CA2797606A1 - Vortex shedding electrical generator - Google Patents
Vortex shedding electrical generator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2797606A1 CA2797606A1 CA2797606A CA2797606A CA2797606A1 CA 2797606 A1 CA2797606 A1 CA 2797606A1 CA 2797606 A CA2797606 A CA 2797606A CA 2797606 A CA2797606 A CA 2797606A CA 2797606 A1 CA2797606 A1 CA 2797606A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fluid flow
- membrane
- magnet
- electrical
- blunt body
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
- F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
- H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
- H02K7/1869—Linear generators; sectional generators
- H02K7/1876—Linear generators; sectional generators with reciprocating, linearly oscillating or vibrating parts
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2220/00—Application
- F05B2220/20—Application within closed fluid conduits, e.g. pipes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/10—Stators
- F05B2240/12—Fluid guiding means, e.g. vanes
- F05B2240/122—Vortex generators, turbulators, or the like, for mixing
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/50—Hydropower in dwellings
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/20—Hydro energy
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
Abstract
A device for the generation of electricity by converting the kinetic energy from a fluid flow to electrical energy. More specifically a device configured to create a Karman vortex street within a home water main, and use it to generate electricity. The device comprises, a blunt body arranged crosswise to the fluid flow, an attached membrane, a magnet attached to the membrane, and at least one electrical conducting coil. The membrane and magnet oscillate in response to the Karman vortex street. The resulting relative motion between the magnet and the electrical conducting coil is converted into electrical energy. Other arrangements of the device are described.
Description
Vortex Shedding Electrical Generator Background Of The Invention Field Of The Invention The device pertains to converting kinetic energy from a fluid flow into electrical energy.
Description Of Prior Art In light of the national focus on reducing energy costs, many home owners are seeking ways of implementing renewable energy technologies. In response, businesses such as home builders are changing the way they build homes, such as building them to generate as much energy as they use.
Unfortunately, this approach comes at a higher cost to traditional home construction.
In addition, many of the mechanisms used to produce renewable energy, such as windmills, solar panels, and hydroelectric generators, continue to remain at a high cost for the average consumer, in spite of subsidies and other programs. In response, consumers are constructing mechanisms that are not CSA approved, making the consumer liable for potential property damages if the homemade mechanisms fail.
Homes have a readily available supply of kinetic energy stored in the fluid flow of the water main, during usage. This overlooked source of potential energy can be converted to electricity to reduce home owners electricity costs, providing a low cost alternative to existing renewable energy technologies.
The following patents illustrate some methods for what has been tried to harness the kinetic energy of a fluid flow to electrical energy. CA Patent application 2640868 to Bowles, Adrian Robert, GB, on December 21, 2005. The disadvantages of this invention include, but are not limited to: The invention primarily utilizes the movement of a blunt body, which is not an efficient use of the fluid flows potential generation of vortices. The invention also requires the moving blunt body to have a fixed support arm, which fixed end opposite of the blunt body would act as an unnecessary blunt object within a fluid flow, whereby this would produce undue flow restriction.
Figure 8 calls for a cruciform arrangement of blunt bodies, which would produce vortices in opposing directions to each 35 other, whereby reducing the oscillation of the bodies. Figure 9 calls for a blunt body containing magnet stacks, and magnetic permeable cores wound with coils, which creates a significant mass to oscillate. This large mass would require a high fluid flow rate, which could lead to resonance failure. The invention also calls for figures such as 6, 7, 8, and 9 to have electrical leads attached to a primary moving part of the invention ¨ the arm, whereby the constant motion of the arm would 40 fatigue the leads to failure. Lastly quoted as a disadvantage on page 7 of the application, "...electrical output of a piezoelectric material is generally proportional to the level of induced stress but such materials exhibit relatively small strain rates even under high forces..." which means the invention's electrical generation would be limited by the piezoelectric material.
45 Patent application CA 2753413 issued to Pabon, Jahir on 5 June 2009. The disadvantages of the invention include, but are not limited to: All the embodiments comprise a series of mechanical parts such as: springs, masses, and vortex shedding portions. All of which have the potential to rub improperly against the invention's other parts. In addition possessing so many moving parts increases maintenance and manufacturing costs of the invention.
