Patents by Inventor Sean Michael James

Sean Michael James 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).

  • Publication number: 20240414892
    Abstract: A system may include a datacenter supervisory control system (SCS). A system may include at least one datacenter sensor in data communication with the SCS to communicate a datacenter state variable to the SCS. A system may include at least one environmental sensor in data communication with the SCS to communicate an environmental state variable to the SCS. A system may include a water aware controller in data communication with the SCS, wherein the water aware controller includes a predictor that receives a datacenter state input based on the datacenter state variable, the environmental state input based on the environmental state variable, and at least one user objective function, and the water aware controller transmits a selected action to the SCS to meet a setpoint based on the datacenter state input and the environmental state input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: Ehsan NASR AZADANI, Eric C. PETERSON, Winston Allen SAUNDERS, Sean Patrick ABBOTT, Mark Alan MONROE, Sean Michael JAMES, Kristofer Andrew JOHNSON, Christian L. BELADY, Anthony Joseph BIANCHI
  • Publication number: 20240372389
    Abstract: A system may include a first energy storage system (ESS) configured to provide electrical power to a datacenter. A system may include a second ESS configured to provide electrical power to the datacenter, wherein the second ESS is a higher-level ESS relative to the first ESS. A system may include a hierarchical ESS controller in data communication with the first ESS, the second ESS, and the datacenter and configured to: obtain grid information from a regional power grid, obtain first ESS state information, obtain second ESS state information, obtain datacenter power demands, determine a discharge schedule of the first ESS and the second ESS for the datacenter based at least partially on the grid information and the datacenter power demands, and discharge at least one of the first ESS and the second ESS based on the discharge schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2023
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Ehsan NASR AZADANI, Christian L. BELADY, Sean Michael JAMES
  • Publication number: 20240332971
    Abstract: A system for providing power to a datacenter includes an information technology (IT) load, a grid connection, a grid information source, a discretely refuellable energy source, and an energy controller. The grid connection provides electrical communication between the IT load and a power grid. The grid information source is in communication with the grid connection and configured to obtain grid information. The discretely refuellable energy source is in electrical communication with the IT load. The energy controller is in data communication with the grid information source and configured to discharge the discretely refuellable energy source to the IT load based at least partially on the grid information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Ehsan NASR AZADANI, Christian L. BELADY, Paul Andrew CHURNOCK, Sean Michael JAMES
  • Publication number: 20240266565
    Abstract: Techniques of deploying fuel cells in a facility are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a location of the receptacle at the facility that the fuel cell is connected upon detecting the fuel connector of the second side of the carrier being coupled to a fuel port at a receptacle at the facility. The method can then include generating and storing, in a database, a fuel cell record indicating that the fuel cell is physically connected to the receptacle at the identified location in the facility and instructing a control device in the facility corresponding to the identified location to provide fuel to the fuel cell via the fuel port, the fuel connector, the connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier, and the fuel inlet of the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas KEEHN, Eric Clarence PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES
  • Patent number: 11990653
    Abstract: Techniques of deploying fuel cells in a facility are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a location of the receptacle at the facility that the fuel cell is connected upon detecting the fuel connector of the second side of the carrier being coupled to a fuel port at a receptacle at the facility. The method can then include generating and storing, in a database, a fuel cell record indicating that the fuel cell is physically connected to the receptacle at the identified location in the facility and instructing a control device in the facility corresponding to the identified location to provide fuel to the fuel cell via the fuel port, the fuel connector, the connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier, and the fuel inlet of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Keehn, Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Publication number: 20230422435
    Abstract: A processing unit includes a first die and a second die with a microfluidic volume between the first die and the second die. At least one heat transfer structure couples the first die to the second die and is located in the microfluid volume. An electrochemical fluid is positioned in the microfluidic volume to provide electrochemical energy to at least one of the first die and the second die and receive heat from the first die and the second die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Bharath RAMAKRISHNAN, Husam Atallah ALISSA, Christian L. BELADY, Sean Michael JAMES, Vaidehi ORUGANTI
  • Publication number: 20230403830
    Abstract: A thermal management system for cooling electronic devices includes an immersion cooling system, a vapor buffer tank, and a liquid buffer tank. The immersion cooling system includes an immersion tank defining an immersion chamber, a working fluid in the immersion chamber, and a condenser. A liquid portion of the working fluid defines an immersion bath in the immersion chamber and a vapor portion defines a headspace above the immersion bath in the immersion chamber. The condenser condenses the vapor portion of the working fluid to the liquid portion of the working fluid. The vapor buffer tank is in fluid communication with the headspace, and a vapor valve selectively allows fluid communication between the vapor buffer tank and the headspace. The liquid buffer tank is in fluid communication with the immersion chamber, and a liquid valve selectively allows fluid communication between the liquid buffer tank and the immersion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Husam Atallah ALISSA, Stephan Wayne GILGES, Eric C. PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES, Christian L. BELADY, Marcus Felipe FONTOURA, Ioannis MANOUSAKIS, Bharath RAMAKRISHNAN
