GB2517244A

GB2517244A - Electricity generator apparatus and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2517244A
Application number: GB1408166.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Bennett-Parker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-08
Filing date: 2014-05-08
Publication date: 2015-02-18
Also published as: GB201315257D0; GB201408166D0

Abstract

An apparatus for inducing an electric current comprises a rotor with permanent magnets which rolls around a track or template 102 comprising linear portions 106 between curved end portions 104. Electric windings (17, figure 3) surround the track so the electricity is generated as the rotor moves. The track is mounted on a main pivot 15a, and is rocked by an external source of energy so that the rotor is always rolling downhill. The rotor and track have engaging formations or teeth to prevent sliding of the rotor. There may be two different engaging formations, one (8, figure 1) for the linear portions of track and the other (6, figure 1) for the curved sections.

Description

Electricity Generator Apparatus and Method of Lse Thereof The present iflvefltiOfl relates to a ITlachifle which conserves energy for use in the induction of electric current and/or the supply of energy.

The present invention is a development of the rotating mass machine as described in patenE GB243890IB and co-pending application W0201 3/104915, herein incorporated by reference.

Electricity generators typically comprise a rotor on a fixed axis coupled to a magnet. Typically during the rotation of the rotor and magnet, a magnetic flux is generated and coils of metal wire around the rotor interact with the same to induce a current.

Typically the movement of the rotor and/or magnet is actuated by an engine running on fossil fuels.

One of the recognised problems with this model of electricity generation is that the rotor and/or magnet rotate about an axis which is in a fixed location. As such, current is only generated in coils that are perpendicular to the magnetic field thereby reducing the efficiency.

In addition, a rotor that can travel in at least one direction whilst rotating, generally loses efficiency due to frictional forces acting on the same.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus that addresses the abovementioned problems.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a method of operating an apparatus that addresses the abovementioned problems.

In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus suitable for inducing or creating an electromagnetic current in use, said apparatus including; magnet means; a rotor means including a hub; guides for supporting the hub via at least first and second shaped templates; the rotor means being movable within and/or between the templates; and wherein the hub indudes formations or teeth capable of engaging and/or interlinking with one or more further formations on the first and/or second templates.

Typically the apparatus indudes a pair of guides.

Preferably the apparatus includes at least one gap and/or spaced distance between the first and second templates.

Typically each guide includes at least first and second shaped templates. Further typically the rotor means and/or hub is substantially located between the guides.

In one embodiment the further formations on the first template are of different dimensions and/or size to the further formations on at least the second template.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes first and second shaped templates. In one embodiment the first shaped templates are substantially linear templates and the second shaped templates are substantially curved templates. lypically the substantially curved templates are semi-circular in shape.

Further typically the templates are arranged such that a guide appears to form a loop when viewed along the latitudinal axis and/or the rotational axis of the hub.

In one embodiment each of the guides include a pair of first shaped templates and/or a pair of second shaped templates.

in one embodiment the hub includes at least first and second formations. Typicafly the first formations correspond with and/or interilnic with the further formations in the first shaped templates. Further typically the second formations correspond with and/or interhnk with further formations in the second shaped temp'ates.

Typically the further formations on the first templates are of different dimensions or sizes in comparison to the further formations of the second temphtes.

In one embodiment the first and/or second shaped templates are arranged substantially parallel to one another and/or arranged to lie in parallel planes. Preferably the first templates are located in a different parallel plane to the second templates such that the second templates are offset and/or a spaced distance from the first. Typically there is a gap between at least the first and second shaped templates.

In one embodiment the hub includes at least a first and second cog means. lypically the first formations are located on the first cog means and the second formations are located on the second cog means. Typically a pair of first cog means and/or a pair of second cog means are located a spaced distance on the hub. Further typically the first cog means and second cog means are located a spaced distance apart on the hub.

