Dual Capacitor Resonant Circuit

A dual-capacitor resonant circuit for adaptive resonant energy to be used in quasi-resonant ZCS dc-dc converters has been created. Specifically, the full-bridge (FB) boost-type dc-dc converters were developed for quasi-resonant ZCS operation and smooth current commutation by utilizing L-C resonance between leakage inductance of high frequency transformer and a resonant capacitor. In the new design, two capacitors (i.e.

Thermally Stable Hydrocarbon-based Anion Exchange Membrane and Ionomers

Researchers at RPI have developed a prototype hydrocarbon-based membrane for use in AE fuel cells and electrolyzers. This membrane can operate in a stable manner at elevated temperatures with the potential to provide enhanced operational performance. This membrane could possibly effectively participate in the growing fuel cell/electrolyzer market, as tested, the DPE membrane provides increased Tg values as compared to non-functionalized PS materials and increased Tg values as compared to main chain Nafion-117.

Orbital Debris Capture and Deorbit System for Nanosatellites

Rensselaer inventors created a multi-launch system and capture method to effectively clean up debris in a cost-effective manner. Operationally, the method consists of deploying a small-sized object called the CubeSat. This is a small satellite with a low mass and can be part of the launch of another larger satellite or other space-based object. The CubeSat is launched into space at the same orbit as the main payload. From there, it uses its built-in capabilities to maneuver itself to the desired orbit where space debris of the right size are present that need to be captured and destroyed.

Mobile Human-Friendly Assistive Robot

Researchers at Rensselaer created a robotic assistant that is more versatile, cheaper, and which can be remotely controllable by anyone whose mobility is impaired. The disclosed robotic assistant generally comprises a motorized base and dual arm robot mounted thereon. The robotic assistant is designed to be utilized by mobility impaired individuals through a sip-and-blow interface, tongue command device, eye/blink tracker, a joystick, etc., to, e.g., command the motion of the assistant to pick up objects from floor or shelf, to inspect suspicious noise, etc.

Line-of-sight detectors and communication systems in sub-THz and THz ranges

The terahertz (THz) band shows promise in terms of providing improved communications capabilities, including the ability for power-enhanced beam-forming and spatial multiplexing and reconfigurable array architectures that meet the capacity demands for 5G applications. All of these attributes of line of sight (LoS) systems in the THz spectral regime allow for wireless bit rates to be augmented without typical issues such as latency or noise complicating the picture.

Anion exchange membranes and polymers for use in same

Alkaline exchange membranes (AEMs), also called anion exchange membranes, allow transportation of anions (ex: OH-, Cl-, Br-, etc.) from the cathode to the anode in electrochemical reaction. AEMs are the most critical component of AEM fuel cells, water electrolysis, and certain batteries, sensors, and actuators. Many AEM materials tend to degrade easily under high alkaline. This technology comprises new chemical structures composed of styrene-butadiene block copolymer functionalized with quaternized ammonium groups toovercomes this alkaline stability issue.

OCCUPANCY SENSING SMART LIGHTING SYSTEM

The intelligent control of lighting has the potential to bring benefits in energy consumption, human comfort and well-being, and worker productivity. Existing systems have various drawbacks including: (1) they often only detect the presence of people, and not their number and spatial distribution in the room; and (2) they typically use cameras or other high resolution sensors, which create high computational loads for real time operation and may present significant privacy or security concerns.

Error tolerant memory system

Current DRAM chips can ensure error-free data storage (except for radiation-induced soft errors), which largely simplifies the overall computing system design. Each DRAM cell contains one transistor and one capacitor. Unfortunately, it becomes increasingly challenging to maintain the sufficiently large capacitance (hence error-free data storage). It has become clear that STT-RAM has the true potential to complement or even replace DRAM as the main memory in computing systems. However, STT-RAM cannot achieve comparable bit cost as DRAM.

FLASH LIGHTING WITH OPTIMIZED POWER-DISTRIBUTION

Pictures taken with most camera flashlights are often considered unnatural looking due to a mismatch of the illuminance and color temperature between the flash light and the ambient light in the scene. Subsequently, image rendering software is used to enhance the picture to a desirable look or several pictures must be taken attempting a better capture. A smart light system has been developed, incorporating LED sources and a sensor, that studies the lighting environment and decides optimal light for specific applications.