  • Patent number: 11799105
    Abstract: Techniques of deploying fuel cells in a facility are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a location of the receptacle at the facility that the fuel cell is connected upon detecting the fuel connector of the second side of the carrier being coupled to a fuel port at a receptacle at the facility. The method can then include generating and storing, in a database, a fuel cell record indicating that the fuel cell is physically connected to the receptacle at the identified location in the facility and instructing a control device in the facility corresponding to the identified location to provide fuel to the fuel cell via the fuel port, the fuel connector, the connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier, and the fuel inlet of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Keehn, Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Patent number: 11792962
    Abstract: A thermal management system for cooling electronic devices includes an immersion cooling system, a vapor buffer tank, and a liquid buffer tank. The immersion cooling system includes an immersion tank defining an immersion chamber, a working fluid in the immersion chamber, and a condenser. A liquid portion of the working fluid defines an immersion bath in the immersion chamber and a vapor portion defines a headspace above the immersion bath in the immersion chamber. The condenser condenses the vapor portion of the working fluid to the liquid portion of the working fluid. The vapor buffer tank is in fluid communication with the headspace, and a vapor valve selectively allows fluid communication between the vapor buffer tank and the headspace. The liquid buffer tank is in fluid communication with the immersion chamber, and a liquid valve selectively allows fluid communication between the liquid buffer tank and the immersion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Husam Atallah Alissa, Stephan Wayne Gilges, Eric C. Peterson, Sean Michael James, Christian L. Belady, Marcus Felipe Fontoura, Ioannis Manousakis, Bharath Ramakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20230261219
    Abstract: Techniques of deploying fuel cells in a facility are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a location of the receptacle at the facility that the fuel cell is connected upon detecting the fuel connector of the second side of the carrier being coupled to a fuel port at a receptacle at the facility. The method can then include generating and storing, in a database, a fuel cell record indicating that the fuel cell is physically connected to the receptacle at the identified location in the facility and instructing a control device in the facility corresponding to the identified location to provide fuel to the fuel cell via the fuel port, the fuel connector, the connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier, and the fuel inlet of the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas KEEHN, Eric Clarence PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES
  • Patent number: 11600835
    Abstract: Fuel cell systems configured for efficient byproduct recovery and reuse are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a fuel cell system includes a reformer configured to reform a fuel containing methane (CH4) with steam to produce a reformed fuel having methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen (H2). The fuel cell system also includes a fuel cell configured to perform an electrochemical reaction between a first portion of the reformed fuel and oxygen (O2) to produce electricity and an exhaust having carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and a second portion of the reformed fuel. The fuel cell system further includes an oxygen enricher configured to generate an oxygen enriched gas and a combustion chamber configured to combust the second portion of the reformed fuel with the oxygen enriched gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Publication number: 20220416274
    Abstract: Techniques of deploying fuel cells in a facility are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a location of the receptacle at the facility that the fuel cell is connected upon detecting the fuel connector of the second side of the carrier being coupled to a fuel port at a receptacle at the facility. The method can then include generating and storing, in a database, a fuel cell record indicating that the fuel cell is physically connected to the receptacle at the identified location in the facility and instructing a control device in the facility corresponding to the identified location to provide fuel to the fuel cell via the fuel port, the fuel connector, the connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier, and the fuel inlet of the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas KEEHN, Eric Clarence PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES
  • Publication number: 20220361378
    Abstract: A thermal management system for cooling electronic devices includes an immersion cooling system, a vapor buffer tank, and a liquid buffer tank. The immersion cooling system includes an immersion tank defining an immersion chamber, a working fluid in the immersion chamber, and a condenser. A liquid portion of the working fluid defines an immersion bath in the immersion chamber and a vapor portion defines a headspace above the immersion bath in the immersion chamber. The condenser condenses the vapor portion of the working fluid to the liquid portion of the working fluid. The vapor buffer tank is in fluid communication with the headspace, and a vapor valve selectively allows fluid communication between the vapor buffer tank and the headspace. The liquid buffer tank is in fluid communication with the immersion chamber, and a liquid valve selectively allows fluid communication between the liquid buffer tank and the immersion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Husam Atallah ALISSA, Stephan Wayne GILGES, Eric C. PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES, Christian L. BELADY, Marcus Felipe FONTOURA, Ioannis MANOUSAKIS, Bharath RAMAKRISHNAN