US Patent 7986051 issued to Shawn Michael Frayne on 26 July 2011. The disadvantages of this invention include, but are not limited to: The configuration of the invention does not suit it for usage in pipes or other similar contained fluid flow. Claim 3 describes a tension device, which keeps tension on the membrane so that it will flutter in a fluid flow, whereby the movement of the membrane is converted to electricity. This suggests that the invention requires regular adjustments or tuning in order to achieve the optimal flutter.
CA Patent application 2707177 to Frayne Shawn M. The disadvantages mentioned for the previously listed patent also apply to this invention. Other disadvantages include, but are not limited to: The coils are illustrated as being attached to the membrane, which will fatigue the coil as it moves with the membrane, leading to breaks in the coil's leads.
Description Of Prior Art In light of the national focus on reducing energy costs, many home owners are seeking ways of implementing renewable energy technologies. In response, businesses such as home builders are changing the way they build homes, such as building them to generate as much energy as they use.
Unfortunately, this approach comes at a higher cost to traditional home construction.
In addition, many of the mechanisms used to produce renewable energy, such as windmills, solar panels, and hydroelectric generators, continue to remain at a high cost for the average consumer, in spite of subsidies and other programs. In response, consumers are constructing mechanisms that are not CSA approved, making the consumer liable for potential property damages if the homemade mechanisms fail.
Homes have a readily available supply of kinetic energy stored in the fluid flow of the water main, during usage. This overlooked source of potential energy can be converted to electricity to reduce home owners electricity costs, providing a low cost alternative to existing renewable energy technologies.
The following patents illustrate some methods for what has been tried to harness the kinetic energy of a fluid flow to electrical energy. CA Patent application 2640868 to Bowles, Adrian Robert, GB, on December 21, 2005. The disadvantages of this invention include, but are not limited to: The invention primarily utilizes the movement of a blunt body, which is not an efficient use of the fluid flows potential generation of vortices. The invention also requires the moving blunt body to have a fixed support arm, which fixed end opposite of the blunt body would act as an unnecessary blunt object within a fluid flow, whereby this would produce undue flow restriction.
Figure 8 calls for a cruciform arrangement of blunt bodies, which would produce vortices in opposing directions to each 35 other, whereby reducing the oscillation of the bodies. Figure 9 calls for a blunt body containing magnet stacks, and magnetic permeable cores wound with coils, which creates a significant mass to oscillate. This large mass would require a high fluid flow rate, which could lead to resonance failure. The invention also calls for figures such as 6, 7, 8, and 9 to have electrical leads attached to a primary moving part of the invention ¨ the arm, whereby the constant motion of the arm would 40 fatigue the leads to failure. Lastly quoted as a disadvantage on page 7 of the application, "...electrical output of a piezoelectric material is generally proportional to the level of induced stress but such materials exhibit relatively small strain rates even under high forces..." which means the invention's electrical generation would be limited by the piezoelectric material.
45 Patent application CA 2753413 issued to Pabon, Jahir on 5 June 2009. The disadvantages of the invention include, but are not limited to: All the embodiments comprise a series of mechanical parts such as: springs, masses, and vortex shedding portions. All of which have the potential to rub improperly against the invention's other parts. In addition possessing so many moving parts increases maintenance and manufacturing costs of the invention.
US Patent 7986051 issued to Shawn Michael Frayne on 26 July 2011. The disadvantages of this invention include, but are not limited to: The configuration of the invention does not suit it for usage in pipes or other similar contained fluid flow. Claim 3 describes a tension device, which keeps tension on the membrane so that it will flutter in a fluid flow, whereby the movement of the membrane is converted to electricity. This suggests that the invention requires regular adjustments or tuning in order to achieve the optimal flutter.
CA Patent application 2707177 to Frayne Shawn M. The disadvantages mentioned for the previously listed patent also apply to this invention. Other disadvantages include, but are not limited to: The coils are illustrated as being attached to the membrane, which will fatigue the coil as it moves with the membrane, leading to breaks in the coil's leads.
CA Patent 2266632 issued to Arnold, Lee on 9 March 2004. The disadvantages of this invention include, but are not limited to: The use of mechanical linkage, gears, and flywheels to harness the 65 fluid flow induced flutter of the hydrofoils to electrical energy. This increases maintenance and manufacturing costs of the invention. Not only that, but it is an inefficient method of converting the kinetic energy from the fluid flow, resulting in lost energy when converting the kinetic energy to mechanical, to mechanical again, to generate electricity.
