GB2462884A - Human powered generator - Google Patents
Human powered generator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2462884A GB2462884A GB0815785A GB0815785A GB2462884A GB 2462884 A GB2462884 A GB 2462884A GB 0815785 A GB0815785 A GB 0815785A GB 0815785 A GB0815785 A GB 0815785A GB 2462884 A GB2462884 A GB 2462884A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- weight
- electricity
- drum
- cable
- lowered
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 54
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000003562 lightweight material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 abstract 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003245 coal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910001385 heavy metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005612 types of electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G3/00—Other motors, e.g. gravity or inertia motors
-
- 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
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G5/00—Devices for producing mechanical power from muscle energy
- F03G5/06—Devices for producing mechanical power from muscle energy other than of endless-walk type
-
- 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
- F05B2220/70—Application in combination with
- F05B2220/706—Application in combination with an electrical generator
- F05B2220/7068—Application in combination with an electrical generator equipped with permanent magnets
-
- 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
- F05B2260/00—Function
- F05B2260/50—Kinematic linkage, i.e. transmission of position
- F05B2260/503—Kinematic linkage, i.e. transmission of position using gears
-
- 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
- F05B2260/00—Function
- F05B2260/90—Braking
- F05B2260/903—Braking using electrical or magnetic forces
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05C—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO MATERIALS, MATERIAL PROPERTIES OR MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR MACHINES, ENGINES OR PUMPS OTHER THAN NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F05C2253/00—Other material characteristics; Treatment of material
- F05C2253/04—Composite, e.g. fibre-reinforced
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Control Of Eletrric Generators (AREA)
Abstract
Electricity generating apparatus 2 comprises a generator 4 able to operate at low rotational speeds, a weight and a system such as a hand winder 8 powered by human input (muscle power) 10 to raise the weight. The weight therefore stores the energy provided by the user 10 when the weight is raised, and is lowered under gravity to generate electricity. The generator 4 may be a permanent magnet generator made from lightweight material such as glass fibre reinforced composite.
Description
APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY
USING HUMAN INPUT
This invention relates to apparatus for generating electricity and, more especially, this invention relates to apparatus for generating electricity using human input.
Industrial plants for generating mains electricity are well known.
These industrial plants are often regarded as being not sufficiently environmentally friendly. For example they may consume natural resources such as coal, or they may be nuclear powered and thus provide problems of disposing of nuclear waste. Attempts to provide more environmentally friendly types of apparatus for generating electricity include tidal-powered apparatus, wind-powered apparatus, and solar-powered apparatus. The tidal-powered apparatus may be expensive to install. The wind-powered apparatus is are often unable to generate sufficient electricity due to lack of wind, and the solar-powered apparatus is also often unable to generate sufficient electricity due to lack of sun. An alternative type of apparatus for generating electricity would be an advantage and would be able to complement existing types of apparatus for generating electricity.
It is an aim of the present invention to provide such alternative apparatus for generating electricity.
Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for generating electricity, which apparatus comprises electricity generating means which is able to generate the electricity at low rotational speeds, a weight, transport means which is powered by human input and which enables the weight to be raised by the human input and lowered under gravity, and drive means which is operated by the lowering of the electricity generating means.
The apparatus of the present invention utilises gravitational pull on the weight, together with the low rotational speed required to produce electricity from the electricity generating means. This advantageous combination enables the apparatus to be simplistic in design, and yet robust in its build quality. The apparatus may be designed for use by anyone who is reasonably fit. The apparatus is able to combine ease of installation with an effective output.
The apparatus may be one in which the transport means is a hand turned system which includes a turning handle.
The hand turned system may include one or more pulleys.
Alternatively or in addition, the hand turned system may include gears.
Other formations may be employed.
The apparatus may be one in which the drive means comprises a drum and cable arrangement which operates such that the cable is attached to the weight, the cable winds around the drum and rotates the drum one way when the weight is being raised, and the cable unwinds from the drum and rotates the drum the other way when the weight is being lowered, and the rotation of the drum when the weight is being lowered is such as to drive the permanent magnet generator.