  • Patent number: 11431008
    Abstract: Techniques of deploying fuel cells in a facility are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a location of the receptacle at the facility that the fuel cell is connected upon detecting the fuel connector of the second side of the carrier being coupled to a fuel port at a receptacle at the facility. The method can then include generating and storing, in a database, a fuel cell record indicating that the fuel cell is physically connected to the receptacle at the identified location in the facility and instructing a control device in the facility corresponding to the identified location to provide fuel to the fuel cell via the fuel port, the fuel connector, the connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier, and the fuel inlet of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Keehn, Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Patent number: 11416786
    Abstract: Improving the operations of a computer system that is located within a power grid and that is associated with its own power sources. Past operational characteristics of the power grid are analyzed to derive learned characteristics for the power grid. Future operational characteristics of the power grid are also monitored. A prediction regarding a future load event associated with the power grid is then generated using the learned characteristics and the monitored characteristics. In response to this prediction, one or more operations are performed to balance the computer system with the power grid during the future load event, and to ensure a determined availability of services associated with the computer system during the future load event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licesning, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Rees Helsel, Vincent Joseph Blas, Nicholas Andrew Keehn, Sean Michael James, Brandon Middaugh
  • Publication number: 20210351423
    Abstract: The disclosed technology is generally directed to fuel cells. In one example of the technology, a fuel cell stack that includes an anode and a cathode causes a load to be driven. A control subsystem is measures at least one characteristic associated with the load, and to provide at least one control signal based, at least in part, on the at least one characteristic. An oxidizing agent input subsystem provides an oxidizing agent to the cathode of the fuel cell stack. A fuel input subsystem provides gaseous fuel to the anode of the fuel cell stack. The fuel input subsystem includes a fuel pump that is arranged to pump the gaseous fuel into the fuel input subsystem. A fuel-side high-speed valve adjusts mass flow of the gaseous fuel to the cathode of the fuel cell stack based on at least a first control signal of the at least one control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Eric Clarence PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES, Nicholas Andrew KEEHN
  • Publication number: 20210296671
    Abstract: Fuel cell systems configured for efficient byproduct recovery and reuse are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a fuel cell system includes a reformer configured to reform a fuel containing methane (CH4) with steam to produce a reformed fuel having methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen (H2). The fuel cell system also includes a fuel cell configured to perform an electrochemical reaction between a first portion of the reformed fuel and oxygen (O2) to produce electricity and an exhaust having carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and a second portion of the reformed fuel. The fuel cell system further includes an oxygen enricher configured to generate an oxygen enriched gas and a combustion chamber configured to combust the second portion of the reformed fuel with the oxygen enriched gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Patent number: 11108065
    Abstract: The disclosed technology is generally directed to fuel cells. In one example of the technology, a fuel cell stack that includes an anode and a cathode causes a load to be driven. A control subsystem is measures at least one characteristic associated with the load, and to provide at least one control signal based, at least in part, on the at least one characteristic. An oxidizing agent input subsystem provides an oxidizing agent to the cathode of the fuel cell stack. A fuel input subsystem provides gaseous fuel to the anode of the fuel cell stack. The fuel input subsystem includes a fuel pump that is arranged to pump the gaseous fuel into the fuel input subsystem. A fuel-side high-speed valve adjusts mass flow of the gaseous fuel to the cathode of the fuel cell stack based on at least a first control signal of the at least one control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James, Nicholas Andrew Keehn
  • Patent number: 11056702
    Abstract: Fuel cell systems configured for efficient byproduct recovery and reuse are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a fuel cell system includes a reformer configured to reform a fuel containing methane (CH4) with steam to produce a reformed fuel having methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen (H2). The fuel cell system also includes a fuel cell configured to perform an electrochemical reaction between a first portion of the reformed fuel and oxygen (O2) to produce electricity and an exhaust having carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and a second portion of the reformed fuel. The fuel cell system further includes an oxygen enricher configured to generate an oxygen enriched gas and a combustion chamber configured to combust the second portion of the reformed fuel with the oxygen enriched gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Patent number: 11019753
    Abstract: In an example, a server system is provided. The server system includes a frame including a support structure and a server supported by the support structure. The server system includes an actuator configured to cause the server to transition from a first position to a second position to increase exposure of the server to airflow to transfer heat away from the server via convection. The actuator is also configured to cause the server to transition from the second position to the first position to decrease exposure of the server to the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Michael James, Eric C. Peterson, Michael Rees Helsel, Nicholas Andrew Keehn