Abstract: A system for transforming the voltage of AC electrical energy by resonant charge exchange between a first node and a second node. The system includes a capacitor or series-connected column of capacitors and a controller that is configured to cause the system to repetitively conduct a primary charge exchange by resonantly exchanging energy between the capacitor or the series-connected column of capacitors and the first node, and then electrically isolate the capacitor or the series-connected column of capacitors. During the electrical isolation the system can electrically reconfigure the series-connected column of capacitors. The system then conducts a secondary charge exchange by resonantly exchanging energy between the capacitor or the reconfigured series-connected column of capacitors and the second node.

Abstract: A power transformation system that is constructed and arranged to transform power from one or more primary voltage nodes to a separate secondary voltage node using one or more columns comprised of a plurality of capacitive modules each of which is capable of being either electrically inserted into the column or electrically isolated and electrically bypassed. There is a secondary voltage node, at a non-ground potential, to which a first end of the column is electrically connected. In the two-primary node example there are two high voltage switches, each in series with a reactor; one high-voltage switch adapted to electrically connect a second end of the column to the first primary voltage node and the other high-voltage switch adapted to electrically connect the second end of the column to a second primary node.

Abstract: A power transformation system that is constructed and arranged to transform power from one or more primary voltage nodes to a separate secondary voltage node using one or more columns comprised of a plurality of capacitive modules each of which is capable of being either electrically inserted into the column or electrically isolated and electrically bypassed. There is a secondary voltage node, at a non-ground potential, to which a first end of the column is electrically connected. In the two-primary node example there are two high voltage switches, each in series with a reactor; one high-voltage switch adapted to electrically connect a second end of the column to the first primary voltage node and the other high-voltage switch adapted to electrically connect the second end of the column to a second primary node.

Abstract: A transformation system capable of efficiently transforming electrical power from one dc voltage to one or more other dc voltages or of regulating power flow within a network of constant nominal voltage; in each case without intermediate magnetic transformation. The transformation system is based on periodic and resonant delivery of charge from the first of two dc nodes to a system of capacitors, electrical reconfiguration of those capacitors, then delivery of power to one or more other dc nodes.

Abstract: transformation system capable of efficiently transforming electrical power from one dc voltage to one or more other dc voltages or of regulating power flow within a network of constant nominal voltage; in each case without intermediate magnetic transformation. The transformation system is based on periodic and resonant delivery of charge from the first of two dc nodes to a system of capacitors, electrical reconfiguration of those capacitors, then delivery of power to one or more other dc nodes.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for transfer of current to a conductor being drawn into place and, at the pulling end, from the old (pulling) conductor to the ongoing line. The current transfer can be simplified by making attachments to the new conductor and the pulling conductor at the center of the reels on which those conductors are wound, using either rotating liquid metal (e.g., mercury) contactor, or slip-ring/brush systems for current transfer.

Abstract: A high voltage transformer for transforming electric power from a high voltage direct current source to a lower voltage direct current or to a lower voltage alternating current, without intermediate magnetic transformation. The transformer has a number of stages. Each stage includes capacitors and switching devices. There is a controller that controls the switching devices to change the polarity of one or more capacitors.

Abstract: A transformation system capable of efficiently transforming electrical power from one dc voltage to a second dc voltage or of regulating power flow within a network of constant nominal voltage; in each case without intermediate magnetic transformation. The transformation system is based on periodic and resonant delivery of charge from the first of two dc nodes to a system of capacitors, electrical reconfiguration of those capacitors, then delivery of power to a second dc node.

Abstract: Equipment and associated methods for replacing existing overhead transmission line conductors with new ones while the transmission line remains in service and carrying power. The old conductor is used to pull the new conductor through a series of sheaves installed at the bottom of the insulator at each tower. Conventional tension-stringing equipment is used but it is elevated to line potential that is achieved by use of an insulating platform or insulating jacks. Current transfer between stationary and moving conductors is achieved by a current transfer device that may consist of transmission line contacting wheels and liquid metal contactors. Sag control in various conductor spans is enhanced by a stringing block with controllable friction. Equipment is also introduced which will prevent release of the conductor by the pulling device should it break while engaged by that device.

Abstract: A method for creating working space for construction of a new high-voltage transmission line within an existing three phase high voltage transmission right of way without removing the existing three-phase high voltage transmission line already occupying that right of way from service. The method includes removing the voltage applied to one phase of the existing transmission line, continuing to transmit power on the conductors comprising the remaining phases, and installing new support structures and their associated conductors on the right of way while the existing transmission line continues to operate.

Abstract: A high voltage transformer for transforming electric power from a high voltage direct current source to a lower voltage direct current or to a lower voltage alternating current, without intermediate magnetic transformation. The transformer has a number of stages. Each stage includes capacitors and switching devices. There is a controller that controls the switching devices to change the polarity of one or more capacitors.

