Patent application number | Description | Published |
20160036372 | PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES - Photovoltaic systems and related techniques are provided. A method for commissioning a photovoltaic (PV) system may include obtaining data describing an arrangement of two or more components of the PV system; performing a test of the PV system, wherein performing the test includes determining whether the PV system complies with at least one PV system criterion based, at least in part, on at least a portion of the data describing the arrangement of the two or more components of the PV system; and in response to determining that the PV system complies with the at least one PV system criterion, activating the PV system and/or notifying a user of the PV system that the PV system complies with the at least one PV system criterion. The method may further include sending information associated with the PV system to a regulatory entity and/or an operator of an electrical grid. | 02-04-2016 |
20160036373 | PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES - Photovoltaic systems and related techniques are provided. A method for commissioning a photovoltaic (PV) system may include obtaining data describing an arrangement of two or more components of the PV system; performing a test of the PV system, wherein performing the test includes determining whether the PV system complies with at least one PV system criterion based, at least in part, on at least a portion of the data describing the arrangement of the two or more components of the PV system; and in response to determining that the PV system complies with the at least one PV system criterion, activating the PV system and/or notifying a user of the PV system that the PV system complies with the at least one PV system criterion. The method may further include sending information associated with the PV system to a regulatory entity and/or an operator of an electrical grid. | 02-04-2016 |
20160036381 | PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES - Photovoltaic systems and related techniques are provided. A method for commissioning a photovoltaic (PV) system may include obtaining data describing an arrangement of two or more components of the PV system; performing a test of the PV system, wherein performing the test includes determining whether the PV system complies with at least one PV system criterion based, at least in part, on at least a portion of the data describing the arrangement of the two or more components of the PV system; and in response to determining that the PV system complies with the at least one PV system criterion, activating the PV system and/or notifying a user of the PV system that the PV system complies with the at least one PV system criterion. The method may further include sending information associated with the PV system to a regulatory entity and/or an operator of an electrical grid. | 02-04-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110116288 | APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ZERO STANDBY POWER CONTROL IN AN APPLIANCE - An apparatus is provided that includes first and second switches in line between an appliance and terminals of the appliance that are connectable to a power source. The first switched is configured to open and close based on closing and opening of a door of the appliance, and the second switch is configured to open and close based on the mode of the appliance. Thus, the appliance may be connected to the power source when the first switch or the second switch is closed, and disconnected from the power source when both the first switch and the second switch are open. The apparatus further includes a third switch connected to the second switch and configured to control the second switch to close upon actuation of the third switch by a user, where actuation of the third switch may cause the appliance to enter an operational mode. | 05-19-2011 |
20110260553 | APPLIANCE HAVING USER DETECTION FUNCTIONALITY FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION THEREOF - An apparatus is provided that includes first, second and third switches, the first and second of which are in line between an appliance and terminals of the appliance that are connectable to a power source. The first switched is configured to open and close based on closing and opening of a door of the appliance, and the second switch is configured to open and close based on the mode of the appliance. Thus, the appliance may be connected to the power source when the first switch or the second switch is closed, and disconnected from the power source when both the first switch and the second switch are open. The third switch, which includes a sensor, is configured to control the second switch to close upon actuation in response to a detection proximate the appliance, where actuation of the third switch may cause the appliance to enter an operational mode. | 10-27-2011 |
