Abstract: A method of remotely managing a transport climate control system (TCCS) includes a remote management device receiving performance data from the TCCS. The performance data based on one or more detected operating parameters of the climate control circuit. The method also including the remote management device providing the performance data to one or more user devices. A remote management system includes a remote management device configured to receive performance data for a climate control circuit from a climate controller of a TCCS and to provide the performance data to one or more user devices. A TCCS includes a controller configured to: generate performance data based on the one or more detected operating parameters of a climate control circuit, and transmit the performance data to a remote monitoring device. The climate controller also configured to receive an operating instruction from the remote monitoring device.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The HVAC system includes a sensor that detects a temperature of a heater of a heating component and emits a signal indicative of the temperature. A flow management device controls a flow of electricity or fuel from a power source to the heating component. A controller receives the signal from the sensor and operates the flow management device to block the flow of electricity or fuel to the heating component when the signal is indicative of the temperature being above a set point.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention pertain to analyzing steam generator tube data for the detection of wear. Further, the invention is capable of performing a comparison of current tube signal data to baseline or historic tube signal data, e.g., from previous and/or the first, in-service inspection of the steam generator. The systems and methods are automated and can generate results to show potential tube-to-tube contact wear areas as well as the progression of tube-to-tube gap reduction within a steam generator tube bundle. In certain embodiments, the invention is capable of comparing current and historical eddy current data to determine the difference that may be related to degradation or other interested phenomena, and of processing and trending historical comparison results to establish normal variance and detect abnormal variances.

Abstract: The present disclosure provide a method for identifying power equipment targets based on human-level concept learning, including: creating a dataset of power equipment images, and annotating power equipment in power equipment images; training neural network and Bayesian network with the annotated dataset and respectively acquire identification results and conditional probabilities; calculating probabilities of unions with the conditional probabilities; and filtering the identification result corresponding to the highest probability of the union as identification result of the dataset of the power equipment images and complete the identification of the power equipment. The present disclosure combines Mask R-CNN and probabilistic graphical model. The bottom layer uses Mask R-CNN, and the top layer uses Bayesian network to train in identifying power equipment images, so that a small amount of data samples can achieve good recognition, which improved the performance of Mask R-CNN model.

Abstract: Sterilization apparatus comprising a sterilization instrument configured to be inserted through the instrument channel of a surgical scoping device and a withdrawal device for withdrawing the sterilization instrument from the instrument channel at a predetermined rate. The sterilization instrument comprises an elongate probe having a probe tip with a first electrode and a second electrode arranged to produce an electric field from received RF and/or microwave frequency EM energy. In operation the instrument may disinfect an inner surface of the instrument channel by emitting energy while being withdrawn through the channel.

Abstract: An air-source heat pump air conditioner includes a first heat pump including a first refrigeration cycle that is formed by a first air-conditioning heat exchanger, a first heat-source heat exchanger, a first compressor, and first refrigerant flowing therethrough; a second heat pump including a second refrigeration cycle that is formed by a second air-conditioning heat exchanger, a second heat-source heat exchanger, a second compressor, and second refrigerant flowing therethrough; and an air conditioner control device configured to control the first heat pump and the second heat pump to operate at least one of the first refrigeration cycle and the second refrigeration cycle for a space to be air conditioned, the air-conditioning air containing outside air, return air, and other air that exchange heat with the first circulating refrigerant and the second circulating refrigerant in the first air-conditioning heat exchanger and the second air-conditioning heat exchanger.

Abstract: Techniques for determining and using a thermodynamic model that characterizes a thermodynamic response of an enclosure conditioned by an HVAC system are disclosed. To determine a thermodynamic model, temperature information when the HVAC system operates in a first state may first be received. A response interval may then be determined where the response interval indicates an estimated time between when the HVAC system begins operating in the first state and when the temperature within the enclosure begins to change in a direction associated with the first state. Weighting factors corresponding to basis functions may then be determined, where the weighted basis functions characterize the temperature trajectory of the enclosure in response to the HVAC system operating in the first state.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube cleaning assembly and method is provided. The assembly can allow for semi-automated tube cleaning of a heat exchanger or other piping or equipment used in an industrial facility such as, for example, a petrochemical plant or oil refinery.

