FR3077170A1 - HELIO-VOLTAIC SENSOR AND DEVICE FOR GENERATING ELECTRIC ENERGY COMPRISING SUCH A SENSOR - Google Patents

Abstract

This sensor (2) comprises a sealed enclosure (10) delimiting a partial vacuum (12), a rotating assembly (6) pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation inside the sealed enclosure, and a fin (40). ) integral with the rotary assembly, the fin (40) having a relatively dark face (44) and a relatively light face (42), the sensor (2) comprising a first magnetic element integral with the sealed enclosure (10) and a second magnetic element integral with the rotary assembly (6), at least one of the first and second magnetic elements having a winding (46) adapted to be electrically connected to an electrical circuit (78) for recovering an energy electric.

Description

Solar photovoltaic sensor and electrical energy generation device comprising such a sensor

The invention relates to the field of sensors, in particular photovoltaic sensors, and devices for generating electrical energy comprising such sensors.

Photovoltaic sensors are known today capable of converting light energy into electrical energy. Conventionally, the electrical energy generated by photovoltaic sensors is in the form of direct electric current.

Although such photovoltaic sensors are commonly used today, they have a low efficiency. The cost of operating such sensors is therefore too high. In addition, they are not suitable for generating an alternating electric current.

On the other hand, a Crookes radiometer converts light energy into mechanical energy. A Crookes radiometer generally consists of a bulb delimiting a partial vacuum. A rotary assembly comprising several fins is pivotally mounted inside the bulb. The fins have a relatively dark side and a relatively light side. Under the effect of light radiation, the rotary assembly is rotated relative to the bulb.

Crookes radiometers are today exhibited in museums or schools as a scientific curiosity or for purely educational purposes.

In view of the above, the invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks related to photovoltaic sensors.

More particularly, the invention aims to allow the conversion of light energy into electrical energy by a sensor of simple design and having better efficiency, while allowing the generation of an alternating electric current.

To this end, a sensor is proposed comprising a sealed enclosure delimiting a partial vacuum, a rotary assembly mounted to pivot about an axis of rotation inside the sealed enclosure, and a fin secured to the rotary assembly, the fin having a relatively dark face and a relatively clear face, the sensor comprising a first magnetic element secured to the sealed enclosure and a second magnetic element secured to the rotary assembly, at least one of the first and second magnetic elements comprising a winding capable of being electrically connected to an electrical circuit for recovering electrical energy.

With such a sensor, the rotary assembly is rotated under the effect of light energy. Thanks to the first and second magnetic elements, the mechanical energy of the rotary assembly is converted into electrical energy. The sensor then allows the conversion of light energy into electrical energy. In addition, the electrical energy is recovered by the electrical recovery circuit and the first and second magnetic elements comprising a winding. This allows the generation of an alternating electric current.

According to one embodiment, the first magnetic element comprises a winding capable of being electrically connected with the electrical recovery circuit, the second magnetic element comprising a permanent magnet.

Such an embodiment makes it possible to construct a photovoltaic sensor simply from a Crookes radiometer.

We can also provide several variations on the design of the second magnetic element.

According to a first variant, the second magnetic element forms the fin.

In a second variant, the second magnetic element is attached to the fin.

According to a third variant, the second magnetic element is attached to the rotary assembly, the second magnetic element being located radially inside with respect to the fin.

Advantageously, the second magnetic element is a flat permanent magnet perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotary assembly.

It is also possible to provide a base secured to the sealed enclosure, the base comprising two orifices for receiving a plug, the first magnetic element being a winding secured to the base, the winding comprising two connection terminals, each connection terminal being respectively connected with a receiving port.

Such an embodiment allows the connection of the first magnetic element to the electrical recovery circuit. This embodiment makes it possible to adapt a Crookes radiometer to allow the conversion of light energy into electrical energy while maintaining a simple design.

It can also be provided that said first magnetic element and said second magnetic element are located inside the sealed enclosure.

Advantageously, the sealed enclosure comprises a base provided with a side wall and a bottom wall, the side wall and the bottom wall being respectively electrically connected to the two terminals of the winding.

