Power System Patents (Class 703/18)
  • Publication number: 20120029897
    Abstract: A control system for a distributed power grid includes a simulation module operative to directly interface with operational control of distributed energy resources (DER) to develop and when necessary dynamically modify control inputs of the distributed power grid. By conducting a decentralized and distributed simulation of DER topology (components and their surrounding infrastructure) each distributed control module can simulate control response characteristics of a plurality of DER to determine a control methodology necessary to achieve a desired target. Once developed the same control inputs can be directly applied to physical DER and thereafter monitored to validate performance. Once validated, operational control of the DER is established while ongoing modifications of the control inputs continues in parallel to maintain desired performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: SPIRAE, INC.
    Inventors: Sunil Cherian, Oliver Pacific
  • Patent number: 8108194
    Abstract: A method of analyzing power consumption for a DUT (device under test) that includes an integrated circuit or an electronic system includes: providing emulation data for states of the DUT in one or more time windows; determining operational mode values from the emulation data and a selection of operational modes that characterize circuit behavior in the one or more time windows; dividing each time window into one or more segments based on at least one power criterion; determining power-activity values for the one or more segments; determining power-consumption values for the one or more segments from the power-activity values; using the power-activity values and the power-consumption values to determine relative power activity across the one or more segments and adjusting the one or more segments to target high power activity over operational modes in the one or more time windows; and saving one or more values for power activity of the DUT in a computer-readable medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bing Zhu, Tsair-Chin Lin, Tung-sun Tung, Jingbo Gao
  • Patent number: 8108184
    Abstract: Described are software tools and techniques for use in power system operations and control, enabling direct non-iterative solution and estimation of the state of a power system. Knowledge of the state of a power system is essential for secure, reliable and efficient operation of the system. Power system measurement data including the phasor data, as well as power system parameter and topology data are utilized. A set of redundant nonlinear equations, quadratic or third-order in form is formulated. The nonlinear equations are then solved directly for the state of the power grid. The methodology is non-iterative and offers a direct solution that does not depend on initial guess values or convergence of iterations, thus offering a more robust tool for energy management systems and power systems operation and control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Bruce Fardanesh
  • Patent number: 8108191
    Abstract: Apparatus to exercise electrical motor drivers by electrically simulating a geared electric or electrical motor by providing an electronic load for the power signals that are applied to it. Current levels in the load are monitored in real-time using gate array logic and digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms to determine torque, acceleration, velocity and/or position data of the motor and gear train. Motor and gear train positional signals are generated and fed back to the motor driver device to close the servo loop. Control algorithms within the gate array and DSP accurately simulate the motor inertia and act to simulate a physical motor under varying load conditions. A control interface modifies critical motor parameters such as inertia, losses, gear ratio, and loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Testing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter F. Britch
  • Publication number: 20120022713
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide power flow analysis and may process electrical power distribution system data in real time to calculate load, current, voltage, losses, fault current and other data. The power flow analysis system may include a detailed data model of the electrical power distribution system, and may accept a variety of real time measurement inputs to support its modeling calculations. The power flow analysis system may calculate data of each of the three distribution system power phases independently and include a distribution state estimation module which allows it to incorporate a variety of real time measurements with varying degrees of accuracy, reliability and latency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Brian J. Deaver, SR., Parag A. Parikh
  • Patent number: 8099181
    Abstract: A method for the computer-aided regulation and/or control of a technical system is provided. In the method, first a simulation model of the technical system is created, to which subsequently a plurality of learning and/or optimization methods are applied. Based on the results of these methods, the method best suited for the technical system is selected. The selected learning and/or optimization method is then used to regulate the technical system. Based on the simulation model, the method can thus be used to train an initial controller, which can be used as an intelligent controller, and is not modified during further regulation of the technical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Volkmar Sterzing, Steffen Udluft
  • Publication number: 20120010757
