Abstract: The invention relates to a piston for an internal combustion engine having an upper part integrally joined to a lower part having a shaft and at least one pin bore. The upper part including a combustion chamber bowl recess and a piston crown with a crown edge. At least one joint is arranged in the region of a ring zone and in an outer wall of the combustion bowl recess, and the ratio of piston compression height (h1) and the diameter of the piston (d1) is less than 0.53.

Abstract: A burner-heat exchanger assembly (100) includes a burner (1) with a tubular diffuser wall (9), a combustion chamber (13) formed inside the diffuser wall (9), a heat exchanger (14) arranged in the combustion chamber (13) and having one or more heat exchange surfaces (31) exposed in the combustion chamber (13). A minimal diffuser-exchanger distance (C) between the diffuser wall (9) and the corresponding heat exchange surface (31) in the combustion chamber (13) ranges from 20 mm to 40 mm.

Abstract: An acoustic cavity tailored synthetic jet employs a body having a cavity with a wall including a taper from a first extent to an aperture. The cavity is configured to produce a matched acoustic resonance. A drive system has a piston engaged to the cavity at the first extent. The drive system and piston are configured for oscillatory motion inducing a synthetic jet at the aperture.

Abstract: There is provided an air flow deflector apparatus for a thrust reverser system of an engine of an air vehicle. The air flow deflector apparatus is movable between a stowed non-reversing position and a deployed thrust reversing position, to deflect an air flow out of the engine, and to provide an effective reverse thrust for the thrust reverser system. There is further provided an air flow deflector assembly for a structure. The air flow deflector assembly has the air flow deflector apparatus, an extender member, and a recessed housing disposed in the structure. The air flow deflector assembly has an air flow deflector actuator that moves the air flow deflector apparatus between a stowed position and a deployed position adjacent to a reverse efflux air flow exit portion of the structure. The air flow deflector assembly deflects a reverse efflux air flow away from being re-ingested into the structure.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes a turbine section having a very high speed fan drive turbine such that a quantity defined by the exit area of the fan drive turbine multiplied by the square of the fan drive turbine rotational speed compared to the same parameters for a second turbine is at a ratio between 0.5 and 1.5. The engine includes a power density greater than 1.5 lbf/in3.

Abstract: A starter system (400), for an internal combustion engine (200) including a carburetor (450) and a recoil starter (150), may include a sensor (420), a controller (430) and an actuator (440). The carburetor (450) may have at least a choke valve (322) for controlling a flow of a fresh air into a combustion chamber (232) of the engine (200) during engine start. The choke valve (322) may have a choke position and an open position and may be positioned into the choke position at engine start. The recoil starter (150) may start a rotation of an engine crankshaft causing a fuel supply to the combustion chamber (232) of the engine (200). The sensor (420) may be disposed to detect movement parameters associated with the engine (200) or crankshaft responsive to operation of the recoil starter (150).

Abstract: An electric throttle device and a controlling system used for a portable gasoline engine may include a rotation shaft and a throttle mounted on the rotation shaft, the throttle working to open or close the intake channel, and may further include a power unit, a transmission unit in a transmission connection with the power unit, and a controller. The transmission unit is matched with the rotation shaft, and the controller includes a circuit driving module for driving the power unit to control the opening or closing of the throttle. The electric throttle device enables co-movement of the throttle and the choker as well as automatic opening or closing.

Abstract: A carburetor includes a body with an air intake path, a fuel pump and a fuel pressure regulator and having a main fuel jet and nozzle assembly with a main fuel jet releasably coupled to the body of the carburetor. Alternatively, a main fuel jet and nozzle assembly includes a nozzle and check valve retainer formed as a single component. In other embodiments, a carburetor is provided having a fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator positioned on the same side of the body. A fuel pump and metering chamber diaphragm sandwiched between the body of the carburetor and a pump body and cover, separates a pump chamber from a pulse chamber of the fuel pump and separates a fuel chamber from an air chamber in the fuel pressure regulator.

Abstract: A carburetor, a method of assembling a carburetor, and a method of operating an engine. The carburetor may generally include a housing defining a pump portion and a metering portion; and a maintenance port in communication with the pump portion and the metering portion to allow direct introduction of an additive through the maintenance port and into the pump portion and the metering portion.

