Patents Issued in November 8, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180320620
    Abstract: A fuel injection control device includes an electric controller controlling an opening and closing of an injector by energizing a coil in the injector, and a booster circuit boosting a battery voltage to generate a boost voltage. The electric controller includes a valve-opening control unit applying the boost voltage and then applying the battery voltage to the coil to execute a valve-opening control to generate a required valve-opening force, an open valve maintenance control unit applying the battery voltage to the coil to execute an open valve maintenance control to generate an open valve maintenance force and is smaller the required valve-opening force, after the valve-opening control, and a current correction control unit executing a current correction control to correct a maximum value of a current flowing through the coil when the boost voltage is applied in the valve-opening control, according to a decreasing quantity of the battery voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Nobuyuki SATAKE
  • Publication number: 20180320621
    Abstract: An estimation device is applicable to a combustion system in which relative movement of a piston to a cylinder is lubricated with a lubricating oil. An estimation device includes a mixing acquisition unit and a piercing force estimation unit. The mixing acquisition unit acquires a mixing ratio of various components contained in a fuel injected into the combustion chamber. The piercing force estimation unit estimates a piercing force of the fuel injected into the combustion chamber according to the mixing ratio acquired with the mixing acquisition unit to manage reach of the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, at least one of the cylinder and the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Shinya HOSHI, Atsunori OKABAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20180320622
    Abstract: A combustion pressure detection method and a combustion pressure detection apparatus of an internal combustion engine that can detect combustion pressure by using a crank angle sensor in an accurate and easy way. A relationship between a crank angle sensor signal and a combustion pressure signal is previously recorded. As a result, even if the combustion pressure sensor fails, the combustion pressure is detected by collating the crank angle sensor signal with the relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Eiichirou OOHATA
  • Publication number: 20180320623
    Abstract: Turbocharger systems and related methods and devices are provided for determining rotational speed of a turbocharger. A speed sensing device is mounted to a turbocharger and includes an acceleration sensing arrangement and an acoustic sensing arrangement. The speed sensing device outputs an acceleration-based speed value as the current turbo speed when the acceleration-based speed is stable, and otherwise outputs an acoustic-based speed value to as the current turbo speed if the acoustic-based speed value stable or outputs an estimated value as the current turbo speed when both of the acceleration-based and acoustic-based speeds are unstable. In exemplary embodiments, the acceleration sensing arrangement and the acoustic sensing arrangement are provided on a common substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Haibin Wang, Gaofeng Liu, Yuguo Liu, Longfei Chen, Du You, Guihua Chen, Yunbin Gong, Xiaowei Du
  • Publication number: 20180320624
    Abstract: A deposit estimation device includes an acquisition unit, a soot calculation unit, an adhesion index calculation unit, and a deposit amount estimation unit. The acquisition unit acquires the mixing ratio of each of a plurality of types of molecular structures contained in a fuel to be used for combustion of a combustion system. The soot calculation unit calculates a soot generation index, representing how likely a soot component is to be generated due to combustion, based on the mixing ratio acquired by the acquisition unit. The adhesion index calculation unit calculates an adhesion index, representing how likely a soluble organic component generated due to combustion is to adhere, based on a value detected by a sensor for detecting the property of a fuel or the mixing ratio acquired by the acquisition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Atsunori OKABAYASHI, Shinya HOSHI
  • Publication number: 20180320625
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine operating conditions for mitigation of pre-ignition in one or more engine cylinder. In one example, a method may include, in response to indication of pre-ignition, manifold charge cooling may be increased by increasing the portion of fuel delivered to the engine via manifold injection relative to the portion to fuel delivered via one or more of port and direct injection, while maintaining engine operation at or around a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Adithya Pravarun Re Ranga, Mohannad Hakeem, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Calvin Trescott
  • Publication number: 20180320626
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine operating conditions for reduction of NOx emissions. In one example, immediately after a fuel shut-off event, in response to an oxygen content of an exhaust catalyst being higher than a threshold, manifold charge cooling may be increased by increasing the portion of fuel delivered to the engine via manifold injection relative to the portion to fuel delivered via one or more of port and direct injection. By increasing manifold cooling, NOx production may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Adithya Pravarun Re Ranga, Mohannad Hakeem, Calvin Trescott, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Peter C. Moilanen
  • Publication number: 20180320627
