WO2006016360A2

WO2006016360A2 - Mechanism for the generation of electrical and/or mechanical power

Info

Publication number: WO2006016360A2
Application number: PCT/IL2005/000857
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacob Miller
Original assignee: Cm2E Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-08-10
Filing date: 2005-08-09
Publication date: 2006-02-16
Also published as: WO2006016360A3

Abstract

A device is provided which enables the rotor and the stator to rotate in opposite directions. The device may be used in combination with either a generator to generate electrical power and/or to an electric motor to generate mechanical power. The device may be used in combination with rotational power devices or turbine-type devices and may also be used in combination with a number of generators.

Description

MECHANISM FOR THE GENERATION OF ELECTRICAL AND/OR

MECHANICAL POWER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of electric and mechanical power generators in general and to the rotation of rotors and stators in opposite directions to generate power in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to generate electrical power, many different types of generators have been developed such as generators powered by internal combustion engines or other sources of rotational power, and turbine-type devices.

Conventional rotational power devices, such as the internal combustion engine, generally generate electrical power from mechanical rotational power, which rotates the rotor(s) in one direction only. In conventional devices, the stator(s) remain static and fixed. In turbine-type devices, electrical power is generated from the power of the wind

("wind turbine"), water flow from a dam ("hydroelectric power") or gas jets ("gas turbine"), for example, depending on the type of power station. In wind turbines, for example, only a single propeller rotates and drives the rotor in the generator in one direction while the stator is static and fixed. Similarly, in gas turbines and hydroelectric power stations, a single propeller rotates and drives the rotor in the generator in one direction while the stator is static and fixed.

Conventional electric motors which rotate using electrical voltage or electrical current are known. For example, in pumps, compressors, fans, mixers, conveyors and other electric motors, the electrical current and/or voltage rotates the rotor in a certain direction while the stator remains static and does not rotate. Electrical motors which produce power from electrical energy when the stator does not rotate may be defined as a conventional electric motor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device is described which enables the rotor and the stator in electric motors and generators to rotate in opposite directions. The device may be coupled to either an electric generator to generate more electrical power and/or to an electric motor to generate mechanical power. In either mode, the efficiency of the combined machine rotating both the rotor and the stator in opposite directions is superior to a conventional motor/generator.

The generator may be defined as an assembly of parts for the production of electrical energy or a machine for the conversion of mechanical energy to electrical current [direct current-DC or alternating current- AC] when the rotor of the generator rotates inside the stator of the generator.

The device may be used in combination with rotational power devices or turbine-type devices. The device may also be used in combination with a number of generators. The device may also include a system for delivery of the electrical current generated in the generators.

Thus, in an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device configured to rotate at least one rotor and at least one stator in opposite directions. In a first mode the device is adapted to generate mechanical power from the input of electrical energy and, in a second mode the device is adapted to generate electrical power from the input of mechanical energy. The device may be configured to operate in combination with an electric motor.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, mechanical energy may be input by any one of a group of sources of rotational force including an internal combustion engine, wind force, water force and gas jets. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device which is adapted to cause at least one generator to rotate at least one rotor and at least one stator in opposite directions to generate more electrical power using rotational forces including wind force, water force, gas jets and internal combustion engines. Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the device includes at least one propeller connected to at least one rotor via a shaft and at least one propeller connected to at least one stator.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the device is adapted to be driven by any one of a group of sources of rotational force including wind force, water force, gas jets and an internal combustion engine.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the device further includes means for generating and transmitting and/or converting the electrical power energy generated.

In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device which is configured to cause at least one electric motor to rotate at least one rotor and at least one stator in opposite directions to generate mechanical power.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the device further includes a first pulley wheel attached to one end of an axle supporting the rotor, a first gear wheel attached to the axle supporting the stator, a second axle connected at one end to a second gear wheel and at its other end to a second pulley and a belt connecting the first and second pulley wheels. On rotating the rotor in a first direction and the stator in a second counter direction, the first gear wheel rotates in the first direction and transfers rotational power to rotate the second gear wheel in the counter direction.

The electric motor maybe any of a group including direct current (DC) motor or single or 3 -phase alternative current (AC) motor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better

understood through the following illustrative and non-limitative detailed description of

preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a general isometric illustration of a device for generating electrical energy

by means of wind generated power, constructed and operative according to an embodiment

of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail illustration of the rotor and stator mechanism of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a general isometric illustration of a device for generating electrical energy by means of wind generated power, constructed and operative according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of the device of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 a general illustration of a device utilizing the force of water for generating electrical energy, constructed and operative according to a further embodiment of the

invention;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail illustration of the device Fig. 5 for use with a plurality of

generators;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional elevational detail of the device of Fig. 1 operable by means of an internal combustion engine;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional detail along lines B-B of Fig. 7; and

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional elevational detail of a device for rotating the rotors and

stators of an electric motor in opposite directions, constructed and operative according to a

further embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is a general isometric illustration of a device for generating electrical energy by means of wind generated power, constructed and operative according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail illustration of the rotor and stator mechanism of the device of Fig. 1.

