Abstract: A method for operating an on-board water supply and distribution system of an aircraft for supplying water includes a central tank, consumer assemblies with a supply device and a buffer tank, pump operable in a supply mode and reverse mode, filter device, and high-pressure conduit system. The central tank connects to the pump's upstream side. The conduit system connects the downstream side and consumer assemblies. The pump in supply mode delivers water from the downstream side to the buffer tank. In reverse mode, the pump can convey water from the downstream side to the upstream side. The method includes operating the pump in supply mode so water from the central tank goes to a consumer assembly in a first time interval to fill the buffer tank, and operating the pump in reverse mode in a second time interval so water from the buffer tank passes through the filter device.

Abstract: A method for operating an on-board water supply and distribution system of an aircraft for supplying water includes a central water tank, first consumer assemblies with buffer tanks each including a heater to heat up water in the buffer tank to a disinfection temperature, pump having upstream and downstream sides to operate in supply and reverse modes, and high-pressure conduit system. The central water tank connects to the pump's upstream side. The conduit system connects the downstream side with a first consumer assembly. The method includes operating the pump in supply mode where water from the central tank goes to a first consumer assembly to fill a buffer tank, operating a buffer tank heater so water heats to a predetermined disinfection temperature, and operating the pump in reverse mode so heated water passes through a part of the conduit system and the upstream side of the pump.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and products for downhole operations. Embodiments include downhole tools comprising an outer member configured for conveyance in the borehole; a pressure barrel positioned inside the outer member; a substantially cylindrical pod positioned inside the pressure barrel; and at least one downhole electronic component mounted between the exterior surface and the frame. The pod comprises at least one rigid outer surface forming an exterior surface of the pod and supported by a central frame extending across a diameter of the pod, such as a plurality of outer rigid surfaces. The pod may include a plurality of coupled rigid elongated semicircular metallic shells, wherein each shell of the plurality comprises a rigid outer surface of the plurality of outer rigid surfaces. Each of the at least one downhole electronic component may be sealingly enclosed within a corresponding shell.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an electronics module used in a borehole may include an enclosure disposed along a drill string. The electronics module may be attached to the enclosure by at least one joint. The at least one joint allows a predetermined bending between the electronics module and the enclosure that does not mechanically overload the electronics module. In some embodiments, the joint may be a ball joint.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and products for downhole operations. Embodiments include downhole tools comprising an outer member configured for conveyance in the borehole; a pressure barrel positioned inside the outer member; a substantially cylindrical pod positioned inside the pressure barrel; and at least one downhole electronic component mounted between the exterior surface and the frame. The pod comprises at least one rigid outer surface forming an exterior surface of the pod and supported by a central frame extending across a diameter of the pod, such as a plurality of outer rigid surfaces. The pod may include a plurality of coupled rigid elongated semicircular metallic shells, wherein each shell of the plurality comprises a rigid outer surface of the plurality of outer rigid surfaces. Each of the at least one downhole electronic component may be sealingly enclosed within a corresponding shell.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and products for downhole operations. Embodiments include downhole tools comprising an outer member configured for conveyance in the borehole; a pressure barrel positioned inside the outer member; a substantially cylindrical pod positioned inside the pressure barrel; and at least one downhole electronic component mounted between the exterior surface and the frame. The pod comprises at least one rigid outer surface forming an exterior surface of the pod and supported by a central frame extending across a diameter of the pod, such as a plurality of outer rigid surfaces. The pod may include a plurality of coupled rigid elongated semicircular metallic shells, wherein each shell of the plurality comprises a rigid outer surface of the plurality of outer rigid surfaces. Each of the at least one downhole electronic component may be sealingly enclosed within a corresponding shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for disintegrating a recyclable item in a material-selective manner and using the electrohydraulic effect, an electric discharge being generated, in a container filled with a liquid, using a pulsed current source and within an underwater spark gab between a container base-side electrode and at least one container cover-side electrode that points towards the first electrode, with electric discharge having an average field strength of less than or equal to 5 kV/mm and a pulse or discharge energy of greater than 10 J, and being generated at least substantially in the liquid. In the container, the recyclable item lies partially in the underwater spark gab on the container base-side.

Abstract: A method for operating a wind farm with a number of wind power installations is provided. Each wind power installation respectively has a nacelle with an aerodynamic rotor with one or more rotor blades and a generator. Each of the wind power installations is variable in its azimuth position and at least two of the wind power installations are so close together that, depending on the direction of the wind, they can influence one another by way of the wind. At least a first of the wind power installations is cut back in dependence on its azimuth position in order to positively influence the wind for a further wind power installation arranged downwind of the first.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and products for downhole operations. Embodiments include downhole tools comprising an outer member configured for conveyance in the borehole; a pressure barrel positioned inside the outer member; a substantially cylindrical pod positioned inside the pressure barrel; and at least one downhole electronic component mounted between the exterior surface and the frame. The pod comprises at least one rigid outer surface forming an exterior surface of the pod and supported by a central frame extending across a diameter of the pod, such as a plurality of outer rigid surfaces. The pod may include a plurality of coupled rigid elongated semicircular metallic shells, wherein each shell of the plurality comprises a rigid outer surface of the plurality of outer rigid surfaces. Each of the at least one downhole electronic component may be sealingly enclosed within a corresponding shell.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an electronics module used in a borehole may include an enclosure disposed along a drill string. The electronics module may be attached to the enclosure by at least one joint. The at least one joint allows a predetermined bending between the electronics module and the enclosure that does not mechanically overload the electronics module. In some embodiments, the joint may be a ball joint.