    Abstract: An estimation device is applicable to a combustion system including an internal combustion engine and includes a mixing acquisition unit, a main region estimation unit, and an after region estimation unit. The mixing acquisition unit acquires a mixing ratio of various components contained in the fuel used for combustion in the internal combustion engine. The main region estimation unit estimates a combustion region of the fuel as a main combustion region for a main combustion produced by injecting the fuel into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine by main injection, based on the mixing ratio acquired by the mixing acquisition unit. The after region estimation unit estimates an injection region of the fuel as the after combustion region based on the mixing ratio, for an after combustion produced by injecting the fuel into the combustion chamber by an after injection, after the main injection in one combustion cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Shinya HOSHI, Atsunori OKABAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20180320628
    Abstract: An estimation device applicable to a combustion system having an internal combustion engine includes a mixing acquisition unit, a combustion amount estimation unit, a region estimation unit, and a timing estimation unit. The mixing acquisition unit acquires a mixing ratio of various components contained in fuel used for combustion in the internal combustion engine. The combustion amount estimation unit estimates a combustion amount of fuel caused by a post combustion generated by injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine by post injection, based on the mixing ratio acquired by the mixing acquisition unit. The region estimation unit estimates a combustion region of the post combustion in the combustion chamber based on the mixing ratio. The timing estimation unit estimates an ignition timing at which ignition occurs in the combustion chamber by the post injection based on the mixing ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Atsunori OKABAYASHI, Shinya HOSHI
  • Publication number: 20180320629
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an ignition plug and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to: (i) execute a lean-burn operation in a first operation region, (ii) execute an operation in a second operation region at an air-fuel ratio lower than an air-fuel ratio during the lean-burn operation, and (iii) control a gas flow in a cylinder so that a ratio of a change in a gas flow speed around the ignition plug during ignition to a change in an engine rotation speed in a first engine rotation speed region within the first operation region is smaller than the ratio in a second engine rotation speed region within the second operation region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sachio MORI, Koshiro KIMURA, Satoshi TSUDA
  • Publication number: 20180320630
    Abstract: An apparatus for intake and exhaust of an engine includes: an outer tube including an outer-tube close end, an outer-tube open end, and a first outer-tube aperture set including a first aperture and a first outer-tube aperture group, an inner tube positioned in the outer tube about a concentric line, including an inner-tube close end, an inner-tube open end, and a first inner-tube aperture set including a second aperture and a first inner-tube aperture group, in which the inner-tube close end is proximate to the outer-tube close end, and a shaft connected to the inner-tube open end for rotating the inner tube in the outer tube about the concentric line, in which when the inner tube rotates, the second aperture sweeps across a portion of the first aperture and the first inner-tube aperture group sweeps across a portion of the first outer-tube aperture group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Zhouxuan Xia, Yisheng Cui, Chunguang Xia
  • Publication number: 20180320631
    Abstract: A flow guiding appliance of a turbomachine, in particular of an aircraft engine, for a partial exit flow of an outlet guide vane of a compressor, wherein, a flow guiding element delimits an annular channel about a shaft of the turbomachine. A frictional engagement connecting surface at the circumference of the flow guiding element connects the flow guiding element to another structural component of the turbomachine. The frictional engagement connecting surface with a closed enveloping surface can be inserted in a deformed state into the structural component with a circular cylindrical sealing surface with at least two opposite points. The at least two points of the closed enveloping surface are arranged in at least two opposite frictionally engaged contact areas of the circular cylindrical sealing surface following deformation. The invention also relates to a method for creating a flow guiding element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Igor SIKORSKI, Jason PHILLIPS
  • Publication number: 20180320632
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gas turbine engine defining a longitudinal direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, and an upstream end and a downstream end along the longitudinal direction. The gas turbine engine includes a turbine section and a gear assembly within or downstream of the turbine section. The turbine section includes a first rotating component and a second rotating component along the longitudinal direction. The first rotating component includes one or more connecting airfoils coupled to a radially extended rotor, and the second rotating component includes an inner shroud defining a plurality of inner shroud airfoils extended outward of the inner shroud along the radial direction. The second rotating component is coupled to a second shaft connected to an input accessory of the gear assembly, and the first rotating component is coupled to an output accessory of the gear assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey Donald Clements, Darek Tomasz Zatorski, Alan Roy Stuart
