| ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120123602 | APPLICATION OF PHASOR MEASUREMENT UNITS (PMU) FOR CONTROLLED SYSTEM SEPARATION - This invention relates to a PMU-based controlled system separation method to protect against a catastrophic blackout. The method includes the steps of performing an offline analysis of an electrical transmission network to partition generators into a number of coherent groups, performing online monitoring of the transmission network to determine a separation interface and frequencies and damping ratios of dominant inter-area modes, and estimating the risk of system separation to perform real-time control. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120088949 | Ion Exchange Regeneration and Nuclide Specific Selective Processes - A method of processing ion exchange resin radioactive waste, wherein the radioactive waste contains a plurality of fractions of radioactive waste based on density, which may include cation resin waste and anion resin waste, wherein at least one of the plurality of fractions comprises a total concentration of at least one radionuclide, including performing at least one of the following operations (i), (ii) or (iii): (i) separating the at least one of the plurality of fractions from the radioactive waste utilizing a moving freeboard; (ii) separating the radioactive waste into cation resin waste and anion resin waste; or (iii) removing at least a portion of the total concentration of the at least one radionuclide from: the radioactive waste; the at least one of the plurality of fractions separated by the moving freeboard; or at least one of the radioactive waste, the cation resin waste or the anion resin waste. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120044079 | MEASURMENT BASED VOLTAGE STABILITY MONITORING AND CONTROL - A measurement base voltage stability monitoring and control scheme having a means for measuring current and voltage phasors at a boundary bus of a load center; and an equivalent network having a fictitious bus with an aggregate load representative of all loads of the load center. The scheme further includes a computing device to calculate a voltage stability margin index based on the aggregate load of the fictitious bus and compare the voltage stability margin index to a pre-set threshold. The computing device causes an action to take place based on the comparison between the voltage stability margin index and the pre-set threshold. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120041612 | EMERGENCY FREQUENCY LOAD SHEDDING SCHEME - A load shedding system and method for controlling imbalances in a power system includes a signal generator adapted to generate a signal representative of a local system, and a modifying circuit adapted to adjust set frequencies. The system also includes a processing circuit adapted to process data received from the signal generator and modifying circuit and set load shedding priorities for the local system based on the processed data. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120041611 | MEASURMENT BASED VOLTAGE STABILITY MONITORING AND CONTROL - A measurement base voltage stability monitoring and control scheme having a means for measuring current and voltage phasors at a boundary bus of a load center; and an equivalent network having a fictitious bus with an aggregate load representative of all loads of the load center. The scheme further includes a computing device to calculate a voltage stability margin index based on the aggregate load of the fictitious bus and compare the voltage stability margin index to a pre-set threshold. The computing device causes an action to take place based on the comparison between the voltage stability margin index and the pre-set threshold. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20110273917 | INTELLIGENT PHOTOVOLTAIC INTERFACE AND SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a photo-voltaic interface for integration of photo-voltaic modules in a power system. The photo-voltaic interface includes a power conversion system adapted to convert power to a pre-determined voltage and current type, a control and monitoring system adapted to allow monitoring and control of power flow to optimize grid operation, and a communications system adapted to allow remote monitoring of the photo-voltaic interface to detect defective components. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110254534 | NON-CONTACT ARC DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present invention relates to a non-contact arc detection, recognition, and warning apparatus for the detection of arcing in an electrical system. The apparatus includes an electric field detector having first and second electric field sensors adapted to sense electric fields; a magnetic field detector having a multi-axis magnetic field sensor adapted to detect a magnetic field; and a digital signal processor. The digital signal processor compares and enhances signals obtained from the electric field detector and the magnetic field detector and creates a response to alert a user of the presence of arcing. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110196536 | LINE INSPECTION ROBOT AND SYSTEM - The present invention relates to an overhead transmission line inspection robot and system for inspecting transmission line components and right of way conditions. The line inspection robot includes at least one drive system for propelling the robot along a line, a platform adapted to pivot relative to the at least one drive system, and a control system adapted to control the robot. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110196535 | LINE INSPECTION ROBOT AND SYSTEM - The present invention relates to an overhead transmission line inspection robot and system for inspecting transmission line components and right of way conditions. The overhead transmission line inspection robot includes a communications and control system adapted to control the robot and transmit information and a drive system for propelling the robot along a shield wire to enable inspection over a large area. The robot further includes a camera adapted to inspect right of way and component conditions; a light detection and ranging (LiDar) sensor adapted to measure conductor position, vegetation, and nearby structures; and a global positioning system adapted to identify the robot's position and speed. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110194986 | SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION (SCR) REACTOR ASSEMBLY TO REMOVE FINE PARTICLES FROM POISONING OR INTERFERING WITH SCR CATALYST ACTIVITY IN BIOMASS FUEL APPLICATIONS - The present invention relates to a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reactor assembly for removing fine particles that interfere with SCR catalyst activity in biomass fuel applications. The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reactor assembly includes at least one turning vane disposed in a plenum chamber of the reactor, at least one rectifier layer disposed downstream of the at least one turning vane, and at least one active catalyst layer for removing particulate matter. The turning vane is adapted to impart a directional turn to the flue gas flowing through the reactor, and the at least one rectifier ensures even flow distribution. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110192315 | LINE INSPECTION ROBOT AND SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a diverter system to allow a line inspection robot to traverse an object. The diverter system includes a first diverter attached to a shield wire, a second diverter attached to the shield wire at a position spaced from the first diverter, and a bridge having a first end connected to the first diverter and a second end connected to the second diverter. The first diverter disengages the robot from the shield wire and onto the bridge and the second diverter disengages the robot from the bridge and onto the shield wire to allow the robot to traverse the object. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110156723 | NON-CONTACTING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING CONTACT VOLTAGE SOURCES AND PROVIDING A WARNING FOR SAME - This invention relates to non-contact measurement methods and an apparatus for the identification of hazardous contact voltages on energized objects and surfaces. The apparatus includes an electric field sensor structured to sense an electric field and a gain amplifier electrically connected to the electric field sensor to amplify electric signals from the electric field sensor. The apparatus further includes a signal conditioning circuit adapted to process the amplified electric signals and form time-coordinated signals and a digital signal processor adapted to evaluate the time-coordinated signals and provide a user with a status of a contact voltage source by activating an appropriate status indicator. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110111132 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPOSITING COATINGS ON INNER SURFACE OF TUBULAR STRUCTURE - A system and method for depositing coatings on an inner surface of a tubular structure includes at least one pump for creating and maintaining a vacuum in the tubular structure, a meshed electrode adapted to be positioned in a center of the tubular structure, and a biased voltage power supply connected to the meshed electrode. The biased voltage power supply is adapted to apply a negative voltage to the meshed electrode such that the negative voltage causes a hollow cathode discharge inside the meshed electrode. The creation of the hollow cathode discharge causes ions to be drawn out of a mesh on the meshed electrode and accelerate onto an inner surface of the tubular structure, thereby coating the inner surface with a desired coating. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110056417 | CATALYST ASH PROTECTOR - A combustion apparatus includes: a combustion device operable to produce flue gas having large particulate ash entrained therein; an outlet duct coupled in flow communication with the combustion device so as to receive the flue gas; a screen positioned at least partially in the outlet duct downstream of the combustion device, the screen effective to trap large particulate ash while permitting flow of the flue gas therethrough; and apparatus operable to remove large particulate ash from the screen while at least a portion of the screen remains inside the duct. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110040786 | METHOD OF HANDLING LARGE VOLUMES OF SYNCHROPHASOR MEASURMENTS FOR REAL TIME EVENT REPLAY - A method is provided for handling synchrophasor measurements relating to an electrical power system. The method includes: (a) acquiring a plurality of synchrophasor measurements containing data representing at least one power system event; (b) inserting and storing the event related synchrophasor measurements in a database as a partitioned binary large object (BLOB); (c) reading and transferring the synchrophasor measurements related to a user selected current or historical event from the database to a client computer partition by partition; and (d) processing the event data at the client computer on a partition-by-partition basis such that the client computer will be able to start a replay of the event replay as soon as processing of the first partition of the event BLOB data is completed. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110025317 | MsS PROBE FOR GUIDED-WAVE INSPECTION OF FUEL RODS - The present application discloses a magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) probe for guided-wave inspection of the entire length of a fuel rod. The probe includes a waveguide adapted to be clamped to a fuel rod, and an MsS adapted to generate guided waves into the waveguide such that the guided waves propagate down the waveguide into the fuel rod and back to the waveguide for detection by the MsS. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110024183 | COAXIAL-TYPE CABLE FOR OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION - This invention relates to an overhead coaxial-type transmission system. The system includes a coaxial-type conductor, a support structure adapted to support the coaxial-type conductor at a pre-determined elevation above the ground, and a conductor support extending downwardly from the horizontal support such that the coaxial-type conductor is secured thereto. The support structure includes a vertical support secured in the ground and a horizontal support secured to and extending outwardly from the vertical support. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110016864 | ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM - A compressed air energy storage (CAES) system encompassing direct heating. The compressed air energy storage system includes a compressor for compressing ambient air, an air storage reservoir, and a thermal energy storage system. The air storage reservoir is adapted to store compressed air from the compressor. The thermal energy storage system is adapted to supply heat to the compressed air energy storage system such that the compressed air is heated to increase work production of the compressed air. The thermal energy storage system is heated using off-peak electricity. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20100300218 | DISPERSANT APPLICATION FOR CLEAN-UP OF RECIRCULATION PATHS OF A POWER PRODUCING FACILITY DURING START-UP - A method for reducing corrosion product transport in a power producing facility. The method includes the steps of selecting a chemical dispersant adapted to reduce the deposition of corrosion products in the recirculation path, and using at least one chemical injector to inject the chemical dispersant into a fluid contained in the recirculation path during recirculation path cleanup to increase corrosion product removal. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100285968 | THERMAL CONTRACTION COMPENSATION FOR SUPERCONDUCTING AND CRYO-RESISTIVE CABLES - A method of compensating for thermal contraction of superconducting and cryo-resistive cables. The method includes the steps of determining a compensation length for a cable such that when the cable is subjected to an operating temperature, the cable is in or near a stress-free state, and installing the cable into a pipe such that portions of the cable extend outwardly past ends of the pipe. The method further includes the steps of marking each end of the cable such that the determined compensation length is visibly shown, forcing the cable into the pipe at an ambient installation temperature such that a cable pattern is formed therein, and maintaining the cable in the pipe to prevent the cable from being pushed out of the pipe. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100202945 | Method and Apparatus for the Enhanced Removal of Aerosols and Vapor Phase Contaminants from a Gas Stream - The invention provides methods and apparatuses for removing aerosols and, in some cases, vapor phase contaminants, such as mercury, from a gas stream. One method is directed to the removal of additional aerosols from a gas stream from which aerosols have previously been removed by using a screen in combination with a primary aerosol collection device. Another method is directed to the removal of both aerosols and vapor phase contaminants by using a sorbent in combination with a screen. Another method is directed to the removal of vapor phase contaminants by using a catalyst to convert the contaminant to a form that is more easily removed from the gas stream and optionally injecting a chemical to increase the rate of conversion. The invention also provides various apparatuses for use in performing the various methods of the invention. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100180921 | CONDUCTOR CLEANING SYSTEM - A conductor cleaning system for cleaning aluminum strands of all aluminum and steel reinforced conductors, such as ACSS, ACSR, ACAR, and AAA. The conductor cleaning system having a container adapted to receive a portion of a conductor to be cleaned, a housing adapted to receive and support the container, and a cleaning solution contained in the container for cleaning the portion of the conductor. The cleaning solution being adapted to clean the conductor without reacting with or damaging the conductor. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100180914 | CONDUCTOR CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A conductor cleaning system for cleaning aluminum strands of all aluminum and steel reinforced conductors, such as ACSS, ACSR, ACAR, and AAA. The conductor cleaning system having a container adapted to receive a portion of a conductor to be cleaned, a housing adapted to receive and support the container, and a cleaning solution contained in the container for cleaning the portion of the conductor. The cleaning solution being adapted to clean the conductor without reacting with or damaging the conductor. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100085065 | PASSIVE AGENT SYSTEM IMPEDANCE MONITORING STATION AND METHOD - This invention relates to a hybrid passive agent system impedance monitoring station and method. The method of monitoring impedance of an electrical system includes the steps of providing an impedance monitoring station adapted to test and monitor system impedance, solving for system impedance in a time domain, solving for system impedance in a frequency domain, and determining a time domain driving point impedance and a frequency domain driving point impedance to identify the impedance of the system. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100076719 | EMMISSIVITY TEST INSTRUMENT FOR OVERHEAD ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION - This invention relates to an emissivity test instrument for measuring the emissivity of overhead electric transmission conductors. The emissivity test instrument includes a vacuum chamber, a data acquisition module connected to the vacuum chamber and adapted to receive data therefrom, and a computing device. The vacuum chamber is adapted to seat a test sample therein. The computing device is connected to the data acquisition module and is adapted to perform a test on a test sample and generate a test results report. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100057268 | METHOD AND MODEL FOR EVALUATING TRANSMISSION ULTRACAPACITORS IN POWER SYSTEMS - A method and model for evaluating transmission ultracapacitor response in a power system. The method includes the steps of implementing a transmission ultracapacitor model into power system simulation software, simulating a desired condition of a power system, and determining a desired output power of a transmission ultracapacitor to define a control setpoint. The method further includes the steps of determining the transmission ultracapacitor limit, such that the desired output power does not exceed the transmission ultracapacitor limit, responding to the condition by adjusting output according to the control setpoint, and using the output in conjunction with other elements in the power system to determine an overall system response. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100027731 | BWR START UP CORROSION PROTECTION - The oxidizing chemistry environment of BWR reactor water is a key factor promoting intergranular stress corrosion cracking of stainless steel and nickel based alloys used in reactor coolant system piping and vessel internals. This is typically mitigated during power operation with hydrogen injection. However, this method is only effective when the reactors are at power. Accordingly, this invention proposes a method of reducing electrochemical corrosion potential during the start-up phase of BWR reactors. The method includes the steps of providing a mitigation additive adapted to reduce electrochemical corrosion of a BWR reactor; and injecting the mitigation additive into the BWR reactor at a predetermined location prior to hydrogen injection coming online. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20090320678 | Sorbent Filter for the Removal of Vapor Phase Contaminants - Methods and apparatuses are described for removing a contaminant, such as a vaporous trace metal contaminant like mercury, from a gas stream. In one embodiment, a primary particulate collection device that removes particulate matter is used. In this embodiment, a sorbent filter is placed within the housing of the primary particulate collection device, such as an electrostatic precipitator or a baghouse, to adsorb the contaminant of interest. In another embodiment, a sorbent filter is placed within or after a scrubber, such as a wet scrubber, to adsorb the contaminant of interest. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods and apparatuses that can advantageously be retrofit into existing particulate collection equipment. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods and apparatuses that in addition to removal of a contaminant additionally remove particulate matter from a gas stream. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090299664 | MEASUREMENT BASED VOLTAGE STABILITY MONITORING AND CONTROL - A measurement base voltage stability monitoring and control scheme having a means for measuring current and voltage phasors at a boundary bus of a load center; and an equivalent network having a fictitious bus with an aggregate load representative of all loads of the load center. The scheme further includes a computing device to calculate a voltage stability margin index based on the aggregate load of the fictitious bus and compare the voltage stability margin index to a pre-set threshold. The computing device causes an action to take place based on the comparison between the voltage stability margin index and the pre-set threshold. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090299540 | EMERGENCY FREQUENCY LOAD SHEDDING SCHEME - A load shedding system and method for controlling imbalances in a power system includes a signal generator adapted to generate a signal representative of a local system, and a modifying circuit adapted to adjust set frequencies. The system also includes a processing circuit adapted to process data received from the signal generator and modifying circuit and set load shedding priorities for the local system based on the processed data. | 12-03-2009 |