20120209446 | APPLIANCE WITH A CONTROLLER CONFIGURED TO CONNECT TO A NETWORK AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM AND METHOD - According to embodiments of the present invention, an appliance may include operating assemblies configured to employ utilities to perform one or more functions. A controller may be configured to control the operating assemblies. The controller may include a network interface and a user interface. The network interface may communicate utility data relating to the utilities with a network. The user interface may be configured to receive user inputs and output status indicators relating to the utility data received from the network. The utility data may include a utility demand level and a utility unit price. Further, a system is also provided that may include the appliance, an additional appliance, and an intermediate controller. The intermediate controller may be configured to communicate with the network and direct modification of the functions performed by the appliance and the additional appliance based on the utility data. Related methods are also provided. | 08-16-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100014976 | PROPELLER BLADE PITCH CONTROL SYSTEM - A propeller blade pitch control system includes a propeller hub for mounting at least one propeller blade, and a propeller shaft which rotates about an axis to rotationally drive the propeller hub. A pitch change yoke located within the propeller hub is configured to change a pitch of the at least one propeller blade in response to hydraulic fluid flow to a pitch change actuator. A propeller gearbox includes a first, rear end and a second, forward end located between the first, rear end and the pitch change yoke, and is configured to apply torque to the propeller hub. A hydraulic transfer bearing located between the first, rear end and the second, forward end of the propeller gearbox is operable to selectively permit a flow of hydraulic fluid from at least one hydraulic flow controller to the pitch change actuator. | 01-21-2010 |
20100021295 | CONTROLLABLE PITCH PROPELLER WITH ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION - A propeller system includes a rotor hub which supports a multiple of propeller blades. An electrical generator is mounted between a gearbox and the rotor hub to generate electrical power to drive a pitch change system within the rotor hub. | 01-28-2010 |
20100195948 | Separator for bearing assemblies with cyclic loads - A bearing assembly includes first and second races, a plurality of ball bearings positioned between the first and second races, and a spacer positioned between each of the ball bearings. The spacers each include a body defining opposite first and second sides, a first substantially concave pocket located at the first side of the body, and a second substantially concave pocket located at the second side of the body. The first and second substantially concave pockets each define a central region having a first radius of curvature about a first center point and an outer region adjacent to the central region that has a second radius of curvature about a second center point. The first and second center points are spaced from one another, and the body includes a portion extending in between at least the respective central regions of the first and second substantially concave pockets. | 08-05-2010 |
20100202892 | Thermal protection of rotor blades - A spinner mounting at least one propeller hub and having a blade platform for each hub formed on the spinner body formed from a thermal insulating material capable of withstanding exhaust gasses. The platform is formed in a shape that presents an aerodynamic surface in the direction of travel of the system, preferably at a predetermined effective blade angle so as to act in concert with the blade and the gas path to minimize drag or to optimize thrust. The system may include two sets of propeller blades, and each includes a spinner and blade platform. | 08-12-2010 |
20100310368 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR DRIVING A PROPELLER PITCH CHANGE MECHANISM - A system adjusts the pitch of a variable pitch propeller having a non-rotating side and a rotating side. The rotating side of the propeller has a hub, a propeller blade mounted to the hub, a propeller shaft that rotates the hub and propeller blade, and an actuation system. The actuation system has a screw and a piston. A motor has a non-rotating component in communication with the non-rotating side of the propeller and a rotating component in communication with the actuation system. When the motor increases speed, the screw rotates and the piston moves laterally in a first axial direction to decrease the pitch of the propeller and, when the motor decreases speed, the screw rotates and the piston moves laterally in a second axial direction to increase the pitch of the propeller. | 12-09-2010 |
