Patents by Inventor Simon Cawthorne
Simon Cawthorne 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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Publication number: 20200287378Abstract: An array (1001) of generator units (1020) each producing a DC electrical output that are connected in parallel to provide the array DC electrical output. The array is connectable to a receiving station (1026) by output power transmission cables (1024), each transmission cable being connected to a respective one of the generator units being array output units. Each array output unit is connected to at least one other of the generator units in order to receive the DC output from the respective connected generator unit, and each generator unit that is not an array output unit is connected to one or more array output unit and/or to one or more other non-array output generator unit so that its DC output is transmittable to any one or each of the units to which it is connected and so that the DC output of each generator unit is transmittable to said at least two output transmission cables (1022). The array further includes fault detection means for detecting faults in the transmission cables (1022, 1024).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Edward Spooner, Simon Cawthorne
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Publication number: 20200266629Abstract: An electrical generator for generating an AC electrical output, the generator comprising generator winding groups having a set of generator windings for each phase of the AC electrical output. Each set of generator windings is included in a respective electrically separate winding circuit. Each winding circuit includes a respective transformer winding in series with the or each generator winding of the respective set. The respective winding circuit further includes a respective normally closed switching device operable to break the respective winding circuit in the event of a fault. The generator unit further includes fault detection means configured to detect a fault in anyone of the winding circuits, and in response to detecting a fault to cause the respective switching device to break the respective winding circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: August 20, 2020Inventors: Edward Spooner, Simon Cawthorne
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Patent number: 9920747Abstract: A method of controlling power provided by a generator to an end system in which power is diverted from the output of said generator to an auxiliary system during periods of excessive power output from the generator. The diverted power is stored in an energy store and, during periods of lower power output from the generator, is returned to the end system by discharging the energy store. The diversion and return of power is controlled to maintain the power delivered to the end system at a desired mean power level. Diversion of power from the generator also has the effect of preventing the generator from producing excessive voltage levels.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Openhydro IP LimitedInventors: Edward Spooner, Simon Cawthorne
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Patent number: 9670897Abstract: A control system for controlling an operation of a hydroelectric turbine. The control system comprises a converter system to convert AC power, supplied by a generator connected to the turbine, and having a voltage and frequency that is a function of a rotational speed of the turbine, to AC power having a voltage and frequency of a transmission system for transmitting the AC power to a receiving station. The system further comprises a control unit that is arranged to co-operate with the converter system to adjust the AC voltage supplied by the generator in response to a water flow speed through the turbine to thereby control rotation of the turbine. The converter system comprises a first-stage converter and a second-stage converter, with a DC link provided between the first and second-stage converters. The first-stage converter is arranged to convert the AC power supplied by the generator to DC power.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Openhydro IP LimitedInventors: Edward Spooner, Simon Cawthorne, Wee Keong Khoo
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Patent number: 9638160Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine array system comprises an array of turbine systems and a supervisory controller. Each turbine system of the array comprises a hydroelectric turbine and a control system. The control system includes a converter system arranged to convert AC power, supplied by a generator connected to the hydroelectric turbine and having a voltage and frequency that is a function of a rotational speed of the hydroelectric turbine, to AC power having a voltage and frequency of a transmission system for transmitting the AC power to a receiving station and a control unit co-operable with the converter system to adjust the AC voltage supplied by the generator.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Openhydro IP LimitedInventors: Edward Spooner, Simon Cawthorne, Wee Keong Khoo
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Patent number: 9595857Abstract: An electrical machine comprising a stator and a member arranged to move relative to said stator. The stator comprises a first stator structure incorporating a first plurality of windings disposed along the direction of relative motion and displaced from the movable member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion, and a second stator structure incorporating a second plurality of windings displaced in a second direction from the movable member, so that the movable member lies between the two stator structures. The movable member is arranged to electrically couple with the windings. The first plurality of windings includes a single phase winding connected to a first single-phase ac supply, and the second plurality of windings includes a single phase winding of the same pole pitch being displaced in the direction of relative motion from first plurality of windings and connected to a second single-phase ac supply whose phase is displaced from that of the first supply.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Openhydro IP LimitedInventors: Simon Cawthorne, Edward Spooner
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Patent number: 9583986Abstract: A power generator for a hydro turbine is axially coupled to the hydro turbine. The generator comprises a rotor arranged to rotate about an axis in response to fluid flow through said turbine. A first stator structure incorporates at least a first winding disposed circumferentially around the axis and axially displaced in a first inboard direction from the rotor. A second stator structure incorporates a least a second winding disposed circumferentially around the axis and axially displaced in a second outboard direction from the rotor, the rotor being arranged to electrically couple with the windings.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Openhydro IP LimitedInventors: Simon Cawthorne, Edward Spooner
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Patent number: 9541053Abstract: A control system for controlling an operation of a hydroelectric turbine. The control system comprises a converter system to convert AC power, supplied by a generator connected to the turbine, and having a voltage and frequency that is a function of a rotational speed of the turbine, to AC power having a voltage and frequency of a transmission system for transmitting the AC power to a receiving station. The system further comprises a control unit that is arranged to co-operate with the converter system to adjust the AC voltage supplied by the generator in response to a water flow speed through the turbine to thereby control rotation of the turbine. The converter system comprises a first-stage converter and a second-stage converter, with a DC link provided between the first and second-stage converters. The first-stage converter is arranged to convert the AC power supplied by the generator to DC power.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Openhydro IP LimitedInventors: Edward Spooner, Simon Cawthorne, Wee Keong Khoo
