Abstract:
A multi-chamber continuous tubular reactor for the transesterification of oil (e.g., waste cooking oil and the like) and methanol into glycol and fatty acid methyl (ethel) ester. The reactor includes a plurality of tubes, a plurality of fluidly coupled chambers, an inlet fluidly coupled to a first chamber of the plurality of chambers for receiving reactants, and an outlet fluidly coupled to a second chamber of the plurality of chambers for receiving products generated during a reaction within the plurality of chambers. At least one of the plurality of tubes is at least partially disposed within a lumen of another one of the plurality of tubes. The plurality of fluidly coupled chambers are defined, at least in part, by the plurality of tubes. The reactor is configured to generate a generally helical flow pattern through at least one of the plurality of chambers.
Abstract:
This disclosure is directed to a machine-based patient-specific seizure classification system. In general, an example system may comprise a non-linear SVM seizure classification system-on-chip (SoC) with multichannel EEG data acquisition and storage for epileptic patients is presented. The SoC may integrate a hardware-efficient log-linear Gaussian Basis Function engine, floating point piecewise linear natural log, and low-noise, high dynamic range readout circuits. In at least one example implementation, the SoC may consume 1.83 μJ/classification while classifying 8 channel results with an average detection rate, average false alarm rate and latency of 95.1%, 0.94% and
Abstract:
This disclosure is directed to a machine-based patient-specific seizure classification system. In general, an example system may comprise a non-linear SVM seizure classification system-on-chip (SoC) with multichannel EEG data acquisition and storage for epileptic patients is presented. The SoC may integrate a hardware-efficient log-linear Gaussian Basis Function engine, floating point piecewise linear natural log, and low-noise, high dynamic range readout circuits. In at least one example implementation, the SoC may consume 1.83W/classification while classifying 8 channel results with an average detection rate, average false alarm rate and latency of 95.1%, 0.94% and
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to microalgae strains that are tolerant to high salinity, the products derived from the high salinity tolerant microalgae strains, and methods of producing high salinity tolerant microalgae strains and their products.
Abstract:
A method of making a biodegradable composite is carried out by: (a) providing an aqueous mixture comprising partially hydrolyzed cellulose in a dissolution media; (b) providing a solution comprising a aliphatic polyester in a polar organic solvent; (c) combining the mixture with the solution to form a precipitate; (d) washing the precipitate with water to remove solvent and dissolution media and form a wet biodegradable composite; and then (e) drying the wet biodegradable composite to form a dry biodegradable composite. Composites made from the method are also described.
Abstract:
The invention in some aspects relates to radiometers and related methods of use. In some aspects of the invention, methods are provided for determining a circumsolar profiles at external locations of interest, e.g., at a solar power generation system installation site.
Abstract:
Fault Ride Through (FRT) transient management system configured to enhance the FRT capability doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind turbines. A grid side converter (GSC) introduces shunt and series compensation for normal operation and voltage dips, respectively. A braking resistor may be added to smooth switching transients from shunt to series interfaces and dissipate excessive power from the GSC. To attain a flexible control solution for balanced and unbalanced fault conditions, the transient management scheme may employ positive and negative sequence controllers. The system dynamics for the series compensation topology may be analyzed using small-signal linear model. Based on the mathematical model, the controller may be tuned to balance voltage regulation performance and transient stability margins with consideration of various operating conditions. The system benefits from a low component count, simple protection structure, and improved FRT performance with effective compensation to the electric grid.
Abstract:
This disclosure is directed to a fault-tolerant energy conversion system. A fault-tolerant doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) for use with a wind energy conversion system (WECS) consistent with the present disclosure may allow for seamless operation during all kinds of grid faults. In one embodiment, a six-switch grid side converter (GSC) commonly used with such systems may be replaced with nine-switch converter circuitry. With three additional switches, the nine-switch converter can provide two independent three phase outputs. For example, one three-phase output may be coupled to the grid through interfacing inductors to realize normal GSC operation, while the other three-phase output may be coupled to neutral side of the stator windings to provide fault ride-through (FRT) capability to the DFIG. A control algorithm may be employed that both achieves seamless fault ride-through during any kind of grid faults and strictly satisfies grid codes requirements.
Abstract:
Described is a process for the conversion of halophytic plant biomass containing saline organic solids into biogas through anaerobic digestion. Operation of the process with saline (e.g., seawater) as liquid media under the method conditions taught leads to biological conversion of the organic matter into biogas. Additionally described is a method for pretreatment of the biomass under mild physicochemical conditions to increase the bioavailable fraction of the biomass for conversion.
Abstract:
A VMD system and method uses an aspirator to generate a vacuum pressure for drawing permeate from a membrane module. The aspirator generates the vacuum pressure by receiving and passing a circulating liquid and combines the permeate with the circulating liquid such that the permeate condensates in the circulating liquid. Using an aspirator (e.g., instead of a vacuum pump) allows a more efficient and cost-effective operation of the VMD system and method, particularly in a desalination application. A VMD system and method using an aspirator may be used in desalination and other applications including, without limitation, environmental cleanup (e.g., removal of volatile organic chemicals from water) and food and medical applications.