EP3372725B1

EP3372725B1 - System and method for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine

Info

Publication number: EP3372725B1
Application number: EP17159959.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Burhan GULBAHAR; Gorkem MEMISOGLU; Mehmet Abbak
Original assignee: Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS; Ozyegin Universitesi
Current assignee: Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS; Ozyegin Universitesi
Priority date: 2017-03-08
Filing date: 2017-03-08
Publication date: 2023-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-08
Also published as: TR201704553A2; EP3372725A1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments herein generally relate to an electrical energy harvesting system, and, more particularly, a system and method for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, a need for electrical energy has been rapidly increased. To meet the requirement for electrical energy, conventional power stations are increased, that leads to environmental pollution. To control the environmental pollution, it is necessary to use green energy and harvest electrical energy wherever it is possible. Electrical energy harvesting generators are attractive as inexhaustible replacements for charging batteries in low-power wireless electronic devices. Conventionally, different types of energy harvesting devices are used for generating electrical energy. Different types of harvesting devices are used in, but not limited to, RF energy harvesting, induction based wireless charging, optical, thermoelectric or piezoelectric based systems. Electrical energy harvesting improvises minimal use of electrical energy and is more based on conventional use of the energy.
In the prior art, these problems have been addressed in various ways. The patent application, WO2010111376 , contains details about an energy harvesting system that are described in electro active materials such as dielectric elastomers. The energy harvesting system is utilized to absorb shocks, bumps, and vibrations from a road or path to generate energy, which is captured and stored for use in a vehicle to provide additional power for any number of uses. WO2015092646 discloses a washing or washing/drying machine comprising an electric current generator. The washing and drying machine comprising a frame, an assembly constrained to the frame, energy recovery means configured to transform kinetic energy into electrical energy. However, none of the conventionally used devices disclose a method that utilizes ordinary movements of a washing machine.
Further background prior art is described in US 2012/192362 A , which discloses a washing machine and a control method thereof.
In particular, document US2012/192362 A discloses a system and a method for harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine, wherein said system comprises several permanent magnets provided at designated positions of a drum or a balancer housing of the washing machine, wherein said permanent magnets generate a magnetic field. Document US 2012/192362 A also discloses solenoids placed inside the drum of the washing machine, wherein said solenoids are configured to generate an induced current when the drum rotates in the magnetic field of the permanent magnets, as well as a wireless charging device that is operatively coupled to said solenoids and that is configured to transfer the induced current generated in the solenoids to a storage device.
Accordingly, there is a need for a cost-effective system for generating and harvesting energy from washing machines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a system for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine. The system includes a permanent magnet, an induction coil, and a wireless charging device. The permanent magnet is placed around a washing-tub of the washing machine. The permanent magnet generates a magnetic field. The induction coil is placed inside the washing-tub of the washing machine. The induction coil is configured to generate an induced current when the washing-tub rotates in the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. The wireless charging device is operatively coupled to the induction coil. The wireless charging devices comprises an inductive antenna that is configured to transfer the induced current generated in the induction coil to a storage device.
In one embodiment, the permanent magnet is coupled to the washing machine in a way that the magnetic field of the permanent magnet does not affect any electronic circuits of the washing machine. In another embodiment, the permanent magnet is adapted to be adjusted in terms of size, magnitude of the magnetic field, and the field pattern. In another embodiment, the permanent magnet produces a magnetic field and magnetic lines of the magnetic field penetrate through the induction coil. In one embodiment, the permanent magnet is optimized to neglect a magnetic effect or minimize the magnetic effect to a negligible limit on the normal function of the washing machine. In another embodiment, more than one permanent magnet is placed around the washing-tub of the washing machine.
