Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for monitoring the structural health of components. In an aspect is provided a system for monitoring structural health of a component that includes a mechanotropic elastomeric (ME) layer at least partially disposed on a surface of the component, the ME layer having a first portion corresponding to a first end of the component and a second portion corresponding to a second end of the component; a fiber optic light guide coupled to the first end; and a detector coupled to the second end. In another aspect is provided a method that includes pulsing an electromagnetic energy source coupled to a system comprising a ME layer; and detecting a wavelength or wavelength range by a detector, the detected wavelength or wavelength range being responsive to an amount of stimulus and being indicative of a deformation in a component.

According to the invention there is provided a component including a supercapacitor and a method of producing same. The component comprises a first (12) and second (14) electrode and a separator structure (16) which separates the two electrodes and contains a liquid or gel electrolyte. The first and second electrode structures are each formed from a composite material (10) which includes electrically conductive fibers and electrochemically active material in a binder matrix and the supercapacitor is formed to be structurally inseparable from the rest of the component. Further, the component forms a structural capacitor. The obtained structural capacitor could be used in aircraft structure to save weight.

A software abstraction layer for energy generation and/or storage systems. In one embodiment, a method is provided that can comprise receiving, by a site gateway, one or more standardized operating parameters for a physical component of an energy storage system, and translating, by the site gateway, the one or more standardized operating parameters into one or more vendor specific parameters, where the one or more vendor specific parameters are specific to a vendor-defined communication protocol supported by the physical component. The physical component can then be controlled using the one or more vendor specific parameters.

A method of installing a foundation (1) for a structure. The foundation body (2) has a toe (7) at its distal end which defines an aperture into an internal cavity (12) defined by an inner wall (8). Fluid is jetted from a plurality of nozzles (9) to direct fluid distally into the soil (5) ahead of the toe (7) during installation. A pump arrangement (13) controlled by a controller (16) is used to vary the quantity of fluid at a proximal end to thereby vary the fluid suspension pressure adjacent the toe (7) in a fluid communication channel (11) extending between the proximal end and the toe (7). The controller varies the fluid suspension pressure as the toe (7) inserts deeper into the soil (5) based on a target fluid suspension pressure as a function of toe depth.

A tent for surrounding a base of an upstanding structure on a support surface is disclosed. The tent features a covering with a top edge arranged to follow a perimeter of the structure base and a bottom edge arranged to define an outer periphery of the covering. The tent additionally features a base strap arranged for forming a closed loop about the structure base at a predetermined height above the support surface. The base strap supports a first attachment member, and a second attachment member is located along the top edge of the covering for cooperating with the first attachment member to fasten the covering at the structure base. A tightening strap along the top edge of the covering but behind the second attachment member is arranged to follow the base strap to seal connection of the covering and the base strap.

An oscillation damper for damping unwanted oscillations in oscillation-sensitive systems, such as tall edifices and towers, especially wind turbines. The oscillation damper has a vertical spring mechanism and the oscillation characteristics, such as the frequency and amplitude, and thus the damping capabilities, can be adjusted across a wide range of values.

Described herein is a system, method of use and Self Retracting Lifeline (SRL) apparatus using a system that governs a dynamic response between members causing a halt in relative motion between the members. Magnetic interactions, eddy current drag forces and centrifugal and/or inertial forces may provide various mechanisms of governing movement.

For the transmission of endless rotation from stationary frame to endlessly rotating carrier, or vice versa, independently of the rotation of the carrier, an efficient mechanical mechanism is missing.

A Compound Planetary Mechanism, named “Eleuthero-Strophe”, is proposed, with the already existing central carrier, two suns, an eccentric planetary carrier on which an eccentric satellite shaft rests bearing satellites, and planets which cooperate with the suns and the satellites, where all gear teeth numbers meet an Independence Condition. Main applications: horizontal axis wind turbine, where endless rotation of propeller shaft is transmitted to stationary tower, excavator or battle tank, where endless rotation is transmitted from chassis to turret, holonomic vehicle, where endless rotation is transmitted from chassis to drive wheel, propeller-driven aircraft, helicopter, propeller-driven craft, or wind turbine, where propeller pitch adjustment is achieved,
independently of endless rotation of the nacelle, the turret, the steering bracket, and the propeller hub, respectively.

Methods, devices, and systems for controlling energy generation interactions that bypass the grid may be provided. Flow control devices may be directly connected with one another independent of electrical connections to the utility grid. In some examples, the direct connections between the devices may enable sharing of power, controlling power flow over the direct connections, and/or recording relative power flows between the devices.

(1) Gravity assisted mechanical machine that uses a combination of stored mechanical energy plus the downward force of gravity, regulated by a motor and a sophisticated switch powered by a rechargeable battery. The mechanical switch is also assisted by a lever so the motor is more efficient in the use of the battery power. (2) Older types of fuel powered mechanical machines cause greater pollution and need an enormous amount of support to continue operating daily. (3) The gravity assisted mechanical machine can be used without air and operates longer and more efficiently and is less noisy and has no emissions to cause pollution. It will not heat up like a conventional mechanical machine only when attached to a generator for electrical energy. It will work without the need for the enormous weight of fuel to produce electrical energy. It can be used to power some electrical generators, example wind mill generators, for all uses of electrical energy.