Alternative Energy Supply (e.g., Solar Panel, Thermoelectric Or Piezoelectric Power Supply, Etc.) Patents (Class 204/196.27)
-
Publication number: 20150068919Abstract: An impressed current cathodic protection system for a target structure susceptible to corrosion (such as of steel or cast iron) which comprises an inert mixed metal oxide anode surrounded by a tightly packed conductive zone connected to a power supply source and having an input/output regulator to control the flow of current to the target structure. The present invention relates to device and method to provide personal and/or medical details of one or more individuals in the event of an emergency.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventor: Wayne Alan Robert Burns
-
Patent number: 8968549Abstract: Cathodic protection of steel in concrete is provided by locating an anode assembly including both a sacrificial anode and an impressed current anode in contact with the concrete and providing an impressed current from a power supply to the anode. The impressed current anode forms a perforated sleeve surrounding a rod of the sacrificial anode material with an activated ionically-conductive filler material between. The system can be used without the power supply in sacrificial mode or when the power supply is connected, the impressed current anode can be powered to provide an impressed current system and/or to recharge the sacrificial anode from sacrificial anode corrosion products.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Vector Corrosion Technologies Ltd.Inventors: George Sergi, Attanayake Mudiyanselage Gamini Seneviratne, David Whitmore
-
Publication number: 20140021039Abstract: Cathodic protection of steel in concrete is provided by locating an anode assembly including both a sacrificial anode and an impressed current anode in contact with the concrete and providing an impressed current from a power supply to the anode. The impressed current anode forms a perforated sleeve surrounding a rod of the sacrificial anode material with an activated ionically-conductive filler material between. The system can be used without the power supply in sacrificial mode or when the power supply is connected, the impressed current anode can be powered to provide an impressed current system and/or to recharge the sacrificial anode from sacrificial anode corrosion products.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventors: George Sergi, Attanayake Mudiyanselage Gamini Seneviratne, David Whitmore
-
Patent number: 8133381Abstract: A method and system for protecting underground gas carrier pipes housed within an outer casing pipe in which a gas carrier pipe section disposed within an outer casing pipe section and having opposed ends is electrically isolated from a remaining gas carrier pipe section proximate each of the ends. An annular space between the gas carrier pipe section and the outer casing pipe section is filled with an electrolyte. At least one anode electrode is inserted into the annular space distal from each of the gas carrier pipe section and the outer casing pipe section and connected with a positive voltage lead of a cathodic protection rectifier. A negative voltage lead of the cathodic protection rectifier is connected to the gas carrier pipe section.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventor: Daniel Allen Ersoy
-
Patent number: 7890217Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for controlling power in renewable solar energy sources. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling a renewable energy solar farm, where the farm may include one or more renewable energy sources. The method may include measuring aggregate energy output of the renewable energy solar farm and measuring individual source energy output of the one or more renewable energy sources. The method may also include controlling energy production from the one or more renewable energy sources via a controller based at least in part on the measured aggregate energy output and the measured individual source energy output, where the controller facilitates communications with the one or more renewable energy sources.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark Edward Cardinal, Minesh A. Shah, Andreas Kirchner, Timothy B. Cribbs, Anthony Galbraith, Enno Ubben
-
Patent number: 7866035Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to the design and manufacturing of inexpensive photovoltaic or thermal receivers for cost-effective solar energy conversion of concentrated light. Particular embodiments in accordance with the present invention disclose the design of a photovoltaic receiver and a low-pressure, low-flow-rate liquid cooler. Embodiment of the present invention also disclose a preferred low-cost and scalable manufacturing approach.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: CoolEarth SolarInventors: Eric Bryant Cummings, Kevin Christopher Moore
-
Patent number: 7425249Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses a subsea monitoring station using solar cells to energize at least one electronic circuit incorporating at least one node having a determinable circuit value or other parameter test station providing a full time voltage readout, powered by the lights 16 on an ROV/AUV 14 or diver's lamp. An additional element of the apparatus is a subsea cathodic protection test station 18 incorporating a plurality of banks of solar cells 28 powering DC voltage test circuits having some form of parameter display, such as voltmeter readout 30, deriving voltage from ambient light 16 provided by outside sources, such as an ROV 14 or diver's lamp. The apparatus's cathodic protection test system includes four integral voltmeters 30 of which are powered with independent solar panels 28. The solar panels 28 are powered by artificial light 16 delivered by diver or submersible vehicle 14.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Deepwater Corrosion Services, Inc.Inventor: James N Britton
-
Patent number: 7422666Abstract: A photovoltaically powered cathodic protection system for an automotive vehicle uses electrical energy arising from a photovoltaic array positioned upon an exterior surface of the vehicle, with the cathodic protection current being controlled by a controller which is also connected with an electrical storage device and with at least one electrogalvanic cell sensor. The controller and associated sensors function to assure that sufficient charge passes through conductors applied to the body of the vehicle to maintain cathodic protection on a consistent basis.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: James Richardson
-
Patent number: 6559373Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar powered cathodic protection system using a photocatalyst which functions as a non-sacrificial photoanode under sunlight, wherein said non-sacrificial photoanode consisting of the photocatalyst such as TiO2 (or ZnO) and an electrolyte, is galvanically connected to a metal structure to be protected and continuously provides electrons to the metal structure, whereby the metal structure is protected from the corrosion. The solar powered cathodic protection system using a non-sacrificial photoanode according to present invention is advantageous in that 1) an external power supply is not necessary, 2) it is easy to maintain the system because the non-sacrificial photoanode according to the present invention can be installed outdoors, and 3) the photocatalyst used as the non-sacrificial photoanode is inexpensive and semipermanent.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Envitech, Inc.Inventors: Won Yong Choi, Kyoo Young Kim, Hyun Woong Park
-
Patent number: 6346188Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cathodic protection system for inhibiting oxidation of a reinforcing member disposed within a cementitious structure. The system comprises a compact, autonomous battery adapted to mount to the cementitious structure at an open-air location, the battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a conductor adapted to electrically connect the negative terminal of the battery to the reinforcing member of the cementitious structure, an anode jacket constructed of a cementitious material and being adapted to be placed in physical contact with the cementitious structure, and an anode disposed within the anode jacket and being adapted to be positioned proximate to a portion of the reinforcing member disposed within the cementitious structure that is to be cathodically protected, the anode being electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Enser CorporationInventors: Nicholas Shuster, Gregory J. Gabert
-
Patent number: 6331243Abstract: An apparatus for prevention of corrosion in metal objects uses a capacitively coupled fastener or pad attached to a metal body being protected from corrosion. The metal body and the negative terminal of a source of DC voltage (battery) are grounded. The positive terminal of the source of DC voltage is connected to electronic circuitry that imparts pulses of low voltage DC through the capacitor to the fastener. These pulses of electrical current inhibit the oxidation of the metal object by providing a source of electrons to the oxidizing chemicals in contact with the metal. The electronic circuitry includes a reverse voltage protector to prevent the application of reverse source voltage. The circuitry also includes a power conditioner to supply a constant DC voltage to a microprocessor. The microprocessor generates pulses of DC signals that are amplified by a pulse amplifier and imparted to the conductive facing of the pad. The invention also includes a battery voltage monitor and a power indicator.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Red Swan, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Lewis