WO2023111581A2

WO2023111581A2 - Apparatus for charging a power bank

Info

Publication number: WO2023111581A2
Application number: PCT/GB2022/053258
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ralston Forsman-White
Original assignee: Glass Ceramic Technologies Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-15
Filing date: 2022-12-15
Publication date: 2023-06-22
Also published as: GB202118208D0; WO2023111581A3

Abstract

A system for charging a power bank such as a supercapacitor or battery, wherein a wheel comprising circumferentially spaced magnets of alternating polarity is caused to rotate and each circumferentially spaced magnet passes close to a wire coil located within a housing and electrically connected to the power bank, such that rotation of the wheel enables wireless (optionally physically connected) power transfer to feed harvested electric charge to the power bank. The apparatus can include a control means which is a magnetisable pin inserted into a solenoid, and/or a DC motor to drive the rotor at an optimised speed, and/or comprises a housing with a geocrystalline material comprising a soda lime glass and a geopolymer. The system can be driven by air or water and is particularly useful for small scale energy generation from wind or water sources, and to charge a battery and/or supercapacitor within an electric vehicle.

Description

APPARATUS FOR CHARGING A POWER BANK

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system to charge a power bank, in particular to charge a supercapacitor. The system is suitable for charging supercapacitors in electric vehicles, for example.

Background to the Invention

A capacitor is a device which is able to store electrical charge and to discharge that charge when required. A “supercapacitor” is also known as a double-layer capacitor, and has a much higher charge capacity and energy density relative to a standard capacitor. The term “supercapacitor” as used herein also encompasses “ultracapacitors”. The characteristics of a supercapacitor mean that it can operate as a suitable power source for devices requiring high power and durability of the power unit, for example electric vehicles. A supercapacitor can be formed using, for example, highly porous activated carbon or graphene as a physical barrier between two electrodes so that application of an electric charge results in a double electric field, which acts as a dielectric. A supercapacitor has significant advantages over batteries (including lithium-ion batteries or solid state batteries), namely that the supercapacitor can undergo repeated fast charge and discharge without deterioration in its ability to hold electric charge, and they have a low internal resistance which allows a high power density.

An electric vehicle is a vehicle that is powered by an on-board electric power source, typically a lithium-ion battery. The power source uses an electric motor to drive the wheels and create propulsion of the vehicle. Much interest is being generated with regard to electric vehicles as a replacement for the internal combustion engine since the electric power source used does not directly emit harmful gases that contaminate the air (the same is true for power generation methods for industrial and domestic needs). However, a major limiting factor in the uptake and use of electric vehicles is the need to constantly recharge the battery, the relative expense of the battery and its limited lifespan (due to deterioration in the charging capacity of the battery caused by repeated charge / discharge cycles during use). Moreover, there is increasing concern regarding the environmental impact caused by mining of lithium ore and other associated toxic minerals use in batteries which will at their end of life be undoubtedly placed in landfills.

One of the biggest problems faced by existing electric vehicles is the short driving range of the vehicle. The driving range is limited by the battery capacity, and is typically limited to 120 to 300 miles, with vehicles able to complete longer distances being significantly more expensive. Since the driving range is limited, longer journeys require the battery to be re-charged en route. However, recharging of the battery in an electric vehicle can be a relatively slow process, often in the order of hours, and moreover there are still significant limitation on the availability of charging infrastructure, particularly in remoter locations. Whilst “rapid” charging is available to reduce the charging time, this relies on using higher voltages and has the disadvantage that high voltage charging can significantly reduce battery life.

The difficulty of the lack of range of an electric vehicle has been addressed in hybrid vehicles which also include an internal combustion engine capable of maintaining the progress of the vehicle through use of fossil-based fuels. In some hybrid vehicles, the internal combustion engine can also be used to re-charge the vehicle’s battery during the journey.

US2011/0068648 described a flywheel having magnets around its rim and mounted within a large coil, which acts as a solenoid. The orientation of the solenoid central axis is orthogonal to the plane of the flywheel.

A technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a device for recharging one or more power banks, such as supercapacitors and/or batteries.

A further purpose of the invention is to provide a device, such as an axial flux generator, with improved efficiency for electrical energy generation. Another purpose of the invention is to provide a device able to harness kinetic energy for charging one or more power banks. A further purpose of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle, wherein the power unit to drive the vehicle comprises one or more supercapacitors or batteries, and wherein one or more of the supercapacitors/batteries is charged during vehicle motion (optionally via a DC to AC inverter circuit) . The vehicle can travel at different speeds and under appropriate acceleration. Movement of the vehicle funnels air through the system of the present invention creating a rotating magnetic field by the spinning of the rotor (wheel).

Summary of the Invention

The system of the present invention is for charging a power bank such as a supercapacitor or battery, wherein a wheel comprising circumferentially spaced magnets of alternating polarity is caused to rotate and wherein each circumferentially spaced magnet is positioned such that it passes close to a wire coil (solenoid) embedded within the wheel housing and electrically connected to the power bank, such that rotation of the wheel enables wireless (and optionally physically connected) power transfer to feed harvested electric charge to the power bank.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a system for charging (including recharging) one or more power banks, said system comprising: i. at least one rotationally mounted wheel, wherein said wheel comprises circumferentially spaced magnets, wherein neighbouring magnets are of alternating polarity;