70 The present device seeks to use the well-known effect of Karman vortex street, for converting a fluid flows kinetic energy to electrical energy. Karman vortex street thus described as, when a blunt body, streamlined body, bluff body or other such body is placed against a fluid flow of a certain Reynolds number. Flow past such bodies experiences boundary layer separation and a turbulent wake, comprising of vortices downstream.
In addition, it is known that a high Reynolds number range will produce a periodic flow pattern of vortices shed regularly, alternating from opposite sides of the body. As the vortices are shed, the corresponding uneven pressure distributions upon the opposite sides of the body generate an alternating oscillation.
From the previously listed prior art one can conclude that they fail to teach or suggest an invention that would convert fluid flow kinetic energy to electrical, in the manner of the device. It is proposed that at least one device be configured with at least one section of water main, to provide a cost-effective alternative to costly renewable energy technologies. Furthermore the nature of the device would not significantly reduce the existing pressure of the water main. It should also be noted that the present device usage is not limited to water mains. It should also be noted that the embodiment of fig.2 has been tested in a fluid flow with favorable results.
Summary Of The Invention The device comprises, at least one blunt body situated crosswise to a fluid flow, with at least one flexible membrane attached to the blunt body, with at least one magnet attached to the flexible membrane, and there is at least one electrical conducting coil. As the fluid flow interacts with the blunt body, a Karman vortex street is generated. As the vortices are shed on alternating sides of the 95 blunt body, the flexible membrane is driven in an oscillating manner, thus propelling the magnet towards and away from each electrical conducting coil. Through the relative motion of the magnet, electricity is induced in the coils.
Some of the advantages of the device over the prior art include, but are not limited to:
= A blunt body whose width is in a fixed position, and whose width is at least as wide as the fluid flow, enabling it to utilize more potential vortices within a fluid flow.
= A blunt body configured, so as not to create competing vortices.
= A device anchored within the fluid flow by means of the blunt body, bypassing the need for 105 additional fixed points.
= The magnet is of a lesser mass, compared to a heavier mass combination such as magnet stacks, and magnetic permeable cores wound with coils, wherein the lesser mass requires a slower fluid flow in order to move.
= The devices electrical conducting coils are situated in such a way that they do not fatigue the 110 coil leads.
= The device does not employ springs, gears, mechanical linkages, turbines, flywheels, or other such parts. And for this reason maintenance and manufacturing costs are cost effective.
= The electrical conducting coils can be of a different gauge and number of turns, without 115 affecting the oscillations of the flexible membrane, because the electrical conducting coils are not attached to the flexible membrane.
= The device can be employed with a pipeline, without significantly reducing transport pressure.
= Materials to construct the device are readily available.
120 = The device, in some embodiments can be virtually silent.
= The device employs a resilient material, situated between the magnet and coil, which allows the magnets movement to: Get closer to the electrical conducting coil core, thus inducing a greater current, to increase the rate of relative movement between coil and magnet, thus increasing current, to reduce operating noise levels, to reduce potential damage to the coil, 125 membrane and the magnet from mechanical interactions, and to keep the fluid flow contained in a housing or pipe.
Additional features and advantages of the device will become apparent in the description of the preferred embodiment, figures, and claims.
Brief Description Of The Drawings Fig.1 is a side view of the device in one embodiment.
Fig.2 is a side view of another embodiment of the device.
Fig.3 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the device.
135 Fig.4a is a top down side view of a variation in surface of the blunt body of the device.
Fig.4b is a top down side view of a variation in surface of the blunt body of the device.
Fig.4c is a top down side view of a variation in surface of the blunt body of the device.
Description Of The Preferred Embodiment It should be noted that the Venturi effect will be utilized in the preferred embodiment. The Venturi effect being described as: A fluid flow pressure being reduced in a portion of the fluid flow, due to a constricted portion of the fluid flow, by means of a constricted pipe or other means. Fluid flow in the constricted portion has a higher rate of flow.