Typically the formations include one or more teeth and/or indentations. Further typically the formations are shaped such as to be complementary to each other and/or have a corresponding shape. The formations are shaped to provide increased traction and/or predetermined position during rotation of the rotor means.

in one embodiment the formations on the templates are teeth and/or indentations formed on and/or within the same. Further typically the formations or teeth on the hub and/or remplates form a gearing system whereby said further formations can mesh together with at least the first formations on the hub.

In one embodiment the guides form an elongated ioop when viewed from the side and/or latitudinal axis. Typically the loop is elongated along at least one axis such that the loop comprises two substantially paralle' linear sections and two opposing rounded ends.

In one embodiment the larger formations or teeth of the templates are formed at least at the rounded ends of the loop or second template. Typically the first template includes the relatively smaller formations or teeth. Preferably the formations or teeth are formed around the entire guides.

In one embodiment the formations and/or teeth on the hub and/or templates form a rack and pinion-type system. Typically the templates act as a toothed rail along which the rotor can move.

Preferably at least part of the rotor means is magnetically engaged with at least part of one or more of the guides and/or templates.

In one embodiment the gearing system formed from the engagement or meshing of the first and/or second formations ensures that the rotor and/or hub undergoes a predetermined sequence of rotation. Typically the position and orientation of the hub and/or rotor can be predetermined by selection of size of the teeth and the order of the meshing of the same.

in one embodiment the rotor means includes one or more magnet means.

in one embodiment the apparatus includes one or more winding means. Typically the winding means are one or more coils of metal wire or cable. Further typically in use the magnet means induce current in the winding means.

in one embodiment a plurality of winding means forms an array of winding means. Typically the array of winding means is located substantially parallel to the guides. Further typically a plurality of winding means is located along the path of the rotor and/or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guides.

In one embodiment the guides are pivotally mounted. Typically the guides are pivotally mounted such that at least one first end of the loop formed by the offset templates is higher in a first position than the opposite end of the loop and through actuation, the guides and/or loops tilt or pivot to a second position wherein the opposite end of the closed loop is lower than the first end. As such, the guides, templates and/or loops can be actuated in a seesaw motion. Further typically actuation of the pivot mechanism is achieved using compressed air and/or electromagnets.

In one embodiment as the rotor travels down the incline formed in the first position the magnets on the rotor induce a current in each winding means as it passes through the same.

lypically a current is induced, as dictated by Fleming's right hand rule', and is conducted around each coil winding accordingly.

Tn one embodiment the apparatus includes one or more commutator means. Typically the commutator means is arranged to periodically reverse the direction of current flo\v through the winding means so that current flow in any circuit externa' to the apparatus continues in on'y one direction.

Preferably the commutator means are associated with the rotor means. typically, current only flows in a winding means that is being induced as the rotor means and/or the magnet means associated with the same becomes perpendicular to a plane including one or more coils of the winding means.

Typically the rotor magnet means are calibrated or selectively positioned to roll mid-way through each winding, or plane that the winding is situated in, in order to utilise the effect of Len/s Law and propel the rotor on and into the next winding means, and/or plane containing further coils. This is replicated or repeated through the winding means array. Typically the speed or rotation is incrementally increased to terminal velocity as the rotor and/or magnet passes through each winding means and/or coil in sequence to the opposite end of the guide.

In one embodiment the apparatus uses a non-exhaustible and/or renewable source of energy to move and/or pivot the guides.

lypically and one or any combination of solar, wind, gravitational potential energy (GPl), and/or electromagnets can be used. Further typically energy from the renewable source is use to compress a volume of air. This air is then directed to position in order to raise or lower the guides as appropriate. In one embodiment the compressed air is directed through one or more \a1\es in one embodiment the guides are substantially located within and/or attached to one or more beams.

in one embodiment the guides are mounted on a beam.

Preferably the beam can pivot about a point. Typicafly the beam can seectivey pivot in a see-saw motion.

in one embodiment the position of the rotor and/or a ball bearing in the beam actuates the pivot motion. Typically compressed air means and/or electromagnets substantiafly located at the end of the beam are actuated to selectively raise or lower the end of the beam adjacent to the same.