Abstract: A system including associated equipment for transmitting radio-frequency power line carrier signals on high voltage ac or dc transmission lines within a multi-conductor bundle, one path for which is provided by one or more conductors located at the center of the bundle, and the other by the remaining conductors connected in electrical parallel and arrayed in a generally circular pattern around the center. Insulated conductor spacers hold the conductors in their symmetrical configuration and insulate the center conductor, allowing it to serve as a radio frequency path similar to that in a conventional coaxial cable. The system provides low attention, low vulnerability to external noise and low radiation of the carrier signal while providing redundant channels—three for ac transmission lines and two for bipolar dc transmission lines.

Abstract: A method for creating working space for construction of a new high-voltage transmission line within an existing three phase high voltage transmission right of way without removing the existing three-phase high voltage transmission line already occupying that right of way from service. The method includes removing the voltage applied to one phase of the existing transmission line, continuing to transmit power on the conductors comprising the remaining phases, and installing new support structures and their associated conductors on the right of way while the existing transmission line continues to operate.

Abstract: A method and associated equipment for replacing existing overhead transmission line conductors with new ones while the transmission line remains in service and carrying power. The invention uses the old conductor to pull the new conductor through a series of sheaves installed at the bottom of each tower insulator. Conventional tension-stringing principles are used to assure that both the old and new conductors maintain a safe distance from ground. To achieve this, both the pulling and tensioning (braking) equipment, as well as supply and take-up reels or drums may be elevated to power line voltage and the current is transferred between new conductor and old, while in transit to the line, by means of a brush system and a conducting wheel which may or may not be integral with pulling and tensioning equipment.

Abstract: A system and method, and robotic equipment for mechanical and/or electrical bypassing of short sections of energized high voltage line conductors by gripping the conductor at two close-by points, making good electrical and mechanical connection, then drawing the two points towards one another so as to relieve both mechanical and current-carrying duty of the bypassed conductor section. Doing so can provide slack on the bypassed conductor section for maintenance or repair while simultaneously providing an alternative path for electric current, or increase tension on the adjacent conductor sections by essentially shortening the conductor in the region where the invention is applied. The invention may then reverse direction, placing (stretch) tension on the bypassed conductor section and the point of repair to assure its mechanical integrity. Mechanical bypassing only to temporarily shorten specific conductor spans may be achieved by the same device.

Abstract: Equipment and associated methods for replacing existing overhead transmission line conductors with new ones while the transmission line remains in service and carrying power. The old conductor is used to pull the new conductor through a series of sheaves installed at the bottom of the insulator at each tower. Conventional tension-stringing equipment is used but it is elevated to line potential that is achieved by use of an insulating platform or insulating jacks. Current transfer between stationary and moving conductors is achieved by a current transfer device that may consist of transmission line contacting wheels and liquid metal contactors. Sag control in various conductor spans is enhanced by a stringing block with controllable friction. Equipment is also introduced which will prevent release of the conductor by the pulling device should it break while engaged by that device.

Abstract: A system including associated equipment for transmitting radio-frequency power line carrier signals on high voltage ac or dc transmission lines within a multi-conductor bundle, one path for which is provided by one or more conductors located at the center of the bundle, and the other by the remaining conductors connected in electrical parallel and arrayed in a generally circular pattern around the center. Insulated conductor spacers hold the conductors in their symmetrical configuration and insulate the center conductor, allowing it to serve as a radio frequency path similar to that in a conventional coaxial cable. The system provides low attention, low vulnerability to external noise and low radiation of the carrier signal while providing redundant channels—three for ac transmission lines and two for bipolar dc transmission lines.

Abstract: A systematic, time-varying current is applied to any number of transmission conductors while the voltage on each remains at an essentially constant level but periodically reversed in polarity. Variations in current, from high to low and from positive to negative, are timed to coordinate with the thermal time constant of the conductor or cable. Current is interrupted on each conductor for a short period around a zero value to allow reversal of voltage. This invention allows full thermal utilization of each conductor in the system while gaining the advantage afforded by sustained DC voltage.

Abstract: A systematic, time-varying current is applied to any number of transmission conductors while the voltage on each remains at an essentially constant level but periodically reversed in polarity. Variations in current, from high to low and from positive to negative, are timed to coordinate with the thermal time constant of the conductor or cable. Current is interrupted on each conductor for a short period around a zero value to allow reversal of voltage. This invention allows full thermal utilization of each conductor in the system while gaining the advantage afforded by sustained DC voltage.

Abstract: A current-modulation method of transmitting high voltage direct current (HVDC) power over a transmission system comprising at least three conductors, wherein each conductor has a nominal thermal limit to its current-carrying capacity. The method involves transmitting DC current over at least one conductor at a level which can exceed each such conductor's nominal thermally-limited current-carrying capacity, returning the transmitted current over a quantity of conductors greater than the quantity used to transmit at the higher level, so that each return current is less than the transmitted current, and periodically switching the current level in the conductors so as to rotate the higher level current among at least two of the conductors, such that, over time, the resistance heating of the conductors does not exceed any conductors' thermal limit.