Patents by Inventor Reigh Allen Walling
Reigh Allen Walling 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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Patent number: 10135247Abstract: A method and system for use in controlling an electric network are provided. The system includes an Integrated Volt-VAr Control (IVVC) component configured to determine optimization parameters for slow dynamics electromechanical devices and fast dynamics DER devices coupled to the network. The slow dynamics devices are controlled by a present state of the electric network and a voltage rise table that is adaptively updated in real-time using a command output, or a power flow-based complete optimization routine that generates optimal setpoints for the traditional controllable assets and for at least some of the fast dynamics DER devices. The fast dynamics devices are controlled locally using a control algorithm that uses a reactive power contribution based on IVVC settings, based on photo-voltaic (PV) plant active power variations, based on power factor, or based on a voltage of the local electric network.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2013Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Rayette Ann Fisher, Wei Ren, Murali Mohan Baggu Datta Venkata Satya, Felipe Antonio Chegury Viana, Krishna Kumar Anaparthi, Reigh Allen Walling
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Patent number: 9389631Abstract: A reactive power control system is provided. The reactive power control system computes a required value for a reactive power based on a state observer method for at least one electrical element in an electrical system. The reactive power control system also generates a reactive power command based on the required value of the reactive power. The reactive power control system further transmits the reactive power command to the electrical element in the electrical system for generating the required value of reactive power to compensate for a voltage change induced by the respective electrical element in the electrical system.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ara Panosyan, Daniel Kotzor, Reigh Allen Walling, Johannes Huber
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Patent number: 9252596Abstract: A reactive power compensation method includes generating a variable power factor curve for at least one power generator based on information regarding network parameters; obtaining a value of an active output power parameter from the at least one generator; computing a reactive power based on the variable power factor curve and the value of the active power output parameter of the at least one generator; generating a reactive power compensation command based on the computed reactive power; and transmitting the reactive power compensation command to the at least one power generator for controlling operation of the at least one power generator.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2011Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ara Panosyan, Reigh Allen Walling
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Patent number: 9178350Abstract: A system for distributing electrical current to a plurality of loads includes a first sensor coupled to an input of a protection zone for measuring a first current entering the protection zone, wherein the protection zone includes at least a portion of an electrical distribution feeder. The system also includes a second sensor coupled to an output of the protection zone for measuring a second current exiting the protection zone, and a processor coupled to the first sensor and to the second sensor. The processor is programmed to receive measurements representative of the first current and the second current, and calculate a reactive current differential of the protection zone based on the first current and the second current. The processor is also programmed to compare the reactive current differential with a fault threshold, and generate an error notification if the reactive current differential is greater than the fault threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Pan Yan, Reigh Allen Walling, Amol Rajaram Kolwalkar, Michael Lewis Reichard, Wei Ren, Swakshar Ray
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Publication number: 20150112496Abstract: A method and system for use in controlling an electric network are provided. The system includes an Integrated Volt-VAr Control (IVVC) component configured to determine optimization parameters for slow dynamics electromechanical devices and fast dynamics DER devices coupled to the network. The slow dynamics devices are controlled by a present state of the electric network and a voltage rise table that is adaptively updated in real-time using a command output, or a power flow-based complete optimization routine that generates optimal setpoints for the traditional controllable assets and for at least some of the fast dynamics DER devices. The fast dynamics devices are controlled locally using a control algorithm that uses a reactive power contribution based on IVVC settings, based on photo-voltaic (PV) plant active power variations, based on power factor, or based on a voltage of the local electric network.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Rayette Ann Fisher, Wei Ren, Murali Mohan Baggu Datta Venkata Satya, Felipe Antonio Chegury Viana, Krishna Kumar Anaparthi, Reigh Allen Walling
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Patent number: 8908343Abstract: An electric distribution system includes at least one feeder and a protection and control system. The feeder includes at least one segment including a first end and an opposing second end. The protection and control system includes a protective device and an electric current measuring device coupled to the segment proximate each end. The system further includes at least one processor coupled in communication with the electric current measuring devices. The at least one processor is programmed to determine a difference between a synchronized first electric current measured proximate the first end and a synchronized second electric current measured proximate the opposing second end and determine a switching condition of the protective devices as a function of the difference between the synchronized first and second electric currents.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yan Pan, Wei Ren, Swakshar Ray, Michael Reichard, Amol Rajaram Kolwalkar, Reigh Allen Walling