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Publication number: 20160281684Abstract: A method of controlling power provided by a generator to an end system in which power is diverted from the output of said generator to an auxiliary system during periods of excessive power output from the generator. The diverted power is stored in an energy store and, during periods of lower power output from the generator, is returned to the end system by discharging the energy store. The diversion and return of power is controlled to maintain the power delivered to the end system at a desired mean power level. Diversion of power from the generator also has the effect of preventing the generator from producing excessive voltage levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2014Publication date: September 29, 2016Applicant: OPENHYDRO IP LIMITEDInventors: EDWARD SPOONER, SIMON CAWTHORNE
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Publication number: 20160268831Abstract: A method of controlling power provided by a generator to an end system in which power is diverted from the output of said generator to an auxiliary system during periods of excessive power output from the generator. The diverted power is stored in an energy store and, during periods of lower power output from the generator, is returned to the end system by discharging the energy store. The diversion and return of power is controlled to maintain the power delivered to the end system at a desired mean power level. Diversion of power from the generator also has the effect of preventing the generator from producing excessive voltage levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2014Publication date: September 15, 2016Applicant: OPENHYDRO IP LIMITEDInventors: EDWARD SPOONER, SIMON CAWTHORNE
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Publication number: 20150295482Abstract: An electrical machine comprising a stator and a member arranged to move relative to said stator. The stator comprises a first stator structure incorporating a first plurality of windings disposed along the direction of relative motion and displaced from the movable member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion, and a second stator structure incorporating a second plurality of windings displaced in a second direction from the movable member, so that the movable member lies between the two stator structures. The movable member is arranged to electrically couple with the windings. The first plurality of windings includes a single phase winding connected to a first single-phase ac supply, and the second plurality of windings includes a single phase winding of the same pole pitch being displaced in the direction of relative motion from first plurality of windings and connected to a second single-phase ac supply whose phase is displaced from that of the first supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2013Publication date: October 15, 2015Applicant: Openhydro IP LimitedInventors: Simon Cawthorne, Edward Spooner
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Publication number: 20150280506Abstract: A power generator for a hydro turbine is axially coupled to the hydro turbine. The generator comprises a rotor arranged to rotate about an axis in response to fluid flow through said turbine. A first stator structure incorporates at least a first winding disposed circumferentially around the axis and axially displaced in a first inboard direction from the rotor. A second stator structure incorporates a least a second winding disposed circumferentially around the axis and axially displaced in a second outboard direction from the rotor, the rotor being arranged to electrically couple with the windings.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2013Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: Simon Cawthorne, Edward Spooner
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Publication number: 20140319837Abstract: A control system for controlling an operation of a hydroelectric turbine. The control system comprises a converter system to convert AC power, supplied by a generator connected to the turbine, and having a voltage and frequency that is a function of a rotational speed of the turbine, to AC power having a voltage and frequency of a transmission system for transmitting the AC power to a receiving station. The system further comprises a control unit that is arranged to co-operate with the converter system to adjust the AC voltage supplied by the generator in response to a water flow speed through the turbine to thereby control rotation of the turbine. The converter system comprises a first-stage converter and a second-stage converter, with a DC link provided between the first and second-stage converters. The first-stage converter is arranged to convert the AC power supplied by the generator to DC power.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: OPENHYDRO LIMITEDInventors: Edward Spooner, Simon Cawthorne, Wee Keong Khoo
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Publication number: 20140321973Abstract: The present invention provides a hydroelectric turbine system comprising a base mounted turbine for location on the seabed or the like, in order to generate electricity from the tidal flow of water through the turbine, the system incorporating a load bank, for example in the form of an array of resistive windings, to which the turbine can be selectively electrically connected in order to dissipate the electrical power as heat into the passing water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: OPENHYDRO IP LIMITEDInventors: James Ives, Paul Dunne, Simon Cawthorne
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Publication number: 20140319836Abstract: A control system for controlling an operation of a hydroelectric turbine. The control system comprises a converter system to convert AC power, supplied by a generator connected to the turbine, and having a voltage and frequency that is a function of a rotational speed of the turbine, to AC power having a voltage and frequency of a transmission system for transmitting the AC power to a receiving station. The system further comprises a control unit that is arranged to co-operate with the converter system to adjust the AC voltage supplied by the generator in response to a water flow speed through the turbine to thereby control rotation of the turbine. The converter system comprises a first-stage converter and a second-stage converter, with a DC link provided between the first and second-stage converters. The first-stage converter is arranged to convert the AC power supplied by the generator to DC power.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: OPENHYDRO IP LIMITEDInventors: Edward Spooner, Simon Cawthorne, Wee Keong Khoo
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Publication number: 20140246854Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine array system comprises an array of turbine systems and a supervisory controller. Each turbine system of the array comprises a hydroelectric turbine and a control system. The control system includes a converter system arranged to convert AC power, supplied by a generator connected to the hydroelectric turbine and having a voltage and frequency that is a function of a rotational speed of the hydroelectric turbine, to AC power having a voltage and frequency of a transmission system for transmitting the AC power to a receiving station and a control unit co-operable with the converter system to adjust the AC voltage supplied by the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: OPENHYDRO IP LIMITEDInventors: Edward Spooner, Simon Cawthorne, Wee Keong Khoo
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Publication number: 20060147387Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for preparing combination formulations of inhaled glucocorticoids and beta 2-agonists e.g. budesonide in combination with formoterol. The process aims at minimizing adhesion of one or more of the ingredients to equipment surfaces by adding the ingredients to a container in a stepwise manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2003Publication date: July 6, 2006Inventor: Simon Cawthorne
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Patent number: D815597Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Openhydro IP LimitedInventor: Simon Cawthorne