WO2011070582A1

WO2011070582A1 - Prime mover systems using magentic energy for generation of electricity

Info

Publication number: WO2011070582A1
Application number: PCT/IN2010/000292
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sunil Gajanan Shinde
Original assignee: Sunil Gajanan Shinde
Priority date: 2009-12-07
Filing date: 2010-05-05
Publication date: 2011-06-16
Also published as: AU2012100835A4

Abstract

A power generation system comprises an assembly of magnets (100) that rotates by means of repulsive forces therebetween; a first flywheel unit (200) coupled to the assembly of magnets and driven by stored kinetic energy and further rotated by means of gravitational force; a coupling means (702) to couple the assembly of magnets with the first flywheel unit; a spring box (900) mounted on the first flywheel unit to receive rotational energy from the assembly of magnets and to further transfer energy from the spring to the first flywheel unit; a gearbox (300) coupled to the first flywheel unit to decrease or increase the speed of rotation as required; a second flywheel (500) unit coupled to the gearbox to balance fluctuations in the speed of rotation; and an alternator (600) coupled to the flywheel to generate electricity.

Description

PRIME MOVER SYSTEMS USING MAGNETIC ENERGY FOR GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of power generation.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE SPECIFICATION

The expression 'first flywheel unit' used in the specification refers to an arrangement of a flywheel and a plurality of swivelling weighted arms disposed along the periphery of the flywheel.

The expression 'swivelling weighted arm' used in the specification refers to an arm that is capable of swivelling about one end (with a spring) and weighted at the other end.

The expression 'spring box' used in the specification refers to a close- wound, power spring, which is commonly called a clock spring, consisting of a strip of spring-tempered material wound on an arbor and restrained in a cylindrical case.

These definitions are in addition to those expressed in the art.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

Electricity generation is the process of creating electricity from other forms of energy. With developments in technology and innovation at its pinnacle today, the demand for electricity has become a cause for concern. Alternate sources of power have fascinated inventors since eon. Renewable energy solutions wind power , solar energy, geothermal, hydrogen, biomass, and bio fuels all show promise for supplementing current energy sources. However, the success of electrical sustainability must be measured in terms of cost, minimal negative impact, and overall practicality in terms of level of complexity of equipment involved in generation of electricity.

The main drawback of natural resources has been their lack of dependability and accordingly inconsistent power generation. Moreover, wear and tear of equipment and havoc caused by weather elements hamper operation of devices known in the art. The energy required to overcome such losses lead to a slow but certain, continued loss of motion and hence inefficient utilization of available energy.

However, rising cost of fuel resources, their progressive shortage and pollution caused by them creates a need for alternative sources for generation of electricity.

There is thus felt a need for a system that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a power generation system that does not use natural resources.

Another object of the invention is to provide a power generation system that does not use any fuel. One more object of the invention is to provide a power generation system that is vibration free.

Another object of the invention is to provide a power generation system that is environment friendly.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a power generation system that is simple.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a power generation system that is easy to maintain.

One more object of the invention is to provide a power generation system that is reliable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a power generation system comprising:

• an assembly of magnets adapted to rotate by means of repulsive forces therebetween;

• a first flywheel unit coupled to the assembly of magnets, the first flywheel unit adapted to be driven by stored kinetic energy and further adapted to rotate by means of gravitational force;

• a coupling means adapted to couple the assembly of magnets with the first flywheel unit;

• a spring box comprising a spring contained in a casing, the spring box mounted on the first flywheel unit being adapted to receive rotational energy from the assembly of magnets and further adapted to transfer energy from the spring to the first flywheel unit;

• a gearbox coupled to the first flywheel unit, the gearbox being adapted to decrease or increase the speed of rotation (RPM) as required;

• a second flywheel coupled to the gearbox, the second flywheel being adapted to balance fluctuations in the speed of rotation; and

• an alternator coupled to the second flywheel, the alternator being adapted to generate electricity.

Preferably, in accordance with this invention, the assembly of magnets comprises:

• three circular discs spaced apart at 120 degrees from each other, the circular discs being supported axially and held in a vertical plane with their axes in a horizontal plane;

• a first set of a plurality of strong magnets disposed radially on a vertical plane surface of the circular discs, the magnets being adapted to ensure each surface of the circular disc is a magnetic pole;

• a central vertical shaft coupled to each of the circular discs;

• a bevel gear and a bevel pinion associated with each of the circular discs;

• a power transmission means adapted to connect the bevel pinion to the central vertical shaft;

• a horizontal disc disposed axially on the central vertical shaft; • a second set of a plurality of magnets disposed along three- fourths of the circumference of the rim of the horizontal disc, the second set of a plurality of magnets being adapted to induce magnetic polarity similar to that induced by the first set of a plurality of magnets on the circular discs.