Abstract: A water-chamber working apparatus according to the present invention includes a base that holds heat transfer tubes on a tube plate surface and is fixed to the tube plate surface, and a manipulator that is coupled with the base and is suspended in a water chamber. The base includes a base body that is coupled with a manipulator, a wing capable of being displaced forward and backward with respect to the base body, and clamper that are arranged on the wing and are inserted into the heat transfer tube to clamp and hold the heat transfer tube.

Abstract: An inspection system for inspecting the interior of a steam generator includes, in one aspect, a first boom and a second, telescoping boom having a proximal end pivotally attached to the first boom and a distal end bearing a delivery capsule, the delivery capsule defining a storage bay. The inspection system includes a first robotic inspection vehicle dimensioned to fit in the delivery capsule storage bay and itself defines a storage bay. The first robotic inspection vehicle includes at least one inspection camera and at least one lighting system. The first robotic inspection vehicle further includes cabling connecting the first robotic inspection vehicle to the delivery capsule. The inspection system also includes a second robotic inspection vehicle dimensioned to fit in the first robotic inspection vehicle storage bay.

Abstract: A system and method to automatically detect and identify system components, wherein the system includes a processing device and at least one system component operably coupled to the processing device via a discrete connection. The method including the steps of operating the processing device to detect at least one electrical characteristic of the at least one system component, and operating the processing device to identify a type of the at least one system component based on the at least one electrical characteristic. The method further includes the step of operating the processing device to allow a user to confirm the identified type of the at least one system component.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing software updates to client devices. A client device (such as a thermostat) executes software to perform one or more functionalities of the device. Upon receiving an indicating that a software update is available, the device waits to download the software update until pre-download conditions are satisfied. Once the software update is downloaded, the device then waits to install the software update until pre-install conditions are satisfied. If the software update is non-critical and received during an initial installation of the device, the software update may not be installed until after installation of the device is complete. If the device is a thermostat, the device may delay installation of the software update until a controlled HVAC system in inactive. Control of the HVAC system may be disabled during installation of the software update.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit that is configured to communicate with an air conditioner, a camera that captures an image of at least one photographic subject, a display unit to which the image that includes at least one graphic object corresponding to the at least one photographic subject, respectively, is output, and a controller that, if the at least one photographic subject is the air conditioner, outputs state information on the air conditioner, which includes operation information relating to a wind that is output from the air conditioner, to the vicinity of the graphic object corresponding to the air conditioner.

Abstract: According to an installation method of a water-chamber working apparatus of the present invention, the water-chamber working apparatus includes a base that holds heat transfer tubes on a tube plate surface and is fixed to the tube plate surface, and a manipulator that is coupled with the base, suspended in a water chamber and arranged therein, and has a separable configuration. In this case, a base installing step of installing the base on the tube plate surface and a manipulator coupling step of carrying the separated manipulator (a front stage and a rear stage) into the water chamber sequentially and individually and coupling the manipulator with the base (a coupling link) are performed.

Abstract: A robotic tubesheet walker having two rails connected by a central hinge, wherein the central hinge can be opened or closed by an actuation device. Upon each rail is mounted a carriage, wherein each carriage can move along its respective rail toward or away from the central hinge by means of a drive mechanism. Each carriage further contains at least two “gripper” attachment mechanisms, such as camlocks, to grip the tubesheet. The grippers either insert into tube holes within the tubesheet to fasten the respective carriage to the tubesheet, or retract to disengage. Further attached to the central hinge is a tool support fixture, and attached to the tool support fixture is a coupler that holds maintenance or inspection tools.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies for detection and monitoring of the soot build up and clinker formation in coal fired power stations in which there is disclosed early identification of soot build up and hard sintered formation and adopting corrective measures for soot cleaning by automatic cleaning events based on observed levels of heat transfer within the boiler region of the power station.