Preferably the apparatus includes a pair of guides, wherein said guides are divergent. Typically the guides are arranged on the same horizontal plane. Further typically the guides are closer together at one end than the other.

In one embodiment the guides are formed about and/or along a pivoted beam. Typically the beam and/or the guides are pivoted substantially at the centre of the same so they can move in a rocking or see-saw' motion.

In one embodiment each hub has one single point of contact within each shaped template.

In one embodiment energy is provided periodically and/or as required until the rotor means moves and/or moves at the desired speed.

In one embodiment under normal operating and may be provided during the closed ioop of the rotor within the guides.

in one embodiment energy input is provided at timed intervals until the rotor is rotating at a desirab'e and/or predetermined speed.

in one embodiment the energy input is controfled and/or provided via control means. TypicaUy the control means is a computer.

in one embodiment feedback means is provided. Typically the feedback means is associated with the rotor. Further typicafly the control means is a sensor and provides data related to the rotational speed of the rotor means.

In one embodiment the energy input is provided by renewable en e rgy.

In one embodiment electrical output is induced in one or more winding means as the rotor means moves and/or falls around the shaped guides.

In one embodiment a plurality of hubs and rotors may be mounted on an axle, each hub rotating around respective shaped guides.

In one embodiment a braking system for the rotor is incorporated into the apparatus.

In one embodiment any one or any combination of the axle hubs and/or guides are formed from magnetic and/or ferromagnetic material.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes magnets on any one or any combination of the axle, hubs and/or closed ioop guides.

Typically the magnets enable one direction of high-speed rotation.

Tn one embodiment beflows and/or pistons are used to actuate and/or pivot the pivoted beam.

Tn one embodiment the apparatus indudes a va've system.

Typically the valves can be switched and/or actuated by the position of the axle and/or rotor means.

Tn one embodiment the induced current, or a portion of this, is used to propel the rotor means around the guides.

In one embodiment the apparatus uses timed inputs of energy from a refillable supply tank and/or battery. Typically the inputs are controlled by one or more control means.

Further typically inputs of highly compressed air from a refillable supply tank is supplied via a regulator.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for the generation of electromagnetic energy, said system including; magnet means; a rotor means including a hub; guides for supporting the hub via at least first and second shaped templates; the rotor means being movable within and/or between the templates; and wherein the hub includes formations or teeth capable of engaging and/or interlinking with one or more further formations on the first or second templates. i0

In one embodiment the rotor means and/or the rotor assembly including the hub and/or magnets is a prime 1Th)ver. Prime mover refers to the component that moves relative to one or more wires in which electric current can be induced, in addition or in the alternative a prime mover is the weight used to compress the air to move the guides and/or beam.

in a third aspect of the invention there is provided a system for the generation of ekctromagnetic energy, said system including; a rotor assembly including a hub and at least one coil or winding means; guides for supporting the hub via one or more shaped temp'ates, where at east one of the templates is shaped as a closed loop; the rotor means being movable within the templates; and wherein at least part of the guides is attached to and/or mounted on at least one selectably movable beam means.

lypically the magnet means is replaced by at least one coil or winding means. Typically in this alternative embodiment the coil or winding means moves relative to one or more stationary magnets associated with and/or remote from the apparatus thereby inducing an electric current in the coil or winding means.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of generating an electrical current using an apparatus, said apparatus including magnet means; a rotor means including a hub; guides for supporting the hub via at least first and second shaped templates; the rotor means being movable within and/or between the templates; and wherein the hub includes formations or teeth capable of engaging and/or interlinking with one or more further formations on the first or second templates, said method including the step of actuating the guides and/or rotor assembly to move in a first direction.

Typicafly the actuation occurs by tilting and/or pivoting at east part of the guides such that the rotor means rofls and/or moves in least a first direction.

