Abstract: A control system and method obtain a stress profile of a device disposed onboard industrial equipment. The stress profile represents a stress characteristic of the device over time during operation of the industrial equipment. The system and method determine a smooth zero crossing function based on the stress profile. The smooth zero crossing function includes spikes that represent reversals of the stress characteristic. The system and method generate a control signal based on the smooth zero crossing function.

Abstract: A method and control system includes controlling operation of a vehicle system according to a first set of operating conditions while the vehicle system is moving along a route. The vehicle system including plural vehicles with two or more vehicles of the vehicle system contributing a predetermined amount of effort to propel the vehicle system to move along the route based on the first set of operating conditions. Responsive to determining a revised amount of effort that at least one of the two or more vehicles of the vehicle system needs to contribute to propel the vehicle system to control one or more performance variables of the vehicle system, the vehicle system may be automatically controlled according to a second set of operating conditions. At least one vehicle may contribute the revised amount of effort while the vehicle system operates according to the second set of operating conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the control of an industrial asset, such as a power generating asset. Accordingly, a cyber-attack model predicts a plurality of operational impacts on the industrial asset resulting from a plurality of potential cyber-attacks. The cyber-attack model also predicts a corresponding plurality of potential mitigation responses. In operation, a cyber-attack impacting at least one component of the industrial asset is detected via the cyber-attack neutralization module and a protected operational impact of the cyber-attack is identified based on the cyber-attack model. The cyber-attack neutralization module selects at least one mitigation response of the plurality of mitigation responses based on the predicted operational impact and an operating state of the industrial asset is altered based on the selected mitigation response.

Abstract: A method for providing backup control for a supervisory controller of at least one wind turbine includes observing, via a learning-based backup controller of the at least one wind turbine, at least one operating parameter of the supervisory controller under normal operation. The method also includes learning, via the learning-based backup controller, one or more control actions of the at least one wind turbine based on the operating parameter(s). Further, the method includes receiving, via the learning-based backup controller, an indication that the supervisory controller is unavailable to continue the normal operation. Upon receipt of the indication, the method includes controlling, via the learning-based backup controller, the wind turbine(s) using the learned one or more control actions until the supervisory controller becomes available again. Moreover, the control action(s) defines a delta that one or more setpoints of the wind turbine(s) should be adjusted by to achieve a desired outcome.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a wind turbine. Accordingly, a controller of the wind turbine detects a loss of traction of the slip coupling based on a difference between data indicative of a rotor operating parameter and data indicative of a generator operating parameter. The controller then determines an angle of slip corresponding to the loss of traction as a function of the difference. Based, at least partially on the angle of slip, a degradation value for the slip coupling is determined. A control action is implemented based on the degradation value.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the control of an industrial asset, such as a power generating asset. Accordingly, an interceptor module receives a state-change instruction from a state module that directs a change from a first state condition to a second state condition. The first and second state conditions direct modes of operation of at least one sub module of the controller of the industrial asset. The interceptor module then correlates the state-change instruction to a state-change classification. Based on the state-change classification, the interceptor module identifies an indication of a mode-switching attack. In response to the identification of the mode-switching attack, at least one mitigation response is implemented.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the control of an industrial asset, such as a power generating asset. Accordingly, a cyber-attack model predicts a plurality of operational impacts on the industrial asset resulting from a plurality of potential cyber-attacks. The cyber-attack model also predicts a corresponding plurality of potential mitigation responses. In operation, a cyber-attack impacting at least one component of the industrial asset is detected via the cyber-attack neutralization module and a protected operational impact of the cyber-attack is identified based on the cyber-attack model. The cyber-attack neutralization module selects at least one mitigation response of the plurality of mitigation responses based on the predicted operational impact and an operating state of the industrial asset is altered based on the selected mitigation response.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a wind turbine. Accordingly, a controller of the wind turbine detects a loss of traction of the slip coupling based on a difference between data indicative of a rotor operating parameter and data indicative of a generator operating parameter. The controller then determines an angle of slip corresponding to the loss of traction as a function of the difference. Based, at least partially on the angle of slip, a degradation value for the slip coupling is determined. A control action is implemented based on the degradation value.

Abstract: A gas vent system for use in a wellbore that includes a substantially horizontal portion is provided. The gas vent system includes a gas vent conduit positioned within the wellbore. The gas vent conduit defining a gas vent intake passage situated within the substantially horizontal portion of the wellbore and configured to facilitate a flow of gaseous substances therethrough. A gas vent valve coupled to the gas vent conduit and situated outside the wellbore. The gas vent valve controls the flow of gaseous substances through the gas vent conduit.

