Abstract: A foundation system for modular hydropower systems and methods for constructing same. The foundation system is compatible with soils, particularly soils that are relatively loose or compressible, and thereby advantageous for the widespread implementation of low head modular hydropower systems. The foundation system includes pipe piles; sheet piles configured to be arranged transverse to the pipe piles; pile caps configured to be seated on top of the plurality of pipe piles; and a beam base slab configured to be securely positioned on top of the pile caps. A kit for the foundation system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes first and second dam modules, a power generation unit, and first and second turbine modules. The first dam module can be secured to a foundation of a dam site and redirect a first flow of water. The second dam module can be secured to the first dam module opposite the foundation and redirect a second flow of water. The first turbine module can be secured to the foundation. The second turbine module can be secured to the first turbine module opposite the foundation. The power generation unit includes a turbine to be driven by a third flow of water at least partially including at least one of the first flow of water or the second flow of water. The first turbine module includes a draft tube having an inlet to receive water from the turbine and an outlet to discharge water from the first turbine module.

Abstract: A pumped storage hydropower apparatus includes a housing and at least one pump disposed within the housing. The at least one pump is configured to operate in a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation based on an operation condition including at least one of a time or a price of electrical power from a remote electrical power source. In the first mode of operation, the at least one pump receives a first flow of water from a first water storage unit, transports the first flow to a second water storage unit, and generates electrical power for transmission to the remote electrical power source. In the second mode of operation, the at least one pump receives a second flow of water from the second water storage unit, and transports the second flow to the first water storage unit using electrical power from the remote electrical power source.

Abstract: A system includes first and second dam modules, a power generation unit, and first and second turbine modules. The first dam module can be secured to a foundation of a dam site and redirect a first flow of water. The second dam module can be secured to the first dam module opposite the foundation and redirect a second flow of water. The first turbine module can be secured to the foundation. The second turbine module can be secured to the first turbine module opposite the foundation. The power generation unit includes a turbine to be driven by a third flow of water at least partially including at least one of the first flow of water or the second flow of water. The first turbine module includes a draft tube having an inlet to receive water from the turbine and an outlet to discharge water from the first turbine module.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a shipping container holding a frame, and a plurality of assemblies attached to a surface of the frame. Each assembly of the plurality of assemblies includes a generator and a turbine coupled to the generator. The generator is configured to generate electricity in response to rotation of the turbine. One or more walls of the shipping container are removable to remove the frame from within the shipping container.

Abstract: A pumped storage hydropower apparatus includes a housing and at least one pump disposed within the housing. The at least one pump is configured to operate in a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation based on an operation condition including at least one of a time or a price of electrical power from a remote electrical power source. In the first mode of operation, the at least one pump receives a first flow of water from a first water storage unit, transports the first flow to a second water storage unit, and generates electrical power for transmission to the remote electrical power source. In the second mode of operation, the at least one pump receives a second flow of water from the second water storage unit, and transports the second flow to the first water storage unit using electrical power from the remote electrical power source.

Abstract: A pick and place machine includes a placement head configured to releasably grasp a component for placement. A robotic system is coupled to the placement head to generate relative movement between the placement head and a workpiece. An image acquisition system is configured to acquire at least one image of an intended placement location of the component before the component is placed. A controller is operably coupled to the image acquisition system, the controller is configured to process at least one before-placement image to generate a metric relative to solder deposited at the intended placement location.

Abstract: Improved component placement inspection and verification is performed by a pick and place machine. Improvements include stereovision imaging of the intended placement location; enhanced illumination to facilitate the provision of relatively high-power illumination in the restricted space near the placement nozzle(s); optics to allow image acquisition device to view the placement location from an angle relative to a plane of the placement location, thereby reducing the possibility of such images being obstructed by the component; techniques for rapidly acquiring images with commercially available CCD arrays such that acquisition of before and after images does not substantially impact system throughput; and image processing techniques to provide component inspection and verification information.

Abstract: Improved component placement inspection and verification is performed by a pick and place machine. Improvements include stereovision imaging of the intended placement location; enhanced illumination to facilitate the provision of relatively high-power illumination in the restricted space near the placement nozzle(s); optics to allow image acquisition device to view the placement location from an angle relative to a plane of the placement location, thereby reducing the possibility of such images being obstructed by the component; techniques for rapidly acquiring images with commercially available CCD arrays such that acquisition of before and after images does not substantially impact system throughput; and image processing techniques to provide component inspection and verification information.

Abstract: Improved component placement inspection and verification is performed by a pick and place machine. Improvements include stereovision imaging of the intended placement location; enhanced illumination to facilitate the provision of relatively high-power illumination in the restricted space near the placement nozzle(s); optics to allow image acquisition device to view the placement location from an angle relative to a plane of the placement location, thereby reducing the possibility of such images being obstructed by the component; techniques for rapidly acquiring images with commercially available CCD arrays such that acquisition of before and after images does not substantially impact system throughput; and image processing techniques to provide component inspection and verification information.

Abstract: A pick and place machine includes a sensor disposed to acquire an image of a nozzle before a pick operation, and one or more images after the pick operation. Image analytics based upon these images reveal important characteristics that can be used to classify the pick operation. In some embodiments, a plurality of after-pick images are acquired at different poses (angular orientations).

Abstract: An electronics assembly apparatus with improved pick evaluation is provided. The apparatus includes a placement head having at least one nozzle for releasably picking up and holding a component. A robotic system is provided for generating relative movement between the placement head and a workpiece, such as a circuit board. An image acquisition system is disposed to obtain at least one before-pick image of a component pick up location and at least one after-pick image of the component pick up location. The before-pick image contains a plurality of image portions, having each image portion view the pick-up location from a different point of view, while the after-pick image contains a plurality of image portions, having each image portion view the pick-up location from a different point of view.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention improve upon component level inspection performed by pick and place machines. Such improvements include inspecting the pick operation in pick and place machines by collecting images of the pick event inside the machine and identifying errors as they happen. By detecting and displaying this information as it generated on the machine, the operator or machine can take prompt and effective corrective actions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of determining a location of a component on a workpiece. A before-placement standard image is acquired of an intended placement location on a standard workpiece. Then, a standard component is placed upon the standard workpiece and the placement is verified. An after-placement standard image is acquired and a standard difference image is created from the before and after standard images. Then, a before-placement test image is acquired of an intended placement location on the workpiece. A component is then placed upon the workpiece, and after-placement test image is acquired. A test difference image is created from the before and after test images. A first offset is calculated between the before standard difference image and the before test image. Then, the test difference is transformed based on the first offset to generate a difference test image (DTR) that is registered to the standard difference image.