Abstract: In a pressure regulator, a valve element nozzle is supported by a diaphragm, which partitions between an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The outlet portion includes an inner cover and an outer cover. The inner cover receives an adjusting spring in an inside space of the inner cover. A primary communication hole is formed in the inner cover to oppose the valve element nozzle, and a secondary communication hole is formed in the inner cover at a location, which is on a radially outer side of the primary communication hole. The outer cover covers the inner cover and thereby forms a fuel space, which is communicated with the inside space through the primary and secondary communication holes, at a location between the inner cover and the outer cover.

Abstract: A retrofit-kit converts an existing internal combustion engine running on gasoline or diesel to run on either the old fuel or an alternative fuel such as compressed natural gas, liquid petroleum, hydrogen, propane, etc. The kit provides a new fuel tank for the alternative fuel, fuel injectors specifically calibrated for the type of alternative fuel used in the kit, as well as gasoline or diesel, and a micro-controller which reads existing engine sensors to allow for fine-tuned injection of the alternative fuel, along with regulation of blow-by gas recycling.

Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a flange unit configured to be attached to an upper wall of a fuel tank to close an opening of the fuel tank, a pump unit configured to be disposed within the fuel tank, and a coupling mechanism moveably coupling the pump unit to the flange unit in a vertically slidable manner. The coupling mechanism includes a fixed-side rail member having a rail portion extending vertically from the flange unit, and a movable-side rail member having a channel-groove shaped rail groove extending from the pump unit. The channel-groove shaped rail groove is slidably engaged with the rail portion of the fixed-side rail member. A recess having a semi-circular cross section is formed at a corner of the rail groove of the movable-side rail member.

Abstract: An inner side wall surface of a gap forming member, which is opposed to a flange outer wall surface of a flange of a needle, is slidable relative to the flange outer wall surface. Also, an outer side wall surface of the gap forming member, which is opposed to a stationary core inner wall surface of a stationary core, is slidable relative to the stationary core inner wall surface. The flange outer wall surface and the outer side wall surface are curved to project in a radially outer direction of a housing in a cross section thereof taken along an imaginary plane, which includes an axis of the housing.

Abstract: A multiple-keyed crankshaft and flywheel provides for different ignition timing options for an internal combustion engine. The crankshaft of the engine includes multiple keyways set at designated angular displacements of the crankshaft that correspond with keyways on a flywheel for providing different timing options for the engine. The flywheel may be mounted to the crankshaft by aligning one of the keyways of the flywheel to one of the keyways of the crankshaft related to a particular ignition timing selection.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system for a portable gasoline tool includes a voltage boosting device, a spark plug connected with an output of the voltage boosting device, a DC power source, and a controller electrically connected with the DC power source and connected with the voltage boosting device. The controller controls an ignition voltage and an ignition advance angle. A related portable gasoline tool includes a body, a cylinder located in the body, a piston movable to and fro within the cylinder, a crankshaft co-moved with the piston, and a flywheel located on the body and driven by the crankshaft to rotate.

Abstract: A method for safely capturing an engine RPM threshold in a spark-ignition internal combustion engines which may exceed the maximum safe unloaded RPM for that engine. Typical engines having a safe RPM high speed redline when coupled to a load, and a reduced RPM redline when decoupled and unloaded, can be set to activate ancillary equipment at a high redline, engine loaded RPM by deriving and processing data from the engine at a low, unloaded reduced RPM speed. The method requires operator reference to an existing OEM or after-market tachometer which enables the user to set a low RPM reference point while the engine is unloaded and running at a slow RPM. Raw data from the latter variable RPM threshold selected by a user is safely captured while the engine is operating unloaded, and a higher RPM threshold is calculated and set from the raw data. The higher RPM threshold may exceed the maximum safe unloaded RPM for said engine.

Abstract: A wave power generation device of the present invention includes: a buoy floating on the sea; a power generator generating electrical energy or hydraulic energy; a power transmitter connecting the buoy and the power generator to each other; and a wire having a first end and a second end connected to the buoy or the power transmitter and changing in tension by motions of the buoy.