As shown in Fig. 2, a generator is suitably connected to the rotor(s) and stator(s), thereby enabling the rotor and stator to rotate in different directions (counter-rotate). For example, the generator may be seated on a base via bearings (seat). The rotation of the rotors and stators generates electrical power energy which may be transmitted through any suitable means, known in the art, such as a system comprising copper rings, carbon brushes and electrical wires (shown in Fig. 2), for example.

As shown in Fig. 1, propeller R is directly connected to the rotor via a shaft and propeller L is connected to the stator. Thus, as the wind rotates propeller R, the rotor rotates (clockwise in the example) and as is known in the art, causes the generation of power via the connected generator. The wind also rotates propeller L, which is coupled to the stator so as to cause the stator to rotate in the opposite direction from the rotor. The rotation of the stator causes the generation of power via the connected generator. As will be appreciated by persons knowledgeable in the art, the coupling of the rotor to the propellers and the stator to the propellers so as to activate the generator may be undertaken by various types of connections, such as gears, pulleys and bearings or combinations thereof.

Thus, by rotating both the rotor and stator in opposite directions, more energy may be produced than in conventional systems which only rotate in a single direction.

The generator, which is an assembly of parts for the production of electrical energy, as is known in the art, converts mechanical energy to either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) when the rotor of the generator rotates within the stator of the generator.

The rotor is an internal mechanical part of the generator, which rotates in a certain direction and constitutes a complementary component for the stator in the generator in order to generate electrical energy from rotational mechanical energy.

The stator is a mechanical part which generally circumvents the rotor in the generator and is complementary to the rotor in order to generate electrical energy from rotational mechanical energy.

The propellers are blades rotating on a shaft in order to extract motive power from external forces, such as wind water and gasses, for example, thereby creating rotational mechanical power. The propellers may be composed of various parts and diverse materials, as is known in the art.

In conclusion, the device of the invention, using a combination of propellers, connected to both the rotors and stators resulted in voltage being produced which is approximately double the output that of conventional systems.

Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate the device of the invention configured for generating electrical energy by means of wind generated power utilizing several electrical power generators. Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of the device of Fig. 3.

Similar to the device of Figs. 1 and 2, the force of the wind acting on the plurality of propellers causes the central shaft to rotate in one direction and also causes the plurality of stators to rotate in the opposite direction and generate power.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 a general illustration of the device of the invention configured for utilizing the pressure head of water for generating electrical energy, constructed and operative according to a further embodiment of the invention. The device may be inserted within a conduit or pipe in the base of a dam, for example. Fig. 6, which is an enlarged detail illustration of the device Fig. 5, showing a

plurality of generators connected around a central shaft supported by bearings within a

housing.

The force of the water rotates the rotors and stators in counter directions to generate

electrical power energy which may be transmitted via a system of conductive rings, carbon

brushes and electrical wires, as is known in the art, for example.

Reference is now made to Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional elevational detail of the device of Fig. 1 operable by means of an internal combustion engine. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional detail along lines B-B.

In this example, the device may be coupled to an internal combustion engine in any

suitable manner, known in the art, such as via a gearing system, belts, directly driven or

planetary transmission, for example.

The internal combustion engine causes the rotors and stators to revolve in opposite

directions, as best seen in Fig. 8, in a manner similar to that previously described

hereinabove. The generator may be connected to a frame equipped with bearings which enables the rotor and the stator to rotate in opposite directions by means of a gear transmission.

For any given speed, more power is generated compared to a conventional system where the stator is static. As will be appreciated, the above device may be operated with a plurality of generators. The device may include a system for the delivery of the electrical

current generated by the generators.

The internal combustion engine utilizes rotational force and thus, as will be

appreciated by persons knowledgeable in the art, any similar apparatus which utilizes

rotational force may be combined with the device of the invention. As will also be appreciated, utilizing the device of the invention together with an internal combustion engine, or any source of rotational force operated by fuel, will reduce the amount of fuel needed to operate the generator by approximately 50%.

Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a cross-sectional elevational detail of a device, generally referenced 100 for rotating the rotors and stators of an electric motor in opposite directions, constructed and operative according to another embodiment of the invention. The device 100 may be configured to act in a dual mode, that is, in a first mode to cause a generator to rotate at least one rotor and at least one stator in opposite directions to generate electrical power, and in a second mode to generate mechanical power from electricity.

The device 100 comprises an electrical motor having at least one stator 1 and at least one rotor 2 in cooperative association with each other, such that the supply of electrical energy to the motor causes the rotor 1 and stator 2 to rotate in opposite directions.

Electricity may be transferred via electrical cables 50, carbon brushes 23 and conductive rings 21 to the stator 1 using in one or three phase electrical power, or alternatively to the rotor 2 in single phase electrical power, depending on to the type and configuration of the electric motor.

The motor is held in place by means of a main support axle 50 connected to a front flange 3 and a rear flange 4. The flanges are further strengthened by means of longitudinal rods (not shown).

The rotor axle 60 passes through the central bore of the rear flange 4 and is supported on its distal side by bearings 9, 11. A pulley 12 is attached to one end of the rotor axle 60. Alternatively, a sprocket, or any other part that is capable of transferring balanced rotating movement, may be used in place of the pulley 12. The front flange 3 is supported on its distal side by bearings 9, 11. In order to obtain a suitably strengthened one-piece component, the device 100 is supported by a support frame comprising elements 9, 10, 19, 15 and 25, which are suitable attached to each other and the device. Frame elements 9, 10, 19, 15 and 25 may further comprise apertures (or air vents) for air circulation around the device.

The rear axle of the stator is attached to front plate element 19. A gear wheel 20, or alternatively, any other part that is capable of transferring balanced rotating movement, is suitably attached to one end of the stator axle.

Two support blocks 17 are suitable attached to the top frame element 25. A second connecting axle 16, which is held in place by support blocks 17 is connected at one end to a gear wheel 18 and at its other end to a pulley 14. Alternatively, any part that is capable of transferring balanced rotating movement, may be used instead of the gear wheel 18.

A belt 13, such as a timing belt, for example, is seated on and connects pulleys 12 and 14. Gear wheel 18 is in communication with gear wheel 20. In operation, electric power rotates the rotor 2, which via pulley 12 attached to the main rotor axle 60, belt 13 and pulley 14 rotates axle 16 in the same rotational direction (say clockwise) as the main axle 50.

Power is transferred from the stator 1 via gear wheel 20, which rotates in an anti¬ clockwise direction (say), so that when power is transferred to gear wheel 18, gear wheel 18 reverses the direction of rotation (that is clockwise) in order to create a situation where the connecting axle 16 will continue to rotate in the same direction (clockwise) as when power is transferred to axle 16 from the rotor 2.

Thus, in a first mode, the device may be used in combination with any source of rotational force, such as an internal combustion engine, described hereinabove, for example, to generate electrical power. In operation, the internal combustion engine (or other device generating rotational force) is coupled to pulley 14. Rotational forces induced by the internal combustion engine will rotate pulley 14 (say clockwise) which will transfer the motion to pulley 12 and axle 60 supporting rotor 2, thereby rotating the rotor 2 in the same clockwise direction. Concurrently, power is transferred to axle 16, which rotates gear wheel 18 in the same clockwise direction. The rotatory action of gear wheel 18 will cause gear wheel 20 to rotate in the counter direction, that is anti-clockwise and consequently rotate stator 1 in the anti-clockwise direction. Thus the rotor 2 and stator 1 will revolve in opposite directions producing more energy than in conventional systems (as described hereinabove). As shown in the table, a greater amount of electrical energy is produced (for the same input) when both the rotor and stator are rotated than when only the rotor rotates.

As will also be appreciated, utilizing the device of the invention together with an internal combustion engine, or any source of rotational force operated by fuel, will reduce the amount of fuel needed to operate the generator by approximately 50% to produce the equivalent amount of electrical energy.

In a second mode, electric power may be supplied to the device to rotate the stator and rotor in opposite directions, thereby increasing the converted mechanical power which may be output, in comparison to a conventional motor. Experiments to date indicate that increase in output power may be obtained for a lower energy input (see Table below) though, it would be appreciated by those knowledgeable in the art that, these are non- limiting values and the percentage may vary, depending on the configuration and components use in the motor.

The method described may be used with any electrical motor, such as direct current (DC) or single or 3 -phase alternative current (AC). Prototype

A prototype of the device was constructed, similar to Figure 9. The prototype device was tested. The amount of energy produced when using the device in a conventional manner (that is, only the rotor operating) was compared with the invention, wherein both the stator and rotor were rotated.