According to another aspect, a kit for manufacturing a sensor as defined above is proposed, comprising a first magnetic element capable of being made integral with a sealed enclosure, a second magnetic element capable of replacing or completing a fin, at at least one of the first and second magnetic elements comprising a winding capable of being electrically connected to an electrical circuit for recovering electrical energy.

According to yet another aspect, a method of manufacturing a sensor as defined above is proposed, in which a first magnetic element is mechanically connected with a sealed enclosure, a fin is replaced or completed with a second magnetic element, at at least one of the first and second magnetic elements comprising a winding capable of being electrically connected to an electrical circuit for recovering electrical energy.

According to another aspect, an electrical energy generation device is proposed comprising an electrical circuit for recovering electrical energy and at least one sensor as defined above, the sensor being electrically connected to the electrical recovery circuit.

Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a sensor according to a first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a sectional view along the plane II-II of the sensor of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a front view of a rotary assembly of a sensor according to a second embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 4 is a front view of a rotary assembly of a sensor according to a third embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a sensor according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, according to the same section plane as FIG. 2,

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a sensor according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, according to the same section plane as FIGS. 2 and 5,

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a sensor according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, according to the same section plane as FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, and

- Figure 8 is a schematic view of an electrical energy generation device according to one aspect of the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a sensor 2 has been schematically represented. The function of sensor 2 is to convert light energy into electrical energy. The sensor 2 comprises in particular a frame 4 and a rotary assembly 6 pivoting relative to the frame 4.

We define a direct orthonormal vector base 8 attached to the frame 4. The base 8 consists of a vector x, a vector y and a vector z. The sensor 2 is generally axisymmetric in shape with respect to an axis parallel to the vector z. The section plane II-II is perpendicular to the vector x.

In the present application, the terms "lower", "upper", "horizontal" and "vertical" will be understood as referring to the base 8 when the sensor 2 is oriented normally, that is to say assuming the vector z directed vertically upwards.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "axial", "axially", "radial" and "radially" will be understood as referring relatively to the vertical axis of symmetry of the sensor 2.

The frame 4 comprises a bulb 10. The bulb 10 is axisymmetric around the axis of symmetry of the sensor 2. The bulb 10 forms a sealed enclosure delimiting an interior space 12 and an exterior space 14. The space 12 contains the air subjected to a partial vacuum. The bulb 10 includes a needle 16. The needle 16 extends in space 12 parallel to the vector z. The needle 16 substantially coincides with the axis of symmetry of the bulb 10.

The frame 4 comprises a base 18. The base 18 is in particular constituted by a base 20 and a cylindrical part 22.

The base 20 forms a disc perpendicular to the vector z. The base 20 includes in particular an upper front surface 24. On the surface 24, the base 20 comprises means for fixing the bulb.

10. For example, the means for fixing the bulb 10 to the base 20 may comprise a threaded socket (not shown) mounted on the surface 24 and a threaded base (not shown) of the bulb 10. The socket and the base cooperate to make a tight fixing between the base 20 and the bulb 10.

The axis of cylindricity of the part 22 substantially coincides with the needle 16. The part 22 extends radially between an internal cylindrical surface 26 and an external cylindrical surface 28. The part 22 extends axially from the base 20 to to an upper front surface 30. The distance between the surfaces 24 and 30 is such that the part 22 radially surrounds the bulb 10.

The rotary assembly 6 comprises a bell 32. The bell 32 is preferably made of glass. The bell 32 comprises a lower cylindrical portion 34 and an upper hemispherical portion 36. The bell 32 is mounted on the needle 16. More particularly, the bell 32 is arranged so that the needle 16 extends along an axis of cylindricity of the portion 34 and that an upper end of the needle 16 comes into contact with a point of the hemispherical portion 36. In this way, a pivot connection with an axis parallel to the vector z is produced between the bell 32 and the needle 16 while minimizing the friction resulting from this connection.

Referring to Figure 1, the rotary assembly 6 comprises four radial rods 38. The rods 38 extend radially from an outer surface of the portion 34. The rods 38 are located in the same horizontal plane. The rods 38 are perpendicular two by two. The rods 38 have substantially the same length Ls.

