Method for measuring torque in rotating-equipment, turbo-machinery, pumps, turbines, and compressors. The measured torque can be used as an input to control torque, power, or energy efficiency. The method can also measure force (or torque) in traversing-machinery or vehicles such as automobiles, ships, aircraft, bicycles and motorcycles. The method takes real-time rotating (or linear) speed measurements, applies the discrete form of equations of motion, captures the natural decay curve(s) of the machine to estimate the torque (or force) associated with the losses of the power sink, and then solves for the driving torque of the power source. The method relates to monitoring and control systems used to safely and efficiently operate rotating-equipment and traversing-machinery. The method can be used to determine a health index of a machine to make predictive and corrective maintenance, reliability, performance, safety, and efficiency-related decisions. It is accurate, robust, lightweight, space-saving, and low cost.

A variable load dynamometer (VLD) measures the performance and operating characteristics of a test motor without the use of flywheels to supply the fixed resistance to the test motor. The VLD uses a slave motor coupled to the test motor. Using a software-controlled computer interface, the user can vary the load on the slave motor allowing for evaluation of the test motor under various load conditions. The VLD enables the user to analyze the operating characteristics and performance of the test motor by adjusting the speed of the test motor and the load applied to the test motor by the slave motor. Use of the slave motor coupled to the test motor eliminates the need for flywheels. The VLD's modular and compact design permits the evaluation of small-scale motors.

Methods and apparatus for identifying downhole dynamics in a drilling system are provided. Acceleration-detecting sensors are mounted at multiple locations near to a drill bit, such as at a drill collar. The sensors may be spaced 90 apart along a circumference of the drill collar. The sensors detect acceleration measurements in a plane orthogonal to the drill string's axis of rotation, with respect to a first reference frame that moves with the drill string. The acceleration measurements are received by a processor and processed to determine rotational and revolution positions of the drill string within the wellbore with respect to a static reference frame. Whirl dynamics may, in particular, be determined based on the results in real time.

Power measurement device for a bicycle trainer, which device is built as a unitary relocatable device comprising an acceleration or velocity sensor, a microcontroller and a memory, wherein the device is equipped with or connectable to a power source, preferably a battery, and wherein the device is equipped with a communication facility to enable the device to wirelessly or through wires communicate with an external application device.

Systems and methods for testing the accuracy of a bicycle training apparatus that is configured to measure the power output of a cyclist riding on a bicycle. The system includes a base, a main drive shaft secured to the base, a motor secured to the base and configured to rotate the main drive shaft, torque and rotational speed sensors configured to measure the torque and rotational speed of the main drive shaft during rotation thereof. The bicycle training apparatus may be secured relative to the base and functionally coupled to the main drive shaft. The motor may then be operated to apply a power input to the bicycle training apparatus while measuring the torque and rotational speed of the main drive shaft and the power input with the bicycle training apparatus. The resulting measurements may be compared to determine the accuracy of the bicycle training apparatus.

Systems and methods for performing dynamic coefficient of performance calculations for refrigeration systems are provided. A controller calculates a weighted Carnot efficiency of a refrigeration case based on outdoor temperature data, refrigeration case temperature data, a case load of a refrigeration case, and a case defrost status of the refrigeration case. The controller calculates a weighted coefficient of performance based on based on a refrigerant type, the case load of the refrigeration case, the case defrost status of the refrigeration case, and at least one of the of the refrigeration case temperature data and pressure data. The controller calculates a system performance index (SPI) for the refrigeration case based on the weighted Carnot efficiency of the refrigeration case and weighted actual Carnot efficiency. The controller generates, in response to the SPI being below a threshold, an output indicating that the refrigeration case is operating below a threshold efficiency.

Systems and methods for performing dynamic coefficient of performance calculations for refrigeration systems are provided. A controller calculates a weighted Carnot efficiency of a refrigeration case based on outdoor temperature data, refrigeration case temperature data, a case load of a refrigeration case, and a case defrost status of the refrigeration case. The controller calculates a weighted coefficient of performance based on based on a refrigerant type, the case load of the refrigeration case, the case defrost status of the refrigeration case, and at least one of the of the refrigeration case temperature data and pressure data. The controller calculates a system performance index (SPI) for the refrigeration case based on the weighted Carnot efficiency of the refrigeration case and weighted actual Carnot efficiency. The controller generates, in response to the SPI being below a threshold, an output indicating that the refrigeration case is operating below a threshold efficiency.

A brake power measuring device (100) for use with a vehicle having a braking system. The device has a housing attachable to, or attached to, a brake disc, or to a frame near a brake caliper of the braking system. The housing houses one or more force sensing elements (220) for measuring a force experienced by the brake disc or frame during braking. A control unit (230) is configured to receive the measured force, calculate power losses as a result of braking, based on the measured force and data representing angular velocity, and produce the power loss calculations as output data

A bicycle (10) includes a frame (25) having a bottom bracket (40), a crankset (35) attached to the bottom bracket (40), a pedal (50) coupled to the crankset (35) and operable to propel the bicycle (10) in response to a force acting on the pedal (50). The bicycle further includes a first bicycle component acted upon by the pedal (50) in response to the force, a second bicycle component coupled and responsive to the first bicycle component, and a power vector sensor (85) coupled to and positioned between the first bicycle component and the second bicycle component, and the power vector sensor (85) includes a sensor element (100) to sense a force transferred from the first bicycle component to the second bicycle component and indicative of the force acting on the pedal (50).

Methods and apparatus for identifying downhole dynamics in a drilling system are provided. Acceleration-detecting sensors are mounted at multiple locations near to a drill bit, such as at a drill collar. The sensors may be spaced 90? apart along a circumference of the drill collar. The sensors detect acceleration measurements in a plane orthogonal to the drill string's axis of rotation, with respect to a first reference frame that moves with the drill string. The acceleration measurements are received by a processor and processed to determine rotational and revolution positions of the drill string within the wellbore with respect to a static reference frame. Whirl dynamics may, in particular, be determined based on the results in real time.