Preferably, in accordance with this invention, the first flywheel unit comprises:

• a first flywheel adapted to rotate about a horizontal shaft;

• a plurality of swiveling weighted arms radially disposed along the periphery of the flywheel; and

• a stopper associated with each of the arms, the stopper being adapted to contain the angular displacement of the arm within a predefined range.

Typically, in accordance with this invention, the gearbox is a bevel gearbox.

Additionally, in accordance with this invention, the power transmission means is selected from the group consisting of a belt-pulley arrangement and chain-sprocket arrangement.

Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, a brake mechanism is coupled to the gearbox, the brake mechanism being adapted to stop the system. Typically, in accordance with this invention, the brake mechanism is a rope and drum type of brake.

Preferably, in accordance with this invention, the coupling

arrangement of a coupling bevel pinion and a coupling bevel gear. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for generating power comprising the following steps:

• axially supporting and fixing two circular discs at 120 degrees from each other in a vertical plane;

• aligning a third circular disc such that the third circular disc is at 120 degrees from the two circular discs fixed axially in the vertical plane;

• disposing a first set of a plurality of strong magnets radially on a vertical plane surface of the circular discs;

• coupling the circular discs to a central vertical shaft;

• disposing a horizontal disc axially on the central vertical shaft;

• disposing a second set of plurality of magnets radially on a surface of the horizontal disc;

• forming an assembly of magnets comprising the first set of a

plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of the circular discs at 120degrees from each other and the second set of a plurality of magnets disposed along three-fourths of the circumference of the rim of the horizontal disc;

• inducing magnetic polarity in the horizontal disc similar to that induced in the circular discs thereby creating repulsive forces therebetween;

• rotating the assembly of magnets using the repulsive forces;

• transmitting the rotational energy of the assembly of magnets to a horizontal shaft;

• winding and unwinding of a spring in a spring box using the rotational energy; • transmitting the rotational energy evenly to a first flywheel unit rotating about the horizontal shaft;

• increasing the speed of rotation of the first flywheel unit further under the influence of gravity using a plurality of swiveling weighted arms;

• controlling the speed of rotation using a gear box;

• balancing the fluctuating speed of rotation;

• providing a controlled and consistent rotating drive to an alternator; and

• converting the mechanical energy of the rotating shaft to electrical energy.

Typically, in accordance with this invention, the step of controlling the speed of rotation further includes providing a means for bringing the system to a halt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with the help of accompanying drawing, in which:

FIGURE 1 illustrates a perspective view of a power generation system in accordance with the present invention; and

FIGURE 2 illustrates a top view of the power generation system of FIGURE 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawing. The embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description relates purely to the exemplary preferred embodiment of the invention and its suggested application.

The block diagram and the description hereto are merely illustrative and only exemplify the invention and in no way limit the scope thereof.

Power generation systems known in the art are known to be dependent on fuel and adding to the concern of ever depleting source of natural resources. They are also known to cause noise pollution and vibrations. The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages known in prior art systems.

The principle of 'Conservation of Energy' enables the gravitational force on a 'mass' to convert its potential energy to kinetic energy moving it with speed which in turn can be stored in a fly-wheel and applied to a 'driven' load to perform useful work like producing electricity.

In accordance with the present invention, a system is envisaged that relies on magnetic energy and gravitational force to generate electricity. The system includes an assembly of magnets, a first flywheel unit, a coupling means, a spring box, a gearbox, a brake mechanism, a second flywheel unit, and an alternator. The assembly of magnets is capable of rotating by means of repulsive forces therebetween. The first flywheel unit is coupled to the assembly of magnets by means of gears. The rotation of the first flywheel unit is aided by gravitational force. The gearbox is coupled to the first flywheel unit and is capable of decreasing or increasing the rotation per minute (RPM) as required. The brake mechanism is coupled to the gearbox for stopping the rotating system. The second flywheel unit is coupled to the gearbox for balancing the fluctuating RPM. The alternator is coupled to the flywheel for generating electricity. The assembly of magnets rotates a vertical shaft by means of gears. The rotational energy is transferred to a horizontal shaft which in turn winds and unwinds a spring in the spring box. The stored energy of the spring is further transmitted to the first flywheel unit and thereby a continuous rotation of the shaft is achieved. The gearbox, the brake mechanism, and a second flywheel are used to achieve controlled and consistent rotation of the horizontal shaft, this rotational motion is used to rotate the alternator, which in turn generates electricity.

FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate a perspective view and a top view respectively of a power generation system in accordance with the present invention.

The system in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 and 2 wherein the main parts are indicated generally by the following numerals: a system for power generation 1000;

an assembly of magnets 100 comprising:

three circular discs 102;

a plurality of magnets 104 disposed on the circular discs 102

a bevel gear 106 and a bevel pinion 108 associated with each circular disc 102; a horizontal disc 112;

a central shaft 110;

power transmitting means 118; and

a coupling bevel pinion 116;

a coupling bevel gear 114;

a first flywheel unit 200 comprising:

a second flywheel 202; and

a plurality of swiveling weighted arms 204;

a gearbox 300;

a brake mechanism 400;

a flywheel 500;

an alternator 600;

coupling means 1 702;

coupling means 2 704;

coupling means 2 706;

mounting arrangement 1 802;

mounting arrangement 2 804;

mounting arrangement 3 806;

mounting arrangement 4 808;

mounting arrangement 5 810; and

spring box 900.

The system 1000 includes an assembly of magnets 100, a first flywheel unit 200, a gearbox 300, a brake mechanism 400 (optional), a flywheel 500, and an alternator 600. The assembly of magnets 100 includes three circular discs 102 having a plurality of strong magnets disposed thereon. The circular discs 102 are spaced apart at 120 degrees, supported axially and held in a vertical plane with their axes in horizontal plane. Each of the circular discs 102 of the circular discs 102 includes a plurality of magnets 104 disposed on a vertical plane surface of the circular discs 102. For example, each of the circular discs 102 is shown to include three magnets 104. The magnets 104 are disposed radially in such a manner that each surface of the discs 104 represents a magnetic pole. For example, if one surface of the circular disc 102 is North Pole, then the opposite surface is a South Pole.

Further, each of the circular discs 102 is provided with a bevel gear 106 and a bevel pinion 108. The bevel pinion 108 of each of the circular discs 102 are connected to a central shaft 110 having a horizontal disc 112 axially disposed on the central shaft 110. The shaft 110 is disposed vertically. The shaft 110 and the pinions 108 of each of the circular discs 102 are connected with each other by power transmitting means, such as belt-pulley arrangement, a chain- sprocket arrangement and the like. The horizontal disc 112 includes a plurality of magnets disposed along three-fourths of the circumference of the rim of the horizontal disc 112 to induce magnetic polarity similar to that induced by the plurality of magnets on the circular discs 102. The horizontal disc 112 and the three circular discs 102 in combination constitute rotation of the three circular discs 102 and the horizontal magnetic disc 112 by means of repulsive force acting therebetween.

The rotational energy of the vertical shaft is transferred to a horizontal shaft using a coupling bevel pinion 116 and a coupling bevel gear 114. A spring box 900 (shown in FIGURE 2) is mounted on the first flywheel 202 of the first flywheel unit 200. The coiling and uncoiling mechanism of a spring of the spring box 900 has a natural periodicity that ensures even release of energy from the spring. The horizontal shaft which turns back and forth in sync with the oscillations of the spring in the spring box 900 maintains a steady transfer of power from the spring in the spring box 900 to the first fly wheel unit 200.

The shaft 110 is coupled by gears with the first flywheel unit 200. The first flywheel unit 200 comprises a first flywheel 202, a plurality of swiveling weighted arms 204 radially disposed along the periphery of the first flywheel 202 and a stopper (not shown) associated with each of the swiveling weighted arms 204 to contain the angular displacement of the arm within a predefined range. The swiveling end co-operates with a spring. The first flywheel unit 200 uses the stored energy of springs which is converted into kinetic energy which is imparted to the weighted side of the plurality of swiveling weighted arms 204 creating potential energy for pulling the spring downwards. The mechanism of releasing the stored energy of the plurality of swiveling weighted arms 204 moving downward and recharging of the spring of the plurality of swiveling weighted arms 204 due to it's upwards motion thus continues to drive the gearbox 300. The gearbox 300 serves to increase or decrease the speed of rotation (Rotations per minute - RPM) of the horizontal shaft and is further connected to the second flywheel 500 to balance fluctuations in the speed of rotation. A brake mechanism 400 is coupled the gearbox 300 to stop the system in an emergency. The brake mechanism 400 is a rope and drum type of brake or a bevel gearbox. The controlled and consistently rotating horizontal shaft thus is a prime mover for a device such as an alternator 600 for generating electricity. TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The technical advancements offered by the present invention include the realization of:

• a power generation system that does not use natural resources;

• a power generation system that does not use any fuel;

• a power generation system that is vibration free;

• a power generation system that is environment friendly;

• a power generation system that is simple and reliable; and

• a power generation system that is easy to maintain.