Abstract: A delivery system for remotely driving an eddy current probe through the tubing of a heat exchanger. The system uses a flexible shaft and air pressure to move an inspection probe through the heat exchanger tubes. The flexible shaft initially drives the probe through a sealed conduit to deliver the probe to the tube end at which point a seal on the shaft near the probe head contacts the tube inner surface allowing a buildup of air pressure behind the seal, thus driving the probe through the tube.

Abstract: A temperature measurement device in combination with a furnace heat exchanger is disclosed and claimed. An instrumented heat tracer sensor is launched into the heat exchanger which records the temperature of the fluid and performance at data points along the length of the heat exchanger. If a spike in the temperature as measured and recorded, since the speed of the heat tracer sensor is known, the location of the temperature increase is known which infers a burn through in the furnace. A three way valve includes a retrieve port, a chamber port, and a launch port. A small sensor control pump and a large heat exchanger flow pump propel the heat tracer sensor through the system. A plastic chamber retains the heat tracer sensor for interrogation and downloading information when the sensor is not in use in the heat exchanger. A control station communicates with the heat tracer sensor and extracts the stored temperature data therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes an indoor unit monitor module electrically connected to a current sensor and first and second refrigerant temperature sensors. The current sensor generates a first current signal based on aggregate current consumed by components of an indoor unit of the HVAC system. The refrigerant temperature sensors generate first and second refrigerant temperature signals, respectively, based on measured temperatures of refrigerant circulating within the HVAC system. The indoor unit monitor module receives, from a secondary monitoring module, a second current signal based on aggregate current consumed by components of an outdoor unit of the HVAC system. The indoor unit monitor module transmits data to a remote server to assess whether a failure has occurred or is likely to occur in the components of the HVAC system. The data is based on the current signals and the refrigerant temperature signals.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a substrate processing apparatus includes a chamber having an interior volume with an upper portion and a lower portion, a cooling source disposed in the upper portion of the interior volume, a heating source opposing the cooling source, a magnetically movable substrate support that moves between the upper portion and the lower the portion, and a plurality of sensors coupled to the chamber to detect the position of the substrate support relative to the heating source and the cooling source

Abstract: A method, system, and control system for operating a HVAC system having one or more variable-speed components is provided. The method includes running the one or more variable-speed components at a first setpoint, and determining that the first setpoint generates a response having an intensity above a threshold. The response includes a vibration, a noise, or a combination thereof. The method further includes logging the first setpoint into a list of setpoints to avoid. The method also includes, in response to determining that the first setpoint generates the response having the intensity above the threshold, adjusting the one or more variable-speed components to a second setpoint.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains generally to thermostats that are adapted to assist utilities in communicating with its customers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a thermostat having a display, a controller and a receiver that is coupled to the controller. The receiver is adapted to receive messages from a utility, and the controller is adapted to display one or more related display messages on the display.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing software updates to client devices. A client device (such as a thermostat) executes software to perform one or more functionalities of the device. Upon receiving an indicating that a software update is available, the device waits to download the software update until pre-download conditions are satisfied. Once the software update is downloaded, the device then waits to install the software update until pre-install conditions are satisfied. If the software update is non-critical and received during an initial installation of the device, the software update may not be installed until after installation of the device is complete. If the device is a thermostat, the device may delay installation of the software update until a controlled HVAC system in inactive. Control of the HVAC system may be disabled during installation of the software update.

Abstract: A robotic tubesheet walker having two rails connected by a central hinge, wherein the central hinge can be opened or closed by an actuation device. Upon each rail is mounted a carriage, wherein each carriage can move along its respective rail toward or away from the central hinge by means of a drive mechanism. Each carriage further contains at least two “gripper” attachment mechanisms, such as camlocks, to grip the tubesheet. The grippers either insert into tube holes within the tubesheet to fasten the respective carriage to the tubesheet, or retract to disengage. Further attached to the central hinge is a tool support fixture, and attached to the tool support fixture is a coupler that holds maintenance or inspection tools.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for inspecting a structure including a heating tube, a tube sheet supporting the heating tube, and a flow distribution baffle, which are installed in a steam generator of a nuclear power plant, and more particularly, an apparatus for visually inspecting and removing a foreign object in gaps of a bundle of heating tubes of an upper portion of a tube sheet of a secondary side of a steam generator, in which a detector is inserted into gaps of a bundle of heating tubes of an upper portion of a secondary side of a steam generator so as to inspect sludge or foreign objects, and a foreign object remover removes foreign objects when foreign objects are discovered in the gaps of the heating tubes.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a dwelling is provided. The system includes a plurality of wireless thermostats disposed throughout multiple zones within the dwelling and operable to control climate conditions in the corresponding zones. The system further includes a primary power source operable to supply power to thermostats for operating in a high-power mode when operatively connected thereto. The thermostats each include a secondary power source operable to supply power to the thermostats for operating in a low-power mode when the corresponding thermostat is not powered by the primary power source. Thermostats operating in the high-powered mode and are operable to receive and repeat signals originating from one or more thermostats operating in the low-power mode.

