpoint for a steam generator over the prediction horizon. The example method includes identifying a first steam property of steam generated by the steam generator in the combined cycle power plant based on the second setpoint. The example method includes comparing the first steam property to a second steam property of steam associated with a steam turbine in the combined cycle power plant and dynamically adjusting at least one of the first setpoint or the second setpoint based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Power and Water Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ranjit Ramesh Rao, Xu Cheng, Frederick Charles Huff, Jacob Nathaniel Adams
  • Publication number: 20190330862
    Abstract: Systems and methods for scaffolding systems for use with curvilinear walls, particularly to fit about the curved wall of a holding tank and to be readily moved to varying heights of the holding talk wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicant: Bechtel Oil, Gas and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Anderson, Massimo Rinaldi, Robert Hurd, William Brawner, Charles Huff
  • Patent number: 10267182
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to optimize turbine ramp rates are disclosed herein. An example method includes predicting a setpoint for a turbine rotor over a prediction horizon. The example method includes predicting a surface temperature profile of the turbine rotor for the prediction horizon based on the predicted setpoint via an empirical data model. The example method also includes predicting a first stress profile for the turbine rotor based on the surface temperature profile. The example method includes performing a comparison of the first stress value to a second stress value and dynamically adjusting the setpoint based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Xu Cheng, Frederick Charles Huff, Melanie Jean Novacek, Ranjit R. Rao
  • Publication number: 20170022846
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to optimize ramp rates in combined cycle power plants are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes predicting a first setpoint for a gas turbine in a combined cycle power plant over a prediction horizon and predicting a second setpoint for a steam generator over the prediction horizon. The example method includes identifying a first steam property of steam generated by the steam generator in the combined cycle power plant based on the second setpoint. The example method includes comparing the first steam property to a second steam property of steam associated with a steam turbine in the combined cycle power plant and dynamically adjusting at least one of the first setpoint or the second setpoint based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Ranjit Ramesh Rao, Xu Cheng, Frederick Charles Huff, Jacob Nathaniel Adams
  • Publication number: 20170002692
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to optimize turbine ramp rates are disclosed herein. An example method includes predicting a setpoint for a turbine rotor over a prediction horizon. The example method includes predicting a surface temperature profile of the turbine rotor for the prediction horizon based on the predicted setpoint via an empirical data model. The example method also includes predicting a first stress profile for the turbine rotor based on the surface temperature profile. The example method includes performing a comparison of the first stress value to a second stress value and dynamically adjusting the setpoint based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Xu Cheng, Frederick Charles Huff, Melanie Jean Novacek, Ranjit R. Rao
  • Patent number: 9419807
    Abstract: A Powered Device (PD) in a PoE system has two input channels, each being coupled to a separate Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) for increased reliability. A first PD controller is coupled to the first channel to perform hand-shaking and closes a first Power Good (PWRGD) switch when the PoE voltage is detected on the first channel. A second PD controller is coupled to the second channel to perform hand-shaking and closes a second PWRGD switch when the PoE voltage is detected on the second channel. A diode bridge couples both channels to a single regulating power supply that supplies power to a load. Auxiliary switches are controlled by the PWRGD signals so that only the first channel or the second channel is coupled to the diode bridge in the event that both channels receive the respective PoE voltages. Therefore, hot standby is provided using only one power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Charles Huff, Jeffrey Lynn Heath, Kaung Zin Htoo, Kirk Tzukai Su
  • Publication number: 20150019884
    Abstract: A Powered Device (PD) in a PoE system has two input channels, each being coupled to a separate Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) for increased reliability. A first PD controller is coupled to the first channel to perform hand-shaking and closes a first Power Good (PWRGD) switch when the PoE voltage is detected on the first channel. A second PD controller is coupled to the second channel to perform hand-shaking and closes a second PWRGD switch when the PoE voltage is detected on the second channel. A diode bridge couples both channels to a single regulating power supply that supplies power to a load. Auxiliary switches are controlled by the PWRGD signals so that only the first channel or the second channel is coupled to the diode bridge in the event that both channels receive the respective PoE voltages. Therefore, hot standby is provided using only one power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Charles Huff, Jeffrey Lynn Heath, Kaung Zin Htoo, Kirk Tzukai Su
  • Patent number: 8581438
    Abstract: A system for providing power to a load, having first and second power supply inputs respectively responsive to first and second input signals from first and second power supply sources to supply power to the load. For example, the first power supply input may be configured for supplying the load with power received from a communication link, such as an Ethernet link, and the second power supply input may be configured for supplying the load with power from an auxiliary power source. A power converter is provided to produce an output signal for supplying power to the load in response to the second input signal. The power converter is controlled to produce the output signal in accordance with a value of the first input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn Heath, John Arthur Stineman, Ryan Charles Huff, Kirk Tzukai Su
  • Publication number: 20120303981
    Abstract: A system for providing power to a load, having first and second power supply inputs respectively responsive to first and second input signals from first and second power supply sources to supply power to the load. For example, the first power supply input may be configured for supplying the load with power received from a communication link, such as an Ethernet link, and the second power supply input may be configured for supplying the load with power from an auxiliary power source. A power converter is provided to produce an output signal for supplying power to the load in response to the second input signal. The power converter is controlled to produce the output signal in accordance with a value of the first input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn HEATH, John Arthur Stineman, Ryan Charles Huff, Kirk Tzukai Su
  • Publication number: 20110125341
    Abstract: A system for providing power to a load, having first and second power supply inputs respectively responsive to first and second input signals from first and second power supply sources to supply power to the load. For example, the first power supply input may be configured for supplying the load with power received from a communication link, such as an Ethernet link, and the second power supply input may be configured for supplying the load with power from an auxiliary power source. A power converter is provided to produce an output signal for supplying power to the load in response to the second input signal. The power converter is controlled to produce the output signal in accordance with a value of the first input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn HEATH, John Arthur Stineman, Ryan Charles Huff, Kirk Tzukai Su