Still with reference to FIG. 1, the rotary assembly 6 comprises four permanent magnets 40. Each magnet 40 extends radially from a respective rod 38. More particularly, each magnet 40 has a planar shape parallel to the rod 38 respectively associated and to the vector z. Each magnet 40 has a first face 42 and a second face 44. Whatever a magnet 40, when the rotary assembly 6 pivots clockwise (in the plane of the vectors x and y with the vector z in front of the plane) , the face 42 is located in front of the rotational movement and the face 44 is located behind the rotational movement. The invention is obviously not limited to a clockwise rotation of the rotary assembly 6, the latter being able to pivot counterclockwise relative to the frame 4.

Whatever a magnet 40, the face 42 is relatively clear compared to the face 44. More particularly, the faces 42 are white and the faces 44 are black.

With reference to FIG. 2, the part 22 comprises a stator winding 46. The winding 46 radially surrounds the rotary assembly 6 and in particular the magnets 40. The winding 46 may consist of a copper wire wound around the axis of cylindricity of the part 22. The winding 46 comprises a first end 48 and a second end 50.

The part 22 comprises a first reception orifice 52 and a second reception orifice 54. The orifices 52 and 54 are intended each to receive a plug (not shown) of an electrical circuit. The orifices 52 and 54 are delimited by a cylindrical wall made of an electrically conductive material. Respectively, the conductive material of the orifices 52, 54 is electrically connected with the ends 48, 50. In this way, it is possible to connect an electrical circuit to the terminals of the winding 46.

When the sensor 2 is subjected to light energy, the magnets 40 are rotated around the needle 16 in the manner of the fins of a Crookes radiometer. The rotation of the magnets 40 excites electrons flowing in the winding 46. This excitation generates electrical energy in the form of an alternating electric current when an electrical circuit is connected to the ends 48 and 50.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown respectively a rotary assembly 56 and a rotary assembly 64. The rotary assembly 56 is part of a sensor according to a second embodiment of the invention. The rotary assembly 64 is part of a sensor according to a third embodiment of the invention. The respective frames of the sensors according to the second embodiment and according to the third embodiment are identical to the frame 4 of Figures 1 and 2 and are therefore not shown. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the elements identical to the elements in FIGS. 1 and 2 have the same references.

Referring to Figure 3, the rotary assembly 56 differs from the rotary assembly 6 in that the four permanent magnets 40 are replaced by four fins 58 (only three fins 58 are visible in Figure 3).

Whatever a fin 58, the fin 58 consists of a cardboard plate 60 and a permanent magnet 62. The plate 60 and the magnet 62 have substantially the same square planar shape. The plate 60 and the magnet 62 are attached by an apex to a respective radial rod 38. Whatever a fin 58, when the rotary assembly 56 pivots clockwise (in the plane of the vectors x and y with the vector z in front of the plane), the plate 60 is located in front of the rotational movement and l magnet 62 is located behind the rotational movement.

The plates 60 are relatively light in color compared to the magnets 62. More particularly, the plates 60 are white while the magnets 62 are black.

Thus, the rotary assembly 56 comprises, like the rotary assembly 6, a plurality of fins comprising a relatively dark face and a relatively light face. Like the rotary assembly 6, the rotary assembly 56 is rotated when subjected to a source of light energy. Thanks to the magnets 62, this results in the generation of an alternating electric current by the winding 46.

With reference to FIG. 4, the rotary assembly 64 comprises four cardboard plates 66 (only three plates are visible in FIG. 4). The plates 66 have a first face 68 and a second face 70. Whatever a plate 66, when the rotary assembly 64 pivots clockwise (in the plane of the vectors x and y with the vector z in front of the plane) , the face 68 is located in front of the rotational movement and the face 70 is located behind the rotational movement.

The faces 68 are of a relatively light color compared to the faces 70. More particularly, the faces 68 are of white color while the faces 70 are of black color.

