David Robert Perkins

US Patent:

6642682, Nov 4, 2003

Filed:

Feb 21, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/082542

Inventors:

David E. Perkins - Austin TX
Charles S. Richey - Round Rock TX

Assignee:

Active Power Inc. - Austin TX

International Classification:

G05D 2300

US Classification:

318436, 318471

Abstract:

The motor-generator circuitry of a flywheel energy conversion device can be utilized to preheat the rotor of the flywheel device. It may be desirable to preheat the rotor prior to normal operation because a rotor operating in cold temperature may be more susceptible to brittle fracture or other damage than a rotor operating at a specified operating temperature. The present invention may utilize the principle of induction heating to preheat the rotor. In preferred embodiments, high frequency current may be passed through armature windings of the motor-generating circuitry to induce surface currents into the periphery of the rotor. Heat may then be generated in portions of the rotor receiving the induced currents and then radiate from those portions to raise the rotor temperature to a desired level.

US Patent:

6657320, Dec 2, 2003

Filed:

Nov 3, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/433528

Inventors:

James A. Andrews - Austin TX
David A. Badger - Austin TX
Robert L. Fuller - Georgetown TX
Randal A. Lee - Austin TX
David E. Perkins - Austin TX
James R. Pitt - Austin TX
Dave J. Wehrlen - Austin TX

Assignee:

Active Power, Inc. - Ausitn TX

International Classification:

C02J 700

US Classification:

307 64, 307 47, 361695

Abstract:

Integrated flywheel uninteruptible power supply (UPS) systems provide reliable back-up power protection in a single integrated housing unit. The integration of the two normally independent systems results in a synergism such that various components may be shared between the systems. For example, the flywheel unit and the UPS electronics unit may utilize a single cooling system that is less complex and requires less energy to operate than two independent cooling systems. Other shared components may include at least control circuitry, user and display interface circuitry, fusing, DC bus capacitors, and emergency shut-off circuitry.

US Patent:

6955050, Oct 18, 2005

Filed:

Dec 16, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/738825

Inventors:

David E. Perkins - Austin TX, US
Robert S. Hudson - Austin TX, US

Assignee:

Active Power, Inc. - Austin TX

International Classification:

F01K013/00
F01K013/02
F01K003/00
F01K001/00

US Classification:

60645, 60652, 60659, 165902, 165DIG 539

Abstract:

A thermal storage unit having at least one annular flow channel formed between an inner and outer member is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional mill products to create annular flow channels that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass included in the inner and outer members. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the annular channel.

US Patent:

7127895, Oct 31, 2006

Filed:

Feb 5, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/361728

Inventors:

Joseph F Pinkerton - Austin TX, US
David Beatty - Austin TX, US
David E Perkins - Austin TX, US

Assignee:

Active Power, Inc. - Austin TX

International Classification:

F01K 13/02

US Classification:

60646, 60657, 60659

Abstract:

Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.

US Patent:

7425807, Sep 16, 2008

Filed:

Nov 29, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/606434

Inventors:

David E Perkins - Austin TX, US
James A Andrews - Austin TX, US
Scott D Logan - Cedar Park TX, US
Karl T Schuetze - Austin TX, US
David A Badger - Lago Vista TX, US
Robert S Hudson - Austin TX, US

Assignee:

Active Power, Inc. - Austin TX

International Classification:

H02K 7/02

US Classification:

318161, 318150, 745721, 322 4

Abstract:

This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.

US Patent:

7681395, Mar 23, 2010

Filed:

Aug 24, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/510248

Inventors:

Joseph F Pinkerton - Austin TX, US
David Beatty - Austin TX, US
David E Perkins - Austin TX, US

International Classification:

F01K 13/02

US Classification:

60646, 60657, 60659

Abstract:

Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.

US Patent:

7693402, Apr 6, 2010

Filed:

Nov 19, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/993877

Inventors:

Robert S. Hudson - Austin TX, US
David E. Perkins - Austin TX, US
Donald M. Hudson - Austin TX, US
David J. Beatty - Austin TX, US
Donald L. Stamets - Cedar Park TX, US
Joseph F. Pinkerton - Austin TX, US

Assignee:

Active Power, Inc. - Austin TX

International Classification:

F24H 7/02
F01K 1/00

US Classification:

392341, 392449, 392450, 392451, 392452, 392453, 392454, 392456, 60657, 60645, 60670, 60652, 60646, 165 10, 165236, 165902, 165158, 165DIG 539

Abstract:

A thermal storage unit having at least one conduit around which a cast is made is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional piping or tubing to create conduits that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass by proving multiple passes for the fluid through the cast. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the conduit.

US Patent:

7750518, Jul 6, 2010

Filed:

Nov 29, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/606848

Inventors:

David E. Perkins - Austin TX, US

Assignee:

Active Power, Inc. - Austin TX

International Classification:

H02K 5/16
H02K 7/08

US Classification:

310 90, 384518, 310 89

Abstract:

This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.

Address:

3702 Soaring Eagle, Austin, TX 78746

Phone:

(512)3289195

VIN:

5UXZV4C52CL750704

Make:

BMW

Model:

X5

Year:

2012