Abstract: A fan is enclosed in the enclosure of an electronic apparatus. The fan discharges air out of a ventilation opening of the fan. Heat radiating fins are located in an air passage extending from the ventilation opening. A dust catcher is removably mounted on an outside surface of the enclosure into an opening of the enclosure. The dust catcher is located in the air passage between the heat radiating fins and the ventilation opening. The dust catcher serves to catch the dust in the air passage. The dust catcher is removed from the enclosure along with the dust.

Abstract: A thermostat is described for controlling air temperature in a building. The time associated with causing the controlled air temperature to reach a target temperature is estimated and displayed to a user. Input from a user indicating the target temperature can be received and the estimating and displaying can be carried out in real time. The thermostat can be wall-mounted or the user input can be received and estimated time can be displayed using a remote device, for example that communicates wirelessly with other components of the HVAC system.

Abstract: A cooling system for an engine is disclosed. The cooling system may have an engine, a pump configured to receive coolant from the engine and generate a flow of coolant, and a heat exchanger configured to receive the coolant flow. The cooling system may also have a plurality of orifice plates located between the pump and the heat exchanger. At least one of the plurality of orifice plates may be adjustable to control the flow of the coolant from the engine to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of heating or cooling a series of indoor spaces using domestic hot water and cooling using domestic cold water systems as a source for an efficient and cost effective distribution system that distributes heating and cooling water that can be used in surface heating/cooling panels built directly into the building construction. These panels form part of the space walls and ceilings and form a cost effective and ascetically pleasing method of delivering heating and cooling to a space.

Abstract: A comfort control system for controlling the comfort level in a building includes a comfort control unit and a remote control unit. The remote control unit communicates with the comfort control unit from a remote location. In one illustrative embodiment, the remote control unit includes a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient air temperature near the remote control unit, and a measure related to the sensed temperature may be communicated to the comfort control unit. A detection block may be included in the remote control unit for detecting when the ambient air temperature sensed by the temperature sensor in the remote control unit is likely to be influenced by a user or other undesirable condition. The comfort control unit may take this into account when controlling the comfort control system of the building.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for inspecting a structure including a heating tube, a tube sheet supporting the heating tube, and a flow distribution baffle, which are installed in a steam generator of a nuclear power plant, and more particularly, an apparatus for visually inspecting and removing a foreign object in gaps of a bundle of heating tubes of an upper portion of a tube sheet of a secondary side of a steam generator, in which a detector is inserted into gaps of a bundle of heating tubes of an upper portion of a secondary side of a steam generator so as to inspect sludge or foreign objects, and a foreign object remover removes foreign objects when foreign objects are discovered in the gaps of the heating tubes.

Abstract: A refrigerator for monitoring the status of another space by means of a display device mounted to the refrigerator, a monitoring system having the refrigerator and a control method thereof. The refrigerator includes a body which is formed with a storage chamber, a door for opening and closing the storage chamber, and a display device which is mounted to a front side of the door, the display device having a receiving part for receiving a monitoring image signal from a predetermined outside signal supply source, an image signal processing part for processing the received monitoring image signal, a display part for displaying the monitoring image signal and a control part for controlling the image signal processing part so that the received monitoring image signal is displayed on the display part.