Abstract: The invention provides a hinged raft wave energy conversion device (WEC) comprising: a first fore floating body; and a second aft floating body; wherein the first and second floating bodies are connected by a hinge joint for rotation of the bodies relative to each other, in use, about an axis parallel to the still water surface and transverse to the direction of wave propagation; wherein the first and second bodies extend away from the hinge joint in opposite directions; and wherein at least one of the first and second bodies has a sloped surface extending in the direction away from the hinge joint, at least a portion of the sloped surface being under the waterline at least when the device is in the still water rest position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buoyancy-driven power generation apparatus, which generates electricity by means of water power, gravity, and buoyancy, and differentially supplies fluid according to a water level so as to enable the efficiency of a pump for supplying the fluid to improve.

Abstract: A power generator is provided that in some embodiments includes a tubular generator housing for receiving a fluid flow at an intake end and discharging the fluid flow at an exit end. A generator compartment located within the generator housing contains an electrical generator. The generator compartment includes a plurality of structural members for centrally locating the generator compartment within the generator housing. A thickness of a thermally conductive outer wall of the generator compartment tapers from a thickest portion in front of the electrical generator to a thinnest portion adjacent to the electrical generator.

Abstract: Systems can be used to harness energy from winds. For example, this document describes scalable systems having multiple wing-like blades that can efficiently convert wind power into electricity and other types of energy.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade (20B-C) with a rounded trailing edge (42A-E) and an elongated tab (44A-J) extending from the pressure side (PS) within the aft 10% of the local chord (C) and generally parallel to the trailing edge to increase lift. The tab may have a height (H) that is greatest on the radially inboard end to maximize lift, and lower on the outboard end to minimize drag. It may have a base with a length of at least 60% of its height.

Abstract: The present invention describes a wind turbine whose blades have: a differentiated slope intended to compensate for the structural deformations caused by the wind action; a pitch control mechanism for better use of wind speed and direction in each section of blade length; parallel internal and movable structural tubes with each other that make the blade structure more flexible; steel wires connecting the blade ends so that they remain cable-stayed and rigid against wind forces; besides a tubular structure for wind blade; a wind turbine; and a method of controlling wind utilization. The present invention is in the field of renewable energy technologies.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a rotor blade (104) for a wind turbine, the rotor blade (104) comprising two or more wing members (110, 112, 114), wherein each wing member has an airfoil shaped cross-section as seen in a plane transverse to the longitudinal extension of the wing member, wherein each wing member (110, 112, 114) is divided into at least a first sub-member (110a) and a second sub-member (110b), the sub-members (110a-b) being arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction of the rotor blade (104), wherein, in each wing member (110, 112, 114), at an interface (116) between the first and the second sub-member (110a-b), the first sub-member (110a) is arranged in the rotor blade (104) with an outer end angular orientation about the longitudinal direction and the second sub-member (110b) is arranged in the rotor blade (104) with an inner end angular orientation about the longitudinal direction, the inner end angular orientation of the second sub-member (110b) being different from the outer end an

Abstract: The present invention relates to an embedding element (76) for embedment in a shell structure of a wind turbine rotor blade (10), the element having a wedge-shaped part (85). The embedding element (76) comprises a fibre material and a binding agent, wherein the fibre material is at least partially joined together by means of the binding agent. The inventive element provides improved structural flexibility and elasticity resulting in less wrinkle formation during blade manufacturing. In other aspects, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing the embedding element (76), to a method of manufacturing a wind turbine rotor blade (10) using the embedding element (76), and to a wind turbine blade (10) obtainable by said method.

Abstract: A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge each extending in a generally span-wise direction between an inboard region and an outboard region. The inboard region includes a blade root that is typically characterized by a rounded trailing edge. Further, the rotor blade assembly further includes at least one airflow separation element mounted to either or both of the pressure or suction sides of the rotor blade within the inboard region and adjacent to the rounded trailing edge. In addition, an edge of the at least one airflow separation element is configured to provide a fixed airflow separation location in the inboard region during standard operation. The rotor blade assembly also includes at least one airflow modifying element configured with the trailing edge of the rotor blade.

Abstract: A wind turbine for converting wind into mechanical energy, includes a support and a vane rotatably connected to the support, the vane including an elongated body and a wind receptacle formed as a lid hinged to the body such that the receptacle can adopt an open configuration wherein the lid is hinged away from the body, and a closed configuration wherein the lid is hinged towards the body, the lid having an outer surface directed away from the wind when the receptacle takes the open configuration, and an opposite inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the lid is provided with profiles protruding from the inner surface, and extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vane, and wherein the profiles diverge toward the site where the lid is hinged to the body.