  • Publication number: 20180320633
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gas turbine engine defining a radial direction, a longitudinal direction, and a circumferential direction, an upstream end and a downstream end along the longitudinal direction, and an axial centerline extended along the longitudinal direction. The gas turbine engine includes a fan assembly including a plurality of fan blades rotatably coupled to a fan rotor in which the fan blades define a maximum fan diameter and a fan pressure ratio. The gas turbine engine further includes a low pressure (LP) turbine defining a core flowpath therethrough generally along the longitudinal direction. The core flowpath defines a maximum outer flowpath diameter relative to the axial centerline. The gas turbine engine defines a fan to turbine diameter ratio of the maximum fan diameter to the maximum outer flowpath diameter. The fan to turbine diameter ratio over the fan pressure ratio is approximately 0.90 or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Ory Moniz, Randy M. Vondrell, Jeffrey Donald Clements, Brandon Wayne Miller
  • Publication number: 20180320634
    Abstract: An injection device, a combustor, and a rocket engine include a device main body partitioned into a fuel manifold and an oxidant manifold, and a plurality of injectors arranged at predetermined intervals in the device main body to inject fuel and oxidant into a combustion chamber, each of the injectors includes a LOx channel including a proximal end portion communicating with the oxidant manifold and a distal end portion communicating with the combustion chamber, a restrictor provided on the proximal end portion of the LOx channel and a GH2 channel including a proximal end portion communicating with the fuel manifold and a distal end portion communicating with the combustion chamber, and the restrictors have different shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Mitsunori ISONO, Kazufumi IKEDA, Hiroyasu MANAKO, Shinichiro WATANABE, Hideto KAWASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20180320635
    Abstract: A carburetor including a one piece choke valve and shaft assembly including a shaft, a detent plate formed on a first end, a lever arm formed on a second end, a pair of opposing collars formed adjacent the detent plate and lever arm, a valve plate centrally positioned on the shaft, and opposing splines formed on the shaft enabling it to be inserted through an assembly slot cut into a shaft bore in the carburetor body. The detent plate includes a partial annular slot encompassing the angular range of travel of the choke valve. First, second and third detent pockets are formed along an outer edge of the slot. A positive positioning pin engages or interacts with the detent plate to positively position the choke valve in first, second or third angular positions corresponding to “close choke”, “half choke” and “open choke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: David R. Shebuski
  • Publication number: 20180320636
    Abstract: A simple engine, comprises (1) a cylinder, and a spark plug in the cylinder; (2) a carburetor, fluidly connected to the cylinder; (3) a primary air intake path, fluidly connecting atmosphere to the carburetor; (4) a carburetor bypass air intake path, fluidly connecting air to the cylinder without passing through the carburetor; and (5) a valve, along the carburetor bypass air intake path, for controlling the flow of air through the carburetor bypass air intake path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Larry J. Markoski, Timothy C. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20180320637
    Abstract: A gas processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention controls inflow fuel pressure of a low pressure demand source according to an operation or a non-operation of a high pressure demand source and the low pressure demand source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Sang Bong LEE, Dong Jin LEE
  • Publication number: 20180320638
    Abstract: An air compression system includes an internal combustion engine operable to produce a power output in response to combustion of a fuel-air mixture, and an air compressor driven by the internal combustion engine and operable to draw in atmospheric air and discharge a mixed flow of compressed air and water. A water injection system supplies water to the fuel-air mixture and into the internal combustion engine, a separator assembly in communication with the air compressor separates a portion of the water from the compressed air, and a water passageway interconnects the separator assembly and the water injection system such that the air compressor supplies water to the water injection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Kouzel
  • Publication number: 20180320639
    Abstract: A method and a device for open- or closed-loop control of an amount of water mixed with a fuel is provided. A fuel supply is split into a first branch having a Venturi pipe with a vacuum connection and a second branch having a blocking valve. Water is supplied to the Venturi pipe vacuum connection, and the fuel-water mixture in the first branch and the fuel in the second branch is supplied to the fuel pump. Open-loop or closed-loop control is provided by either reducing fuel flow in the second branch with the stop valve such that the fuel flow in the first branch increases, increasing the amount of water mixed in the fuel at the Venturi pipe, or increasing fuel flow in the second branch such that first branch fuel flow decreases, decreasing the amount of water mixed in the fuel at the Venturi pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Hans-Christian BARTELT
  • Publication number: 20180320640