    Abstract: An energy management system uses an expert engine and a numerical solver to determine an optimal manner of using and controlling the various energy consumption, producing and storage equipment in a plant/communities in order to for example reduce energy costs within the plant, and is especially applicable to plants that require or that are capable of using and/or producing different types of energy at different times. The energy management system operates the various energy manufacturing and energy usage components of the plant to minimize the cost of energy over time, or at various different times, while still meeting certain constraints or requirements within the operational system, such as producing a certain amount of heat or cooling, a certain power level, a certain level of production, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: EMERSON PRCESS MANAGEMENT POWER & WATER SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter N. Francino, Frederick C. Huff
  • Patent number: 8095354
    Abstract: As a program tool of the embodiment estimating the peak of power consumption, primary processing is performed in which logic simulation is executed in a first time period to extract operation data of a gated clock for every predetermined section within the first time period, e.g. operation waveform data or data on the number of operations. Then, a narrowed section, which is composed of one or more sections and in which the switching activity per unit time is higher compared to other sections, is discovered, the switching activity being obtained from the operation data, and this narrowed section is taken as a second time period. Then, secondary processing is performed in which logic simulation is executed in the second time period to extract signal waveform data for every clock cycle and obtain power consumption data corresponding to the clock cycles from the extracted signal waveform data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhide Tamaki, Ryuji Fujita, Junichi Niitsuma, Takayuki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8095245
    Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for dispatching thermal energy and generating power in a solar power generating plant. The system includes a computer processor, computer readable medium, and control logic stored on the computer readable medium to direct the operation of the processor. The processor generates an optimized thermal energy dispatch schedule which controls operation of the generating plant by performing a combination of direct thermal energy and indirect thermal energy storage simulations to maximize operating revenues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Rao Y. Mannepalli, Paul D. Albertelli
  • Patent number: 8073669
    Abstract: A pipeline electronic circuit and design methodology enables power conservation in the stages of the pipeline via a simulation that identifies clock-gating opportunities among the stages of the pipeline. In one embodiment, simulation results assist a designer in the design of the pipeline electronic circuit to achieve power conservation by incorporating clock-gating circuitry among the stages of the pipeline at clock gating opportunity locations that the simulation identifies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Earl Fernsler, Hans Mikael Jacobson, Johny Srouji, Todd Swanson
  • Publication number: 20110295585
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling energy systems. In particular, parametric hybrid models may be used to parameterize inputs and outputs of groups of equipment of energy systems. Each parametric hybrid model may include an empirical model, a parameter model, and a dynamic model. Critical parameters for groups of equipment modeled by the parametric hybrid models, which are correlated with, but not the same as, input and output variables of the groups of equipment may be monitored during operation of the energy system. The critical parameters may be used to generate optimal trajectories for the energy system, which may be used to control the energy system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Bijan Sayyar-Rodsari
  • Publication number: 20110295438
    Abstract: A wind turbine power management system and method includes one or more wind turbines at a wind farm and one or more laser sources used to measure wind conditions remote from the wind farm. The laser sources may be collocated with the wind turbines, and are able to measure wind conditions at various predetermined ranges from the wind turbines. The laser sources measure wind conditions at locations that provide 10 to 20 seconds of advance notice, and also at locations that provide 50 to 100 seconds of advance notice. Wind condition at locations that provide 500 or more seconds of advance notice are also measured using remote laser sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Catch The Wind, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip L. Rogers, Frederick C. Belen, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110295610
    Abstract: A method for installation capacities of a hybrid energy generation system is disclosed. The hybrid energy generation system may include a plurality of power systems. According to the environment factors and practical requirements of the installation site, the mechanism of the present invention may find the golden ratio of the installation capacities among the different power systems. Furthermore, the present invention may obtain the combination of installation capacities associated with the minimum recovery period, thereby further decreasing the installation cost and the efficiency of the hybrid energy generation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicants: YUAN ZE UNIVERSITY, CHINA TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS, INC. FOUNDATION, ADVANCED CONTROL & SYSTEMS, INC., TAIWAN GREEN PRODUCTIVITY FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jung-Tzung Wei, Yi-Chang Chen, Li-Ning Huang, Yu-Chang Chang, Charng-Gen Lin