Tn a yet further aspect of the invention there is a machine comprising a rotor, and guides having a shaped guide section, the rotor comprising an axle or hubs element configurable within the guides to move around the shaped guides and conserve energy and hmit further energy input from the prime mover to maintain the motion of the rotor.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figures Ia and lb show perspective and exploded views respectively of a rotor means in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figures 2a and 2b show perspective and side views of guides in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figures 3a and 3b show end and perspective views of one embodiment of the invention; Figures 4a and 4b show plan and perspective views of one ernbodinient of the invention; Figures 5a to 5d sho\v perspective of one embodiment of the invention; Figures 6a and 6b show side views of in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the outside of the apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 8 shows a side cross sectiona' view of the apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

The present invention is a machine comprising of a combined renewable energy engine and generator employs mass, gravity, and Lenz's Law to create high-speed rotationa' motion by accelerating a rotor component (1) up to a controlled working speed through a series of individual conductor windings (17).

By use of a magnetically assisted calibration and gear system (9, & 1 Oa) a rotating component is able to maintain a single direction of rotation around a defined circuit and may be powered by use of supplementary inputs of energy from an external prime mover. A commutator system (7 & 12) is utilised by a rotor (1) within a beam engine apparatus to create pulses of electricity that are emitted and drawn from the device into storage.

An example of the prime mover may be a unit battery passing current through sensor activated coil units (32) at timed intervals designed to move the ends of a counter-balanced beam up and down as the rotor (1) negotiates the turns between the lower and upper transits and visa versa.

An alternative prime mover may be manually primed moderately compressed air. in

A rotor assembly (1) consisting of a non-magnetic core (2.) arranged with induction magnets (3.) houses the primary attachment magnets (4.). The ends of the core (2.) support the non-magnetic end plates (5.), the low gear spurs (6.) and the commutator discs (7.). The threaded calibration spur headed bolts (8.) fix into the core (2) holding the rotor assembly (1) together.

By examp'e, when switched on, proximity sensors (28) detect the stationary rotor assembly (1) at one end of the counter-balanced beam and instruct the unit battery, via a sensor-activated switch (34), to pass current through the coil unit (32) beneath it. The activated coil unit (32) creates a magnetic polarity that is a chkei pole to a permanent magnet (16) attached to the underside of the beam end. The effect is magnetic repulsion, calculated in strength, to raise the beam end and stationary rotor assembly (1) to a given height. At the same moment the permanent magnet (16) on the opposite end of the beam is lowered and becomes attracted to the un-magnetised ferrous metal plate (33) on the adjacent coil unit (32). The counter-balanced beam, and rotor (1), is raised and held, in that new position by magnetic attraction and magnetic repulsion.

1he rotor assembly (1) has now gained Gravitational Potential Energy and will begin to roll down the given incline using the calibration and gear system (9, 10 & IDa). The rotor assembly (I) begins to convert the GP I into Kinetic I nergy using gravity and rotational motion, with minimal friction loss and no backlash. The rotor (I) rolls into an array of disconnected individual conductor \vindings (17).

At the centre of the first individual conductor winding (17), a commutator disc component (7) on the rotor (1) connects the winding into an electrical circuit. Ihe rotor (1) delivers a single magnetic polarity into the centre of a conductor winding (17), and a small peak is seen on the oscilloscope. At the same moment as the current flows through and around the whole conductor winding (17) a magnetic field is created as per Len/s Law, the like' polarity assists the rotor (1) to continue in the direction already powered by mass and gravity.

The rotor commutation system (7 & 12) disconnects from the first conductor winding (17) as the face of the induction magnets (3) reach the end of the first winding and the start of the second conductor winding. This removes the opportunity for back-torque from the other induction magnets (3) of opposite polarity, and no residua' and/or unwanted magnetic influence is incurred in any of the other individual conductor windings (17), as they remain disconnected until the rotor (1) is in the correct position for commutation.

The rotor (1) accelerates down the given incline, through the individual conductor windings (17) in succession, the commutator system (7 & 12) switches them on and off in order to utilise Lenz's Law and drive the rotating assembly (1) into the turn within the beam end section (27). The pulses of electricity, increase in magnitude due to acceleration and are connected into the electrical circuit in turn to be delivered to the unit battery.