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Publication number: 20130320770Abstract: A reactive power control system is provided. The reactive power control system computes a required value for a reactive power based on a state observer method for at least one electrical element in an electrical system. The reactive power control system also generates a reactive power command based on the required value of the reactive power.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Ara Panosyan, Daniel Kotzor, Reigh Allen Walling, Jonannes Huber
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Patent number: 8600573Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously restoring power to loads in a distribution network that experienced an outage. The pickup load on the feeder in the distribution network is estimated and the load limit on the feeder is determined. The load on the feeder is divided into groups based on the load limit. A restoration load control process is determined, and power is restored to each of the groups simultaneously based on the power restoration control process.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jason Wayne Black, Harjeet Johal, Devon Leigh Manz, Reigh Allen Walling, William Jerome Burke
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Publication number: 20130134789Abstract: A reactive power compensation method includes generating a variable power factor curve for at least one power generator based on information regarding network parameters; obtaining a value of an active output power parameter from the at least one generator; computing a reactive power based on the variable power factor curve and the value of the active power output parameter of the at least one generator; generating a reactive power compensation command based on the computed reactive power; and transmitting the reactive power compensation command to the at least one power generator for controlling operation of the at least one power generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Ara Panosyan, Reigh Allen Walling
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Publication number: 20130138366Abstract: A system for distributing electrical current to a plurality of loads includes a first sensor coupled to an input of a protection zone for measuring a first current entering the protection zone, wherein the protection zone includes at least a portion of an electrical distribution feeder. The system also includes a second sensor coupled to an output of the protection zone for measuring a second current exiting the protection zone, and a processor coupled to the first sensor and to the second sensor. The processor is programmed to receive measurements representative of the first current and the second current, and calculate a reactive current differential of the protection zone based on the first current and the second current. The processor is also programmed to compare the reactive current differential with a fault threshold, and generate an error notification if the reactive current differential is greater than the fault threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventors: Pan Yan, Reigh Allen Walling, Amol Rajaram Kolwalkar, Michael Lewis Reichard, Wei Ren, Swakshar Ray
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Publication number: 20130107407Abstract: An electric distribution system includes at least one feeder and a protection and control system. The feeder includes at least one segment including a first end and an opposing second end. The protection and control system includes a protective device and an electric current measuring device coupled to the segment proximate each end. The system further includes at least one processor coupled in communication with the electric current measuring devices. The at least one processor is programmed to determine a difference between a synchronized first electric current measured proximate the first end and a synchronized second electric current measured proximate the opposing second end and determine a switching condition of the protective devices as a function of the difference between the synchronized first and second electric currents.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Yan Pan, Wei Ren, Swakshar Ray, Michael Reichard, Amol Rajaram Kolwalkar, Reigh Allen Walling
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Patent number: 8405247Abstract: A method of assembling a motor stall correction system includes coupling an inverter-based electric power generation device to an electric power inverter assembly. The method also includes coupling the electric power inverter assembly to at least one induction motor. The method further includes operatively coupling at least one controller to the electric power inverter assembly. The controller is programmed to transmit electric current from the inverter-based electric power generation device to the electric power inverter assembly. The controller is also programmed to transmit real current and reactive current from the electric power inverter assembly to the induction motor. The controller is further programmed to modulate the real current and the reactive current as a function of at least one of an electric power grid frequency and an electric power grid voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nicholas W. Miller, Robert William Delmerico, Reigh Allen Walling, Einar Vaughn Larsen
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Publication number: 20120158198Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously restoring power to loads in a distribution network that experienced an outage. The pickup load on the feeder in the distribution network is estimated and the load limit on the feeder is determined. The load on the feeder is divided into groups based on the load limit. A restoration load control process is determined, and power is restored to each of the groups simultaneously based on the power restoration control process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Jason Wayne Black, Harjeet Johal, Devon Leigh Manz, Reigh Allen Walling, William Jerome Burke