    Abstract: Exhaust gas recirculation systems are provided for an internal combustion engine. The system includes an exhaust conduit configured to receive exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. A junction is disposed to receive the exhaust gas from the exhaust conduit. An EGR conduit is connected with the junction and configured to recirculate a portion of the exhaust gas to the internal combustion engine. A tailpipe is connected with the junction and configured to discharge at least a portion of the exhaust gas to atmosphere. A control valve is disposed at the junction and is configured to control entry of the exhaust gas into the EGR conduit, and the control valve is configured to throttle entry of the exhaust gas into the tailpipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Alberto RACCA
  • Publication number: 20180320641
    Abstract: A fuel reforming system may include an engine combusting reformed gas to generate mechanical power; an intake line connected to the engine to supply reformed gas and air to the engine; an exhaust line connected to the engine to circulate exhaust gas exhausted from the engine; a fuel reformer provided at an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) line diverging from the exhaust line, mixing the exhaust gas passing through the EGR line with the fuel and reforming the fuel mixed in the EGR gas; a water temperature controller (WTC) provided at the engine to control coolant cooling the engine; and a radiator radiating a portion of heat generated from the engine to atmosphere through the coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hong Kil BAEK, Seung Woo Lee, Tae Won Lee
  • Publication number: 20180320642
    Abstract: An ECU controls a passage switch valve according to the operation state of an engine, to control the temperature of intake air introduced into the engine, by selectively causing outside air from an outside air inlet, high-temperature air from a high-temperature passage, or mixed air comprising the outside air and the high-temperature air to flow towards the downstream side of an intake passage. The ECU calculates the MBT ignition timing and the knock limit ignition timing based on detection results of sensors, and controls the passage switch valve such that, when the knock limit ignition timing is at a more advanced angle than the MBT ignition timing, the high-temperature air or the mixed air is introduced into the engine, and when the knock limit ignition timing is the same as or at a more delayed angle than the MBT ignition timing, the outside air is introduced into the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Fumihito NAKATANI, Takahiko IWAKURA, Kazufumi ISHII
  • Publication number: 20180320643
    Abstract: An automotive induction system cleaning module including a connector configured to connect in use to a supply of cleaning solution, an injector in fluid communication with the connector, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the injector, wherein the injector and nozzle are closely connected so as to minimise a fluid flow path between them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Garry Finch
  • Publication number: 20180320644
    Abstract: An air filter device for a motor vehicle is provided with a filter housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, a filter insert which is received in the filter housing and divides the inside of the filter housing into an untreated air section and a pure air section, and a bypass line for supplying air into the untreated air section. The bypass line extends from a connection opening in the filter housing to a cooler, especially a charge air cooler of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Johannes BARTL, Volker RAAB, Christian DEBEVEC, Werner BAUMGARTNER
  • Publication number: 20180320645
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for calibrating a vehicle intake humidity sensor positioned in an intake manifold of an engine of the vehicle. In one example, a method is provided, comprising in response to shutdown of the engine, and further responsive to conditions being met for calibrating the intake humidity sensor, requesting a humidity estimate from one or more weather devices, and calibrating the intake humidity sensor based on at least a confidence level in the one or more weather devices. In this way, the intake humidity sensor may be regularly calibrated, under conditions where accurate and robust calibration may be achieved, and where regularly calibrating the intake humidity sensor may improve engine operation and increase fuel economy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Michael McQuillen, Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Publication number: 20180320646
    Abstract: Road vehicle having: a passenger compartment; an internal combustion engine provided with at least one exhaust duct, which originates from an exhaust manifold and has at least one exhaust gas treatment device; and an exhaust noise transmission device provided with a transmission duct, which originates from the exhaust duct, and with a symposer device, which is arranged inside the transmission duct, is pneumatically insulating and is acoustically permeable; an inlet of the transmission duct being arranged between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust gas treatment device, hence upstream of the exhaust gas treatment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: FRANCESCO NACLERIO
  • Publication number: 20180320647