Within the end sections (27) the rotor (1) automatically shifts onto a low gear spur (6) on the rotor (1), and uses half an internal ring gear (9) to make the turn. Then by using magnetic suspension, into the gear and calibration components (10 & IDa) along the upper transit of the orbital circuit. Additional suspension magnets (11) may be used during the upper transition.

The beam end sections (27) may include a shock absorber' system (28) to reduce the linear force accrued along the beam and allow the rotational force to take the rotating assembly (1) up and around the turn (9); the calibrated magnetic attachment (4 & 11) enabks the rotor (1) to maintain a single direction of rotation around the circuit.

As the rotor (1) approaches the end section (27) of the counter-bahnced beam it is detected by a proximity sensor (28) located in the end section (27), this instructs the sensor-activated switch (34) to redirect the current from the unit battery through to the adjacent coil unit (32). Thereby switching the magnetic advantage to the opposite end and repositioning the counter-balanced beam around the main pivot (15a). This renews the assembly's (WE. and adds it to the remaining velocity as it begins to travel back into and through the individual conductor windings (17).

The commutator system (7 & 12) is calibrated, by use of extension sections (iDa &21) to return the rotor (1) into the conductor windings (17) in order to utilise the conductors in the same manner in the opposite direction, at greater velocity and faster rotational speed.

The proximity sensors (28) may be used to govern the working' speed of the device by repositioning the counter-balanced beam at computerised intervals.

As the rotating assembly (1) attains a working speed, the resistance through the respective coil unit (32) will decrease due to the energy stored as flywheel inertia. Friction at the main pivot bearing (1 5a) remains a constant and subject to the prime mover aspect.

The generating capabilities increase in magnitude as the engine reaches working speed and/or terminal velocity.

A safety device (14) may be fitted aiong the insides of the counter-balanced beam to prevent major damage in the event of derailment Turning to figures Ia and lb there is shown a outside view and an exploded diagram of a rotor assembly 1 which comprises a core or hub 2 on which is mounted induction magnets 3 and attachment magnets 4. The attachment magnets ensure that the rotor assembly 1 remains engaged with or otherwise attached to the guides 102 shown in figure 2. Also supported on the hub or core 2 are non-magnetic end plates 5 and low gear spurs or formations 6. The low gear formations or spurs 6 in this example are cogs that are calibrated to mesh, fit or otherwise interlink with the curved semi-circular templates 104 located at either end of the guides 102. Commutator discs 7 are also located on the hub 2.

At the extremities of the hub 2 are further formations or spur headed bolts 8 that interlink or fit with the linear templates 106.

Figure 2b shows how when viewed from the side the remplates 104, 106 appear to form a continuous loop, however figure 2a show's that the templates are off-set from one another such that there is a gap between the same. In use, the spur bolts 8 run on the linear track 106 carrying the rotor until the same reaches the end whereby the low gear spurs engage with the curved templates 104. 1he rotor carries on moving around the curve until the spur bolts 8 engage with the opposite liner template 106. This motion can be perpetuated by tilting or rocking the guides or beam on which the templates are mounted.

In this example the spur bolts 8 act as a timing or calibration mechanism as the hub runs on a smooth linear surface 108.

Should the rotor slip, the spurs on the bolt contact the formations on the template and the correct timing or position of the rotor is maintained. The skilled person will appreciate that the formations on the linear template are i-iot essential.

Tn essence the invention is a machine comprising a rotor within a cahbration and gear system forming a dosed circuit inside a pivoted beam, the rotor utilising calibration and gear spur elements configurable to move around within the circuit and conserve energy and limit further energy input from the prime mover to maintain the motion of the rotor.

There is a magnetic interaction between the rotor and the calibration and gear system.

Fart the calibration and/or gear system may be formed from ferromagnetic material.

The energy input is provided by renewable energy.

Multiple calibration and/or spur gears are used on the same rotor.

Calibration and gear system may be divergent or parallel.

The calibration and gear system form a closed circuit around which the rotor travels.