In one embodiment, when the washing-tub of the washing machine rotates, the induction coil cuts the magnetic field of the permanent magnet and the induction coil experiences a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field induces the induced current in the induction coil and the induced current is transferred to the wireless charging device. The wireless charging device is configured to store the induced current in a storage device. In one embodiment, a force is generated in the induction coil due to the changing magnetic field and the force is diminished by absorbing the force by the water or objects inside the washing-tub of the washing machine.
In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a system for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine, wherein the system comprises a mobile magnet, an induction coil and a wireless charging device. The mobile magnet is coupled in a centre of a washing-tub of the washing machine and produces a magnetic field inside the washing-tub. The induction coil is coupled to an inner wall of the washing tub that is around the mobile magnet. The induction coil is configured to generate an induced current when the washing-tub rotates in the magnetic field of the mobile magnet and when the washing-tub rotates, the induction coil cuts the magnetic field of the mobile magnet, the induction coil experiences a changing magnetic field and the changing magnetic field produces the induced current. The wireless charging device is operatively coupled to the induction coil. The wireless charging device comprises an inductive antenna that is configured to transfer the induced current generated in the induction coil to a storage device.
In one embodiment, the washing-tub is designed to minimize a magnetic force produced inside the washing-tub by the mobile magnet and reduces the electrical power required to rotate the washing-tub of the washing machine.
In another aspect, a method for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine using a permanent magnet is provided. The method comprises: (i) the permanent magnet is coupled around a washing-tub of the washing machine, wherein the permanent magnet produces a magnetic field; (ii) an induction coil is coupled inside the washing-tub of the washing machine, wherein a wireless charging device is operatively coupled to the induction coil; (iii) the washing-tub is rotated in the magnetic field of the permanent magnet to generate a changing magnetic field in the induction coil; (iv) an induced current is induced in an inductive antenna of the wireless charging device by the changing magnetic field of the induction coil; and (v) the induced current is transferred to a storage device by the wireless charging device..
In one embodiment, the method further includes steps of: (i) the induced current is converted into direct current using a rectifier of the wireless charging device; and (ii) the direct current is transmitted to the storage device using a transmitter coil of the wireless charging device, wherein the storage device is configured to store the direct current received from the wireless charging device.
In yet another aspect, a method for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine using a mobile magnet is provided. The method comprises: (i) the mobile magnet is coupled in a centre of a washing-tub of the washing machine, wherein the mobile magnet produces a magnetic field; (ii) an induction coil is coupled inside the washing-tub of the washing machine, wherein a wireless charging device is operatively coupled to the induction coil; (iii) the washing-tub is rotated in the magnetic field of the mobile magnet to generate a changing magnetic field in the induction coil; (iv) an induced current is induced in an inductive antenna of the wireless charging device by the changing magnetic field of the induction coil; and (v) the induced current is transferred to a storage device by the wireless charging device.
In one embodiment, the method further includes steps of: (i) the induced current is converted into direct current using a rectifier of the wireless charging device; and (ii) the direct current is transmitted to the storage device using a transmitter coil of the wireless charging device, wherein the storage device is configured to store the direct current received from the wireless charging device.
These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system to generate and harvest electrical energy from a washing machine by a permanent magnet according to an embodiment herein;
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a system for generating electrical energy from the washing machine using a mobile magnet of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment herein;
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the wireless charging device of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an embodiment herein;
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine using a permanent magnet of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment herein; and
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine using a mobile magnet of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
