WO2013104915A2

WO2013104915A2 - Electricity generator apparatus and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2013104915A2
Application number: PCT/GB2013/050051
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew BENNETT-PARKER; Eric Andrew SYKES
Original assignee: Bennett-Parker Andrew; Sykes Eric Andrew
Priority date: 2012-01-13
Filing date: 2013-01-11
Publication date: 2013-07-18
Also published as: GB201200539D0; WO2013104915A3; GB201215119D0

Abstract

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 one or more shaped templates, where at least 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 hub includes one or more first formations or teeth capable of engaging and/or interlinking with one or more second formations on the templates.

Description

Electricity Generator Apparatus and Method of Use Thereof

The present invention relates to a machine 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 patent GB2438901B, 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 one or more shaped templates, where at least 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 hub includes one or more first formations or teeth capable of engaging and/or interlinking with one or more second formations on the templates.

Typically the first and/or second 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 to the rotor means during movement.

In one embodiment the one or more second 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 templates form a gearing system whereby said first and second formations can mesh together.

In one embodiment the closed loop is elongated. Typically the closed loop is elongated along at least one axis such that the loop comprises two substantially parallel linear sections and two opposing rounded ends.

In one embodiment the formations or teeth of the template are formed at least at the rounded ends of the template. Preferably the formations or teeth are formed around the entire loop. 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 in a closed loop.

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

In one embodiment the gearing system formed from the engagement or meshing of the first and 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 closed loop 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.

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

In one embodiment the apparatus includes one or more commutator means. Typically the commutator means is arranged to periodically reverse the direction of current flow through the winding means so that current flow in any circuit external to the apparatus continues in only 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 Lenz'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. Typically and one or any combination of solar, wind, gravitational potential energy (GPE), 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 valves.

In one embodiment the guides are substantially located within and/or attached to one or more beams.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes a pair of guides, wherein said guides are divergent. Typically the guides are arranged on the same 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 loop of the rotor within the guides.

In one embodiment energy input is provided at timed intervals until the rotor is rotating at a desirable and/or predetermined speed.

In one embodiment the energy input is controlled and/or provided via control means. Typically the control means is a computer.

In one embodiment feedback means is provided. Typically the feedback means is associated with the rotor. Further typically 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 energy.

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

In one embodiment bellows and/or pistons are used to actuate and/or pivot the pivoted beam.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes a valve system. Typically the valves can be switched and/or actuated by the position of the axle and/or rotor means.

In 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;

a rotor assembly including a hub and a magnet;

the rotor means being movable within the templates; and wherein at least part of the hub and/or guides includes one or more interlinking and/or engaging formations. In one embodiment the rotor means and/or the rotor assembly including the hub and/or magnets is a prime mover. 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 electromagnetic energy, said system including; a rotor assembly including a hub and at least one coil or winding means;

the rotor means being movable within the templates; and wherein at least part of the hub and/or guides includes one or more interlinking and/or engaging formations.

Typically 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 a rotor assembly including a hub and a magnet;

guides for supporting the hub via one or more shaped templates, where at least one of the templates is shaped as a closed bop;

the rotor means being movable within the templates; and wherein at least part of the hub and/or guides includes one or more interlinking and/or engaging formations, said method including the step of actuating the guides and/ or rotor assembly to move in a first direction.

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

In 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 limit 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:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a system for supplying compressed air to the apparatus;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the apparatus;

Figures 3a-d show top and side views of one embodiment of the apparatus;

Figure 3e shows an isometric view of a piston in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4a shows a side view and figures 4b and 4c, show front views of an embodiment of the apparatus; Figures 5a-c show side views of the rotor and guide assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figures 6a and 6b show side views of the rotor and guide assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figures 7a-c show plan, side and front views of one embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 8a-c show plan, side and front views of one embodiment of the invention.

The system combines aspects of an engine with those required in an electricity generator. It is developed from, and around, the principles of patent GB2438901. The engine/generator design solves the problem of having to use limited energy resources to create electricity. The device may be used for such uses as the charging of batteries or for use in electric vehicles (EV's).