Fig.3 depicts the preferred embodiment of the device, wherein a blunt body (12) is placed crosswise to at least one fluid flow (F), whereby the interaction generates a Karman vortex street (v). At least one flexible membrane (14), preferably made of plastic is attached to the blunt body (12), and oscillates in response to the Karman vortex street (v).
At least one magnet (16), preferably made of NdFeB is attached to the flexible membrane (14), which moves (x) with the flexible membrane (14) oscillations, with a section of flexible membrane (14) extending past the magnet (16).
155 At least one electrical conducting coil (18), preferably made of enameled copper wire, is configured to the magnet (16). At least one diaphragm (20), preferably made of a resilient material, is situated between the magnet (16) and the electrical conducting coils (18), whereby reducing mechanical damage to the magnet (16), electrical conducting coils (18), and the flexible membrane (14).
160 And at least one method of inducing at least one Venturi effect (22) is employed in the device. From the movement (x) of the magnet (16), in relation to the electrical conducting coils (18), an electrical current is induced.
In another embodiment, illustrated by Fig.1, at least one blunt body (12) is placed against the 165 direction of fluid flow (F) within a pipe (10). As the flow (F) interacts with the blunt body (12), a Karman vortex street (v) is formed downstream. The votices within the Karman vortex street (v) interact with at least one flexible membrane (14). The membrane (14) is attached to the blunt body (12), so as the vortices interact with it, the membrane (14) oscillates. There is at least one electrical conducting coil (18) inside the pipe (10).
There is at least one magnet (16) attached to the membrane (14), which moves toward and away from each electrical conducting coil (18). The relative motion (x) of the magnet (16) to the coils (18) induces an electrical current within each coil (18).
175 In another embodiment, illustrated by Fig.2, at least one blunt body (12) is placed crosswise a fluid flow (F) within a pipe (10). The fluid flow (F) interacts with the blunt body (12), producing a Karman vortex street (v) downstream. At least one attached flexible membrane (14) oscillates in response to the vortices within the Karman vortex street (v). And attached to the membrane (14) is at least one magnet (16), which moves (x) in a similar oscillating manner as the membrane (14).
Situated in relation to the movement (x) of the magnet (16) are at least one juxtaposed diaphragm (20), preferably made of a resilient material. And situated to the diaphragm (20) is at least one electrical conducting coil (18), preferably made of enameled copper wire. As the magnet (16) moves with the membrane (14), it flexes each diaphragm (20) alternately into the core of each coil 185 (18). Simultaneously, its magnetic field interacts with the electrical conducting coils (18), inducing an electrical current in each coil (18). The diaphragm (20) also serves the purpose of keeping the fluid flow (F) contained in the pipe (10), and allowing the magnet (16) to get closer to the coils (18), so as to induce more current.
190 In another embodiment, illustrated by Fig.4, at least one blunt body (12) is placed against the direction of fluid flow (F) within a pipe (10). As the flow (F) interacts with the blunt body (12), a Karman vortex street (v) is formed downstream. The votices within the Karman vortex street (v) interact with at least one flexible membrane (14). The membrane (14) is attached to the blunt body (12), so as the vortices interact with it, the membrane (14) oscillates. There is at least one electrical 195 conducting coil (18) outside the pipe (10).
There is at least one magnet (16) attached to the membrane (14), which moves toward and away from each electrical conducting coil (18). The relative motion (x) of the magnet (16) to the coils (18) induces an electrical current within each coil (18).
Figures Fig.5 to Fig.7, illustrate variations of the blunt body surface.
Illustrated in Fig.5 comprises a surface of polygonal or platonic shape dimples, for reduced turbulent wake.
Fig.6 comprises a circular shape dimpled surface, for reduced turbulent wake. Fig.7 comprises a smooth surface for increased turbulent wake. Increasing turbulent wake may result in greater electrical generation and 205 vibrations, whereas a reduction of turbulent wake may result in reduced vibrations and less electrical generation.
As a warning, at least one method of preventing resonance disaster may also need to be employed for the device. Resonance disaster being described as, the destruction of a system or mechanism due 210 to stored up induced vibrations, at the resonance frequency of the system or mechanism, that overload a system or mechanisms capacity to failure.