Abstract: A controller for operating a prime mover of a rod pumping unit includes a processor configured to operate the prime mover over a first stroke and a second stroke. The controller is further configured to compute a first motor torque imbalance value for the first stroke and engage adjustment of a counter-balance. The controller is further configured to estimate a second motor torque imbalance value for the second stroke. The controller is further configured to disengage adjustment of the counter-balance during the second stroke upon the second motor torque imbalance value reaching a first imbalance range.

Abstract: A method of controlling a gas vent system to vent gas from a wellbore that includes a substantially horizontal portion. The method includes determining an initial operating mode of the gas vent system; generating one or more control signals established for the determined initial operation mode; and transmitting the one or more control signals to a gas vent valve that commands the closing or opening of the gas vent valve. A controller for use in venting gas from a wellbore is additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A system for enhancing a flow of a fluid induced by a rod pumping unit is provided. The system includes one or more sensors and a pumping control unit configured to control stroke movement of the rod pumping unit. The pumping control unit is configured to: (a) initiate at least one stroke of the rod pumping unit; (b) receive sensor data from the one or more sensors; (c) upon determination of a violation of a first set of constraints, make a first adjustment to the current stroke timing, and return to step (a); (d) upon determination of a violation of a second set of constraints, make a second adjustment to the current stroke timing, and return to step (a); and (e) upon determination of no violation of at least one set of constraints make a third adjustment to the current stroke timing, and return to step (a).

Abstract: A controller for operating a rod pumping unit includes a processor configured to operate the rod pumping unit at a pumping profile speed. The processor is further configured to compute a first downhole dynamometer card from surface measurements at the rod pumping unit. The processor is further configured to compute a second downhole dynamometer card from the surface measurements. The processor is further configured to validate at least one of the first downhole dynamometer card and the second downhole dynamometer card based on a rod pumping unit condition.

Abstract: A method of controlling a gas vent system to vent gas from a wellbore that includes a substantially horizontal portion. The method includes determining an initial operating mode of the gas vent system; generating one or more control signals established for the determined initial operation mode; and transmitting the one or more control signals to a gas vent valve that commands the closing or opening of the gas vent valve. A controller for use in venting gas from a wellbore is additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A control system for a rod pumping unit is disclosed herein. The control system includes a memory device, a sensor, and a processor. The memory device is configured to store a velocity profile for controlling a sucker rod string of the rod pumping unit. The sensor is configured to take measurements for determining surface load of the sucker rod string. The processor is configured to gain access to the memory device and the velocity profile. The processor is further configured to determine a reference force. The processor is further configured to receive a measurement from the sensor and determine the surface load. The processor is further configured to compute a desired velocity for commanding the rod pumping unit. The desired velocity is computed based on a reference velocity from the velocity profile, the reference force, and the surface load.

Abstract: A device includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is configured to generate a first signal corresponding to a detected first force. The second sensor is configured to generate a second signal corresponding to a detected second force. The first force and the second force has a substantially common direction. The device includes a processor configured to determine a measure of tension using the first signal and using the second signal. The measure of tension corresponds to displacement of an elongate member.

Abstract: A controller for operating a prime mover of a rod pumping unit includes a processor configured to operate the prime mover over a first stroke and a second stroke. The controller is further configured to compute a first motor torque imbalance value for the first stroke and engage adjustment of a counter-balance. The controller is further configured to estimate a second motor torque imbalance value for the second stroke. The controller is further configured to disengage adjustment of the counter-balance during the second stroke upon the second motor torque imbalance value reaching a first imbalance range.

Abstract: A controller for operating a rod pumping unit includes a processor configured to operate the rod pumping unit at a pumping profile speed. The processor is further configured to compute a first downhole dynamometer card from surface measurements at the rod pumping unit. The processor is further configured to compute a second downhole dynamometer card from the surface measurements. The processor is further configured to validate at least one of the first downhole dynamometer card and the second downhole dynamometer card based on a rod pumping unit condition.

Abstract: A gas vent system for use in a wellbore that includes a substantially horizontal portion is provided. The gas vent system includes a gas vent conduit positioned within the wellbore. The gas vent conduit defining a gas vent intake passage situated within the substantially horizontal portion of the wellbore and configured to facilitate a flow of gaseous substances therethrough. A gas vent valve coupled to the gas vent conduit and situated outside the wellbore. The gas vent valve controls the flow of gaseous substances through the gas vent conduit.

Abstract: A system for enhancing a flow of a fluid induced by a rod pumping unit is provided. A pumping control unit is configured to control stroke movement of the rod pumping unit. The pumping control unit is configured to store a first set of stroke timing data based on a first pressure level and a second set of stroke timing data based on a second pressure level, store a set of pressure weights, and receive a current pressure level. The current pressure level is between the first pressure level and the second pressure level. The pumping control unit is also configured to determine a current set of stroke timing data based on the current pressure level, the first set of stroke timing, the second set of stroke timing, and the set of pressure weights, and initiate at least one stroke of the rod pumping unit.