Explore Our Patents

This patent covers a method for varying turbine output in supercritical steam generator-turbines, where previous subcritical methodologies were not possible. By making adjustments to the percentage of opening of the turbine control valve as well as the delivery pressure of water from the feed water pump, the system is able to minimize the temperature change and thermal stresses and improve net heat rates in lower load ranges. This results in substantial fuel savings in the operations of a supercritical steam power plant. 

This invention indicates the position of a nuclear reactor control rod while it is suspended inside the reactor. The system uses analog and digital circuitry to determine the position of control rods through a radiometric technique and simple linear correction circuitry. Primary and secondary coils are used, along with a tertiary coil, to determine the control rod’s position. The system requires only one calibration, reducing the time and energy spent on monitoring systems, and provides a more accurate reading of the control rod’s position.

The image on the left shows a diagram of the invention, a rod position sensor. The image on the right illustrates how the sensors fit into the nuclear reactor. 

This invention works to remove large particle ash (LPA) in coal-fired boiler systems. LPA causes significant operation and performance issues when it falls into selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. This invention uses deflection screens to gather and dislodge any LPA into troughs, an aperture for removing the ash, and an ash conveyance system to prevent buildup and efficiency issues.

The illustration provides a perspective view of an arrangement for the mitigation of LPA. 

This patent applies to the BOLD (breakthrough overhead line design) power transmission tower. The design provides higher capacity and a more streamlined, aesthetically pleasing design than traditional towers, and features a unique curved cross arm. The aesthetically pleasing design has been one of the major advantages used to market BOLD, as it is intended to be used in congested rights of way as a replacement for older, less pleasing and lower-capacity tower designs.

This invention provides a modular protection and control system for power substations. Its modularity eliminates the need to individually tailor new protection and control systems for new power equipment within substations while still providing the flexibility to work with any existing substation design layout. The structure can be expanded or reconfigured to meet changing demands.

This image provides a one-line diagram with protection and control zones identified for major equipment. 

This invention, the Subsynchronous Oscillation Relay (SSO), includes devices and methods to quickly detect Subsynchronous Control Interactions (SSCI) oscillation events. SSCI events can cause damage to the shaft system of traditional steam turbines and, in extreme cases, to the shaft system of a combustion gas turbine. When the SSO relay detects an oscillation event, it reacts by bypassing the capacitor bank or disconnecting a wind turbine from the transmission grid to prevent damage to system components. The top image provides an external front view of one exemplary subsynchronous oscillation relay embodiment. The bottom image is a diagram for one exemplary embodiment of a subsynchronous oscillation relay.