    Abstract: A fuel injection device for smooth discharge of a gas accumulated therein comprising a fuel pump, a solenoid valve for injecting pressurized fuel into the intake passage of an engine, a high-pressure fuel passage extending from the fuel pump to the solenoid valve and has a medially positioned constant-pressure chamber, and a fuel return passage connected to a fuel return pipe, with the fuel return passage extending from the constant-pressure chamber and having a medially positioned priming pump. The constant-pressure chamber is configured with the top wall in the upper space thereof disposed above the opening of the high-pressure fuel passage opposite the solenoid valve, the fuel return passage opens into the upper space at a position above the opening of the high-pressure fuel passage, and the gas accumulating in the constant-pressure chamber is discharged from the upper space toward the fuel tank via the fuel return passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Takumi Nonaka, Hideki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20180320648
    Abstract: A fuel system for a vehicle, where the fuel system comprises a first fuel pump and a second fuel pump, and where the capacity of the first fuel pump is lower than the capacity of the second fuel pump. The advantage of the disclosure is that the supply of fuel to the combustion engine from the fuel system can be optimized with respect to energy usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kjell FISCHER, Stella JOHNSSON, Joel JOHANSSON, Christoffer KALLERMAN, Michael ZACH
  • Publication number: 20180320649
    Abstract: A metal valve body having a fuel injection port includes a nozzle plate accommodation part accommodating a nozzle plate of synthetic resin and aligning a center of the nozzle plate with a central axis of the valve body. A front end surface abutting against the nozzle plate is accommodated in the nozzle plate accommodation part. A swage projection fixes the nozzle plate to the front end side on which the fuel injection port is formed. The nozzle plate is swage-fixed in the state in which a spring action part is elastically deformed on the front end side of the valve body by the swage projection, and a nozzle hole formation part is constantly pushed against the front end surface of the valve body by the elastic force of the spring action part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Koji NOGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180320650
    Abstract: A method and system of improving the efficiency of motor vehicles includes stopping an engine of a motor vehicle system if the motor vehicle system is immobile for more than a predetermined period of time, according to one embodiment. The method and system includes starting the engine with a magneto system, in response to one or more vehicle conditions, such as operation of a throttle, operation of a clutch, and/or operation of a brake lever, according to one embodiment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Laurent Perier
  • Publication number: 20180320651
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine block including a cylinder, a piston positioned within the cylinder, a crankshaft configured to be driven by the piston, a fuel supply system for supplying an air-fuel mixture to the cylinder, an ignition system, an electric starting system including a starter motor, and an ultracapacitor mounted on the engine, the ultracapacitor configured to power the starter motor to start the engine. A related garden tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Hong Chen, Zhao Kong
  • Publication number: 20180320652
    Abstract: An igniter includes a switching element, a control circuit section, and a protection element. The switching element is connected to a primary winding of an ignition coil. The control circuit section is configured to control operation of the switching element. The protection element is configured to electrically protect the control circuit section. The switching element and the protection element are formed in the same semiconductor chip, and are mounted on the same lead frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Motoo YAMAGUCHI, Fujiyuki IWAMOTO, Shunichi TAKEDA
  • Publication number: 20180320653
    Abstract: Disclosed is an embedded sprinkler system. The embedded sprinkler system comprises a stator, and a rotor, embedded in the embedded sprinkler system. The rotor may further be integrated with a sprinkler arm. Further the sprinkler arm may be connected to a nozzle allowing for a fluid to flow through. The sprinkler arm may inherently have an angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Defrank Michael PATRICK, Jain Ajit BHAVARLAL
  • Publication number: 20180320654
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a lip-type shaft seal for, a method of installing a lip-type shaft seal on a shaft of an underwater application, and a lip-type shaft seal therefor. Exemplary embodiments, can be especially advantageous as they can provide a lip-type shaft seal with a point of noncontinuity having such form-locking elements that the actual installation of the seal around the shaft under water may be performed by using the form-locking elements without the use of a habitat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: WÄRTSILÄ FINLAND OY
    Inventors: Henric ANNELUND, Henrik LUNDGREN
  • Publication number: 20180320655
    Abstract: This invention involves a wind turbine rotor. A rotor reinforcing device (10) comprise a center connecting device (40) which are fixed on the rotor hub (6); and long and thin blade reinforcing members (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) which are connected to center connecting device (40) and corresponding rotor blade (1). The rotor reinforcing device (10) has the advantages of having a light weight and a simple structure. With the help of the center connecting device (40), the rotor can be easily reinforced. This invention also involves a rotor, a rotor-based ocean current turbine, a rotor-based tidal turbine and a rotor-based power generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Fang Zhou
  • Publication number: 20180320656