  • Patent number: 8065131
    Abstract: A method for simulating an industrial plant includes generating a library of industrial plant component types using user input. The library includes properties of the component types and rules to generate scripts in accordance with property values. The method further includes assembling a configuration of industrial plant components from the library using user input. The configuration is assembled into an editor configured to accept a layout and connection of the configuration of industrial plant components and to accept a configuration and setting of the properties of the industrial plant components. The method also includes generating a script or scripts for industrial plant components in the configuration of industrial plant in accordance with the rules, wherein the generated scripts include mathematical relationships within or among the industrial plant components, or both. The mathematical relationships are then solved. Results are either displayed or used to control an industrial plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Larry Keith McDonald, Scott Terrell Williams, Scott Alden Atkins, Alfred Ong'iro, Ivan Joseph Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110282500
    Abstract: A system and method for enhancing operation of a power generation system. The method includes receiving forecasts at a predictive control unit. The method also includes accessing via a controller real-time lifing models or near real-time lifing models in the predictive control unit. Additionally, the method includes accessing via the controller an enhancer configured to simulate operation of a power generating unit in the power generation system to generate an enhancement of the power generation system based on the forecasts and the real-time or near real-time lifing models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher Eugene Long, Robert Joseph Iasillo, Jonathan Carl Thatcher, Kevin Thomas McCarthy, Sameer Vittal
  • Publication number: 20110257956
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes one or more memory modules and one or more processing units. The one or more processing units access configuration parameters for configuring models that are operable to simulate operation of a power environment. A first subset of the models models power environment elements of the power environment. A second subset of the models models one or more external information sources, including an environmental source providing environmental data. The one or more processing units initiate configuration of the models according to the configuration parameters, resulting in configured models, and access operating parameters indicating operating conditions for the models to simulate. The one or more processing units initiate execution by the configured models of a simulation of the power environment according to the operating parameters. The configured models interact to execute the simulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Ripal S. Goel, Ron C. Williamson
  • Patent number: 8041464
    Abstract: A knowledge-based system is defined that ensures network radiatity during reconfiguration of a power distribution system. Network radiality heuristics idenufy a pair of switching operations that will preserve radiality. A line section table specifies the line section identifier, start bus, end bus, line section type, and switch existence for each line section in the network. A bus table identifies the line section that supplies the bus and those line sections that are fed by the bus for each bus in the network. A matrix-structured knowledge base with five distinct rule bases is used. The line section and bus tables must be updated after any switching operations are enacted. Extensive simulations of the knowledge-based system revealed that a solution was found in a time-efficient manner. This knowledge-based system enhances network reliability and hence prevents power outages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventors: Ashu M. G. Solo, Robert John Sarfi, Ramakrishna Gokaraju
  • Publication number: 20110251732
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for calculating load models and associated tunable parameters that may be used to describe the behavior of loads connected to an electric power distribution system. The load models may be utilized to predict variations in demand caused by changes in the supply voltage, and may be utilized in determining an optimized control strategy based on load dynamics. Any action which causes a disruption to the electric power distribution system may provide information regarding the composition or dynamics of connected loads. Such actions may be referred to as modeling events. Modeling events may occur with some frequency in electric power distribution systems, and accordingly, a number of data sets may be acquired under a variety of conditions and at a variety of times. Load models may include static load models, dynamic load models, or a combination of static and dynamic load models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Edmund O. Schweitzer, III, Marcos A. Donolo, David E. Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20110251933
