Abstract: System and methods of operating a water heater receiving power from an electrical grid. The water heater includes a heating element, a controller, and a first control circuit. The first control circuit including an energizing terminal and a microprocessor. The method includes connecting an energizing terminal of the first control circuit between a power output terminal of the controller and the heating element, receiving driving power from the controller based on a temperature signal. The method also includes receiving a control signal from the controller based on electrical grid information, and selectively energizing the heating element, by the microprocessor of the first control circuit and through the energizing terminal of the first control circuit based on the control signal.

Abstract: System and methods of operating a water heater receiving power from an electrical grid. The water heater includes a heating element, a controller, and a first control circuit. The first control circuit including an energizing terminal and a microprocessor. The method includes connecting an energizing terminal of the first control circuit between a power output terminal of the controller and the heating element, receiving driving power from the controller based on a temperature signal. The method also includes receiving control signals from the controller based on electrical grid information, and selectively energizing the heating element, by the microprocessor of the first control circuit and through the energizing terminal of the first control circuit based on the control signals.

Abstract: An energy storage system including a thermal energy storage apparatus configured to store thermal energy, an electrical energy storage apparatus configured to electrical energy, and a controller including a memory and an electronic processor. The controller is configured to monitor one or more characteristics of at least one selected from the group consisting of the thermal energy storage apparatus and the electrical energy storage apparatus.

Abstract: System and methods of operating a water heater receiving power from an electrical grid. The water heater includes a heating element, a controller, and a first control circuit. The first control circuit including an energizing terminal and a microprocessor. The method includes connecting an energizing terminal of the first control circuit between a power output terminal of the controller and the heating element, receiving driving power from the controller based on a temperature signal. The method also includes receiving control signals from the controller based on electrical grid information, and selectively energizing the heating element, by the microprocessor of the first control circuit and through the energizing terminal of the first control circuit based on the control signals.

Abstract: A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a fluid-pumping application. The pumping apparatus includes a pump having an inlet to receive a fluid and an outlet to exhaust the fluid, and the motor coupled to the pump to operate the pump. The method includes the acts of controlling the motor to operate the pump and monitoring the operation of the pump. The monitoring act includes monitoring a power of the motor, and determining whether the monitored power indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump. The method further includes the act of controlling the motor to cease operation of the pump when the determination indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump and zero or more other conditions exist.

Abstract: An electro-optic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a high glass transition temperature (Tg?about 210° C.) polymer matrix featuring aromatic groups on the backbone repeating unit, which hosts a guest, high hyperpolarizability organic NLO chromophore. Electro-optic systems according to embodiments of the present invention exhibit relatively high electro optical activity and low optical loss, and may exhibit optical stability at temperatures exceeding 70° C. Guest-host polymer systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be formed into unique and appropriate shapes such as waveguides.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for an electric motor includes a spoke permanent magnet rotor and a shaft connected thereto. The spoke permanent magnet rotor has an axis of rotation, permanent magnet material, and ferro-magnetic material. The permanent magnet material extends outwardly relative to the axis of rotation to form a plurality of outwardly extending spoke portions of permanent magnet material. The ferro-magnetic material is positioned adjacent to the outwardly extending spoke portions of permanent magnet material. The shaft supports the spoke permanent magnet rotor for rotation about the axis of rotation. The permanent magnet material may circumferentially surround the axis of rotation to form a center portion of permanent magnet material. Further, the axis of rotation may pass through the permanent magnet material. The spoke permanent magnet rotor may be formed using a compaction process and/or an injection molding process.

Abstract: A process is given to improve adhesion in a polycarbonate-based electro-optic wave guide by treating one surface with oxygen plasma prior to applying a silane.