As mentioned, there remains a need for a cost-effective system for generating and harvesting energy from washing machines. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system 100 to generate and harvest electrical energy from a washing machine 106 by a permanent magnet 102 according to an embodiment herein. The system 100 includes the permanent magnet 102, a washing-tub 104, the washing machine 106, an induction coil 108, and a wireless charging device 112. The permanent magnet 102 is coupled around the washing-tub 104 of the washing machine 106. The permanent magnet 102 produces a magnetic field 110 in between the North and South Pole of the permanent magnet 102. The induction coil 108 is coupled inside the washing-tub of the washing machine 106. The induction coil 108 is configured to generate an induced current when the washing-tub 104 rotates in the magnetic field 110 of the permanent magnet 102. The wireless charging device 112 is operatively coupled to the induction coil 108. The wireless charging device 112 includes an inductive antenna. When the washing-tub 104 of the washing machine 106 rotates, the induction coil 108 cuts the magnetic field 110 of the permanent magnet 102 and the induction coil 108 experiences a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field induces the induced current in the induction coil 108. The inductive antenna of the wireless charging device 112 is configured to transmit and store the induced current to a storage device. In one embodiment, the storage device is a battery package. In another embodiment, the battery is coupled inside the wireless charging device 112.
In an embodiment, the permanent magnet 102 is adapted to be adjusted in terms of size and the magnitude of the magnetic field 110 and the field pattern. In another embodiment, the permanent magnet 102 is adapted to produce the magnetic field and the magnetic lines of the magnetic field that penetrate through the induction coil 108. In an embodiment, the permanent magnet 102 is coupled to the washing machine 106 in a way that the magnetic field 110 of the permanent magnet 102 does not affect any electronic circuits of the washing machine 106. In another embodiment, the permanent magnet 102 is optimized to neglect a magnetic effect or minimize the magnetic effect to a negligible limit on the normal functioning of the washing machine 106. In another embodiment, the permanent magnet 102 is replaced by more than one permanent magnet that is placed around the washing machine 106.
In an embodiment, a force is generated in the induction coil 108 due to the changing magnetic field of the induction coil 108. The force is diminished by absorbing the force by the water or objects inside the washing-tub 104 of the washing machine 106. In an embodiment, the wireless charging device 112 is configured to charge any inductive charging devices including, but not limited to, wearable sensors or water-resistant electronic devices.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a system 200 for generating electrical energy from the washing machine 106 using a mobile magnet 202 of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment herein. The system 200 includes the mobile magnet 202, an induction coil 108, and a wireless charging device (not shown in FIG. 2). The mobile magnet 202 is coupled inside the washing-tub 104 of the washing machine 106. The mobile magnet 202 produces a magnetic field 204 inside the washing-tub 104 of the washing machine 106. The induction coil 108 is coupled to an inner wall of the washing tub 104 that is around the mobile magnet 202. The induction coil 108 is configured to generate an induced current when the washing-tub 104 rotates in the magnetic field 204 of the mobile magnet 202. The wireless charging device is coupled to the induction coil 108. When the washing-tub 104 of the washing machine 106 rotates, the induction coil 108 cuts the magnetic field 204 of the mobile magnet 202 and the induction coil 108 experience a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field induces the induced current in the induction coil 108. The inductive antenna of the wireless charging device is configured to transmit and store the induced current to the storage device. In one embodiment, the storage device is a battery package.
In another embodiment, the washing-tub 104 is designed to minimize a magnetic force produced inside the washing-tub 104 by the mobile magnet 202 and reduce the electrical power required to rotate the washing-tub 104 of the washing machine 106. In an embodiment, the mobile magnet 202 is configured with higher magnetic fields. In an embodiment, a charging rate of the wireless charging device is increased according to the increase in rotation of the washing-tub 104 of the washing machine 106. In one embodiment, the system 200 is configured to generate and harvest electrical energy from washing machines, drying machines or toys.
