Patents by Inventor William Erdman
William Erdman 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: 20130275079Abstract: A tachometer for a generator is disclosed. The tachometer may include a plurality of filters configured to receive a plurality of generator phase signals, a plurality of zero-cross detectors, and a logic circuit. The filters may be configured to convert each phase signal into a corresponding filtered signal. The zero-cross detectors may be configured to generate pulse signals responsive to zero-crossings detected in each filtered signal. The logic circuit may be in communication with each zero-cross detector and configured to receive the pulse signals. The logic circuit may logically combine the pulse signals into a combined signal, and generate a tachometer signal based on the combined signal, wherein the tachometer signal corresponds to a rotational speed of the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: Clipper Windpower, LLCInventors: Kevin Cousineau, William Erdman
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Patent number: 8058742Abstract: A wind turbine includes a wind turbine tower and a power electronic control system located within the wind turbine tower. The power electronic control system includes heat generating components. The heat generating components are directly mounted to the inner surface of the wind turbine tower dissipating the heat generated by the heat generating components directly to the inner surface of the wind turbine tower. In this way, a good thermal conducting path to the entire wind turbine tower is provided. A method for conducting heat generated in electronic equipment housed within a wind turbine tower uses the tower as a heat sink for cooling purposes.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Clipper Windpower, Inc.Inventors: William Erdman, Kevin L. Cousineau
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Patent number: 7602075Abstract: The disclosure describes implementations of methods, systems and apparatuses that are configured to facilitate normal operating characteristics for a wind turbine during normal operation, as well as during voltage irregularities. In an implementation, a turbine controller coordinates operating primary turbine systems and ancillary turbine systems during normal operation and during voltage irregularities. During normal operation, the turbine controller coordinates powering both primary and ancillary turbine systems through a power supply. During a detected voltage event, ancillary turbine systems may be transitioned to a having an uninterruptible power supply power these systems. However, the turbine controller coordinates maintaining the power supply as the sole powering device for primary turbine systems despite a voltage irregularity.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Acciona Windpower, S.A.Inventors: William Erdman, Michael Behnke, Ricardo Royo Garcia, Miguel Nunez Polo
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Patent number: 7535120Abstract: A wind powered turbine with low voltage ride-through capability. An inverter is connected to the output of a turbine generator. The generator output is conditioned by the inverter resulting in an output voltage and current at a frequency and phase angle appropriate for transmission to a three-phase utility grid. A frequency and phase angle sensor is connected to the utility grid operative during a fault on the grid. A control system is connected to the sensor and to the inverter. The control system output is a current command signal enabling the inverter to put out a current waveform, which is of the same phase and frequency as detected by the sensor. The control system synthesizes current waveform templates for all three-phases based on a sensed voltage on one phase and transmits currents to all three-phases of the electrical system based on the synthesized current waveforms.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Chipper Windpower Technology, Inc.Inventors: William Erdman, Kevin L. Cousineau, Amir S. Mikhail
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Publication number: 20090045628Abstract: A wind turbine includes a wind turbine tower and a power electronic control system located within the wind turbine tower. The power electronic control system includes heat generating components. The heat generating components are directly mounted to the inner surface of the wind turbine tower dissipating the heat generated by the heat generating components directly to the inner surface of the wind turbine tower. In this way, a good thermal conducting path to the entire wind turbine tower is provided. A method for conducting heat generated in electronic equipment housed within a wind turbine tower uses the tower as a heat sink for cooling purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2007Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: William Erdman, Kevin L. Cousineau
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Patent number: 7432686Abstract: A wind powered turbine with low voltage ride-through capability. An inverter is connected to the output of a turbine generator. The generator output is conditioned by the inverter resulting in an output voltage and current at a frequency and phase angle appropriate for transmission to a three-phase utility grid. A frequency and phase angle sensor is connected to the utility grid operative during a fault on the grid. A control system is connected to the sensor and to the inverter. The control system output is a current command signal enabling the inverter to put out a current waveform, which is of the same phase and frequency as detected by the sensor. The control system synthesizes current waveform templates for all three-phases based on a sensed voltage on one phase and transmits currents to all three-phases of the electrical system based on the synthesized current waveforms.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Clipper Windpower Technology, Inc.Inventors: William Erdman, Kevin L. Cousineau, Amir S. Mikhail