In the case of the device, whatever is being employed to house the device or the device itself, through generated vibrations of the devices resonance frequency, cause whatever is being employed 215 to house the device or the device itself to oscillate. As this result repeats, the vibrations are stored within the device or housing. Because of this repeated storage and additional energy input, the method of housing the device oscillates more and more, until its load limit is exceeded, and the housing or device destroys itself. Shock mounts, dampening materials, tuned mass damper or other methods could be employed to prevent this.
Although the preferred embodiment of the device has been described, it should be noted that modifications, additions and alterations can be made to the device by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the device as defined in the following claims.
70 The present device seeks to use the well-known effect of Karman vortex street, for converting a fluid flows kinetic energy to electrical energy. Karman vortex street thus described as, when a blunt body, streamlined body, bluff body or other such body is placed against a fluid flow of a certain Reynolds number. Flow past such bodies experiences boundary layer separation and a turbulent wake, comprising of vortices downstream.
In addition, it is known that a high Reynolds number range will produce a periodic flow pattern of vortices shed regularly, alternating from opposite sides of the body. As the vortices are shed, the corresponding uneven pressure distributions upon the opposite sides of the body generate an alternating oscillation.
From the previously listed prior art one can conclude that they fail to teach or suggest an invention that would convert fluid flow kinetic energy to electrical, in the manner of the device. It is proposed that at least one device be configured with at least one section of water main, to provide a cost-effective alternative to costly renewable energy technologies. Furthermore the nature of the device would not significantly reduce the existing pressure of the water main. It should also be noted that the present device usage is not limited to water mains. It should also be noted that the embodiment of fig.2 has been tested in a fluid flow with favorable results.
Summary Of The Invention The device comprises, at least one blunt body situated crosswise to a fluid flow, with at least one flexible membrane attached to the blunt body, with at least one magnet attached to the flexible membrane, and there is at least one electrical conducting coil. As the fluid flow interacts with the blunt body, a Karman vortex street is generated. As the vortices are shed on alternating sides of the 95 blunt body, the flexible membrane is driven in an oscillating manner, thus propelling the magnet towards and away from each electrical conducting coil. Through the relative motion of the magnet, electricity is induced in the coils.
Some of the advantages of the device over the prior art include, but are not limited to:
= A blunt body whose width is in a fixed position, and whose width is at least as wide as the fluid flow, enabling it to utilize more potential vortices within a fluid flow.
= A blunt body configured, so as not to create competing vortices.
= A device anchored within the fluid flow by means of the blunt body, bypassing the need for 105 additional fixed points.
= The magnet is of a lesser mass, compared to a heavier mass combination such as magnet stacks, and magnetic permeable cores wound with coils, wherein the lesser mass requires a slower fluid flow in order to move.
= The devices electrical conducting coils are situated in such a way that they do not fatigue the 110 coil leads.
= The device does not employ springs, gears, mechanical linkages, turbines, flywheels, or other such parts. And for this reason maintenance and manufacturing costs are cost effective.
= The electrical conducting coils can be of a different gauge and number of turns, without 115 affecting the oscillations of the flexible membrane, because the electrical conducting coils are not attached to the flexible membrane.
= The device can be employed with a pipeline, without significantly reducing transport pressure.
= Materials to construct the device are readily available.
120 = The device, in some embodiments can be virtually silent.
= The device employs a resilient material, situated between the magnet and coil, which allows the magnets movement to: Get closer to the electrical conducting coil core, thus inducing a greater current, to increase the rate of relative movement between coil and magnet, thus increasing current, to reduce operating noise levels, to reduce potential damage to the coil, 125 membrane and the magnet from mechanical interactions, and to keep the fluid flow contained in a housing or pipe.
Additional features and advantages of the device will become apparent in the description of the preferred embodiment, figures, and claims.
Brief Description Of The Drawings Fig.1 is a side view of the device in one embodiment.
Fig.2 is a side view of another embodiment of the device.
Fig.3 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the device.
135 Fig.4a is a top down side view of a variation in surface of the blunt body of the device.
Fig.4b is a top down side view of a variation in surface of the blunt body of the device.
Fig.4c is a top down side view of a variation in surface of the blunt body of the device.
Description Of The Preferred Embodiment It should be noted that the Venturi effect will be utilized in the preferred embodiment. The Venturi effect being described as: A fluid flow pressure being reduced in a portion of the fluid flow, due to a constricted portion of the fluid flow, by means of a constricted pipe or other means. Fluid flow in the constricted portion has a higher rate of flow.