    Abstract: A wind funneling device for energy production. The present system includes a wind funneling device for energy production having a housing with side panels, a top panel and a rear panel forming an interior volume with a front opening and a lower opening. A plurality of parallel planar members is disposed within the interior volume of the housing, wherein each of the plurality of parallel planar members extends parallel to the side panels. One or more wind vanes are secured to the housing and configured to direct the front opening to the direction of the wind. An electric generator is connected to the housing. Air flows toward the generator, producing electricity. A battery is operably connected to the generator to store the electricity for future use. Solar panels and a vibration powered generator may provide an additional source of energy production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Herbert Newsam
  • Publication number: 20180320657
    Abstract: A fluid-driven power device is provided, including two fixed plates and a plurality of vanes. The two fixed plates are spaced out a distance, and respectively have two inner surfaces face each other, wherein a central axis passes through centers of the two inner surfaces. The vanes are provided between the two fixed plates and around the central axis. Two connected ends of each vane are respectively connected to the inner surface of the two fixed plates. Each vane forms a spiral twist, and the torsion angle of each of the vanes is changed from a central portion between the two connected ends toward the two connected ends in a symmetrical manner. Whereby the vanes can rectify the fluid, and prevents the output fluid from forming turbulence which interferes with rotation of the power device. Therefore, the rotation speed and efficiency of the power device will be further improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: CHUNG-CHIN HUANG, CHIN-YING HUANG, HSIN-MING HUANG, HSING-HSIUNG HUANG, YEN-JEN YEH, WEI-LONG CHEN, KUAN-CHOU LIN, TANG-YUAN LUO
  • Publication number: 20180320658
    Abstract: The example systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein generally relate to performing predictive analytics on behalf of wind turbines. In some instances, a data-analytics platform defines and executes a predictive model for a specific wind turbine. The predictive model may be defined and executed based on operating data for the specific wind turbine and for other wind turbines that experience similar environmental conditions as the specific wind turbine and that are operating in an expected operational state. In response to executing the predictive model, the data-analytics platform may cause an action to occur at the specific wind turbine or cause a user interface to display a representation of the output of the executed model, among other possibilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: James Herzog, Benedict Augustine
  • Publication number: 20180320659
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for reducing loads of one or more rotor blades of a wind turbine. The method includes monitoring a load of a first rotor blade. If the load of the first rotor blade exceeds a first load threshold, the method also includes designating a rotor plane sector in which the first rotor blade is located as a high load rotor plane sector. The method further includes adjusting, via a pitch drive mechanism, a pitch angle of a second rotor blade toward a first position before the second rotor blade enters the high load rotor plane sector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Alicia Mae Zinnecker, Ryan Michael Sunyak
  • Publication number: 20180320660
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for controlling a wind turbine using an adjusted aerodynamic performance map. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring at least one of an actual wind parameter or operating data of the wind turbine using one or more sensors. Further, the method includes determining an adjustment factor for the aerodynamic performance map based, at least in part, on either or both of the measured actual wind parameter or the wind turbine operating data. Moreover, the method includes applying the adjustment factor to a first aerodynamic performance map to obtain an adjusted aerodynamic performance map. Thus, the method also includes controlling the wind turbine based on the adjusted aerodynamic performance map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Stefan Herr, Murray Fisher, Sara Simonne Delport, Jelmer Cnossen
  • Publication number: 20180320661
    Abstract: A drivetrain system, braking method and braking system for a wind turbine is disclosed having a generator; a gearbox; a generator shaft and gearbox output shaft coupled between the generator and the gearbox, each shaft extending along a common longitudinal axis; a brake system having at least two brake disks with a first brake disk and a second brake disk, the first and second brake disks mounted concentric with the longitudinal axis; and a plurality of disk brake calipers having a first brake caliper and a second brake caliper, the first and second brake calipers mounted concentric with the longitudinal axis and engaged with the first and second brake disks, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Frank Hinken
  • Publication number: 20180320662
    Abstract: A windmill rotation restrictor device restricts the speed of rotation of front blades of a decorative windmill in high winds. The device includes a windmill having a base, a rotor, and a vane. The rotor includes a front blade assembly and a front shaft extending from the front blade assembly. The front shaft is freely rotatable relative to the base. The vane includes a rear blade assembly and a rear shaft extending from the rear blade assembly. The rear shaft is freely rotatable relative to the base. The front blade assembly and the rear blade assembly rotate in opposite directions when blown by wind from a single direction. A linkage couples the front shaft to the rear shaft such that rotation of the rear blade assembly counteracts and slows rotation of the front blade assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Mark Buysse