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Patent number: 7339355Abstract: A wind powered turbine with low voltage ride-through capability. An inverter is connected to the output of a turbine generator. The generator output is conditioned by the inverter resulting in an output voltage and current at a frequency and phase angle appropriate for transmission to a three-phase utility grid. A frequency and phase angle sensor is connected to the utility grid operative during a fault on the grid. A control system is connected to the sensor and to the inverter. The control system output is a current command signal enabling the inverter to put out a current waveform, which is of the same phase and frequency as detected by the sensor. The control system synthesizes current waveform templates for all three-phases based on a sensed voltage on one phase and transmits currents to all three-phases of the electrical system based on the synthesized current waveforms.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Clipper Windpower Technology, Inc.Inventors: William Erdman, Kevin L. Cousineau, Amir S. Mikhail
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Publication number: 20080030027Abstract: The disclosure describes implementations of methods, systems and apparatuses that are configured to facilitate normal operating characteristics for a wind turbine during normal operation, as well as during voltage irregularities. In an implementation, a turbine controller coordinates operating primary turbine systems and ancillary turbine systems during normal operation and during voltage irregularities. During normal operation, the turbine controller coordinates powering both primary and ancillary turbine systems through a power supply. During a detected voltage event, ancillary turbine systems may be transitioned to a having an uninterruptible power supply power these systems. However, the turbine controller coordinates maintaining the power supply as the sole powering device for primary turbine systems despite a voltage irregularity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventors: William Erdman, Michael Behnke, Ricardo Garcia, Miguel Polo
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Publication number: 20080018309Abstract: A wind powered turbine with low voltage ride-through capability. An inverter is connected to the output of a turbine generator. The generator output is conditioned by the inverter resulting in an output voltage and current at a frequency and phase angle appropriate for transmission to a three-phase utility grid. A frequency and phase angle sensor is connected to the utility grid operative during a fault on the grid. A control system is connected to the sensor and to the inverter. The control system output is a current command signal enabling the inverter to put out a current waveform, which is of the same phase and frequency as detected by the sensor. The control system synthesizes current waveform templates for all three-phases based on a sensed voltage on one phase and transmits currents to all three-phases of the electrical system based on the synthesized current waveforms.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: William Erdman, Kevin Cousineau, Amir Mikhail
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Publication number: 20080007121Abstract: A wind powered turbine with low voltage ride-through capability. An inverter is connected to the output of a turbine generator. The generator output is conditioned by the inverter resulting in an output voltage and current at a frequency and phase angle appropriate for transmission to a three-phase utility grid. A frequency and phase angle sensor is connected to the utility grid operative during a fault on the grid. A control system is connected to the sensor and to the inverter. The control system output is a current command signal enabling the inverter to put out a current waveform, which is of the same phase and frequency as detected by the sensor. The control system synthesizes current waveform templates for all three-phases based on a sensed voltage on one phase and transmits currents to all three-phases of the electrical system based on the synthesized current waveforms.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventors: William Erdman, Kevin Cousineau, Amir Mikhail
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Publication number: 20070195742Abstract: A system and method for selectively controlling traffic in a network to improve network performance. The system includes a network controller that includes a first control-traffic prioritizer. An Access Point (AP) includes a second control-traffic prioritizer and communicates with the network controller. One or more clients communicate with the AP. The communications behavior of the client is affected by operations of the first control-traffic prioritizer and the second control-traffic prioritizer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2006Publication date: August 23, 2007Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: William Erdman, Jeremy Stieglitz, Patrick Gilbreath, Ian Foo
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Publication number: 20070187955Abstract: A wind powered turbine with low voltage ride-through capability. An inverter is connected to the output of a turbine generator. The generator output is conditioned by the inverter resulting in an output voltage and current at a frequency and phase angle appropriate for transmission to a three-phase utility grid. A frequency and phase angle sensor is connected to the utility grid operative during a fault on the grid. A control system is connected to the sensor and to the inverter. The control system output is a current command signal enabling the inverter to put out a current waveform, which is of the same phase and frequency as detected by the sensor. The control system synthesizes current waveform templates for all three-phases based on a sensed voltage on one phase and transmits currents to all three-phases of the electrical system based on the synthesized current waveforms.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2007Publication date: August 16, 2007Inventors: William Erdman, Kevin Cousineau, Amir Mikhail
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Patent number: 7233129Abstract: A wind powered turbine with low voltage ride-through capability. An inverter is connected to the output of a turbine generator. The generator output is conditioned by the inverter resulting in an output voltage and current at a frequency and phase angle appropriate for transmission to a three-phase utility grid. A frequency and phase angle sensor is connected to the utility grid operative during a fault on the grid. A control system is connected to the sensor and to the inverter. The control system output is a current command signal enabling the inverter to put out a current waveform, which is of the same phase and frequency as detected by the sensor. The control system synthesizes current waveform templates for all three-phases based on a sensed voltage on one phase and transmits currents to all three-phases of the electrical system based on the synthesized current waveforms.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Clipper Windpower Technology, Inc.Inventors: William Erdman, Kevin L. Cousineau, Amir S. Mikhail