In the examples illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the plates 60 and 66 are cardboard. However, it is of course without departing from the scope of the invention to envisage any other type of material, preferably a light material which can be easily colored with a light or dark color.

Axially below the rods 38, the rotary assembly 64 comprises four additional radial rods 72. The rods 72 extend respectively parallel to the rods 38. The length I72 of the rods 72 is strictly less than the length I38. In the example illustrated, the length I72 is between a quarter and three quarters of the length I38, and preferably substantially equal to half of the length I38.

The rotary assembly 64 comprises four magnets 74 (three magnets are visible in FIG. 4). The magnets 74 have a substantially planar shape perpendicular to the vector z.

The rotary assembly 64 includes, like the rotary assembly 6 and the rotary assembly 56, a plurality of fins having a relatively dark face and a relatively light face. Like the rotary assemblies 6 and 56, the rotary assembly 64 is driven in rotation when it is subjected to a source of light energy and generates an alternating electric current by the winding 46.

In addition, the magnets 74 arranged horizontally optimize the aerodynamics of the rotary assembly 64. The magnets 74 arranged radially inside with respect to the plates 66 promote rotation of the rotary assembly 64 by reducing its moment of inertia. Finally, the magnets 74 offset axially downward make it possible to limit the distance between the surfaces 24 and 30, so as to increase the amount of light received by the plates 66.

Referring to Figure 5, there is schematically shown a sensor 82 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Identical elements have the same references.

The sensor 82 differs from the sensor 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that it does not have the base 18. The sensor 82 comprises a winding 84 housed inside the enclosure 10. In this case, the winding 84 extends around the needle 16. More precisely, the winding 84 is fixed to the needle 16. Thanks to the winding 84 housed in the space 12, the losses of electromagnetic energy are limited by reducing the distance between the two magnetic elements 40 and 84 and avoiding the interposition of the glass wall of the sealed enclosure 10.

The sensor 82 comprises a base 86. The base 86 comprises a side wall 88 electrically connected to a first terminal 90 of the winding 84. The base 86 comprises a bottom wall 89 electrically connected to a second terminal 92 of the winding 84 The base 86 can cooperate by screwing with a socket 93 mounted on a base 94. The socket 93 comprises electrical connectors (not shown) for electrically connecting terminals of an electrical circuit to the walls 88 and 89, respectively. This design of the sensor 82 facilitates its installation and its replacement on the base 94.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a sensor 96 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. Identical elements have the same references.

The sensor 96 differs from the sensor 82 in FIG. 5 in that the rotary assembly 32 has been replaced by the rotary assembly 64 shown in FIG. 4.

Referring to Figure 7, there is schematically shown a sensor 98 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. Identical elements have the same references.

Unlike the sensor 82 which comprises a winding 84 contained in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the needle 16, the sensor 98 comprises a winding 100 forming a cone around the direction of the needle 16. More precisely, the angle between the surface of the cone formed by the winding 100 and the direction of the needle 16 is between 40 ° and 50 °. Such a design of the winding 100 increases the compactness of the sensor 98 and further decreases the distance between the magnetic elements 40 and 100, so as to further limit the losses of electromagnetic energy.

Referring to Figure 8, there is schematically shown an electrical energy generation device 76 according to one aspect of the invention.

The device 76 comprises an electrical circuit 78, an electrical storage battery 80 and eight sensors 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Of course, in place of the sensors 2, sensors can be used according to the second mode of embodiment, sensors according to the third embodiment, sensors according to the fourth embodiment, sensors according to the fifth embodiment, sensors according to the sixth embodiment or a mixture of the sensors according to these embodiments. Although the device 76 comprises eight sensors, it is also possible without departing from the scope of the invention to envisage a different number of sensors, this number being greater than or equal to 1 and preferably greater than or equal to

2.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the eight sensors 2 are connected in series on the circuit 78. When the device 76 is subjected to a source of light energy, the eight sensors 2 generate an alternating electric current collected by the circuit 78. The circuit 78 restores the electrical energy captured to the electrical storage battery 80. An electrical energy is thus generated in the form of an alternating electric current from a light source, which may for example be the sun.