Preferably, the electricity generating means is a permanent magnet generator. The permanent magnet generator is advantageously made from a lightweight material. This is in contrast to known permanent magnet generators which are usually built to be heavy devices with heavy metal casings. Other types of electricity generating means that are able to generate the electricity at low rotational speeds of the type caused by the descent of the weight may also be employed.
The lightweight material may be a composite material. The composite material may be a reinforced resin strengthened by a substrate. The substrate may be a woven glass substrate. The woven glass substrate may be similar to glass fibre but woven like carbon fibre. Other types of substrate may be employed.
The apparatus may include control means for controlling the rate of descent of the weight. Controlling the rate of descent of the weight enables the apparatus to create the amount of electricity required at any one point in time. For example, if a high electrical load were required, for example for an electrical heater, then the weight would be allowed to fall faster. If a low electrical load were required, for example for a light, then the weight would be allowed to fall slower.
The control means may be a gear box. For example, for one kilowatt version of the apparatus, the gear box could have a 1:500 ratio. Thus, for every input rotation, 500 output rotations would be produced. In other words, if the input spins at 1rpm, the output will spin at SOOrmp. Different gearing arrangements can be provided as may be required, so that, for example, for electricity generating means requiring more revolutions per minute, then the ratio could be increased. For electricity generating means requiring less revolutions per minute, the ratio could be decreased.
The control means may comprise a braking arrangement. The braking arrangement may be a mechanical braking arrangement, an electrical braking arrangement, or an electro-mechanical braking arrangement.
The apparatus may include monitoring means for monitoring current or voltage, and for use with the control means. The monitoring means may be used to control automatically the operation of the control means.
The apparatus may include electricity storage means for storing the generated electricity. The electricity storage means will usually be at least one battery. A battery bank may be employed if desired.
The apparatus may alternatively or additionally include a mains grid tie inverter. The mains grid tie inverter may be arranged to enable the apparatus to take electricity from a mains electricity grid when electricity is required, and return the generated electricity to the mains electricity grid when surplus electricity is being generated. The apparatus can be used as desired to complement other sources of electricity.
The apparatus may include support means for supporting the weight such that it is able to be raised and lowered for required distances. The support means may be installed alongside or within a premises. The premises may be a domestic premises such for example as a house, or an industrial premises such for example as a factory or an office.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows apparatus for generating electricity.
Referring to the drawing, there is shown apparatus 2 for generating electricity. The apparatus 2 comprises electricity generating means in the form of a permanent magnet generator 4 for generating the electricity. The apparatus 2 also comprises a weight 6. The apparatus 2 further comprises transport means 8 which is powered by human input 10. The transport means 8 enables the weight 6 to be raised by the human input 10, and to be lowered under gravity. The apparatus 2 further comprises drive means 12 which is operated by the lowering of the weight 6 under gravity to drive the permanent magnet generator 4.
The transport means 8 is operated by the human input 10 to raise the weight 6 from a first position adjacent the human 14 to a second and higher position which is shown in the drawing. The transport means 8 is a hand turned transport system which includes a turning handle 16. The transport means 8 also includes a pulley system 18 comprising three pulleys 20. A cable 22 passes from the turning handle 16 around the pulleys 20 to the weight 6 as shown. The cable 22 may be a rope, chain or a wire.
The drive means 12 comprises a drum and cable arrangement including a drum 24. The cable 22 passes from the weight 6 around the drum 24 as shown. More specifically, the drum and cable arrangement operates such that the cable 22 is attached to the weight 6. The cable 22 winds around the drum 24 and rotates the drum 24 one way when the weight 6 is being raised. The cable 22 unwinds from the drum 24 and rotates the drum 24 the other way when the weight 6 is being lowered. The rotation of the drum 24 when the weight 6 is being lowered Is such as to drive the permanent magnet generator 4 via the drive means 12.
The drive means 12 is in the form of a gear box having three gears 26 as shown. The gears 26 may provide a 1:500 ratio or any other suitable and appropriate required ratio.