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Publication number: 20120049629Abstract: A method of assembling a motor stall correction system includes coupling an inverter-based electric power generation device to an electric power inverter assembly. The method also includes coupling the electric power inverter assembly to at least one induction motor. The method further includes operatively coupling at least one controller to the electric power inverter assembly. The controller is programmed to transmit electric current from the inverter-based electric power generation device to the electric power inverter assembly. The controller is also programmed to transmit real current and reactive current from the electric power inverter assembly to the induction motor. The controller is further programmed to modulate the real current and the reactive current as a function of at least one of an electric power grid frequency and an electric power grid voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Nicholas W. Miller, Robert William Delmerico, Reigh Allen Walling, Einar Vaughn Larsen
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Patent number: 7990743Abstract: A solar farm system is provided that is configured for reducing electrical loss. The solar farm system includes a plurality of PV arrays coupled to inverters and a collector system including a conductor or network of conductors. The collector system also includes a plurality of transformers with one or more transformers connected between the inverters and the conductors. The solar farm also includes a substation transformer connecting the solar farm collector system to the electrical grid. The solar farm includes a control system configured to determine at least one operating parameter for the solar farm system to reduce electrical loss and to regulate the collector system and the plurality of inverters based at least in part on the at least one operating parameter.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Reigh Allen Walling, Mark Edward Cardinal, Robert William Delmerico, Nicholas Wright Miller
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Publication number: 20110141641Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided for protecting dynamoelectric machinery. The circuit breaker includes a feeder input connection connected to a feeder line. The feeder line is connected to a dynamoelectric machine. A substation connection is connected to a substation bus. An interrupting breaker is connected between the feeder input connection and the substation connection. A shorting switch is connected to the feeder input connection, and an impedance device is connected to the shorting switch and a ground or neutral. The impedance device, shorting switch and ground/neutral reduces excessive voltages on the feeder line when the feeder line is isolated from the substation by the circuit breaker, and the impedance device is selected to reduce a torque transient experienced by the dynamoelectric machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventors: Reigh Allen Walling, Einar Vaughn Larsen, Kara Clark
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Patent number: 7939970Abstract: A method and system for reducing the cost of a combined offshore wind generation plant is provided by coupling the AC output of plural wind turbine generators to a single AC-DC converter prior to transmission of the DC power to an onshore DC-AC inverter site. The wind speed is monitored at selected locations within the wind plant, optionally, at selected turbine generators, and the operating frequency of the AC-DC converter is adjusted in accordance with a combine wind speed signal to permit operation of the plural wind turbines as a group. AC-DC followed by DC-AC conversions decouples the AC frequency produced by the wind turbines and allows the turbines to operate at variable frequency as a group.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Reigh Allen Walling, Einar Vaughn Larsen, Robert William Delmerico
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Publication number: 20100138061Abstract: A solar farm system is provided that is configured for reducing electrical loss. The solar farm system includes a plurality of PV arrays coupled to inverters and a collector system including a conductor or network of conductors. The collector system also includes a plurality of transformers with one or more transformers connected between the inverters and the conductors. The solar farm also includes a substation transformer connecting the solar farm collector system to the electrical grid. The solar farm includes a control system configured to determine at least one operating parameter for the solar farm system to reduce electrical loss and to regulate the collector system and the plurality of inverters based at least in part on the at least one operating parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: REIGH ALLEN WALLING, MARK EDWARD CARDINAL, ROBERT WILLIAM DELMERICO, NICHOLAS WRIGHT MILLER
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Patent number: 7376491Abstract: A method for detecting islanding conditions in an electrical grid having a power line voltage includes monitoring a detectable signal different from the power line voltage at a generating station, superimposing the detectable signal onto the power line voltage at a grid point outside the generating station, and switching the generating station from a grid-connected mode of operation to an islanded mode of operation when the signal to which the detector is responsive is determined to be absent.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Reigh Allen Walling, Andre Langel
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Patent number: 7271571Abstract: A system for providing anti-islanding protection of a synchronous machine based distributed generator includes a frequency sensor configured to generate a generator frequency signal, a bandpass filter configured for filtering the generator frequency signal, a governor controller configured for using the filtered frequency signal to generate a power feedback signal, and a governor summation element configured for summing the filtered frequency signal, the power feedback signal, and a reference power to provide an electrical torque signal. Another system includes a voltage sensor configured to generate a generator terminal voltage signal, a feedback power calculator configured for generating a reactive feedback power signal, a bandpass filter configured for filtering the terminal voltage signal, and a PI controller summation element configured for summing the filtered terminal voltage signal, the reactive power feedback signal, and a reference reactive power to provide an error signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Zhihong Ye, Pengwei Du, John Keith Nelson, Nicholas Wright Miller, Reigh Allen Walling