Abstract: A representative seal system (such as a seal system for a turbopump of a rocket engine) automatically adjusts a balance ratio of a seal. The system can include a ring element encircling an axis. A front side of the ring element contacts a revolving surface to form a seal with the revolving surface. The front side can include a stepped surface having two or more steps. Each step includes a sealing surface configured to contact the revolving surface to form a sealing area that is different from a sealing area of each other sealing surface. Each step is positioned and configured to wear away during operation of the machine to expose an underlying surface to the revolving surface, to change the sealing area and the balance ratio of the seal. A representative method of operating a turbomachinery system includes changing the balance ratio of a seal while rotating a rotor.

Abstract: An AC trunk cable assembly and a system for coupling AC power to a power grid. In one embodiment, the AC trunk cable assembly comprises an AC trunk cable that (i) comprises at least two wires for carrying AC voltage phases, and (ii) does not have a ground wire; and a plurality of AC trunk splice connectors, spaced along the AC trunk cable, for coupling to a plurality of inverters in a one-to-one-correspondence, wherein each AC trunk splice connector of the plurality of AC trunk splice connectors comprises at least two phase-line conductors for coupling AC power from the corresponding inverter to the at least two wires of the AC trunk cable.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket that mechanically couples the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that positioning of the power electronic device can be dynamically interchanged between a retracted position in which the power electronic device is pressed flat to the backsheet, and an extended position in which the power electronic device is coupled to the backsheet with an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for mechanically coupling a power conditioning unit (PCU) to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base member, adapted for mounting a power conditioning unit (PCU) on a PV module backsheet, comprising a plurality of PCU retention members for retaining the PCU; and at least one compression spring, coupled to the base member, for maintaining the PCU in a position, with respect to the PV module backsheet, that can be dynamically changed between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A unified data model for creating a circuit design for a heterogeneous integrated circuit is provided. The unified data model is stored as a data structure in computer hardware. The unified data model includes a unified netlist specifying the circuit design and a unified device model representing the heterogeneous integrated circuit. The unified netlist includes netlist objects configured to communicate over bitwise connections and network connections representing packet-based communications. The unified netlist may be mapped to the unified device model using computer hardware. Using the computer hardware, at least a portion of the device model may be displayed in coordination with at least a portion of the unified netlist mapped thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket that mechanically couples the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that positioning of the power electronic device can be dynamically interchanged between a retracted position in which the power electronic device is pressed flat to the backsheet, and an extended position in which the power electronic device is coupled to the backsheet with an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket adapted to mechanically couple the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that the power electronic device can be interchangeably positioned in a retracted position and an extended position, the extended position having an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.

Abstract: An AC trunk cable assembly and a system for coupling AC power to a power grid. In one embodiment, the AC trunk cable assembly comprises an AC trunk cable that (i) comprises at least two wires for carrying AC voltage phases, and (ii) does not have a ground wire; and a plurality of AC trunk splice connectors, spaced along the AC trunk cable, for coupling to a plurality of inverters in a one-to-one-correspondence, wherein each AC trunk splice connector of the plurality of AC trunk splice connectors comprises at least two phase-line conductors for coupling AC power from the corresponding inverter to the at least two wires of the AC trunk cable.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are drawn to a method and apparatus for securing a segmented cable in manufacturing and for shipping and storage. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises two or more fixtures, each comprising a plurality of locking receptacles along a body of each fixture, wherein each of the plurality of locking receptacles comprises a locking mechanism to secure a connector of a plurality of connectors on a power cable.

Abstract: A system for power conversion without a connection to ground, comprises an inverter dimensioned and arranged to receive a DC input and generate, from the DC input, a first AC line voltage carrying output and a second AC line voltage carrying output. The inverter includes an enclosure formed from an insulating material, and a bulkhead connector interface having a first two terminal port that receives the DC input, and a second two terminal port that couples the first and the second AC line voltage carrying outputs to an AC line. The first two terminal port comprises a first keying feature to prevent a DC plug, adapted for being plugged into the DC port, from being plugged into the AC port. The second two terminal port comprises a second keying feature to prevent an AC plug, adapted for being plugged into the AC port, from being plugged into the DC port.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically coupling a power conditioner to a photovoltaic (PV) module frame. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a bracket, adapted for mechanically coupling the power conditioner to the PV module frame, comprising at least one inner-flange tab and at least one outer-flange tab for trapping a flange of the PV module frame between them; and at least one self-locking mounting structure for locking the bracket to the PV module frame without requiring any holes in the PV module frame.

Abstract: A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for presenting a power output from a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a connector assembly comprising (i) an encapsulated ribbon egress, integrated with the PV module, comprising a plurality of PV module substring interconnects electrically coupled to a plurality of PV cells of the PV module; and (ii) a connector comprising a two-pole DC electrical output that is electrically coupled to the plurality of PV module substring interconnects.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for mechanically coupling a power conditioning unit (PCU) to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base member, adapted for mounting a power conditioning unit (PCU) on a PV module backsheet, comprising a plurality of PCU retention members for retaining the PCU; and at least one compression spring, coupled to the base member, for maintaining the PCU in a position, with respect to the PV module backsheet, that can be dynamically changed between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and attaching one or more sensor devices to a surface of an electrical component is described. The apparatus comprises one or more sensor devices and a stencil fixture that holds at least one of the one or more sensor devices, where the stencil fixture positions the sensor at a location proximate to a surface of the electrical component prior to attaching the sensor to the surface of the electrical component.

Abstract: Modifying initialization data for a memory array of a circuit design can include providing, using a processor, portions of an incoming stream of data for initializing the memory array to emulation objects of a memory array emulator. The memory array emulator is configured to emulate an implementation of the memory array and the emulation objects represent block random access memories (block RAMs) of the memory array. Using the processor, the data can be formatted using the emulation objects to generate initialization data, wherein the data is formatted based upon configuration settings of the block RAMs emulated by the respective emulation objects. A configuration bitstream can be updated, using the processor, with the initialization data.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for mechanically coupling a power conditioning unit (PCU) to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base member, adapted for mounting a power conditioning unit (PCU) on a PV module backsheet, comprising a plurality of PCU retention members for retaining the PCU; and at least one compression spring, coupled to the base member, for maintaining the PCU in a position, with respect to the PV module backsheet, that can be dynamically changed between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal management for an electric device. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a primary heat spreader disposed within an enclosure that contains a printed circuit board (PCB) populated with at least one electrical component, wherein the primary heat spreader is thermally conductive and wherein the interior of the enclosure is at least partially filled with an encapsulating material; a secondary heat spreader coupled to an exterior face of a first wall of the enclosure, wherein the secondary heat spreader is thermally conductive; and a thermal interface coupled between the primary head spreader and the PCB, wherein the thermal interface is thermally conductive and electrically insulating.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and attaching one or more sensor devices to a surface of an electrical component is described.