  • Publication number: 20180320663
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to control of a wind turbine during a recovery period after a grid fault. It is disclosed to operate a wind turbine during the recovery period to determine the actual pitch angle of the rotor blades and the actual wind speed, and based on that determining a desired pitch angle of the rotor blades, as well as a pitch ramp rate so that the actual pitch angle can be brought to match the desired pitch angle before the end of the recovery period. In embodiments, the steps performed in the recovery mode are repeated at intervals during the recovery period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Martin Ansbjerg KJÆR, Kasper Zinck OSTERGAARD, Jan GRAUGAARD-JENSEN
  • Publication number: 20180320664
    Abstract: A method and a device for use in variable-pitch control of a wind turbine, in said method: if a current wind speed is continuously maintained at a small wind speed, then periodically detecting whether a maintained duration of a current pitch angle of a wind turbine reaches a preset duration; once the preset duration is reached, switching a current minimum pitch angle to another minimum pitch angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: BEIJING GOLDWIND SCIENCE & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUI PMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jie ZHOU, Hao TANG, Qingtian WANG
  • Publication number: 20180320665
    Abstract: An enclosure for a nacelle of a wind turbine is connected to a substructure in a manner that allows the enclosure to move relative to the substructure. An imaginary straight line extends over the panel and is aligned with an edge of the panel. The imaginary straight line defines a first sub-portion of the panel, said first sub-portion comprising the edge. The first sub-portion butts against the substructure. The first sub-portion is retained against the substructure by a tension element acting in a direction of tension. The first sub-portion can be displaced relative to the substructure in a direction which intersects the direction of tension. The invention facilitates the operation of assembling the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Nils Lieckfeldt
  • Publication number: 20180320666
    Abstract: Platform tower assemblies for mounting wind turbine assemblies, as well as methods, systems and components related thereto. A central shaft may support a series of planar platforms along its length, each platform constructed to support a plurality of wind turbine assemblies. The wind turbine assemblies may be positioned to optimize production based on prevailing wind directions, and may include turbine assemblies optimized for different wind conditions. The platform tower may include a housing around a lower portion for storage of batteries and control circuitry. The uppermost platform may include one or more solar panels for additional power generation capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: William O. Fortner
  • Publication number: 20180320667
    Abstract: Assessing performance impact of a power upgrade of one or more wind turbines of a wind farm that includes a group of target wind turbines and a group of reference wind turbines. For each of the target wind turbines, a transfer function is generated, establishing a relationship between the locally measured wind speed at the target wind turbine and locally measured wind speeds at each of the reference wind turbines. A power upgrade is performed on each of the target wind turbines, and subsequently power performance data is obtained for the reference wind turbines and the target wind turbines, within one or more wind speed intervals. For the target wind turbines, the wind speed intervals are based on estimated wind speeds, based on locally measured wind speeds at the reference wind turbines and the transfer functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Dan BELTOFT, Sven Jesper KNUDSEN, Carsten Krogh NIELSEN
  • Publication number: 20180320668
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding device for strand-shaped components, such as energy- and/or information-conducting cables (5) of wind turbines (1, 3), consisting of at least one guiding part (7) for partially holding the components, wherein at least said one guiding part (7) can be fastened to a tower segment (3) of the turbine (1, 3) by means of a fastening apparatus (13, 15), is characterized in that the fastening apparatus performs the fastening of the associated guiding part (7) by means of an adhesion apparatus (13), preferably in a detachable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Peter MARYNIOK
  • Publication number: 20180320669
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, apparatuses, methods, products, and other implementations of vapor pressure solids. In some embodiments, a vapor pressure solid may include a one- or multi-component matrix material. In some embodiments, the multi-components matrix material is a two-part PDMS comprising a first and second matrix material. The first matrix material is capable of being mixed with one or more vaporizable fluids that causes the first matrix material to swell. The second matrix material is capable of being mixed with the swelled first matrix material to produce an actuating material. When the actuating material is heated, the one or more vaporizable fluids expand, resulting in vapors. The increased pressure applied by the vapors causes the actuating material to expand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth William Stack, Aslan Miriyev, Hod Lipson