20100310369 | PITCH CHANGE ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR A COUNTER-ROTATING PROPELLER - A system for adjusting the pitch of a counter-rotating propeller has a propeller shaft, a forward propeller driven by the propeller shaft, and an aft propeller connected with the forward propeller. The forward propeller has a hub, blades mounted within the hub, and an actuator connected with an end of the blades. The aft propeller has a hub, blades mounted within the hub, and a cam assembly connected with an end of the blades. The actuator of the forward propeller has a forward end and an aft end, wherein the aft end is connected with the cam assembly of the aft propeller. Thus, when the actuator moves in an axial direction, the cam assembly moves relative to the actuator and the pitch of the forward propeller blades and the pitch of the aft propeller blades are simultaneously adjusted. | 12-09-2010 |
20110002786 | REMOTE PITCH CONTROLLER FOR A VARIABLE PITCH PROPELLER - A system for adjusting the pitch of a variable pitch propeller has a hub assembly, a valve assembly, and a fluid supply assembly. The hub assembly comprises a hub rotatably driven by a propeller shaft, an actuator connected to the hub, and a plurality of propeller blades connected to the actuator with at least one mechanical connection. The valve assembly is in fluid communication with the valve assembly and the actuator. The fluid supply assembly comprises a valve control mechanism that is isolated from the valve assembly and the hub assembly. The valve control mechanism provides a variable hydraulic pressure control signal to the valve assembly, which transfers fluid to the actuator as a function of the variable hydraulic pressure control signal. Based on the fluid pressure in the actuator, the pitch of the propeller blades is adjusted. | 01-06-2011 |
20110142627 | TEETER MECHANISM FOR A MULTIPLE-BLADED WIND TURBINE - A teeter mechanism for a multiple-bladed wind turbine includes a rotor shaft operable to rotate about a first axis. A spherical member is rotatable about the first axis along with the rotor shaft. A plurality of turbine blades is mounted to a rotor hub. The rotor hub rotationally drives the rotor shaft, and is operable to teeter about the spherical member such that the rotor hub rotates about the first axis in a first position and rotates about a second axis offset from the first axis in a second, teeter position. | 06-16-2011 |
20110142646 | PASSIVE CYCLIC PITCH CONTROL - A blade pitch control mechanism for a propeller assembly ( | 06-16-2011 |
20110171027 | TORQUE COMPENSATION FOR PROPELLER PITCH CHANGE MECHANISM - A propeller assembly has a plurality of propeller blades, and a pitch change mechanism including at least one motor. A drive input drives the plurality of propeller blades to rotate about a central drive axis. The pitch change mechanism is operable upon driving of the motor to move the propeller blades relative to the drive input. The drive input includes a drive input gear transmission to change a pitch angle of the blades when the blades are moved relative to the drive input by the pitch change mechanism. Further, a method of operating a propeller assembly to change a pitch angle is disclosed and claimed. | 07-14-2011 |
20110286841 | COUNTER-ROTATING OPEN-ROTOR (CROR) - A method of controlling a Counter-Rotating Open-Rotor (CROR) includes measuring a speed of a first rotor and deriving a speed of a second rotor and controlling a pitch of the first rotor and the second rotor. | 11-24-2011 |
20110286845 | HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR LOCKING DEVICE - A hydraulic lock system includes a spring pack defined between a female spring support and a male spring support, the spring pack includes a multiple of serrated washers, each of which defines an inner diameter which is greater than a diameter of the actuator rod and an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the cylinder. | 11-24-2011 |
20120134800 | PROPELLER PITCHLOCK UN-LOCKING DEVICE - A propeller system includes a plurality of propeller blades and a pitch lock mechanism operably connected to the plurality of propeller blades. The pitch lock mechanism includes a pitch lock chamber and a pitch lock piston located in the pitch lock chamber biased toward a locked position when there is insufficient pressure in the pitch lock chamber thereby locking the pitch of the plurality of propeller blades. The propeller system includes a pitch unlock mechanism including a pitch unlock housing and a pitch unlock piston disposed in the pitch unlock housing. A fitting extends through the propeller system to the pitch unlock housing and introduction of fluid flow into the pitch unlock housing through the fitting urges the pitch unlock piston into contact with the pitch lock piston to overcome the bias of the pitch lock piston thereby unlocking the pitch of the plurality of propeller blades. | 05-31-2012 |
