Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed relating to food processing and preparation in commercial kitchens. The inventive extreme vacuum cooling (EVC) technology and apparatus for food rapid cooling and food flavor infusion can work in ultra low pressure conditions with adaptive chamber pressure control to avoid liquid splash inside the food chamber. The disclosed EVC cooling and food flavor infusion apparatus has a one-unit design for handing small payloads, and a dual-module design to handle larger payloads. It can accelerate the food marinating and brining process with substantial time savings. Using the EVC apparatus, large amounts of meats, vegetables, and fruits can be prepared with various flavor infusion recipes. Plant-forward and high-volume food service kitchens can become more time and energy efficient, less labor intensive, and higher throughput food preparation operations.

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 apparatus is disclosed relating to food preparation in commercial kitchens and food processing plants. The disclosed extreme vacuum cooling (EVC) technology and apparatus can work in ultra low pressure conditions with adaptive pressure control to avoid potential liquid splash inside the vacuum chamber caused by un-controlled low pressure conditions. Clean air is added into the vacuum chamber to allow the chamber pressure to track a setpoint trajectory that may have ramp up periods in order to avoid liquid splash events. The apparatus enables the user to cool various kinds of foods quickly, save energy, and meet food safety regulations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed relating to food preparation in commercial kitchens. The disclosed extreme vacuum cooling (EVC) technology and apparatus can work in ultra low pressure conditions with adaptive pressure control to avoid potential liquid splash inside the vacuum chamber caused by un-controlled low pressure conditions. Clean air or inert gas is added into the vacuum chamber so that the chamber pressure can track a setpoint trajectory that may have ramp up periods in order to avoid liquid splash events. The apparatus allows the user to automatically cool various kinds of foods based on a recipe with minimal human interaction and meet food safety regulations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed relating to food processing and preparation in commercial kitchens. The disclosed extreme vacuum cooling (EVC) technology and apparatus can work in ultra low pressure conditions with adaptive pressure control to avoid potential liquid splash inside the vacuum chamber caused by un-controlled low pressure conditions. Clean air or inert gas is added into the vacuum chamber so that the chamber pressure can track a setpoint trajectory that may have ramp up periods in order to avoid liquid splash events. The inventive apparatus allows the user to automatically cool various kinds of foods based on a recipe with minimal human interaction and meet food safety regulations. Different cooling recipes can be created based on the type and volume of the foods and a related vacuum pressure setpoint trajectory. High-volume food service kitchens can achieve less labor intensive, more time efficient, and higher throughput food preparation operations.

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 relating to smart renewable power generation systems with grid and 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 the electric grid or to an off-grid electric circuit to power AC loads; (4) supply DC power through one or multiple DC output ports to power DC loads; and (5) charge batteries. Various types of on-grid, off-grid, and on/off-grid DC flexible power inverters are described to demonstrate the innovation for delivering flexible, cost-effective, and user-friendly power generation systems to harvest any form of renewable energy available and convert it to usable electricity.

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 renewable power generation systems with grid and 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 the electric grid or to an off-grid electric circuit to power AC loads; (4) supply DC power through one or multiple DC output ports to power DC loads; and (5) charge batteries. Various types of on-grid, off-grid, and on/off-grid DC flexible power inverters are described to demonstrate the innovation for delivering flexible, cost-effective, and user-friendly power generation systems to harvest any form of renewable energy available and convert it to usable electricity.

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 that can monitor the solar power inverters in real-time both day and night, and generate surveillance alarms and actions when a solar power inverter is removed or disconnected from the AC powerline for unknown reasons. It offers a low cost and reliable surveillance means to help guard a residential-scale, commercial-scale, or utility-scale solar power system in real-time at all times.

Abstract: A Self-Organizing Process Control Architecture is introduced with a Sensing Layer, Control Layer, Actuation Layer, Process Layer, as well as Self-Organizing Sensors (SOS) and Self-Organizing Actuators (SOA). A Self-Organizing Sensor for a process variable with one or multiple input variables is disclosed. An artificial neural network (ANN) based dynamic modeling mechanism as part of the Self-Organizing Sensor is described. As a case example, a Self-Organizing Soft-Sensor for CFB Boiler Bed Height is presented. Also provided is a method to develop a Self-Organizing Sensor.

Abstract: A method includes a step of obtaining in a processing circuit a sequence of elements between a first device and a supply air temperature sensor of an air handling unit. The processing circuit also obtains an estimate for time constants associated with each element of the sequence. The processing circuit adds the time constants to obtain a process time constant estimate. The method further includes controlling a device based at least in part on the process time constant estimate.

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 renewable power generation systems with grid and 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 the electric grid or to an off-grid electric circuit to power AC loads; (4) supply DC power through one or multiple DC output ports to power DC loads; and (5) charge batteries. Various types of on-grid, off-grid, and on/off-grid DC flexible power inverters are described to demonstrate the innovation for delivering flexible, cost-effective, and user-friendly power generation systems to harvest any form of renewable energy available and convert it to usable electricity.

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: An enclosure design is disclosed to accommodate and support the unique features and capabilities of the Smart and Scalable Power Inverters or Mini-Inverters that have multiple input channels to easily connect to multiple solar PV panels, invert the DC power to AC power, and daisy chain together to generate AC power to feed the power grid or supply power to electrical devices. Further disclosed is a message system using LEDs (light-emitting diodes) mounted on the enclosure to indicate the system status and the status of each input channel of the Smart and Scalable Mini-Inverters.