A 3-phase 550W electric power was producing 1500 revs/min was used in conjunction with 24V DC motor having maximum power output of 750W. The output of the dynamo was measured with the rotor rotating at 3000 revs/min (that is by a factor of 2:1 relative to the electric motor). The out put was then measured with both the rotor and stator rotating in opposite directions, each at 1500 revs/min., (for a total of 3000 revs/min.), that is by a factor of 1:1 relative to the motor. Power was supplied to a plurality of 50W light bulbs. The table below shows the power input needed to produce a specific power output, for each of four different loadings (10OW, 200W, 420W and 540W), for a conventional rotor only compared with the combination device of the invention utilizing both the stator and rotor rotating in opposite directions.

Table: Comparison of Power Outputs

As can be seen from the table, there is a marked increase in efficiency varying between 14% for 540W loading and 29% for IOOW loading. In the latter case, the power required to output 76/77 W was reduced to 266W (for a combination of rotor and stator) compared with 345W for a conventional rotor only generator.

As will be appreciated by persons knowledgeable in the art, the amount of power which may be transferred depends on several technological factors including the design geometry of a specific motor. Additionally, the various support components such as the chassis, bearings, type of axles, electricity conductive rings harnessing bolts, for example, may affect the actual power output.

Irrespective of the various limitations, the proposed inventive device when used with an electrical motor multiplies the output power by transferring power such that the connecting axle 16 rotates in the same direction even though the rotor 2 is rotating in the opposite direction to the stator 1.

The result is a multiplication of the speed of the rotation in the connecting axle 16 and even more noticeable is the increase in mechanical power up to twice as much power.

Throughout the world, there are wind turbines, gas turbines, hydroelectric power plants and all kinds of power plants and generators for generating electrical power energy.

The device of the invention may be integrated with any of the existing generators, alternators or dynamos, for example, in order to almost double the output of electrical power energy. Since the stators and the rotors rotate in opposite directions, the relative speed between the rotors and stators doubles the voltage therefore may also double the generator output in each of the many diverse applications. For example, using the devise of the invention, it is possible to upgrade existing wind turbines in the world and to double their output.

The above examples and description have been provided only for the purpose of illustration, and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. It will be appreciated that numerous modifications, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention, exist. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims that follow:

Claims

CLAIMSWe Claim:

1. A device configured to rotate at least one rotor and at least one stator in opposite

directions;

wherein, in a first mode the device is adapted to generate mechanical

power from the input of electrical energy; and wherein, in a second mode the device is adapted to generate electrical power from the input of mechanical energy.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured to operate in

combination with an electric motor and wherein said electrical energy is input by

the electric motor.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein mechanical energy is input by any one of

a group of sources of rotational force including an internal combustion engine, wind force, water force and gas jets.

4. The device according to claim 1, comprising:

a first pulley wheel attached to one end of an axle supporting said at least one rotor;

a first gear wheel attached to the axle supporting said at least one stator;

a second axle connected at one end to a second gear wheel and at its other end to a second pulley;

a belt connecting said first and second pulley wheels, whereby, on rotating said at least one rotor in a first direction and said at least one stator in a second counter direction, said first gear wheel rotates in said first direction and transfers rotational power to said second gear wheel

to rotate said second gear wheel in the counter rotation.

5. The device according to claim 2, wherein said electric motor is any of a group

including direct current (DC) motor or single or 3 -phase alternative current (AC) motor.

6. A device configured to cause at least one generator to rotate at least one rotor and

at least one stator in opposite directions.

7. The device according to claim 6, comprising:

at least one propeller connected to said at least one rotor via a shaft; and

at least one propeller connected to said at least one stator.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein the device is adapted to generate electrical power.

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein the device is adapted to be driven by any

one of a group of sources of rotational force including wind force, water force, gas jets, an internal combustion engine.

10. The device according to claim 8, further comprising means for generating and

transmitting and/or converting the electrical power energy generated.

11. The device according to claim 9, comprising: at least one propeller connected to at least one rotor via a shaft; and at least one propeller connected to at least one stator.

12. A device configured to cause at least one electric motor to rotate at least one rotor and at least one stator in opposite directions.

13. The device according to claim 12, comprising: a first pulley wheel attached to one end of an axle supporting said at

least one rotor;

a first gear wheel attached to the axle supporting said at least one stator;

a belt connecting said first and second pulley wheels,

whereby, on rotating said at least one rotor in a first direction and said

at least one stator in a second counter direction, said first gear wheel rotates in said first direction and transfers rotational power to said second gear wheel to rotate said second gear wheel in the counter rotation.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein said electric motor is any of a group