20120183399 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BALANCING WIND TURBINES - A method for balancing blades of a wind turbine comprises several steps. First, vibration sensor readings are taken while wind turbine blades are in a pre-balancing configuration. These vibration sensor readings are used to determine initial blade imbalance. Next, vibration sensor readings are taken while wind turbine blades are in a first and a second pitch offset configuration. These vibration sensor readings are used to determine system response to the first and second pitch offset configurations. A correction pitch configuration is determined from the initial blade imbalance and the system response. Finally, blades of the wind turbine are pitched according to the correction pitch configuration. | 07-19-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110286842 | COUNTER-ROTATING OPEN-ROTOR (CROR) - A method of controlling a Counter-Rotating Open-Rotor (CROR) includes mechanically linking a pitch change system of a first rotor with a pitch change system of a second rotor and commanding a Blade Angle (Beta1 commanded) of the first rotor such that a Blade Angle (Beta2 Actual) of the second rotor is a function of the commanded Blade Angle (Beta1 commanded) to provide a linear relationship between an actual Blade angle (Beta1 Actual) and Beta1 commanded of the first rotor and a non-linear relationship between Beta2 Actual and Beta1 commanded. | 11-24-2011 |
20120275924 | INTERLOCKING BLADE SHEATH - A blade assembly includes a blade body and at least one sheath assembly located at a leading edge of the blade assembly. The at least one sheath assembly is retained to the blade body in a chordwise direction via an interlocking arrangement between the at least one sheath assembly and the blade body. A tip cap is located at a tip portion of the blade and secured to the blade body thus securing the at least one sheath assembly to the blade body in a spanwise direction. A method of assembling an airfoil includes securing at least one sheath assembly to a leading edge of a blade body via an interlocking arrangement between the at least one sheath assembly and the blade body, and assembling a tip cap to the blade body, thereby retaining the at least one sheath assembly to the blade body in a spanwise direction. | 11-01-2012 |
20130039759 | DE-ICING SYSTEM FOR MODULAR COUNTER ROTATING PROPELLER - A disclosed example self-contained counter rotating turbo prop system includes a power generating system that produces electric power for a de-icing system. A bearing/generator assembly includes a plurality of permanent magnets and coil assemblies separated by an air gap. Relative rotation between first and second parts of the bearing/generator assembly provides for the generation of electric power utilized to drive the heating elements mounted to the propeller blades. | 02-14-2013 |
20130039764 | MODULAR COUNTER ROTATING PROPELLER SYSTEM - A self-contained counter rotating turbo prop system is driven by a gas turbine engine through a reduction gearbox. A gear train housed separate from the reduction gearbox provides the counter-rotation of a first and second pluralities of propeller blades. The entire counter-rotating propeller system is disposed within cowlings and is separate from the gas turbine engine and reduction gearbox. The example counter rotating propeller system includes a collective blade angle actuation system that provides for adjustment of blade angle of both the first and second plurality of propeller blades with a single actuator. | 02-14-2013 |
20130052047 | VARIABLE OUTPUT PUMP - A variable output pump includes a fluid input, a control stage pump having an input portion and an output portion, a main stage pump having an input portion and an output portion, and a differential linkage in mechanical communication with the control stage pump and the main stage pump. The input portion of the control stage pump is in fluid communication with the fluid input and the input portion of the main stage pump is in fluid communication with the fluid input and the output portion of the control stage pump. | 02-28-2013 |
20140120744 | RETRACTABLE CONTACT ASSEMBLY - A retractable contact assembly includes an outer casing having a first opening and a piston located in the first opening of the outer casing and moveable axially within the opening. The piston has a second opening. The assembly further includes an inelastic force generating device configured to control an axial movement of the piston and a contact located in the second opening of the piston and movable axially in the second opening of the piston. The assembly further includes an elastic force biasing device configured to provide an elastic force to the contact in an axial direction outward from the second opening. | 05-01-2014 |
20140205452 | WIND TURBINE BLADE - A rotor blade including a blade root, an aft-swept portion, and straight portion. The blade root defines a pitch axis for the rotor blade. The aft-swept portion is at an end of the rotor blade opposite the blade root. The straight portion is between the blade root and the aft-swept portion. The straight portion includes a straight portion elastic axis and a straight portion center of pressure. The straight portion elastic axis is parallel to the pitch axis. The straight portion center of pressure is spaced apart from the pitch axis in a forward direction. | 07-24-2014 |
