AU2011101165A4 - Techniques for the Maximisation of Current Output From a Bi-directionally Driven Linear Induction Generator by Enhanced Magnetic Flux Focus and Coupling Within the Magnetic Force Path - Google Patents

Abstract

-14 Techniques for achieving the maximisation of current output from a bi- directionally operable electro-magnetic force coupling and transfer system employing flux density optimisation, flux path focus optimisation and precision member coupling alignment to facilitate and intensify the efficiency of conversion from mechanical 10 energy to current flow output.

Description

AUSTRALIA ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: TECHNIQUES FOR THE MAXIMISATION OF CURRENT OUTPUT FROM A BI-DIRECTIONALLY DRIVEN LINEAR INDUCTION GENERATOR BY ENHANCED MAGNETIC FLUX FOCUS AND COUPLING WITHIN THE MAGNETIC FORCE PATH Name of Applicant: Intium Technologies Pty Ltd Actual Inventor: Jason Boyd Address for service: WRAYS Ground Floor, 56 Ord Street West Perth WA 6005 Attorney code: WR The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -1a 5 TECHNIQUES FOR THE MAXIMISATION OF CURRENT OUTPUT FROM A BI DIRECTIONALLY DRIVEN LINEAR INDUCTION GENERATOR BY ENHANCED MAGNETIC FLUX FOCUS AND COUPLING WITHIN THE MAGNETIC FORCE PATH 10 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to the maximisation of current output from an electro-magnetic force coupling and transfer system arranged as a linear induction generator by employing flux density optimisation, flux path focus optimisation and precision 15 member coupling alignment to facilitate and intensify the efficiency of conversion from mechanical energy to electrical current output. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART The analysis and design of linear motors as converters of electrical energy to physical force output has been well documented, however, whilst various proposals ?0 have been mooted for the alternative use of linear induction motors as generators to convert kinetic energy into electrical output, little has been done in practice to advance the state of the art in that field. Industry standard linear motors or generators have poor efficiencies with regard to the conversion of force from external sources to electrical output. 25 Prior attempts to apply the principles of linear motor action to convert external acting force to electrical energy include Neuenschwander, US Patent No. 4,539,485 which discloses a system using a rudimentary linear generator to convert energy from the motion of waves in the ocean to electrical energy however the disclosure offers no detail or refinement for the operative mechanism of the generator itself. 30 Woodbridge, US Patent No. 4,260,901 which discloses a system to convert energy from ocean wave motion using a floating frame and components including "electrical coils" and a "flux producing device" which is made to move vertically between the coils. In an indirect fashion Woodbridge has described a linear generator but without any detail of the component parts or optimisation of the generator itself.

-2 5 Tu et al., US Patent No. 7,573,163 which discloses a linear generator employing the elements of a standard linear accelerator design similar to the propulsion techniques used for magnetically levitated trains. In the system proposed by Tu et al. A permanently magnetic structure is specified to consist of a plurality of permanent magnets bonded with mating faces having opposing magnetic polarity 10 and where the permanent magnetic structure is either made to move between a series of coils of conducting wire or where a series of coils of conducting wire is made to move past the permanently magnetic structure. Furthermore the whole system is specified to be a very small in scale for generating power for portable devices and intended to generate relatively small electrical power output. The 15 system is said to be cost effective to manufacture. Problems of the Prior Art Prior proposals exist to convert force from kinetic energy to electrical energy by the operation of linear generators; however, all so far proposed are either inefficient, expensive to manufacture, excessively complex or produce only very small amounts !0 of electrical energy. Invariably examples of prior art are limited in specific applications. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is directed to a linear generator with a single ultra high strength hollow cylindrically shaped permanently magnetic member bonded in the industry 25 standard manner with Cyanoacylate adhesive to both and in between two symmetrically and hollow cylindrically shaped magnetically permeable coupling members of high magnetic permeability and with a copper clad solid cylindrically shaped operating core member of high magnetic permeability where the operating core member and the coupling members are separated by a liner sleeve of Teflon 30 and with a number of turns of high purity copper winding wire disposed around the components both between the liner sleeve and the inner surface of the coupling core member and around the outer surface of the coupling core member at specific locations with respect to the moving and fixed components.