Abstract: A construction (1) defining a volume submerged in an air-stream (10), with at least one surface (6) against which the air current impinges, directing, acceleration and laminating an air-flow against the lateral (6) of the construction (6) having at least one wind-mill generator (2) attached to said lateral (6) in an area where there is still no separation of said laminar air-flow (11) form the construction (1). Faced with said generator (2), is arranged at least one plate (9), the wind generator (2) being positioned between said plate (9) and said portion of the lateral wall, determining a tunnel (14) with an air inlet and outlet of the air-stream impinging on the blades of the wind-mill generator (2). The inlet of the air-stream into said tunnel (14) directed towards the blades of the wind-mill generator is placed adjacent the largest section of the perimeter of said construction (1), perpendicular to the direction of incidence of the wind-stream.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for providing an inertial response by a wind power system to power fluctuations in an electrical grid. The system includes a synthetic inertial response generator configured to generate a power offset in response to fluctuations in grid voltage. The power offset signal is generated by determining a quadrature component the grid voltage using an internal reference voltage having an angular frequency and phase angle that is synchronized to the electrical grid by a control loop. The quadrature component is used to determine a synchronous power level. A control loop error signal is produced by the difference between the synchronous power level and the wind turbine system power output. Changes in the grid frequency produce an error signal that is added to the power set point of wind turbine system output controllers to provide a power system inertial power output response.

Abstract: An offshore wind farm with a plurality of foundation elements which are arranged so as to form the corners of a plurality of parquetted hexagons and with a plurality of floating offshore wind turbines. Each floating offshore wind turbine within a hexagon is connected to the foundation elements which form the hexagon. The invention is characterized in that the floating offshore wind turbines are connected to the foundation elements by means of connection means designed as a chain and/or a cable or a combination of a chain and a cable. The connection means have a length which allows the offshore wind turbines to drift within a circular area with a radius of up to 10% of the hexagon circumradii about the respective hexagon center.

Abstract: Transport frame and method; said transport frame having a longitudinal, lateral and upright extent, and configured for transporting a root end or tip portion of a longitudinally extending wind turbine blade, said frame being stackable with similar frames, said frame having four top shoulders and four feet, said feet of said frame being conformed to be stackable on corresponding said shoulders of another similar frame, wherein each said shoulder is provided with a locating finger, each said finger having a height above said shoulder, and wherein each said foot is provided with a recess conformed to receive a said locating finger, and wherein a first said locating finger has a height greater than each of the three remaining said locating fingers.

Abstract: A method for replacing an existing generator frame that supports a generator of a wind turbine includes removing the generator from atop the existing generator frame. The method also includes dismounting a control cabinet of the wind turbine from the existing generator frame. More specifically, the control cabinet is electrically connected to one or more wind turbine components via a plurality of cables. The method further includes relocating and securing the control cabinet to an uptower location within a nacelle of the wind turbine with the plurality of cables remaining electrically connected. As such, the method includes removing the existing generator frame from within the nacelle. Moreover, the method includes installing a new generator frame in place of the removed existing generator frame. Thus, the method also includes remounting the control cabinet to the new generator frame.

Abstract: A disassembled wind turbine under repair includes a tower secured to a foundation and a nacelle mounted atop the tower. The nacelle includes a base wall, side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a top wall. The front wall includes an opening configured to receive a main shaft of the wind turbine; however, the main shaft and a rotor of the wind turbine have been removed from the nacelle during a repair procedure. As such, the disassembled wind turbine further includes an external platform assembly secured at the opening of the front wall of the nacelle during the repair procedure.

Abstract: A method for detaching or installing a rotor blade from or to a hub of a wind turbine includes positioning the rotor blade toward a ground location between a three o'clock position and a nine o'clock position. The method also includes mounting a mechanical arm to an uptower location of the wind turbine. Further, the mechanical arm includes a torqueing tool at a distal end thereof. Thus, the method also includes removing or installing, via the torqueing tool, each of the plurality of hub fasteners so as to detach or attach the rotor blade from or to the hub.