The invention may use a non-exhaustible source of energy as a prime mover in order to facilitate the rocking of a pivoted beam. One such method utilizes the Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) of a weight to moderately compress a volume of air. The air is then directed to valves situated in order to raise and lower a beam around a pivot arrangement by means of small pistons or bellows, perhaps electromagnets. The beam contains a set of shaped guides that form a closed loop, inside which a particular design of rotor assembly is magnetically attached. The shaped guides allow the rotor assembly to maintain a set sequence during rotation around the closed loops by means of calibration and use of a gear system, into which matching gear components on the rotor assembly mesh. The rotor assembly's GPE is utilised when a valve raises a beam end to a given height and the rotor travels down the incline, within the guides, and through an array of coil windings. Magnets on the rotor assembly induce a current in each winding as it passes through each. A current is induced, as dictated by Fleming's 'right' hand rule, and is conducted around each coil winding accordingly. This is made possible by the use of specifically designed commutators, which is preferably a component of the axle assembly. Current only flows in a winding that is being induced as rotor magnets become perpendicular to that winding (conductor). The rotor assembly is calibrated to roll mid-way through each winding in order to utilise the effect of Lenz's Law and propel the assembly on and into the next winding. This is replicated through the coil winding array, and speed is incrementally increased to terminal velocity as the rotor assembly passes through each winding in sequence to the opposite end of the shaped guides, and the bottom of the given incline at the opposite end of the beam. At this point the rotor assembly initiates a lever mechanism, which switches the valves, below the beam, to raise the lower end containing the rotor and thereby renewing the GPE of the rotor assembly. An available energy supply from a prime mover is used to re-orientate the beam. The remaining KE and momentum accumulated by the rotor assembly is added to as it returns back through the coil windings whilst magnetically suspended, increasing its speed and momentum. On returning back to the other end of the guides, the adjacent and coordinated lever mechanism is again activated, and the beam and rotor reoriented again. This may be done as the rotor assembly negotiates the turn back and into the coil-winding array.

The accompanying drawings show examples for providing the device with a renewable energy prime mover in figure 1, an example arrangement of the valves in figures 2 and 3, example lever mechanism (figure 2), beam pivot (figure 2), example rotor assembly and winding orientations in figures 4 and 5, example guides and gears (figure 5), coil windings in figure 6 and device example in figure 7.

Figure 1 shows an example arrangement for a prime mover using GPE to compress air for use in operating the beam engine. An intake valve 2 on the supply tank is opened prior to raising a weight 4, by a designated means such as a pulley system 6. Once the weight 4 is raised, the intake valve 2 is closed and the air that is now inducted into the supply tank 8 is moderately compressed by the GPE of the weight. On opening the outlet 10, air is directed to the beam engine's valves. The air supply may be pressurized and regulated.

Figure 2 shows an example of the engine base on which are sited the valves 12, a lever mechanism 14 and a beam pivot arrangement 16. Air enters and leaves the valves through the inlet 18 and outlet ports 20, one of each, situated on each side of a valve 12. A slide bar 22 through both valves 12 enables them to work in unison.

Figures 3a-3c show an example of the valves in more detail with the slide bar 22. Figure 3a shows an arrangement of notches 24, in an 'inactive' position. When the slide bar 22 is slid one way or the other, the inlet notch of one valve will align with the inlet port 18 whilst the outlet notch of the other valve will align with its outlet port 20. This allows air from the supply tank to inflate, or allow to deflate the bellows 24 shown in figure 3d or pistons 26 shown in figure 3e via the lever mechanism 14 when activated by contact with the rotor assembly.

Figures 4a-4c show an example of a rotor assembly 28. The rotor assembly 28 is constructed around an axle 30 on which the guides 32 and the commutator components 34 and optionally a lever-activating component (not shown) are fixed. The axle assembly 30 and its components are magnetically attached at the guides 32 and travel around the calibrated closed loop guides. Magnets 36 are arranged around the rotor assembly to provide a set ratio with the guide wheels and may be separated by divisions 38. The plurality of alternating magnets is rotated and pass through a series of coil windings 40 as the rotor assembly travels around the closed loop guides 32. In this example the rotor includes six magnets. Alternatively the number of magnets could be four. The rotor assembly 28 is used to activate the lever mechanism and may also house part(s) of an additional propulsion system. The commutators 34 on the axle assembly 30 are calibrated to bridge a break 42 in each winding at a specified timing/place during the rotation/position of the rotor assembly 28.

Figures 5a-5c show an example of a rotor 28 in closed loop guides 32 and an integrated gear system 44, which may be machined into the guides or included as a separate component. The teeth of the rotor assembly, interlink or engage with the indentation formations on the guides 32, thus preventing slippage, particularly at the ends of the guides where the rotor changes direction. The gearing also allows the user to predict and/ or predetermine the position of the magnets on the rotor at specific positions on the guides. The gear system also allows the judicious positioning of the windings to the most efficient position with respect to the rotor assembly and/or the magnets associated therewith.