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-3 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Figure 1 shows an exemplary apparatus in cross sectional view with a single operating core member, a single ultra high strength permanently magnetic member, a liner sleeve component and four coils of conducting wire arranged between the components. 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS Figure 1 shows an exemplary apparatus in a lateral cross-sectional view of an exemplary apparatus where there are disposed a number of windings (203), (204), (219), (220) of electrically conductive wire about a magnetically permeable coupling member (206) and where the coupling member (206) is optimally magnetically 15 energised from a permanently magnetically charged member (210) which has a magnetic polar orientation with an 'N' type pole (211), and an 'S' type pole (212). The apparatus includes an operating core member of permanently magnetic material (200) with an 'N' type pole (213), and an 'S' type pole (214) arranged with polarisation opposed to that of the permanently magnetically charged member !0 (210). The apparatus is further arranged so as to provide an optimally focussed magnetic flux path from the permanently magnetically charged member (210) through portions of the magnetic coupling member (206) and through the electrically conductive windings (203, (204), (219), (220) to the operating core member (200) as the physical and magnetic alignment of the core member (200) coincides with 25 appropriate sections of the coupling member (206). The apparatus is further arranged so as to accommodate a centrally located chamber formed by a liner membrane (202) where the liner membrane is a material with a low coefficient of friction such as polytetrafluorethylene, and whereby a permanently magnetically charged operating core member (200) is disposed inside the chamber formed by 30 the liner membrane (202). The liner membrane (202) is constructed to be critically thin in wall thickness to enable precision alignment and magnetic coupling of the operating core member (200) to the coupling member (206), and the operating core member (200) is constructed to be a close tolerance sliding fit inside the liner membrane (202). The apparatus may be configured for force coupling from a single 35 direction by means of arranging one end of the chamber formed by the liner -4 5 membrane (202) to be closed (221) and the other end of the chamber to be connected through a housing (218) to a port (201) permitting coupling to a force input member or substance. In this configuration a compression spring type member (215) is fixed inside the chamber formed by the liner membrane (202) at the closed end such that one end of the spring type member (215) is fixed to the 10 chamber liner membrane (202) and the other end of the spring type member (215) is in contact with the end of the core operating member (200) such that when the spring type member (215) is uncompressed it will cause the position of the core operating member (200) to be aligned at a mechanical limit barrier (216) which determines the furthermost extreme of the mechanical travel for the operating 15 member (200) away from the closed end of the chamber (221). Another mechanical limit barrier (217) is fixed at the spring end of the apparatus inside the chamber formed by the liner membrane (202) which determines the furthermost extreme of mechanical travel for the operating member (200) toward the closed end of the chamber (221). The spacing of the spring member (215), the liner membrane (202) !0 and the mechanical limit barriers (216) and (217) are configured to control the extent of travel and axial position of the operating core member (200) and thus further optimise the magnetic coupling between operative parts of the apparatus. The apparatus may advantageously be configures for bi-directional force input by means of duplicating the configuration of elements (201) and (218) at both ends of ?5 the liner membrane (202) without the liner membrane having a closed end (221), and deleting the element (215). The bi-directional force input arrangement functions with synchronised anti-phase input forces and as such does not require the function of the spring member (215). In a preferred embodiment the whole of the apparatus is constructed with all 30 subsections disposed in concentric relationship as in drawing (1) which shows a lateral cross-sectional view. In such an embodiment the permanently magnetically charged member (210), and the permanently magnetically charged core operating member (200) are composed of a very high strength magnetic alloy such as Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB). The permanently magnetically charged cor 35 operating member (200) is additionally clad in a layer of high purity copper to greatly enhance the magnetic coupling from that member. The port end (201) of a centrally -5 5 located chamber formed by a liner membrane (202) and where the liner membrane is formed of a material such as polytetrafluorethylene is connected to a suitable external input force acting directly and axially on the operating core member (200). When force is applied to one end of the operating core member (200) the core member (200) is caused to move along the core spacing liner membrane (202) and 10 push against the spring member (215). As the pole faces of the operating core member (200) pass through the magnetic flux foci between the faces of the magnetic coupling member (206), electric currents are generated in the electrically conductive windings (203), (204), (219), (220) and power may be drawn from those windings. 15 In one embodiment the invention is directed to an assembly where the operating core member receives force directed to one end from the pressure of hydraulic fluid and where the opposite end of the operating core member acts against a helical spring bearing against a fixed part of the structure. In another embodiment the invention is directed to an assembly where the operating !0 core member receives force directed to one end from direct mechanical force supplied by a linkage connected to a rotating wheel at a critical radial position where the rotating wheel may be driven by various engines or machines in common use and where the opposite end of the operating core member acts against a helical spring bearing against a fixed part of the structure. 25 In yet another embodiment the invention is directed to an assembly where the operating core member receives force directed alternately to each end from the pressure of hydraulic fluid acting directly on the ends of the operating core member and where the alternating nature of the pulses of force from the hydraulic pressure acting on each end accounts for the necessary restoring forces to the operating 30 core member. In yet another embodiment the invention is directed to an assembly where the operating core member receives force directed to one end from direct mechanical force supplied by a linkage connected to a rotating wheel at a critical radial position where the rotating wheel may be driven by various engines or machines in common -6 5 use and where the cyclical movement of the linkage supplies both driving and restoring forces. In this way kinetic energy is converted to electricity but with greatly increased efficiency compared to conventional electric generator systems. Although the preferred embodiment has been illustrated, it is clear that the invention 10 encompasses other and different arrangements within the scope of the attached claims. While various embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated herein in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope 15 of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (37)