The permanent magnet generator 4 is made from a lightweight material. The lightweight material is a composite material. The composite material is a reinforced resin strengthened by a substrate. Preferably the substrate is a woven glass substrate which is similar to glass fibre but woven like carbon fibre. Other types of substrates may be employed.
During operation of the apparatus 2, the human 14 rotates the turning handle 16 and raises the weight 6 to the position shown in the drawing. The weight 6 is then allowed to descend under gravity, with the effect that the drive means 12 rotates the permanent magnet generator 4 and electricity is generated. As and when the weight 6 has descended to its lower level and further electricity is required, then the turning handle 6 can be turned again to raise the weight 6 to the position in the drawing and recommence the electricity generating cycle.
The apparatus 2 is simple in design and yet able to be robust in its build quality. The apparatus 2 is easy to use whilst providing an effective output. The apparatus 2 may include support means for supporting the weight 6 such that it is able to be raised and lowered for required distances.
The support means may be installed alongside or within premises 28 such for example as houses, offices and factories.
It is to be appreciated that the embodiment of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawing has been given by way of examp'e only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the pulleys 12 may be replaced by gears. The apparatus 2 may include control means for controlling the rate of descent of the weight 6. The control means may comprise a gear box and/or a braking arrangement and/or monitoring means for monitoring current or voltage and for use with the control means. The apparatus 2 may further include electricity storage means for storing the generating electricity. The electricity storage means may comprise a bank of batteries. The apparatus 2 may further include a mains grid tie inverter. The permanent magnet generator 4 may be replaced by other electricity generating means that is able to generate electricity at low rotational speeds.
Claims (21)
- CLAIMS1. Apparatus for generating electricity, which apparatus comprises electricity generating means which is able to generate the electricity at low rotational speeds, a weight, transport means which is powered by human input and which enables the weight to be raised by the human input and lowered under gravity, and drive means which is operated by the lowering of the electricity generating means.
- 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the transport means is a * hand turned system which includes a turning handle.
- 3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the hand turned system includes one or more pulleys.
- 4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3 in which the hand turned system includes gears.*
- 5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the drive means comprises a drum and cable arrangement which operate such that the cable is attached to the weight, the cable winds around the drum and rotates the drum one way when the weight is being raised, and the cable unwinds from the drum and rotates the drum the other way when the weight is being lowered, and the rotation of the drum when the weight is being lowered is such as to drive the permanent magnet generator.
- 6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the electricity generating means is a permanent magnet generator.
- 7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the permanent magnet generator is made from a lightweight material.
- 8. Apparatus according to claim 7 in which the lightweight material is a composite material.
- 9. Apparatus according to claim 8 in which the composite material is a reinforced resin strengthened by a substrate.
- 10. Apparatus according to claim 9 in which the substrate is a woven glass substrate.
- 11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including control means for controlling the rate of descent of the weight.
- 12. Apparatus according to claim 11 in which the control means comprises a gear box.
- 13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12 in which the control means comprises a braking arrangement.
- 14. Apparatus according to claim 13 in which the braking arrangement is a mechanical braking arrangement, an electrical braking arrangement, or an electro-mechanical braking arrangement.
- 15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 -14 and including monitoring means for monitoring current or voltage, and for use with the control means.
- 16. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including electricity storage means for storing the generated electricity.
- 17. Apparatus according to claim 16 in which the electricity storage means is at least one battery.
- 18. Apparatus according to claim 16 or claim 17 and including a mains grid tie.inverter.
- 19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including support means for supporting the weight such that it is able to be raised and lowered for required distances.
- 20. Apparatus according to claim 19 in which the support means is installed alongside or within a premises.
