Abstract:
A motor controller and methods of controlling a variable speed motor using the motor controller after a power-loss event are described. The motor controller is configured to be coupled to a motor. The motor controller includes a computing device configured to determine power is being supplied to the motor controller a power-loss event. The computing device is also configured to operate the motor in accordance with a predetermined operating schedule such that the computing device operates the motor at a first speed for a first time period, and after completion of the first time period, the computing device operates the motor at a second speed for a second time period.
Abstract:
A grounding device for an electric machine, having a rotating component and a stationary component, includes a core fabricated from a non-conductive material and a plurality of conductive fibers coupled to the core and extending therefrom. The plurality of conductive fibers are configured to electrically couple the rotating component with the stationary component such that an electrostatic charge on the rotating component is directed through the plurality of conductive fibers to the stationary component.
Abstract:
A motor controller for a motor is described. The motor controller includes a communication device coupled to a memory device. The motor controller is configured to receive, using the communication device, a status query from a client computing device. The motor controller is additionally configured to transmit diagnostic data from the memory device to the client computing device, transmit identification data associated with the motor controller to the client computing device, receive, from the client computing device, a decommission password generated from the identification data, and disable the motor using the decommission password.
Abstract:
A blower housing comprises first and second blower housing pieces for surrounding a blower fan. The first blower housing piece comprises a blower discharge section comprising an inner tubular portion, an outer tubular portion, and a drain hole. The inner tubular portion defines a blower discharge passage. The inner and outer tubular portions define an exhaust pipe cavity adapted to receive an end margin of an exhaust pipe. The tubular portions are adapted to enable condensate water that forms on the inner surface of the exhaust pipe to flow into the exhaust pipe cavity. The drain hole extends through the outer tubular portion. The drain hole is configured to enable condensate water flowing into the exhaust pipe cavity to drain from the blower housing. The first blower housing piece is a molded one-piece member.
Abstract:
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a component for an electric machine, for example, an interlocking stator, rotor, armature or exciter, for use in an electric machine prepared by a process is provided. The process by which the component is prepared includes the steps of applying a first material to a first portion of a first surface to form a first stator lamination and applying the first material to a second portion of a first surface, spaced from the first portion, to form a first rotor lamination. The process by which the component is prepared further includes the steps of orienting the grains of the first material, applying a second material to the first portion of the first material, applying a second material to the second portion of the first material, and bonding the second material to the first material.
Abstract:
A control system for controlling a motor having a stator and a rotor coupled to the stator is provided. The control system includes a plurality of input taps and an input coupled to the plurality of input taps. The input is configured to transmit an input voltage to at least one input tap of the plurality of input taps. The control system also includes a microcontroller coupled to the input. The microcontroller is programmed to determine the at least one input tap of the plurality of input taps that is asserted by the input voltage; access from a memory a predetermined input condition; detect an invalid operating input condition of the motor based on a comparison of the predetermined input condition and the at least one input tap of the plurality of input taps that is asserted by the input; and perform a function to change an operating characteristic of the motor.
Abstract:
A control system for controlling a motor having a stator and a rotor coupled to the stator is provided. The control system includes a plurality of input taps and an input coupled to the plurality of input taps. The input is configured to transmit an input voltage to at least one input tap of the plurality of input taps. The control system also includes a microcontroller coupled to the input. The microcontroller is programmed to determine the at least one input tap of the plurality of input taps that is asserted by the input voltage; access from a memory a predetermined input condition; detect an invalid operating input condition of the motor based on a comparison of the predetermined input condition and the at least one input tap of the plurality of input taps that is asserted by the input; and perform a function to change an operating characteristic of the motor.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a grounding device for an electric machine having a rotatable shaft is provided. The grounding device includes a wire core having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of conductive fibers coupled to the wire core and extending therefrom. The wire core is configured to couple to the electric machine with at least a portion of the plurality of conductive fibers contacting the shaft such that an electrostatic charge on the shaft is directed through the grounding device to ground.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a stator for use in a liquid cooled electric machine having a rotor is provided. The stator includes a stator body having a radially outer periphery and a radially inner periphery, and at least one first coolant passage extending radially through the stator body from the outer periphery to the inner periphery. The at least one first coolant passage facilitates providing a coolant to an air gap defined between the stator body and the rotor
Abstract:
A water heater system comprises a water tank, a burner plenum, a flue, and a dilution air blower system. The dilution air blower system comprises a blower, a dilution air passageway, and a venturi system. Air from the blower is forced through the dilution air passageway and discharged toward the venturi system. When the dilution air blower system is attached to the water heater system, air discharged from the dilution air discharge passage via the blower passes through a converging region, throat region, diverging region and exit passage of the venturi system and draws combustion products through the flue and out the venturi system.