The calibration is refined by use of extension sections.

Ihe calibration and gear systems are formed about a pivoted beam.

The calibration and gear sections may use magnetic contact within the closed circuit.

The rotating assembly is arranged to provide electricity generating means.

The pivoted beam is provided with an array of conductor windings.

Supplementary energy is provided periodicafly under norma' operating and may be provided during each circuit of the rotating assembly within the calibration and gear system to reposition the beam.

Multip'y rotors can be used within the same beam engine.

A start up energy input may be provided until the rotor is rotating and travelling at speed.

The energy input and output is provided via control means.

The control means is a computer or sensor operated switch.

Feedback may be provided from the rotating assembly to the control means and may relate to the rotational speed and velocity of the rotor.

I lectrical output is induced as the rotor rotates around the calibration and gear system.

A plurality of generating means may be mounted on a single axis.

A plurality of calibration and gear systems may be used in series.

Flectromagnetism may be used to operate a pivoted beam.

A concentric gear system may be utilised to calibrate the rotational speed of a rotating assembly, engaging automatically within the calibration and/or gear systems.

A sensor system may be activated by the rotating assemb'y, especially during operation.

The flow of induced current may be used to drive the rotor and/or perpetuate the rocking of a beam engine.

in a further aspect of the invention there is provided a generator comprising of a beam engine aspect comprising an electricity generating means, on calibration and gear system sections, wherein a rotating assembly configurable within the calibration and gear system sections moves around in a closed circuit to conserve energy and limit further energy input from the prime m o v er.

In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a machine including a combined renewable energy engine and generator employs mass, gravity, and Lenz's Law to create high-speed rotational motion by accelerating a rotor component (1) up to a controlled working speed through a series of individual conductor windings (17).

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus suitable for inducing or creating an electromagnetic current in use, said apparatus including; magnet means; a rotor means including a hub; guides for supporting the hub via at least first and second shaped templates; the rotor means being movable within and/or between the templates; and wherein the hub includes formations or teeth capable of engaging and/or interlinking with one or more further formations on the first and/or second templates.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus includes a pair of guides each guide including at least first and second shaped templates.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein at least one gap and/or spaced distance between the first and second templates
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the guides include a pair of first shaped templates and/or a pair of second shaped templates.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the first shaped templates are substantially linear templates and the second shaped templates are substantially curved templates
6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the templates are arranged such that a guide appears to form a loop when viewed along the apparatus latitudinal axis and/or the rotational axis of the hub.
7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the hub includes at least first and second formations.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the first formations correspond with and/or interlink with the further formations in the first shaped temp'ates and the second forniations correspond with and/or interlink with further formations in the second shaped temp'ates.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the further formations on the first templates are of different dimensions or sizes in comparison to the further formations of the second templates.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and/or second shaped templates are arranged substantially parallel to one another and/or arranged to lie in parallel planes.
II. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the first templates are located in a different parallel plane to the second templates such that the second templates are offset and/or a spaced distance from the first.
12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the hub includes at least a first and second cog means.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the first formations arc located on the first cog means and the second formations are located on the second cog means.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein a pair of first cog means and/or a pair of second cog means are located a spaced distance on the hub.
15. An apparatus according to claim 14 whcrcin the first cog means and second cog means are located a spaced distance apart on the hub.
16. An apparatus according to any prcceding claim wherein the furthcr formations on the templates arc teeth and/or indentations formed on and/or within the same.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the formations or teeth on the hub and/ or templates form a gearing system whereby further formations can mesh together with at least the first formations on the hub.
18. A method of generating an electrical current using an apparatus, said apparatus including magnet means; a rotor means including a hub; guides for supporting the hub via at least first and second shaped templates; the rotor means being movable within and/or between the templates; and wherein the hub includes formations or teeth capable of engaging and/or interlinking with one or more further formations on the first or second templates, said method including the step of actuating the guides and/or rotor assembly to move in a first direction.
19. An apparatus as shown in the accompanying figures.