    Abstract: System and method include precisely modeling of a facility's energy usage over time based on historic data, and precisely predicting or measuring its actual, reduced energy usage over time after a redesign, retrofit, or renovation, or other positive change to the facility. The energy cost savings, whether over a time point of view (POV) of predicted, real-time, or historic, are creditable to the intervening remediation or renovation of the facility's energy footprint. In accordance with one embodiment, multiple-variable inputs are modeled using arithmetic regression and steepest-descent convergence arithmetic solutions based in large part on building-science (construction) data versus outside average temperature (t) that simplifies the modeling and measurements. Additionality is thus addressed along with a system and method that is more accurate, more repeatable, more reliable, and thus more credible and more readily monetized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Terry Egnor, Howard Reichmuth, William C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 8036872
    Abstract: A system for conducting performing real-time harmonics analysis of an electrical power distribution and transmission system is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a power analytics server and a client terminal. The data acquisition component is communicatively connected to a sensor configured to acquire real-time data output from the electrical system. The power analytics server is communicatively connected to the data acquisition component and is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine and a machine learning engine. The machine learning engine is configured to store and process patterns observed from the real-time data output and the predicted data output, forecasting harmonic distortions in the electrical system subjected to a simulated contingency event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: EDSA Micro Corporation
    Inventor: Adib Nasle
  • Patent number: 8036763
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting operation of a plant or process receive an input value from the plant or process. An integrity of a non-linear model corresponding to a local input space of the input value may be determined. The non-linear model may include an empirical representation of the plant or process. If the integrity is above a first threshold, non-linear model may be used to provide a first output value. However, if the integrity is below the first threshold, a linearized first principles model may be used to provide a second output value. The linearized first principles model may include an analytic representation of the plant or process. Additionally, the analytic representation of the plant or process may be independent of the empirical representation of the plant or process. The first output value and/or the second output value may be usable to manage the plant or process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Boe, Gregory D. Martin, Stephen W. Piche
  • Publication number: 20110246153
    Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to a method of fuel bundle design, core design, or combined fuel and core design, to ensure Pellet Cladding Interaction (PCI) related fuel failures are mitigated. More specifically, example embodiments provide fuel and/or core designs that may be determined prior to operation of a nuclear power plant, or prior to production of fresh fuel bundles. The PCI optimized fuel/core designs may include some or all of seven PCI Evaluation Methods which may be incorporated into existing nuclear reactor simulation programs. PCI optimized fuel and/or core design enhances fuel reliability, allows faster beginning-of-cycle (BOC) startups and faster middle-of-cycle (MOC) sequence exchanges to maximize plant performance, and minimizes ramping restrictions, thereby maximizing nuclear power plant performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Benjamin James Schultz, Michael William Thomas, Shawn Marie Lamb, Harold Hartney Yeager, Robert J. Schneider, Charles Carter McNeely, Richard Augi
  • Patent number: 8032338
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for the design of a power supply is disclosed. Multiple lists of power supply design variables are provided. The method includes simulating a first power supply design in response to power supply design variables selected from these multiple lists of variables. The method then calculates a score of the first power supply design and determines whether the score is better than the score of any power supply design included in a set of power supply designs. If so, the method replaces a power supply design having a worst score from the set of power supply designs with the first power supply design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.
    Inventors: Arkady Akselrod, Sameer Kelkar, Timothy E. W. Starr
  • Publication number: 20110238388
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the method includes determining the safety limit minimum critical power ratio using the operating limit minimum critical power ratio, a change-in-critical-power-ratio distribution bias and a change-in-critical-power-ratio distribution standard deviation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: James Edward Fawks, JR.
  • Patent number: 8027795
    Abstract: A method and system for establishing a load model (120) that utilizes a measurement from a second monitor (140) to estimate a value taken by a first monitor (150). A base load value associated with a load (160) is collected. The load model (120) is applied to the base load value, yielding an estimated load value. The estimated load value is representative of at least one measured load value for the load (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Power Measurement Ltd.