Abstract: A method for checking the operation of a photovoltaic module of a photovoltaic power station. The module has a positive terminal, a negative terminal and a number of solar cells, in particular thin-layer solar cells. An electric field emitted by the photovoltaic module as a result of solar radiation is measured at an exposed measurement location during the operation of the power station and the electrical voltage present between the positive terminal and the negative terminal is determined from the measured electric field. A corresponding measuring instrument has a sensor to be placed near the photovoltaic module so as to measure the electric field strength. A rod or wand may be used to position the sensor, or a robot may be configured for automatic travel on the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic down-hole asset monitoring is provided that monitors tagged down-hole assets wherein the assets travel into and out of an oil or gas well. A rig reader system, a controller and a computer incorporating a graphic user interface are connected to monitor tagged assets moving into and out of a drill head. The rig reader portion may be a ring shaped device having therein an integrated antenna array and radio frequency identification interrogators that interrogate an SAW or RFID tag as it moves through the ring shaped device. The integrated antenna array may include evenly distributed antennas about an interior surface of the ring shaped device that are covered by a radome that seals the antenna array and interrogators against contamination from caustic chemicals and other substances found on or around an oil rig platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for disintegrating a recyclable item in a material-selective manner and using the electrohydraulic effect, an electric discharge being generated, in a container filled with a liquid, using a pulsed current source and within an underwater spark gab between a container base-side electrode and at least one container cover-side electrode that points towards the first electrode, with electric discharge having an average field strength of less than or equal to 5 kV/mm and a pulse or discharge energy of greater than 10 J, and being generated at least substantially in the liquid. In the container, the recyclable item lies partially in the underwater spark gab on the container base-side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) piezoelectric device into a SAW tagging device for use in a harsh environment is provided. An exemplary SAW tagging device comprises a SAW piezoelectric device within a header container. The header container is electrically connected to an antenna system that comprises an antenna substrate, a dielectric disk that may operate as an antenna reflector in combination with a metal base. The antenna system, antenna substrate, dielectric disk and header container are all contained within a cavity in the metal base. The SAW tagging device is completely encased in a chemical, temperature and environmentally resistive and durable material that is transparent to the operating radio frequency of the SAW piezoelectric device contained therein.

Abstract: A method for checking the operation of a photovoltaic module of a photovoltaic power station. The module has a positive terminal, a negative terminal and a number of solar cells, in particular thin-layer solar cells. An electric field emitted by the photovoltaic module as a result of solar radiation is measured at an exposed measurement location during the operation of the power station and the electrical voltage present between the positive terminal and the negative terminal is determined from the measured electric field. A corresponding measuring instrument has a sensor to be placed near the photovoltaic module so as to measure the electric field strength. A rod or wand may be used to position the sensor, or a robot may be configured for automatic travel on the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A method for storing energy using a combined heat and pressure storage device, includes mixing a gaseous first component and a liquid second component in an initial first step at a first pressure/temperature point to form a working medium. The working medium is compressed in a following step in such a way that the working medium has a second pressure/temperature point, at which the second component is at least partially gaseous. The compressed working medium is led into the combined heat and pressure storage device and stored there. In order to recover the energy, the working medium is expanded, whereupon the second component is at least partially liquefied. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging a surface acoustic wave transponder for use in harsh environments is provided. An exemplary transponder comprises a surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device, wire bonds, an antenna element, an antenna substrate, a dome structure, and casing. The exemplary surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device is attached directly onto the antenna substrate and wire bonded to an antenna element. The surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device is protected under the dome structure, which is sealed and attached to the antenna substrate. The components are encased and sealed within a transponder casing. The transponder may be part of or incorporated into substantially any shape or form factor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming nanofibers from a spinning melt utilizing a high speed rotating distribution disc. The fibers can be collected into a uniform web for selective barrier end uses. Fibers with an average fiber diameter of less that 1,000 nm can be produced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic down-hole asset monitoring is provided that monitors tagged down-hole assets wherein the assets travel into and out of an oil or gas well. A rig reader system, a controller and a computer incorporating a graphic user interface are connected to monitor tagged assets moving into and out of a drill head. The rig reader portion may be a ring shaped device having therein an integrated antenna array and radio frequency identification interrogators that interrogate an SAW or RFID tag as it moves through the ring shaped device. The integrated antenna array may include evenly distributed antennas about an interior surface of the ring shaped device that are covered by a radome that seals the antenna array and interrogators against contamination from caustic chemicals and other substances found on or around an oil rig platform.

Abstract: The photovoltaic system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules which are connected to form a string or several strings connected in parallel, thereby forming a photovoltaic generator having a positive terminal and negative terminal. A DC constant voltage source connected to the photovoltaic generator to raise the potential of the positive terminal relative to ground potential. This reduces the flow of electrons out of the TCO layer of the modules, thereby reducing or completely eliminating cathode discharges which damage the modules.