20140322009 | Simplified Propeller Balancing System and Method - A propeller balancing device includes at least one stationary outer disc and a drive wheel arranged adjacent to the outer disc. The drive wheel includes magnets arranged at the periphery. A balancing weight is arranged in a groove formed in one of the outer disc or the drive wheel. A propeller including the propeller balancing device and a method of balancing a propeller are also disclosed. | 10-30-2014 |
20150050149 | PROPELLER PITCHLOCK SYSTEM WITH A ROTATING INTERFACE - A pitchlock system includes a ballscrew screw mounted along an axis of rotation of an actuator, the ballscrew screw has an internal ballscrew bore; a pitchlock nut mounted about the ballscrew screw, the pitchlock nut including an internal pitchlock nut thread; a ballscrew ballnut mounted about the ballscrew screw and axially adjacent the pitchlock nut; a pitchlock actuation rod mounted axially within the internal ballscrew bore, the pitchlock actuation rod having an internal pitchlock actuation bore and a ball bearing aperture for receiving multiple ball bearings; a pitchlock retainer pin mounted axially within the internal pitchlock actuation bore; and a belleville spring which biases the ballscrew screw towards an axially fixed surface of the actuator in a pitchlock position, the ballscrew screw being movable between an operational position and the pitchlock position. | 02-19-2015 |
20150104308 | BRUSH DESIGN FOR PROPELLER DEICING SYSTEM - A propeller assembly is provided including a plurality of blades arranged in diametrically opposed pairs. Each of the plurality of blades has an electrical deicer located thereon. The propeller assembly also includes a slip ring, and a stationary brush arranged in contact with the slip ring. The brush is configured to transfer electrical power from a power source to the slip ring. A movable portion of an actuator is configured to sequentially couple the electrical deicers of each pair of blades to the rotating slip ring. | 04-16-2015 |
20150104309 | AIRCRAFT CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - An aircraft control system includes a co-axial, counter-rotating propeller shaft assembly. Also included is a first rotor operatively coupled to the propeller shaft assembly, the first rotor having a first plurality of blades mounted thereto, wherein the first plurality of blades are disposed at a substantially identical nominal pitch during rotation of the first rotor. Further included is a second rotor operatively coupled to the propeller shaft assembly, the second rotor having a second plurality of blades mounted thereto, wherein a pitch of the second plurality of blades is configured to cyclically change during rotation of the second rotor. | 04-16-2015 |
20150125295 | WIND TURBINE LOAD MITIGATION - A wind turbine blade assembly comprises a rotatable hub, a blade secured to the hub, and a pitch system. The pitch system is disposed to rotate the blade with respect to the hub about a pitch axis not extending through an aerodynamic centroid of the blade. The pitch system comprises a hydraulic cylinder pitch actuator and a relief valve. The hydraulic cylinder pitch actuator has first and second pressure chambers. The relief valve is configured to aerodynamically unload the blade by equilibrating the first and second pressure chambers in response to a pressure differential between the first and second pressure chambers exceeding a critical threshold corresponding to a pre-strain blade twist. | 05-07-2015 |
20150225053 | CYCLIC PITCH ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR COUNTER-ROTATING PROPELLERS - A counter-rotating propeller system comprises a cyclic pitch system connected to a first plurality of propeller blades and a variable pitch system connected to a second plurality of propeller blades. The first plurality of propeller blades and the second plurality of propeller blades are configured to rotate about a common axis. | 08-13-2015 |
20160023773 | HYBRID ELECTRIC PULSED-POWER PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR AIRCRAFT - A propulsion system has a gas turbine engine optimized to operate at a single operating condition corresponding to a maximum continuous power output of the gas turbine engine, an electric motor system, an electric machine rotatably attached to the gas turbine engine and electrically connected to the electric motor system, and an energy storage system having bi-directional electrical connections with the electric motor system and the electric machine. A method of operating the propulsion system including operating the gas turbine engine for a first period of time to provide electric power to the electric motor system and to recharge the energy storage system, turning off the gas turbine for a second period of time, and discharging the energy storage system to operate the electric motor system during the second period of time. | 01-28-2016 |