Fig.3 depicts the preferred embodiment of the device, wherein a blunt body (12) is placed crosswise to at least one fluid flow (F), whereby the interaction generates a Karman vortex street (v). At least one flexible membrane (14), preferably made of plastic is attached to the blunt body (12), and oscillates in response to the Karman vortex street (v).
At least one magnet (16), preferably made of NdFeB is attached to the flexible membrane (14), which moves (x) with the flexible membrane (14) oscillations, with a section of flexible membrane (14) extending past the magnet (16).
155 At least one electrical conducting coil (18), preferably made of enameled copper wire, is configured to the magnet (16). At least one diaphragm (20), preferably made of a resilient material, is situated between the magnet (16) and the electrical conducting coils (18), whereby reducing mechanical damage to the magnet (16), electrical conducting coils (18), and the flexible membrane (14).
160 And at least one method of inducing at least one Venturi effect (22) is employed in the device. From the movement (x) of the magnet (16), in relation to the electrical conducting coils (18), an electrical current is induced.
In another embodiment, illustrated by Fig.1, at least one blunt body (12) is placed against the 165 direction of fluid flow (F) within a pipe (10). As the flow (F) interacts with the blunt body (12), a Karman vortex street (v) is formed downstream. The votices within the Karman vortex street (v) interact with at least one flexible membrane (14). The membrane (14) is attached to the blunt body (12), so as the vortices interact with it, the membrane (14) oscillates. There is at least one electrical conducting coil (18) inside the pipe (10).
There is at least one magnet (16) attached to the membrane (14), which moves toward and away from each electrical conducting coil (18). The relative motion (x) of the magnet (16) to the coils (18) induces an electrical current within each coil (18).
175 In another embodiment, illustrated by Fig.2, at least one blunt body (12) is placed crosswise a fluid flow (F) within a pipe (10). The fluid flow (F) interacts with the blunt body (12), producing a Karman vortex street (v) downstream. At least one attached flexible membrane (14) oscillates in response to the vortices within the Karman vortex street (v). And attached to the membrane (14) is at least one magnet (16), which moves (x) in a similar oscillating manner as the membrane (14).
Situated in relation to the movement (x) of the magnet (16) are at least one juxtaposed diaphragm (20), preferably made of a resilient material. And situated to the diaphragm (20) is at least one electrical conducting coil (18), preferably made of enameled copper wire. As the magnet (16) moves with the membrane (14), it flexes each diaphragm (20) alternately into the core of each coil 185 (18). Simultaneously, its magnetic field interacts with the electrical conducting coils (18), inducing an electrical current in each coil (18). The diaphragm (20) also serves the purpose of keeping the fluid flow (F) contained in the pipe (10), and allowing the magnet (16) to get closer to the coils (18), so as to induce more current.
190 In another embodiment, illustrated by Fig.4, at least one blunt body (12) is placed against the direction of fluid flow (F) within a pipe (10). As the flow (F) interacts with the blunt body (12), a Karman vortex street (v) is formed downstream. The votices within the Karman vortex street (v) interact with at least one flexible membrane (14). The membrane (14) is attached to the blunt body (12), so as the vortices interact with it, the membrane (14) oscillates. There is at least one electrical 195 conducting coil (18) outside the pipe (10).
There is at least one magnet (16) attached to the membrane (14), which moves toward and away from each electrical conducting coil (18). The relative motion (x) of the magnet (16) to the coils (18) induces an electrical current within each coil (18).
Figures Fig.5 to Fig.7, illustrate variations of the blunt body surface.
Illustrated in Fig.5 comprises a surface of polygonal or platonic shape dimples, for reduced turbulent wake.
Fig.6 comprises a circular shape dimpled surface, for reduced turbulent wake. Fig.7 comprises a smooth surface for increased turbulent wake. Increasing turbulent wake may result in greater electrical generation and 205 vibrations, whereas a reduction of turbulent wake may result in reduced vibrations and less electrical generation.
As a warning, at least one method of preventing resonance disaster may also need to be employed for the device. Resonance disaster being described as, the destruction of a system or mechanism due 210 to stored up induced vibrations, at the resonance frequency of the system or mechanism, that overload a system or mechanisms capacity to failure.