1. An apparatus for generating an electric current comprising: a hollow chamber having a first end and a second end; an inner core member located within the hollow chamber and movable axially along the hollow chamber; 0 a conductive coil arranged about the hollow chamber, wherein the first end and the second end of the hollow chamber are each adapted to receive a force to cause the inner core member to move axially along the hollow chamber thereby inducing an electric current within the conductive coil, and 15 wherein the first end is configured to receive fluid as the force to cause the inner core member to move.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner core member is a permanent magnet. !0

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner core member is cladded with copper for enhancing magnetic coupling of the inner core member.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising an outer fixed 25 magnetic structure about the hollow chamber.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the fixed magnetic structure comprises a permanent magnetically charged member and a magnetically permeable coupling member arranged about the hollow chamber. 30

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the magnetically permeable coupling member is a cylindrical hollow member.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the conductive coil 35 comprises a first conductive coil and a second conductive coil, the first conductive coil is arranged about the outer magnetic structure and the second conductive coil -8 5 is arranged between the hollow chamber and the magnetically permeable couple member.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second end comprises a spring component for providing the force to cause the inner core 0 member to move axially along the hollow chamber.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second end is configured to receive fluid as the force to cause the inner core member to move axially along the hollow chamber. 5

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first and second ends are configured to receive the fluid alternately such that the fluid act alternately on opposing ends of the inner core member thereby causing the inner core member to move back and forth between the first and second ends of the hollow chamber. !0

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hollow member comprises a first blocking member disposed at one of the first and second ends for preventing the inner core member from moving beyond said one of the first and second ends. !5

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the hollow member comprises a second blocking member disposed at the other one of first and second ends for preventing the inner core member from moving beyond said other one of the first and second ends. 30

13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the blocking member is in the form of a ring.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising one 35 or more conduits containing fluid therein, wherein said one or more conduits are in fluid communication with the first end. -9 5 15. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising one or more conduits containing fluid therein, wherein said one or more conduits are in fluid communication with the second end.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said one or more 10 conduits are resilient, and the inner core member is caused to move axially along the hollow chamber when one or more conduits are compressed at a portion thereof thereby causing fluid in said one or more conduits to flow.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the fluid acts directly on the 15 inner core member to cause it to move axially along the hollow chamber.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said one or more conduits configured to be compressed by wheels of a vehicle as the vehicle travels over said one or more conduits. 20