Abstract: Air-cooled oil tank comprising a plurality of pipes which are designed to conduct cooling air therethrough, have substantially the same diameter and extend through the oil tank, characterized by a second pipe which is designed to conduct cooling air therethrough and extends through the oil tank and within the diameter of which a fan is arranged, the diameter of the second pipe being greater than the diameter of the first pipes.

Abstract: A cooling device for components of wind turbines, comprising at least one conduit (3) containing therein a working fluid (5) selected to change from a liquid to gas phase, and vice versa, during operation; wherein a first lower portion of each conduit (3) is inserted into a receptacle (2) through which a primary coolant fluid (10) transporting heat from a component of a wind turbine to be cooled (7) circulates, said lower portion acting as an evaporator of the working fluid (5); and wherein a second upper portion of each conduit (3) remains outside the receptacle (2), acting as a condenser of the working fluid (5).

Abstract: Implementations of a system for collecting radiant energy with a non-imaging solar concentrator are provided. In some implementations, the system may be configured to focus radiant energy striking a plurality of concentric, conical ring-like reflective elements of the non-imaging concentrator onto a receiver positioned thereunder and to rotate and/or pivot the receiver so that at least a portion thereof is always kept within the focal point (or area) of the non-imaging concentrator. Wherein the center of the focal point (or area) is fixed with respect to the ground. In some implementations, the system for collecting radiant energy with a non-imaging solar concentrator may comprise a tracking apparatus configured to support the non-imaging concentrator and position it so that the sun is normal thereto, and a piping system that is configured to transfer concentrated solar energy from the receiver to an absorbing system where the energy is finally utilized.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods of generating power that utilise the flow of vapour between two or more liquid bodies having different vapour pressures. Power is generated as a result of the flow of vapour from a liquid body having a higher vapour pressure to a liquid body having a lower vapour pressure.

Abstract: A soft robot device includes at least a first thermoplastic layer and a second thermoplastic layer, wherein at least one layer is comprised of an extensible thermoplastic material; at least one layer is an inextensible layer; and at least one layer comprises a pneumatic network, wherein the pneumatic network is configured to be in fluidic contact with a pressurizing source, wherein the first and second thermoplastic layers are thermally bonded to each other.

Abstract: An impulse pump is provided with a low power motor to store rotational kinetic energy in a flywheel. The stored kinetic energy is released using a planetary gear transmission that links the flywheel to a pusher shaft. The kinetic energy is released when the planetary gear carrier is decelerated using a caliper brake. The planetary gear carrier deceleration forces rotational acceleration of the pusher shaft and deceleration of the flywheel. Through a cam roller contact point between the pusher shaft and the cam raceway on the plunger; the rotational motion of the pusher shaft is converted to linear and translational motion of the plunger. The translational motion of the plunger allows impulse jet energy to be rapidly released from a nozzle of the pump.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pumps. Various embodiments may include a high-pressure fuel pump with: a low-pressure region with a low-pressure damper for damping pressure pulsations that occur during the operation of the high-pressure fuel pump; a damper capsule contained in the damper volume; and a spiral spring enclosed in the damper volume for imparting a preload force to at least a region of the damper capsule. The low-pressure damper has a damper volume. The damper capsule has a gas volume enclosed between two membranes.

Abstract: A solvent supply system for supplying a composite solvent is described. The solvent supply system comprises a first supply flow path with a first pump unit, the first supply flow path being adapted for supplying a flow of a first solvent to a mixing unit, the first pump unit operating periodically, and a second supply flow path with a second pump unit, the second supply flow path being adapted for supplying a flow of a second solvent to the mixing unit, the second pump unit operating periodically. The mixing unit is adapted for mixing the first and the second solvent and for supplying a composite solvent. The solvent supply system further comprises a control unit adapted for controlling operation of the first and the second pump unit, the control unit being adapted to prevent at least one of a predefined phase relation and a predefined frequency relation between the first pump unit and the second pump unit.

Abstract: A single, or a cascade of magnetically actuated blades are used to simultaneously pump and mix fluids in continuous-flow microfluidic devices. The external magnetic field, which traps the blade and controls its motion, is generated by a carpet of micron-scale coils. The frequencies and amplitudes of the blade's translational and rotational motions are controlled by voltage and current waves that pass through the carpet of the microcoils. When the frequency ratios of the translational and rotational motions of the blades do not commensurate, the pumped fluid is mixed chaotically. Chaotic mixing is also achieved when a single blade moves on a rosette-like quasi-periodic path. The invented micro pumping and mixing device negates connections to external pumps, and does not need specially-carved channels to mix flowing liquid. The microcoils are printed or installed on glass or polymeric substrates. The blades can also be used as controllable gates in microfluidic circuits.