In the case of the device, whatever is being employed to house the device or the device itself, through generated vibrations of the devices resonance frequency, cause whatever is being employed 215 to house the device or the device itself to oscillate. As this result repeats, the vibrations are stored within the device or housing. Because of this repeated storage and additional energy input, the method of housing the device oscillates more and more, until its load limit is exceeded, and the housing or device destroys itself. Shock mounts, dampening materials, tuned mass damper or other methods could be employed to prevent this.
Although the preferred embodiment of the device has been described, it should be noted that modifications, additions and alterations can be made to the device by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the device as defined in the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A device for converting kinetic energy from a fluid flow to electrical energy comprising: at least one blunt body situated against at least one fluid flow; at least one membrane attached to the at least one blunt body, wherein the at least one membrane oscillates when subject to the at least one fluid flow; at least one magnet attached to the at least one membrane, wherein the at least one magnet is configured to move with the at least one membrane; and at least one electrical conducting coil configured to the relative motion of the at least one magnet, whereby at least one electrical current is induced in the at least one electrical conducting coil.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises at least one induced venturi effect, by means of a constricted portion of the at least one fluid flow.
3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the blunt body is at most as wide as the fluid flow.
4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one blunt body produces a karman vortex street when subject to the at least one fluid flow.
5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one membrane oscillations are in response to at least one of the listed effects, comprising: karman vortex street, vortex shedding, fluid flow, and turbulent wake.
6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one membrane is a flexible membrane.
7. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one membrane is at most as wide as the at least one fluid flow.
8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one blunt body further comprises at least one smooth surface for increased turbulent wake.
9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one blunt body further comprises at least one of the listed types of dimpled surfaces for reduced turbulent wake:
circular, polygonal, and platonic solids.
circular, polygonal, and platonic solids.
10. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one blunt body is at least one streamlined body.
11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one streamlined body is resilient.
12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one resilient streamlined body flexes when exposed to a fluid flow.
13. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a method of reducing resonance disaster by means of at least one of the listed methods: shock mounts, dampening materials, and tuned mass damper.
14. A device according to claim 1, wherein the blunt body is in at least one fixed position.
15. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises at least one resilient material situated between the at least one magnet and the at least one electrical conducting coil.
16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the at least one resilient material further comprises at least one diaphragm.
17. A device for converting kinetic energy from a fluid flow to electrical energy comprising: a bluff body crosswise to a fluid flow, producing a karman vortex street; a flexible membrane attached to the bluff body, wherein the flexible membrane oscillates when subject to the karman vortex street; a magnet attached to the flexible membrane, wherein the magnet is configured to move with the flexible membrane; and a electrical conducting coil configured to the relative motion of the magnet, whereby a electrical current is induced in the electrical conducting coil.
18. A device according to claim 17, wherein the device further comprises at least one resilient material situated between the at least one magnet and the at least one electrical conducting coil.
19. A device according to claim 17, wherein the at least one bluff body is at least one streamlined body.
20. A device according to claim 17, wherein the bluff body is in at least one fixed position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2797606A CA2797606A1 (en) | 2012-11-20 | 2012-11-20 | Vortex shedding electrical generator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2797606A CA2797606A1 (en) | 2012-11-20 | 2012-11-20 | Vortex shedding electrical generator |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2797606A1 true CA2797606A1 (en) | 2014-05-20 |
Family
ID=50771688
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2797606A Abandoned CA2797606A1 (en) | 2012-11-20 | 2012-11-20 | Vortex shedding electrical generator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2797606A1 (en) |
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| CN105386931A (en) * | 2014-09-09 | 2016-03-09 | 韩万龙 | High-altitude controlled Karman vortex street main and auxiliary wing kite wind power generation system |
| CN106762369A (en) * | 2017-02-28 | 2017-05-31 | 上海交通大学 | Vortex-induced vibration TRT |
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- 2012-11-20 CA CA2797606A patent/CA2797606A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| CN108775272B (en) * | 2018-05-25 | 2019-09-06 | 东北大学 | A kind of no leaf formula generating system apparatus |
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| CN108869185B (en) * | 2018-06-25 | 2019-12-24 | 哈尔滨工程大学 | Device for generating electricity by using karman vortex street |
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