Figures 6a and 6b shows an example of coil windings 40 arranged and calibrated to the rotor assembly. This example uses a set ratio between the closed loop guides 32, the guide wheels, and the outer circumference 46 of the rotor 28. The gear system 44 and guides 32 enable calibration between the rotor 28 and the coil windings 40 to be maintained and provide the guides 32 with a closed loop around which it takes the rotor 28 a set number, or part of, full revolutions to complete. Some of the revolutions are inside, and through, the coil windings 40 and other revolutions, or part of, take place outside the array at each end of the closed loop guides 32. The ratio enables a set length of magnet face to pass perpendicularly inside each winding as the rotor travels around the closed loop guides 32. The rotor assembly maintains one direction of rotation, during either one direction of travel, around the closed loop guides 32. The flow of current is controlled by commutators, one on each end of the axle component in this example, and these bridge the break in each winding to initiate current flow at specific and/or predetermined times.

It can also be seen that the direction of rotation of the rotor assembly remains unchanged regardless of whether the rotor assembly is travelling in direction A or B.

Figures 7a-c and 8a-c show an example of a pivoted beam engine 50. Figure 8 shows the embodiment of figure 7 with the addition of the prime mover or rotor assembly 28 in place, whereby a beam is rocked back and forth using supplementary supplies of energy from a renewable energy source, or possibly from a unit battery. Once the beam is inclined, the rotor assembly 28 rolls down and activates a lever mechanism that in turn switches the air supply to /from the valves as it reorientates the beam to perpetuate the rotation of the axle assembly 30.

The gravitational potential energy (GPE) of the compression weight 4, shown in Figure 1, is greater than the energies required to raise a stationary axle assembly within a beam end, and overcome the friction around the beam main pivot/s 16. This initiates the transfer of the axle assembly's GPE to Kinetic Energy (KE). The axle assembly's conversion from GPE to KE is greater than the energy needed to activate the levers, in a mechanical system, and operate the valves. The axle assembly maintains its direction of rotation, and travel, around the closed loop guides. The commutators initiate an induction in each coil winding when it is beneficial, and propels the axle assembly. A sequence is replicated through the coil-winding array. The axle assembly using accrued GPE, momentum and propulsion negotiates the turns within the closed loop guides, and may be used in the mechanical system to push aside and re-position the lever mechanism. The axle assembly, then magnetically suspended from the upper part of the closed loop guides, reenters the coil-winding array and continues around the closed loop up to a terminal or regulated speed.

The commutator arrangements on the axle initiate the flow of electrons in and around each induced winding and out to an electrical circuit via circuit boards.

The circuit boards are imprinted with a sequence of contact plates that correspond with the position and/or orientation of the 'contact bridge' arranged on the commutator(s). Each winding break is bridged at a specific position, and then the bridge is broken again at another specific position. Only one winding is connected into the electrical circuit at any given time, each winding carrying the induced current in a particular direction as dictated by Fleming's right hand rule. The rotor is calibrated to ensure the current flow direction per winding remains a constant during the full closed loop operation.

The circuit boards take the induced current in/out via two pickup rails, one positive and one negative, one set on either side of the beam. The pick-up strips are connected appropriately into a junction box so as the alternating bursts of current from alternating sides of the beam give a DC output to any further electronics and the electrical circuit.

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;

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and/or second formations include one or more teeth and/or indentations.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the formations are shaped such as to be corresponding and/or complementary to each other.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more second formations on the templates are teeth and/or indentations formed on and/or within the same.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the formations or teeth on the hub and/or templates form a gearing system whereby said first and second formations can mesh together.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the closed loop is elongated.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein at least part of the rotor means is magnetically engaged with at least part of one or more of the guides.

8. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the gearing system formed from the engagement or meshing of the first and second formations ensures that the rotor and/or hub undergoes a predetermined sequence of rotation.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes one or more winding means.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the winding means are one or more coils of metal wire or cable.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein in use the magnet means induce current in the winding means.

12. An apparatus according to any of claims 9-11 wherein a plurality of winding means forms an array of winding means.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein at least one array of winding means is located substantially parallel to one or more of the guides.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein a plurality of winding means is located along the path of the rotor means and/ or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guides.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the guides are pivotally mounted.

16. An apparatus according to claims 6 and 15 wherein the guides are pivotally mounted such that at least one first end of the closed loop 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.

17. An apparatus according to claims 9 and 16 wherein 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.

18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes one or more commutator means.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the commutator means is arranged to periodically reverse the direction of current flow through the winding means so that current flow in any circuit external to the apparatus continues in only one direction.

20. An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the commutator means are associated with the rotor means.

21. An apparatus according to claims 15-20 wherein the apparatus uses a non-exhaustible and/or renewable source of energy to move and/or pivot the guides.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the guides are substantially located within and/or attached to one or more beams.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the beam is pivotally movable.

24. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein each hub has one single point of contact within each shaped template.

25. A method of generating an electrical current using an apparatus, said apparatus including a rotor assembly including a hub and a magnet;

26. A method according to claim 25 wherein actuation occurs by tilting and/or pivoting at least part of the guides such that the rotor means rolls and/ or moves in least a first direction.