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Patent number: 7225247Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for serial port redirection using a management controller. A serial controller is selectively coupled with a management controller to facilitate the redirection of serial information. The management controller includes a packetizer to packetize the serial information. The packetized information may be communicated to remote computing devices over a network connection or a management bus. The management controller receives both redirection and non-redirection packets from the communication channel. If the management controller receives redirection packets from a remote computing device, it formats the redirection packets as a stream of serial information and communicates the stream of serial information to the serial controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Barry Kennedy, Thomas M. Slaight, Brett S. Pemble, Thomas William Erdman
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Patent number: 7042110Abstract: A variable speed wind turbine employing a rotor connected to a multiplicity of synchronous generators with wound field or permanent magnet rotors. A passive rectifier and an inverter are used for power transfer back to the grid. A Turbine Control Unit (TCU) commands a required generator torque based on rotor speed and power output of the turbine inverters. Torque is controlled by regulating the DC current by control of the inverter. A main-shaft-damping filter is provided by measurement of the DC bus voltage. In high winds the turbine remains at a constant average output power through a constant torque command and a varying pitch command to a rotor pitch servo system. A set point is fixed at the inverter output such that output VAR load is minimized running the turbine at very nearly unity power factor. Dynamic VAR and power factor control is provided by a separate VAR apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Clipper Windpower Technology, Inc.Inventors: Amir S. Mikhail, Kevin L. Cousineau, Lawrence H. Howes, William Erdman, William Holley
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Publication number: 20050253396Abstract: A variable speed system for use in systems, such as, for example, wind turbines, is described. The system comprises a wound rotor induction generator, a torque controller and a proportional, integral derivative (PID) pitch controller. The torque controller controls generator torque using field oriented control, and the PID controller performs pitch regulation based on generator rotor speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2004Publication date: November 17, 2005Inventors: Amir Mikhail, Craig Christenson, Kevin Cousineau, William Erdman, William Holley
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Publication number: 20050122083Abstract: A wind powered turbine with low voltage ride-through capability. An inverter is connected to the output of a turbine generator. The generator output is conditioned by the inverter resulting in an output voltage and current at a frequency and phase angle appropriate for transmission to a three-phase utility grid. A frequency and phase angle sensor is connected to the utility grid operative during a fault on the grid. A control system is connected to the sensor and to the inverter. The control system output is a current command signal enabling the inverter to put out a current waveform, which is of the same phase and frequency as detected by the sensor. The control system synthesizes current waveform templates for all three-phases based on a sensed voltage on one phase and transmits currents to all three-phases of the electrical system based on the synthesized current waveforms.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2004Publication date: June 9, 2005Inventors: William Erdman, Kevin Cousineau, Amir Mikhail
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Publication number: 20050012339Abstract: A variable speed wind turbine employing a rotor connected to a multiplicity of synchronous generators with wound field or permanent magnet rotors. A passive rectifier and an inverter are used for power transfer back to the grid. A Turbine Control Unit (TCU) commands a required generator torque based on rotor speed and power output of the turbine inverters. Torque is controlled by regulating the DC current by control of the inverter. A main-shaft-damping filter is provided by measurement of the DC bus voltage. In high winds the turbine remains at a constant average output power through a constant torque command and a varying pitch command to a rotor pitch servo system. A set point is fixed at the inverter output such that output VAR load is minimized running the turbine at very nearly unity power factor. Dynamic VAR and power factor control is provided by a separate VAR apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2004Publication date: January 20, 2005Inventors: Amir Mikhail, Kevin Cousineau, Lawrence Howes, William Erdman, William Holley
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Publication number: 20040078456Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for serial port redirection using a management controller. A serial controller is selectively coupled with a management controller to facilitate the redirection of serial information. The management controller includes a packetizer to packetize the serial information. The packetized information may be communicated to remote computing devices over a network connection or a management bus. The management controller receives both redirection and non-redirection packets from the communication channel. If the management controller receives redirection packets from a remote computing device, it formats the redirection packets as a stream of serial information and communicates the stream of serial information to the serial controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Barry Kennedy, Thomas M. Slaight, Brett S. Pemble, Thomas William Erdman