Abstract: A cooling system for an engine is disclosed. The cooling system may have an engine, a pump configured to receive coolant from the engine and generate a flow of coolant, and a heat exchanger configured to receive the coolant flow. The cooling system may also have a plurality of orifice plates located between the pump and the heat exchanger. At least one of the plurality of orifice plates may be adjustable to control the flow of the coolant from the engine to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An improved manipulator system having a remotely actuated tube walker assembly for reciprocally moving the manipulator along a tube bundle for inspection and repair of the tubes of the tube bundle wherein the tube walker has a movable inner section and an outboard section with both sections having groups of hydraulically actuated locking fingers which are selectively engageable with the tubes of the tube bundle so that when the fingers of the outboard section are locked the fingers of the inner section are disengaged and the inner portion can be moved axially to an aligned position with new tube locations.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved manipulator system having a remotely actuated tube walker assembly for reciprocally moving the manipulator along a tube bundle for inspection and repair of the tubes of the tube bundle wherein the tube walker has a movable inner section and an outboard section with both sections having groups of hydraulically actuated locking fingers which are selectively engageable with the tubes of the tube bundle so that when the fingers of the outboard section are locked the fingers of the inner section are disengaged and the inner portion can be moved axially to an aligned position with new tube locations.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a remote refrigeration system includes a plurality of sensors that monitor parameters of components of the refrigeration system and a communication network that transfers signals generated by each of the plurality of sensors. A management center receives the signals from the communication network and processes the signals to determine an operating condition of at least one of the components. The management center generates an alarm based on the operating condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting leaks in a heat exchangers use mass gas flow metering. A regulated gas supply passes through a mass flow meter before entering either the product chamber or media chamber of a heat exchanger. The regulated gas supply passes into the heat exchanger through an inlet connection. All other inlets and outlets to the testing chamber are closed and isolated so that the chamber holds an applied pressure. The chamber on the opposite side of the heat exchanger is opened to atmosphere. Once gas fills the chamber and a static pressure is realized, the test begins by simply monitoring gas flow. If no flow is indicated, no flow rate is detected, and there is no detectable leak. Gas flow into the test chamber, at any given flow rate, as sensed by the sensitive mass flow meter, is an indication that leakage between the chambers exists.

Abstract: A waterproof thermal management module for a portable electronic device that including a housing and a heat source is disclosed. The waterproof thermal management module includes a separated chamber, a heat absorber, a radiator, a heat pipe and a fan. The separated chamber is set inside the housing and has a first air channel and a second air channel, wherein the first and second air channels communicate with the outside of the housing. The heat absorber is set inside the housing for contacting the heat source. The radiator is set inside the separated chamber. The heat pipe extends from inside the housing through the wall of the separated chamber into the separated chamber and connects the heat absorber and the radiator. The cooling fan is set in the separated chamber.

Abstract: A manipulator for servicing tubes extending through a tube sheet having three major components: a base member, a block member, and a foot member. The base member has a holder for supporting tooling or inspection devices. The base member also has at least one gripper for releasably gripping a tube extending through the tube sheet. The block member is connected to the base member for linear movement and rotation relative to the base member. The foot member is connected to the block member for linear movement relative to the block member. The foot member has at least one, and preferably two grippers, for releasably gripping a tube extending through the tube sheet. The manipulator supports itself using the two sets of expandable and translatable grippers that anchor into the tube ends and can move from tube to tube by alternately engaging each set of grippers.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a valve, and an evaporator coil, all of which are in fluid communication. The refrigeration system further including a fixture adapted to be cooled by the evaporator coil, a system controller operable to control operation of the refrigeration system, and a subsystem controller in communication with the system controller. The subsystem controller being operable to monitor at least one parameter of a subsystem having at least one of the compressor, condenser, valve, and fixture, and being further operable to execute a command from the system controller to affect the operation of the subsystem.

Abstract: A data acquisition system and method includes monitoring a cooling system having a refrigerant compressor, evaporator, and condenser, and employs a number of sensors to monitor various operating parameters of the system. A database stores predefined operating parameters for a plurality of cooling systems. The operating parameters are provided to a computer, which compares the provided operating parameters of the monitored cooling system with the predefined operating parameters to provide diagnostic results for the monitored cooling system.

