Patents by Inventor Electric Power Research Institute
Electric Power Research Institute 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).
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Publication number: 20140145452Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for primary frequency regulation based on bang-bang control, the method comprises: obtaining in real-time a power grid frequency of a steam turbine generator set; performing a subtraction operation on a rated power grid frequency and said power grid frequency to generate a power grid frequency difference; performing a dead zone process on the power grid frequency difference according to a dead zone fixed value to generate a frequency difference; performing a frequency difference compensation operation on the frequency difference to generate a frequency difference compensation instruction; and combining an original primary frequency regulation output instruction with the frequency difference compensation instruction and outputting the result to a steam turbine speed regulation system when a selecting switch is 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicants: North China Electric Power Research Institute Co. Ltd., State Grid Corporation of ChinaInventors: State Grid Corporation of China, North China Electric Power Research Institute Co. Ltd.
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Publication number: 20130335727Abstract: A system and method for post-tensioned tendon monitoring includes at least one optical sensor arranged in monitoring proximity to a post-tensioned tendon, a test instrument in communication with the optical sensor, and a processor capable of managing operation of the test instrument, a storage device and a display. The system and method further include a database adapted to contain sensor baseline information and sensor measurement data. The test instrument is capable of sending a first wavelength to the optical sensor and receiving a second wavelength from the optical sensor, wherein at least one of the instrument or the processor is configured to analyze the second wavelength and output sensor measurement data for storage in the database. The processor is configured to calculate an amount of tensile loading which exists in the post-tensioned tendon, based on the sensor measurement data and the sensor baseline data, and to provide an output.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventor: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130291782Abstract: An underwater robot includes a body including a first end, and a second end, opposite the first end, and first and second actuation units positioned inside the body. Each actuation unit includes a pump and two valves connected to the pump. The first and second actuation units generate jets of fluid that are discharged through the first and second ends to propel the underwater robot, and the first and second ends are smooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: Electric Power Research InstituteInventor: Electric Power Research Institute
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Publication number: 20130294566Abstract: A control rod drive (CRD) tube, its manufacture, and installation in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) is disclosed. The control rod drive tube includes a tube body adapted to penetrate an aperture in the RPV head and an offset flange formed around a circumference of the tube body at a predetermined location along its length. The offset flange increases circumferentially from a first point along the circumference of the tube body to a second point along the circumference of the tube body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventor: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130214736Abstract: An apparatus and method of harvesting power for charging batteries of a robot traversing an overhead transmission conductor is disclosed. The apparatus is adapted to harvest power from the overhead transmission conductor and provide a DC voltage for charging a battery and includes a first shield wire bonded to a structure that is grounded to the earth, a second shield wire isolated from the structure, and a charging station. The first shield wire, second shield wire, structure, and earth form a loop into which induced currents flow. The charging station is electrically connected to the second shield wire and adapted to convert induced currents flowing along the second shield wire into a DC voltage for charging a battery of the charging station.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventor: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
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Publication number: 20130208760Abstract: A method for measuring the temperature of an electrical conductor, the method comprising (a) providing a clamp comprising a flexible, thermally conductive material in thermal contact with the electrical conductor, wherein the clamp has an outer surface of a known emissivity value, or a coating of a known emissivity value is disposed on the outer surface of the clamp and (b) measuring the infrared (IR) temperature of the clamp to determine the temperature of the electrical conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventor: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130169286Abstract: A sensor apparatus for detecting leakage current in a post-type insulator of an electrical power system includes: a sensor unit having a housing, the sensor unit including: a sensor assembly operable to generate an analog signal proportional to a received leakage current; an electronics module operable to covert the analog signal to a digital value; and a communications system operable to wirelessly transmit the digital value to an external receiver; a collection band adapted to be connected to an exterior surface of the insulator; and a transfer lead interconnecting the sensor assembly and the collection band, the transfer lead operable to transfer leakage current from the insulator from the collection band to the sensor assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventor: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
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APPARATUS AND METHOD OF VIBRATION TESTING FOR MANUFACTURING DEFECT DETECTION IN COMPOSITE INSULATORS
Publication number: 20130167615Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method for detecting defects in composite insulators used in power systems. The apparatus includes a test frame, a hydraulic cylinder connected to a first end of the test frame for imparting a load on a composite insulator, a hammer for imparting excitations into the composite insulator, and a data collection device for collecting frequency responses traveling in the composite insulator as a result of the hammer striking the insulator. The composite insulator is secured between the hydraulic cylinder and a second end of the test frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventor: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. -
Publication number: 20130169285Abstract: A sensor apparatus for detecting leakage current in a suspension-type insulator of an electrical power system is disclosed. The sensor apparatus includes a housing having a leakage current sensor contained therein, a door pivotally connected to the housing and adapted to move between an open position where a grounded end fitting of the insulator is received by the sensor apparatus and a closed position, and a clamping mechanism connected to the housing. The leakage current sensor is adapted to detect a leakage current along the insulator. The clamping mechanism is adapted to clamp the sensor apparatus to the grounded end fitting of the insulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventor: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130081486Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspection of tubes in a boiler is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to generate and detect guided-waves and a mechanical device adapted to reach into a tube bundle and clamp the sensor onto an interior tube selected for inspection. The mechanical device includes a housing adapted to contain the sensor and an air cylinder adapted to actuate the housing to allow the housing to clamp onto the interior tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventor: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130075942Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling concrete vibration is disclosed. The apparatus includes a global positioning sensor adapted to provide a location of a vibrator relative to a concrete structure, a recording device adapted to record data during vibration of the concrete, and a data transmission device adapted to transmit the data to a processor for analysis of the data to determine if the vibration is in compliance. The vibrator is adapted to vibrate the concrete to remove air contained therein and promote concrete consolidation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventor: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.