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the inner core member is made of a high strength magnetic alloy.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, when dependent from !5 claim 5, wherein the permanent magnetically charged member is made of a high strength magnetic alloy.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the magnetic alloy is Neodymium, Iron and Boron (NdFeB). 30

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the inner conductive coil is made of copper wire.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the hollow 35 chamber is made of a liner membrane, the liner membrane is a material with a low coefficient of friction. -10 5

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the material is polytetrafluoroethylene.

25. A method of generating an electric current with an apparatus, the apparatus 10 comprising: a hollow chamber having a first end and a second end, an inner core member located within the hollow chamber and movable axially along the hollow chamber, a conductive coil arranged about the hollow chamber, 15 wherein the first end and the second end of the hollow chamber are each configured to receive a force; the method comprising: receiving fluid as the force at the first end for causing the inner core member to move axially along the hollow chamber thereby inducing an electric current within !0 the conductive coil.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the inner core member is a permanent magnet. !5 27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the inner core member is cladded with copper for enhancing magnetic coupling of the inner core member.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the apparatus further comprises an outer fixed magnetic structure about the hollow chamber. 30

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the fixed magnetic structure comprises a permanent magnetically charged member and a magnetically permeable coupling member arranged about the hollow chamber. 35 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the magnetically permeable coupling member is a cylindrical hollow member. -11 5 31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the conductive coil comprises a first conductive coil and a second conductive coil, the first conductive coil is arranged about the outer magnetic structure and the second conductive coil is arranged between the hollow chamber and the magnetically permeable couple member. 10

32. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein the second end comprises a spring component, the method further comprising applying the spring component as the force for causing the inner core member to move axially along the hollow chamber. 15

33. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 32, further comprising receiving fluid at the second end as the force for causing the inner core member to move axially along the hollow chamber. 20 34. The method according to claim 33, further comprising configuring the first and second ends to receive the fluid alternately such that the fluid act alternately on opposing ends of the inner core member thereby causing the inner core member to move back and forth between the first and second ends of the hollow chamber. !5 35. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein the hollow member comprises a first blocking member disposed at one of the first and second ends, the method further comprising using the first blocking member to prevent the inner core member from moving beyond said one of the first and second ends. 30 36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the hollow member comprises a second blocking member disposed at the other one of first and second ends, the method further comprises using the second blocking member to prevent the inner core member from moving beyond said other one of the first and second ends. 35 37. The method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the blocking member is in the form of a ring. -12 5 38. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 37, further comprising arranging one or more conduits containing fluid therein to be in fluid communication with the first end.

39. The method according to claim 37 or 38, further comprising arranging one or 10 more conduits containing fluid therein to be in fluid communication with the second end.

40. The method according to claim 38 or 39, wherein said one or more conduits are resilient, the method further comprising compressing one or more conduits at a 15 portion thereon to cause fluid in said one or more conduits to flow thereby causing the inner core member to move axially along the hollow chamber.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein the fluid acts directly on the inner core member to cause it to move axially along the hollow chamber. 20

42. The method according to claim 40 or 41, further comprising compressing said one or more conduits by wheels of a vehicle as the vehicle travels over said one or more conduits. 25 43. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 42, wherein the inner core member is made of a high strength magnetic alloy.

44. The method according to claim 43, when dependent from claim 29, wherein the permanent magnetically charged member is made of a high strength magnetic 30 alloy.

45. The method according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the magnetic alloy is Neodymium, Iron and Boron (NdFeB). 35 46. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 45, wherein the inner conductive coil is made of copper wire. -13 5 47. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 46, wherein the hollow chamber is made of a liner membrane, the liner membrane is a material with a low coefficient of friction.

48. The method according to claim 47, wherein the material is 10 polytetrafluoroethylene.

49. An apparatus for generating an electric current substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing. 15 50. A method for generating an electric current substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.