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram 300 of the wireless charging device of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an embodiment herein. The block diagram includes an AC-DC converter 302, an oscillator 304, a transmitter coil 306, a receiver coil 308, a rectifier 310, a DC voltage regulator 312, and a storage battery 314. The AC-DC converter 302 is configured to convert the induced current into direct current (DC). In one embodiment, the induced current is an alternating current (AC). The oscillator 304 is configured to generate an AC power signal with a frequency signal based on the input DC. In one embodiment, the frequency signal is a carrier signal. The transmitter coil 306 is configured to transmit the AC signal and the generated frequency signal to the receiver coil 308. In one embodiment, the transmitter coil 306 is an inductive antenna. In one embodiment, the transmitter coil 306 and the receiver coil 308 are magnetically coupled. In one embodiment, a power amplifier is coupled to the transmitter coil 306 to amplify the frequency signal to supply adequate power to the receiver coil. The receiver coil 308 is configured to receive the AC power signal and transmits to the rectifier 310. The rectifier 310 is configured to convert the received AC power signal into a DC power signal. In one embodiment, a filter is coupled to the rectifier 310 to filter any AC component in the converted DC power signal. The DC-DC regulator 312 is configured to generate a DC voltage from the DC power signal and store it in the storage batter 314.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram 400 illustrating a method for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine 106 using a permanent magnet 102 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment herein. At step 402, the permanent magnet 102 is coupled around a washing-tub 104 of the washing machine 106. The permanent magnet 102 produces a magnetic field 110. At step 404, an induction coil 108 is coupled inside the washing-tub 104 of the washing machine 106. A wireless charging device is operatively coupled to the induction coil 108. At step 406, the washing-tub 104 is rotated in the magnetic field 110 of the permanent magnet 102 to generate a changing magnetic field in the induction coil 108. At step 408, an induced current is induced in an inductive antenna of the wireless charging device by the changing magnetic field of the induction coil 108. At step 410, the induced current is transferred to a storage device by the wireless charging device.
In one embodiment, the method further includes steps of: (i) the induced current is converted into direct current using a rectifier of the wireless charging device; and (ii) the direct current is transmitted to the storage device using a transmitter coil of the wireless charging device. In one embodiment, the storage device is configured to store the direct current received from the wireless charging device.
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 500 illustrating a method for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine 106 using a mobile magnet 202 of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment herein. At step 502, the mobile magnet 202 is coupled in a centre of a washing-tub 104 of the washing machine 106. The mobile magnet 202 produces a magnetic field 204. At step 504, an induction coil 108 is coupled inside the washing-tub 104 of the washing machine 106. A wireless charging device is operatively coupled to the induction coil 108. At step 406, the washing-tub 104 is rotated in the magnetic field 204 of the mobile magnet 202 to generate a changing magnetic field in the induction coil 108. At step 408, an induced current is induced in an inductive antenna of the wireless charging device by the changing magnetic field of the induction coil 108. At step 410, the induced current is transferred to a storage device by the wireless charging device.
In one embodiment, the method further includes steps of: (i) the induced current is converted into direct current using a rectifier of the wireless charging device; and (ii) the direct current is transmitted to the storage device using a transmitter coil of the wireless charging device. In one embodiment, the storage device is configured to store the direct current received from the wireless charging device.
It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the appended claims.
In particular, the invention provides a system for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine. The system includes either a permanent magnet or a mobile magnet, an induction coil, and a wireless charging device. The permanent magnet is placed around a washing-tub of the washing machine. The mobile magnet is coupled inside the washing tub of the washing machine. The permanent or mobile magnet generates a magnetic field. The induction coil is placed inside the washing-tub of the washing machine. The induction coil is configured to generate an induced current when the washing-tub rotates in the magnetic field of the permanent or mobile magnet. The wireless charging device is operatively coupled to the induction coil. The wireless charging device comprises an inductive antenna that is configured to transfer the induced current generated in the induction coil to a storage device. In one embodiment, the permanent magnet is coupled to the washing machine in a way that the magnetic field of the permanent magnet does not affect any electronic circuits of the washing machine.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