- 21. Apparatus for generating the electricity, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0815785.1A GB2462884B (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2008-08-29 | Apparatus for generating electricity using human input |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0815785.1A GB2462884B (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2008-08-29 | Apparatus for generating electricity using human input |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB0815785D0 GB0815785D0 (en) | 2008-10-08 |
GB2462884A true GB2462884A (en) | 2010-03-03 |
GB2462884B GB2462884B (en) | 2012-10-31 |
Family
ID=39865967
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB0815785.1A Active GB2462884B (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2008-08-29 | Apparatus for generating electricity using human input |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2462884B (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110241354A1 (en) * | 2010-03-31 | 2011-10-06 | University Of Southern California | Multi-segment weight in wellbore energy storage and retrieval |
CN102536699A (en) * | 2012-01-09 | 2012-07-04 | 华南理工大学 | Human body biomechanical energy capture device capable of assisting in walking and method thereof |
CN103316449A (en) * | 2013-07-09 | 2013-09-25 | 王文鹏 | Back pull-down training machine capable of generating electricity |
GB2514769A (en) * | 2013-06-03 | 2014-12-10 | Deciwatt Ltd | Portable apparatus for generating electrical energy |
WO2015166235A3 (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2016-01-21 | Deciwatt Limited | Portable apparatus for generating electrical energy |
CN105971830A (en) * | 2016-06-29 | 2016-09-28 | 韩树君 | Gravity generator set |
CN107061197A (en) * | 2017-04-17 | 2017-08-18 | 郑州双杰科技股份有限公司 | Gravity power generating green energy resource illumination apparatus |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2504360A1 (en) * | 1975-02-03 | 1976-08-05 | Eugen Galle | Mechanical energy storage with crank drive - has energy storing rubber rings held in tubes driving inertia rotor |
JP2004124860A (en) * | 2002-10-04 | 2004-04-22 | Yukei Boku | Gravity type generator |
CH696210A5 (en) * | 2002-08-22 | 2007-02-15 | Mario Ostini | Accumulator of potential energy stores energy by means of inert mass raised to a given extent, utilizing various sources of clean renewable energy |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB8513729D0 (en) * | 1985-05-31 | 1985-07-03 | Markon Eng Co Ltd | Generator housing |
US6150743A (en) * | 1997-04-24 | 2000-11-21 | Electric Boat Corporation | Composite motor end housing with a metallic sleeve bearing support |
NL1011876C2 (en) * | 1999-04-23 | 2000-10-24 | Aerpac Holding B V | Generator. |
KR100433941B1 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2004-06-07 | 남동전동기주식회사 | Case of fan coil unit electric motor |
-
2008
- 2008-08-29 GB GB0815785.1A patent/GB2462884B/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2504360A1 (en) * | 1975-02-03 | 1976-08-05 | Eugen Galle | Mechanical energy storage with crank drive - has energy storing rubber rings held in tubes driving inertia rotor |
CH696210A5 (en) * | 2002-08-22 | 2007-02-15 | Mario Ostini | Accumulator of potential energy stores energy by means of inert mass raised to a given extent, utilizing various sources of clean renewable energy |
JP2004124860A (en) * | 2002-10-04 | 2004-04-22 | Yukei Boku | Gravity type generator |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110241354A1 (en) * | 2010-03-31 | 2011-10-06 | University Of Southern California | Multi-segment weight in wellbore energy storage and retrieval |
CN102536699A (en) * | 2012-01-09 | 2012-07-04 | 华南理工大学 | Human body biomechanical energy capture device capable of assisting in walking and method thereof |
GB2514769A (en) * | 2013-06-03 | 2014-12-10 | Deciwatt Ltd | Portable apparatus for generating electrical energy |
CN103316449A (en) * | 2013-07-09 | 2013-09-25 | 王文鹏 | Back pull-down training machine capable of generating electricity |
WO2015166235A3 (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2016-01-21 | Deciwatt Limited | Portable apparatus for generating electrical energy |
CN105971830A (en) * | 2016-06-29 | 2016-09-28 | 韩树君 | Gravity generator set |
CN107061197A (en) * | 2017-04-17 | 2017-08-18 | 郑州双杰科技股份有限公司 | Gravity power generating green energy resource illumination apparatus |
CN107061197B (en) * | 2017-04-17 | 2024-01-23 | 郑州双杰科技股份有限公司 | Gravity power generation green energy illumination device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2462884B (en) | 2012-10-31 |
GB0815785D0 (en) | 2008-10-08 |
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