Abstract: A plastic air pump movement comprises a plastic cylinder, a plastic piston, a plastic output plate and a power mechanism, wherein the power mechanism comprises a plastic gear, a plastic swing arm and a motor. It further comprises a plastic support for fixing and supporting the motor, the plastic gear, the plastic swing arm and the plastic cylinder. The plastic output plate is fixedly connected with the plastic cylinder by a rotary snap-fit joint. The plastic support is fixedly connected with the motor and the plastic cylinder by rotary snap-fit joints. The plastic air pump movement is integrally arranged within a plastic housing. A groove fitting with the plastic cylinder, the plastic output plate, the plastic support, the plastic swing arm, the plastic gear and the motor is provided within the plastic housing. Due to the components made of plastic material, it has light weight.

Abstract: A hermetic compressor includes an airtight case a lower portion of which oil is stored in; a frame received in the airtight case; a compression mechanism disposed in the frame and to compress a refrigerant; a motor mechanism including a stator fixed to the frame and a rotor to rotate inside the stator; a rotation shaft coupled to the rotor and provided with a cavity at a lower portion of the rotation shaft, wherein the rotation shaft rotates together with the rotor and operates the compression mechanism; a stationary shaft inserted into the cavity of the rotation shaft, fixed to the airtight case, and provided with a helical groove formed on an outer circumferential surface; and an oil raising member fixed to the cavity of the rotation shaft and configured to surround the stationary shaft. The oil raising member raises the oil stored in the airtight case.

Abstract: An oil—cooled air compressor is provided with: an oil—cooled air compressor for compressing sucked-in air and discharging the compressed air; an oil separator for separating the compressed air and lubricating oil, which are discharged from the air compressor body; an oil cooler for cooling, by outside air, lubricating oil discharged from the oil separator; oil supply pipe passage for supplying lubricating oil, which is discharged from the oil cooler, to a bearing of the air compressor body and to an intermediate section in the process of compression by the air compressor; and an after-cooler for cooling, by outside air, air discharged from the oil separator. The oil-cooled air compressor in which the air compressor, the oil separator, the oil cooler, and the after-cooler are connected to supply high-pressure air to the outside of the compressor is provided with a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a compressor including: a piston reciprocated in a cylinder; a valve seat plate provided with a port through which a fluid passes along with the reciprocation of the piston; a valve provided in the valve seat plate to open/close the port; a valve receiver regulating the degree of opening of the valve; and a stress suppression member provided between the valve and the valve receiver, wherein the stress suppression member includes a valve exposing portion exposing the valve.

Abstract: A liquid color pump and method for operation thereof includes a diaphragm displaceable into a chamber to displace liquid color therefrom; a pair of solenoid valves, each having an inlet port, an exhaust port, and first and second output ports; a potentiometer sensing displacement position of the diaphragm and a processor actuating the solenoid valves responsively to a diaphragm position sensed by the potentiometer.

Abstract: A membrane pump usage condition detection system and a method of determining a membrane pump usage condition. The membrane pump usage condition detection system comprises a membrane pump defining a flow path arranged to be opened and closed by at least one valve, a measuring device; a comparator; and a signal generator. The measuring device is configured to determine an electrical characteristic between two points on the flow path of the membrane pump, one point arranged upstream of the at least one valve and the other point arranged downstream of the at least one valve. The measuring device measures the electrical characteristic when the at least one valve is closed. The comparator is configured to monitor the electrical characteristic. The signal generator is arranged to provide an output signal when the electrical characteristic is indicative of a membrane pump usage condition.

Abstract: A system includes a fluid pump and a first pressure sensor disposed on or near an inlet of the fluid pump. The system further includes a second pressure sensor disposed on or near an outlet of the fluid pump and a control system. The control system includes a processor configured to receive a first signal from the first pressure sensor. The processor is further configured to receive a second signal from the second pressure sensor, and to derive a pump slip measure based on the first signal and the second signal.