    Inventors: John C. Van Gorp, Shaun M Hope, Peter Cowan, Matthew Stanlake
  • Publication number: 20110227556
    Abstract: A position detection and simulation platform includes software configurable logic and programmable inputs and outputs to support software configuration only changes for use with a variety of position feedback devices including synchros, resolvers, linear variable differential transformers, and rotary variable differential transformers. Power to the software configurable outputs is dynamically controlled so that the power supply voltage presented to the outputs satisfies a minimum threshold above the amplitude of the output signal. Dynamic control is based on at least one of a digital representation of a signal to be output, an analog version of the signal to be output, or the signal being output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES, INC
    Inventors: Olexiy Ivchenko, Denys Kraplin
  • Patent number: 8024076
    Abstract: A plurality of buses of an electrical power system are grouped into agents, family lines of agents and families of agents based on the reactive reserves depleted when the buses are loaded. Contingencies are applied and the reactive reserves are monitored to determine an exhaustion factor for one or more family lines in one or more families. A boundary case solution exists for each outage that has no solution when the outage is removed in small steps and an additional step has no solution and is used to assess where, why, and how the contingency causes voltage instability, voltage collapse and local blackout. Based on this information, the voltage rescheduling, active rescheduling, unit commitment and load shedding is determined that can be used as preventive, corrective or emergency controls in system design and planning, operation planning, reactive and voltage management, real time control, and Special Protection System Control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Intelilcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Schlueter, Benjamin Ashton Minshall, Ryan Joseph Hunt
  • Patent number: 8024051
    Abstract: A method for a power grid configured to supply current to a plurality of elements of a circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Korobkov, Wai Chung William Au
  • Publication number: 20110224839
    Abstract: An maximum power point tracking unit used in a solar cell power system can find maximum power point more efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Thompson
  • Publication number: 20110224966
    Abstract: A nuclear reactor fueling plan evaluating system and method in which reactor shutdown margin evaluation are performed quickly and accurately. A fueling procedure formulating part and an input setting part having databases are included. A maximum worth control rod candidate selecting part having a control rod worth calculating means which inputs fuel loading and control rod patterns of each fueling act, inputs a relatively simple second physics model, calculates control rod worth from the difference between the degree of subcriticality of a reactor core in a state that all control rods are inserted and the degree of subcriticality of the reactor core in a state that a single control rod is withdrawn for each fueling step, and selects a determined number of maximum worth control rod candidates. A reactor shutdown margin calculating part inputs a subdivided first physics model and calculates reactor shutdown margin for each maximum worth control rod candidate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: GLOBAL NUCLEAR FUEL - JAPAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Teppei Yamana, Masayuki Tojo, Hitoshi Sato, Tatsuya Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 8014992
    Abstract: A time driven, computer simulation based electric power system training software package designed to train power system operators is used with an existing set of electric power system modeling algorithms, such as sold under the Powerworld™ brand. The software package includes: a file that provides all the data to be plugged into the electric power system modeling algorithms, a graphics file that shows a picture of the power system and serves as a graphical man-machine interface with the modeling algorithms, a time dimension file that initiates and ends the simulation session and changes specific data in the data file as time progresses and stores a history of selected parameters over the course of the session; and a spreadsheet file, such as an Excel® spreadsheet, that performs calculations on data and presents data in graphical form based on output from the modeling algorithms at the end of the simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: William H Smith
  • Publication number: 20110213606
    Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus for computing a solution to a power flow problem for an electrical power system comprising a plurality of buses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Aden Seaman, Oliver Romaniuk
  • Patent number: 8010336
    Abstract: A method for simulating the configuration of an electrical power network for robust power restoration method is described. The method involves analyzing an electrical network topology in respect of electrical power sources, electrical bridges and other associated data, such as safety data, loss data, etc. The method determining a set of virtual paths within a mesh electrical power network, the network having a plurality of sources of electrical power. Each of the virtual paths allowing determination of suitable locations for provisioning at least a non-conducting electrical bridge. The method allowing the state of the electrical bridges to be modified to restore power when a fault is detected within the electrical power network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Virelec Ltd.