Abstract: A crawler device for traversing in a confined environment, searching victims or inspecting defections, comprises an elongated flexible drive shaft extending along a central axis between a proximal end and a distal end, a motor operatively connected to the drive shaft for turning the drive shaft, and a plurality of segments disposed over the drive shaft. Any two adjacent segments are joined by an articulate joint. Each segment has a wheel assembly including drive wheels. At least two segments further include a gear assembly operatively connecting the wheel assembly to the drive shaft. Turning the drive shaft provides distributed traction force to the drive wheels of the at least two segments, and thereby drives the crawler device.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring heat from a first fluid to a second fluid, which is separated from the first fluid, having a stack-like or saucer-like structure comprising at least two plies (1, 2, 3), in particular plates (1, 2, 3), whereby each ply (1, 2, 3) comprises a heat-transferring area that has numerous passages (11, 12, 13), an inlet area located in front of the heat-transferring area in the direction of flow, and an exit area located behind the heat-transferring area in the direction of flow is proposed in which a relatively large heat-transferring surface area is realized in a small volume, hereby ensuring uninterrupted operation, even when the pressure differential between the two fluids is great. This is achieved according to the invention in that the inlet and/or exit area comprises at least one support element (18).

Abstract: A method of managing a refrigeration system includes transmitting energy consumption, maintenance indicator, and food condition data from the refrigeration system to a management center; analyzing the energy consumption, maintenance indicator, and food condition data at the management center; and monitoring, diagnosing and prognosing the performance of the refrigeration system in response to the analysis. The method may also include altering a configuration of the refrigeration system in response to the analysis. The refrigeration system may be located at a retail location and the management center may be located remotely to the retail location.

Abstract: A zoned HVAC system is provided with a series of dampers. A control for the dampers causes the dampers to each move between open and closed positions while monitoring a system condition. The system condition is selected to be one that should change as the damper moves between open and closed positions. If the system condition does not change as the control orders the damper to move between the open and closed positions, the particular damper is identified as a potentially faulty damper.

Abstract: An apparatus controlling activation of a home automation system to prevent electric home appliances from being simultaneously activated. The activation control apparatus has an activation control unit receiving an activation instruction for a first electric home appliance from a user, and activating the first electric home appliance, after at least one other electric home appliance is activated and lapse of a predetermined delay time, thus preventing simultaneous activation of the electric home appliances by sequentially activating the electric home appliances. The activation control unit has a user interface terminal and a gateway processor.

Abstract: A heat exchanger exchange-tube cleaning lance positioning system that includes a three axis cleaning lance positioning mechanism that is attachable to the end of a heat exchanger and that is controlled by a lance position computer controller that determines the locations of each of the openings of the exchange-tubes of the heat exchanger by analyzing an image signal generated by a camera mounted to the three axis cleaning lance positioning mechanism and then positions a connected exchange tube cleaning lance into and through each of the exchange-tube passageways to clean the exchange-tube passageways automatically.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of discriminating a through-wall crack and measuring the through-wall length of the crack in a steam generator tube of a nuclear power plant. The method of the present invention is characterized in that the through-wall crack is discriminated and the through-wall length of the crack is measured in such a way that there are measured the number and positions of inflection points of a graph that is plotted by relating characteristic amplitude values of eddy current signals, which are generated whenever a coil of a motorized rotating probe passes the crack while being spirally rotated, to the positions in the length of the crack.

Abstract: There is provided a system for servicing and maintaining heat supply equipment which ensures reliable analysis and high efficiency. Heat supply equipment 1 is composed of a control unit 5 to be attached to the heat supply equipment 1, and an equipment-side modem 6 for mediating the control unit 5 and a communication line 4. A management station 3 is composed of a management unit 7 for managing the heat supply equipment 1, and a station-side modem 8 for mediating the management unit 7 and the communication line 4. Upon reception of abnormality occurrence data sent from the control unit 5, the management unit 7 further receives detailed information data on an abnormality of the heat supply equipment 1 from the control unit 5, analyses by itself the received detailed information data, and creates recovery data for recovering the heat supply equipment 1 from the abnormality.