The numerical values given for various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the invention and the claims unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

Claims:

1. A power generation system comprising:

• a first flywheel unit coupled to said assembly of magnets, said first flywheel unit adapted to be driven by stored kinetic energy and further adapted to rotate by means of gravitational force;

• a coupling means adapted to couple said assembly of magnets with said first flywheel unit;

• a spring box comprising a spring contained in a casing, said spring box mounted on said first flywheel unit being adapted to receive rotational energy from said assembly of magnets and further adapted to transfer energy from said spring to said first flywheel unit;

• a gearbox coupled to said first flywheel unit, said gearbox being adapted to decrease or increase the speed of rotation (RPM) as required;

• a second flywheel coupled to said gearbox, said second flywheel being adapted to balance fluctuations in said speed of rotation; and

• an alternator coupled to said second flywheel, said alternator being adapted to generate electricity.

2. The power generation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said assembly of magnets comprises: • three circular discs spaced apart at 120 degrees from each other, said circular discs being supported axially and held in a vertical plane with their axes in a horizontal plane;

• a first set of a plurality of strong magnets disposed radially on a vertical plane surface of said circular discs, said magnets being adapted to ensure each surface of said circular disc is a magnetic pole;

• a central vertical shaft coupled to each of said circular discs;

• a bevel gear and a bevel pinion associated with each of said circular discs;

• a power transmission means adapted to connect said bevel pinion to said central vertical shaft;

• a horizontal disc disposed axially on said central vertical shaft;

• a second set of a plurality of magnets disposed along three- fourths of the circumference of the rim of said horizontal disc, said second set of a plurality of magnets being adapted to induce magnetic polarity similar to that induced by said first set of a plurality of magnets on said circular discs.

3. The power generation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first flywheel unit comprises:

• a first flywheel adapted to rotate about a horizontal shaft;

• a plurality of swiveling weighted arms radially disposed along the periphery of said flywheel; and

• a stopper associated with each of said arms, said stopper being adapted to contain the angular displacement of said arm within a predefined range.

4. The power generation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said gearbox is a bevel gearbox.

5. The power generation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power transmission means is selected from the group consisting of a belt-pulley arrangement and chain-sprocket arrangement..

6. The power generation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a brake mechanism is coupled to said gearbox, said brake mechanism being adapted to stop said system.

7. The power generation system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said brake mechanism is a rope and drum type of brake.

8. The power generation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coupling means is an arrangement of a coupling bevel pinion and a coupling bevel gear.

9. A method for generating power comprising the following steps:

• aligning a third circular disc such that said third circular disc is at 120 degrees from said two circular discs fixed axially in said vertical plane;

• disposing a first set of a plurality of strong magnets radially on a vertical plane surface of said circular discs;

• coupling said circular discs to a central vertical shaft; disposing a horizontal disc axially on said central vertical shaft; disposing a second set of plurality of magnets radially on a surface of said horizontal disc;

forming an assembly of magnets comprising said first set of a plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of said circular discs at 120degrees from each other and said second set of a plurality of magnets disposed along three-fourths of the circumference of the rim of said horizontal disc;

inducing magnetic polarity in said horizontal disc similar to that induced in said circular discs thereby creating repulsive forces therebetween;

rotating said assembly of magnets using said repulsive forces; transmitting the rotational energy of said assembly of magnets to a horizontal shaft;

winding and unwinding of a spring in a spring box using said rotational energy;

transmitting said rotational energy evenly to said first flywheel unit rotating about said horizontal shaft;

increasing the speed of rotation of said first flywheel unit further under the influence of gravity using a plurality of swiveling weighted arms;

controlling said speed of rotation using a gear box;

balancing the fluctuating speed of rotation;

providing a controlled and consistent rotating drive to an alternator; and

converting the mechanical energy of the rotating shaft to electrical energy.

The method for generating power as claimed in claim 9, wherein the step of controlling said speed of rotation further includes providing a means for bringing said system to a halt.