    Inventor: Eduardo Chaiquin
  • Patent number: 7983880
    Abstract: Extended linear superposition methods, computer program products and systems to calculate Simultaneous Switching Noise (SSN) on victim Input/Output (I/O) pins of an electronic component caused by aggressor I/O pins is provided. A method includes calculating the quiet output voltage on a victim pin caused by the power supply only, and then calculating an aggressor noise response induced on the victim pin caused by a single aggressor pin and the power supply. To calculate SSN for a combination of aggressors, the SSNs for the different aggressors are linearly combined, and then the effects of the power supply are discounted by using the calculated quiet output voltage. Additionally, a linear victim substitution model is introduced to replace a full buffer model for a victim pin with a resistor with different resistance values depending on the induced voltage. Further, an alternate transmission line model is introduced to simplify SSN simulations of transmission lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua David Fender, Paul Leventis
  • Patent number: 7979239
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and managing electrical power transmission and distribution networks through use of a deterministic, non-iterative method using an holomorphic embedding and algebraic approximants for determining the real-time load flow in a power generating system having an electrical grid. Such method may be employed for real-time or off-line applications for electric power systems reliability assessment, and is capable of determining whether or not a physical solution to the load flow problem exists, or if the system is in a state of voltage collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Aplicaciones en Informatica Avanzada, S.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Trias
  • Patent number: 7974826
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for modeling and/or improving operational performance of an energy system includes providing a graphical user interface configured to allow a user to manipulate equipment icons into an energy system model representation, using modular, piece-wise linear equipment models to simulate non-linear behavior of equipment represented by the manipulated equipment icons to solve an energy system model represented by the manipulation, and displaying a solution of the energy system model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bijan Davari, Scott Terrell Williams, Peter Anton Pechtl, Larry Keith McDonald, Alfred Ong'iro
  • Patent number: 7966168
    Abstract: A method for sizing components of a motor control system powered by a power supply includes receiving an upper nominal line voltage parameter for the power supply. A lower nominal line voltage parameter for the power supply is received. A first performance measure of the motor control system is determined based on the upper nominal line voltage parameter. A second performance measure of the motor control system is determined based on the lower nominal line voltage parameter. Components suitable for use in the motor control system are identified based on at least the first and second performance measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham F. Elvis, Timothy J. Martin
  • Publication number: 20110125336
    Abstract: A supervisory system controller for controlling and monitoring the generation of electrical energy from renewable sources and management methods for the storage of energy so generated and interconnecting the energy-generating elements, storage and load. The supervisory system controller operates to maximum the power transfer from a wind turbine to a battery by automatically varying the threshold levels at which turbine dump loads are switched based on system inputs and measurements. The method conserves generator fuel by delaying a scheduled generator maintenance running period such that it to occurs when renewable energy availability is predicted to be low and battery is in a reduced state of charge. Further modifications and management methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Paul Groves, Peter William Dale Bishop
  • Patent number: 7944774
    Abstract: A method for marine seismic surveying includes towing seismic sensors in a plurality of streamers in the water, actuating a seismic energy source in the water at selected times and detecting seismic signals at the sensors resulting from the actuation of the source. A data trace is created for each of the detected signals. At least one Fresnel zone is determined for at least some of the seismic data traces. A contribution of each of the traces to each one of a plurality of bins defined in a predetermined pattern is computed, based on the Fresnel zone associated with each trace. Based on the computed contributions, a maximum lateral distance between corresponding seismic sensors is determined that will result in a contribution sum above a selected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: David Monk, Paul G Young
  • Publication number: 20110112698
    Abstract: A method of performing energy estimations operations in an intensive energy consuming site or system environment, the method comprising the steps of: (a) inputting a series of energy, emission and influencing data variables related to the intensive energy consuming site or system environment; (b) performing a first energy use prediction operation utilising a first prediction technique; (c) performing a second (simultaneous) similar energy use prediction operation utilising a second prediction technique; (d) correlating the results of the two techniques and; (e) providing a pass or fail signal depending on the level of correlation between the two techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: METRO POWER COMPANY PTY LTD
    Inventor: Timothy Alwynn Edwards
  • Patent number: 7941680
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are provided for distributing net power accurately. A workload is simulated operating on an integrated circuit. Net switching activity is determined for a set of nets and a set of subnets in the integrated circuit. Net switching data is generated based on the net switching activity. A net power value is calculated for each individual net and each individual subnet using the net switching data and a net capacitance for each individual net or subnet. Each calculated net power value is assigned to one of a set of source devices that drives the individual net or subnet, wherein the net power is distributed accurately. A net power assignment list is generated based on the assigning of each net power value to one of the set of source devices that drives the individual net or subnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajat Chaudhry, Daniel L. Stasiak, Michael F. Wang
  • Publication number: 20110082597