Although, in the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the sensors 2 are connected in series, it is possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to connect the sensors 2 bypass.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, a kit is proposed (not shown) for producing a sensor 2. The kit notably consists of magnets intended to replace or complement the fins of a Crookes radiometer. For example, the kit can include magnets 40, magnets 62 or rods 72 and magnets 74. The kit also includes a stator winding. For example, the kit includes part 22 of the base 18 and a means of fixing part 22 to the base of a Crookes radiometer.

With this kit, it is possible, using a Crookes radiometer comprising a bulb, a base and a rotary assembly provided with fins, to produce a sensor such as sensor 2.

To do this, replace or complete the fins of the Crookes radiometer with the magnets 40, with the magnets 62 or with the rods 72 and the magnets 74 of the kit, as the case may be. Then, the base of the Crookes radiometer is fixed to part 22 of the kit. Finally, plugs of an electrical recovery circuit are inserted into the orifices 52 and 54 of part 22 of the kit. A sensor such as sensor 2 is then obtained.

Claims (12)

1. Sensor (2, 82, 96, 98) comprising a sealed enclosure (10) delimiting a partial vacuum (12), a rotary assembly (6, 56, 64) mounted pivoting about an axis of rotation inside of the sealed enclosure, and a fin (40, 58, 66) integral with the rotary assembly, the fin (40, 58, 66) having a relatively dark face (44, 62, 70) and a face (42 , 60, 68) relatively clear, the sensor (2, 82, 96, 98) comprising a first magnetic element secured to the sealed enclosure (10) and a second magnetic element secured to the rotary assembly (6, 56, 64 ), at least one of the first and second magnetic elements comprising a winding (46, 84, 100) capable of being electrically connected to an electric circuit for recovering (78) an electric energy. 2. Sensor (2, 82, 96, 98) according to claim 1, in which the first magnetic element comprises a winding (46, 84, 100) capable of being electrically connected with the electrical recovery circuit (78), the second magnetic element comprising a permanent magnet (40, 62, 74). 3. Sensor (2, 82, 98) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second magnetic element (40) forms the fin. 4. Sensor (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second magnetic element (62) is attached to the fin (58). 5. Sensor (2, 96) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second magnetic element (74) is attached to the rotary assembly (64), the second magnetic element (74) being radially located inside by compared to the fin (66). 6. Sensor (2, 96) according to claim 5, wherein the second magnetic element (74) is a flat permanent magnet and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotary assembly (64). 7. Sensor (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a base (18) integral with the sealed enclosure (10), the base (18) comprising two receiving orifices (52, 54) of a plug, the first magnetic element being a winding (46) integral with the base (18), the winding (46) comprising two connection terminals (48, 50), each connection terminal (48, 50) being respectively connected with a receiving orifice (52, 54). 8. Sensor (82, 96, 98) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are located inside the sealed enclosure (10). 9. Sensor (82) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sealed enclosure comprises a base (86) provided with a side wall (88) and a bottom wall (89), the side wall (88) and the bottom wall (89) being respectively electrically connected to the two terminals (90, 92) of the winding (84). 10. Kit for manufacturing a sensor (2, 82, 96, 98) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a first magnetic element capable of being made integral with a sealed enclosure (10), a second magnetic element (40, 62, 74) capable of replacing or completing a fin (40, 58, 66), at least one of the first and second magnetic elements comprising a winding (46, 84, 100) capable of being electrically connected to an electrical circuit for recovering (78) electrical energy. 11. A method of manufacturing a sensor (2, 82, 96, 98) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which a first magnetic element is mechanically connected with a sealed enclosure (10), or is replaced or completes a fin (40, 58, 66) with a second magnetic element (40, 62, 74), at least one of the first and second magnetic elements comprising a winding (46, 84, 100) capable of being electrically connected to an electrical circuit for recovering (78) electrical energy. 12. Device for generating electrical energy (76) comprising an electrical circuit for recovering (78) electrical energy and at least one sensor (2, 82, 96, 98) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , the sensor (2, 82, 96, 98) being electrically connected to the electrical recovery circuit (78).