102: Permanent magnet
104: washing-tub
106: washing machine
108: induction coil
110: magnetic field
112: Wireless charging device
202: mobile magnet
204: magnetic field
302: AC-DC converter
304: oscillator
306: transmitter coil
308: receiver coil
310: rectifier
312: DC-DC regulator
314: storage device

Claims

A system (100) for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine (106), wherein the system (100) comprises:
a permanent magnet (102) that is placed around a washing-tub (104) of the washing machine (106), wherein the permanent magnet (102) generates a magnetic field (110);

an induction coil (108) that is placed inside the washing-tub (104) of the washing machine (106), wherein the induction coil (108) is configured to generate an induced current when the washing-tub (104) rotates in the magnetic field (110) of the permanent magnet (102); and

a wireless charging device (112) that is operatively coupled to the induction coil (108), wherein the wireless charging device (112) comprises an inductive antenna (306) that is configured to transfer the induced current generated in the induction coil (108) to a storage device (314).
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the permanent magnet (102) is adapted to be adjusted in terms of size, magnitude of the magnetic field (110), and the field pattern, wherein the permanent magnet (102) produces a magnetic field (110) and magnetic lines of the magnetic field (110) penetrate through the induction coil (108).
The system (100) of claim 2, wherein when the washing-tub (104) of the washing machine (106) rotates, the induction coil (108) cuts the magnetic field (110) of the permanent magnet (102), wherein the induction coil (108) experiences a changing magnetic field (110) when the induction coil (108) cuts the magnetic field (110).
The system (100) of claim 3, wherein a force is generated in the induction coil (108) due to the changing magnetic field (110), wherein the force is diminished by absorbing the force by water or objects inside the washing-tub (104) of the washing machine (106).
A system (200) for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine (106), wherein the system (200) comprises:
a mobile magnet (202) that is coupled in a centre of a washing-tub (104) of the washing machine (106), wherein the mobile magnet (202) produces a magnetic field (204) inside the washing-tub (104) of the washing machine (106);

an induction coil (108) coupled to an inner wall of the washing-tub (104) that is around the mobile magnet (202), wherein the induction coil (108) is configured to generate an induced current when the washing-tub (104) rotates in the magnetic field (204) of the mobile magnet (202), and when the washing-tub (104) rotates, the induction coil (108) cuts the magnetic field (204) of the mobile magnet (202) and the induction coil (108) experiences a changing magnetic field, which induces the induced current in the induction coil (108); and

a wireless charging device (112) that is operatively coupled to the induction coil (108); whereby

the wireless charging device (112) comprises an inductive antenna (306) that is configured to transfer the induced current generated in the induction coil (108) to a storage device (314).
A method for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine (106) using a permanent magnet (102), wherein the method comprises:
coupling the permanent magnet (102) around a washing-tub (104) of the washing machine (106), wherein the permanent magnet (102) produces a magnetic field (110);

coupling an induction coil (108) inside the washing-tub (104) of the washing machine (106), wherein a wireless charging device (112) is operatively coupled to the induction coil (108);

rotating the washing-tub (104) in the magnetic field (110) of the permanent magnet (102) to generate a changing magnetic field (110) in the induction coil (108);

inducing an induced current in an inductive antenna (306) of the wireless charging device (112) by the changing magnetic field (110) of the induction coil (108); and

transferring the induced current to a storage device (314) by the wireless charging device (112).
The method of claim 6, wherein the method further comprises:
converting, using a rectifier of the wireless charging device (112), the induced current into direct current;

transmitting, using a transmitter coil of the wireless charging device (112), the direct current to the storage device (314), wherein the storage device (314) is configured to store the direct current received from the wireless charging device (112).
The method of claim 7, wherein a force is generated in the induction coil (108) due to the changing magnetic field (110), wherein the force is diminished by absorbing the force by water or objects inside the washing-tub (104) of the washing machine (106).
A method for generating and harvesting electrical energy from a washing machine (106) using a mobile magnet (202), wherein the method comprises:
coupling the mobile magnet (202) in a centre of a washing-tub (104) of the washing machine (106), wherein the mobile magnet (202) produces a magnetic field (204);

coupling an induction coil (108) inside the washing-tub (104) of the washing machine (106), wherein a wireless charging device (112) is operatively coupled to the induction coil (108);

rotating the washing tub (104) in the magnetic field (204) of the mobile magnet (202) to generate a changing magnetic field in the induction coil (108);
whereby the method further comprises the steps of:
inducing an induced current in an inductive antenna (306) of the wireless charging device (112) by the changing magnetic field of the induction coil (108); and

transferring the induced current to a storage device (314) by the wireless charging device (112).
The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises:
converting, using a rectifier of the wireless charging device (112), the induced current into direct current;

transmitting, using a transmitter coil of the wireless charging device (112), the direct current to the storage device (314), wherein the storage device (314) is configured to store the direct current received from the wireless charging device (112).