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing energy consumption in multi-energy sources sites are provided. These techniques include developing a real-time model and a virtual model of the electrical system of a multi-energy source site, such as a microgrid. The real-time model represents a current state of the electrical system can be developed by collecting data from sensors interfaced with the various components of the electrical system. The virtual model of the electrical system mirrors the real-time model of the electrical system and can be used to generate predictions regarding the performance, availability, and reliability of cost and reliability of various distributed energy sources and to predict the price of acquiring energy from these sources. The virtual model can be used to test “what if” scenarios, such as routine maintenance, system changes, and unplanned events that impact the utilization and capacity of the microgrid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: EDSA MICRO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kevin Meagher
  • Publication number: 20110082682
    Abstract: A systems power distribution tool integrates the design of the power source and distribution network to provide a robust interconnect topology and power source. This is accomplished with a machine of one or more computing devices configured as a systems power distribution tool. The tool “pulls” load current from the source through interconnects to the loads. This allows the interconnects to be designed to satisfy derating conditions for worst case voltage and current conditions and the power source to be designed to source the loads under actual conditions without margin stacking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Richard L Timmerhoff
  • Patent number: 7921005
    Abstract: Methods for selecting a conductor configuration of an overhead power transmission line tension section between two dead-end towers when the conductor configuration includes at least two different types of conductors. Geographical profile information and overhead power transmission line preferences are used along with predetermined selection rules when selecting the appropriate conductor configuration. Some examples of overhead power transmission line preferences include electrical characteristics and conductor sag between towers, while examples of selection rules include conductor costs and conductor tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Douglas E. Johnson, Anton F. Jachim
  • Patent number: 7913201
    Abstract: A design structure is embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing integrated circuitry. The design structure includes first hardware for executing first software in response to macros that describe the integrated circuitry, and for generating a set of constants in response to the execution of the first software. Second hardware is for receiving the set of constants from the first hardware, and for executing second software in response to the macros and the set of constants, and for estimating a power consumption of the integrated circuitry in response to the execution of the second software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajat Chaudhry, Tilman Gloekler, Daniel L. Stasiak, Todd Swanson
  • Publication number: 20110060582
    Abstract: A simulator system transfers parameters between a power plant simulator and a safety control simulator. Problems concerning software common mode failure, interface interactions errors, software failure complexity, and so on, are evaluated. Thus, diversity and defense-in-depth are analyzed and safety is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL-INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Yuan-Chang Yu, Mao-Sheng Tseng, Hui-Wen Huang, Tsung-Chieh Cheng
  • Publication number: 20110054816
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of estimating the internal state of an electrochemical system by a zero-dimensional (0D) electrochemical mathematical model for estimating the characteristics of a battery that are not directly measurable during operation thereof. For applications relating to hybrid and electric vehicles, the most significant internal characteristics are the state of charge (SoC), the state of health (SoH) and the thermal state (T). Reconstruction of the internal characteristics is achieved using a mathematical model of the battery. The method can be used with the operation of the battery itself (real time) with a concentrated-parameter (0D) or off-line mathematical model, for calibration, an optimization or a validation of management and estimation strategies. The method allows simulation of the thermal and electrical behavior of a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Eric PRADA, Valèrie Sauvant-Moynot
  • Patent number: 7900166
    Abstract: A method is provided to produce a model of an integrated circuit substrate, the method comprising: providing a tile definition that specifies an electrical model associated with instances of the tile; mapping a plurality of respective tile instances to respective locations of the substrate; and connecting the mapped tile instances to each other to produce a tile grid that models overall electrical behavior of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Vinod Kariat, Xiaopeng Dong, David Noice
  • Publication number: 20110040550
    Abstract: A computer implemented method includes providing information related to wind speed and direction prediction to a wind turbine energy prediction module, providing wind energy production prediction information to a resource allocation engine, and combining the wind energy production prediction information with information about non-renewable energy resources to provide an output identifying energy production resources to use for optimal load servicing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Wendey Foslien Graber, Zdenek Schindler, Petr Stluka, Girija Parthasarathy
  • Patent number: 7881912
    Abstract: A known analytical physical quantity of an analysis subject and an element level consistent mass matrix of each element are obtained by acquiring units. A bubble function is integrated for each element, and the element level diagonal mass matrix of each element is computed by substituting the value that is integrated for the element level consistent mass matrix of each element. The diagonal mass matrix for the entire analysis region is computed by the summation (superposition) of the element level diagonal mass matrices of each element and inverse matrix thereof is computed. A motion of the analysis subject is analyzed based on the known analytical physical quantity, the diagonal mass matrix for the entire analysis region, and the inverse matrix thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignees: Japan Science and Technology Agengy, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventor: Junichi Matsumoto