II. a housing member at least partially formed of a dielectric material, which comprises circumferentially spaced electrically connected solenoids, wherein each solenoid is positioned to be within the magnetic field of a circumferentially spaced magnet of said wheel when aligned therewith, and wherein rotation of said wheel causes each circumferentially spaced magnet to magnetically affect each solenoid in turn; ill. a power bank which is electrically connected to each solenoid such that the power bank is charged by said electrical current; and iv. wherein said housing member comprises control means, said control means comprising pins formed from a magnetisable material able to move from a first position wherein each pin is outside of the lumen of a respective solenoid of the housing member and a second position wherein each pin is located within the lumen of its respective solenoid.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a system for charging (including recharging) one or more power banks, said system comprising: i. at least one rotationally mounted wheel, wherein said wheel comprises circumferentially spaced magnets, wherein neighbouring magnets are of alternating polarity;

II. a housing member at least partially formed of a dielectric material, which comprises circumferentially spaced electrically connected solenoids, wherein each solenoid is positioned to be within the magnetic field of a circumferentially spaced magnet of said wheel when aligned therewith, and wherein rotation of said wheel causes each circumferentially spaced magnet to magnetically affect each solenoid in turn; ill. a power bank which is electrically connected to each solenoid such that the power bank is charged by said electrical current; and iv. wherein a DC motor is linked to the wheel and able to control the rotational speed of the wheel, and optionally, rotation of the wheel is caused partially by fluid (typically water or a gas such as air) passing through a turbine which is operatively linked to the wheel.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a system for charging (including recharging) one or more power banks, said system comprising: i. at least one rotationally mounted wheel, wherein said wheel comprises circumferentially spaced magnets, wherein neighbouring magnets are of alternating polarity;

II. a housing member at least partially formed of a dielectric material, which comprises circumferentially spaced electrically connected solenoids, wherein each solenoid is positioned to be within the magnetic field of a circumferentially spaced magnet of said wheel when aligned therewith, and wherein rotation of said wheel causes each circumferentially spaced magnet to magnetically affect each solenoid in turn; ill. a power bank which is electrically connected to each solenoid such that the power bank is charged by said electrical current; and. iv. wherein the dielectric material of the housing is a geocrystalline material which comprises a soda lime glass and a geopolymer.

In each of the aspects of the invention discussed above, the solenoid is positioned so that its central axis is parallel to the plane of the wheel.

In a further aspect the present invention provides an electric vehicle comprising one or more systems as described above.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides an energy generator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy through the use of magnetic inductance principles.

Brief Description of the Figures

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a partial (cut-away) perspective view of one embodiment of a system according to the first aspect of the present invention in a first configuration.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a partial (cut-away) perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in a second configuration.

Fig. 3 shows a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a system according to the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary wheel for use in a system according to any aspect of the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a system according to the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a side view of some components in an embodiment of a system according to the first aspect of the invention. Fig. 7 shows a front view of the system 100 according to the first aspect of the invention, with a partial cut-away section B.

Fig. 8 shows the cross-section along line A-A of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 shows detail B from Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 shows a plan view of a mounting board for PCBs and capacitors for use with the system according to any aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a mounting board for PCBs and capacitors for use with the system according to any aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of housing for the ring-shaped mounting board holding the PCBS and capacitors for use in the system according to any aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 13 shows a plan view of a system according to any aspect of the present invention, which includes the housing for the capacitors mounted thereon.

Fig. 14 shows a side view of one embodiment of a system according to any aspect of the present invention, and which includes the housing for the capacitors mounted thereon.

Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a system according to any aspect of the present invention, and which includes the housing for the capacitors mounted thereon.

Fig. 16 shows a plan view of an exemplary wheel connected to a wheel housing for use in a system according to any aspect of the invention.

Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of the system of Fig. 16. Fig. 18 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a DC motor mounted in a rotor for use in any aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 19 shows a sectional view of one embodiment of dual solenoids for use in any aspect of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The system of the present invention is now described in further detail.

Energy Bank

The present invention relates, in one part, to a system for charging one or more energy banks, such as batteries and/or supercapacitors. Supercapacitors are known in the art and the present invention is not limited to any particular type or design of supercapacitor. Graphene supercapacitors can conveniently be used. Briefly a supercapacitor comprises two electrodes separated by a highly porous dielectric material. The dielectric material can be in the form of long strips sandwiched together and wound into a coil together with a layer of insulating material. The layer of insulating material prevents electrical shorting between the electrodes. Examples of suitable insulting materials include plastics film such as polypropylene, polyester or the like.

Optionally, the supercapacitors can hold a charge of up to 170V 53F. Optionally, the supercapacitors can hold a charge of up to 51 V / 177F. The exact charge to be held by the supercapacitor will depend upon the purpose of the supercapacitor and its function in the electrical device, for example electrical car.

Optionally the supercapacitor can include graphite and/or graphene.

The power bank can alternatively or additionally include a battery, such as a solid- state battery.

Optionally, the power bank is a solid-state battery. Optionally the solid-state battery can comprise one or more of the following materials:

Lithium Titanate (Li4TisOi2) powder with carbon coating (anode), and/or Lithium Aluminium Titanium Phosphate (Solid Electrolyte), and/or Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePC LFP (Powder) cathode.

Optionally, the cathode of the solid-state battery can include calcium boride, such as calcium hexaboride, optionally together with one or more rare earth metals, such as rare earth metal hydrides. Exemplary rare earth metals and rare earth metal hydrides include praseodymium, neodymium, lanthanum, and cerium. In one specific embodiment, the rare earth metals can consist of approximately 50 % by weight cerium and up to 25 % by weight lanthanum with smaller amounts of neodymium and praseodymium and other trace rare earths making up the balance, with the total rare earth content forming up to 15 % by weight of the cathode.

In some embodiments, the capacitor is located within a capacitor housing which is connected the system of the present invention. The charging of the capacitor can be controlled by an electronic circuit, conveniently in the form of a PCB. Optionally the capacitor housing is detachable from the system of the present invention. Suitable mechanical and electrical connection between the system and the capacitors can be provided as part of the capacitor housing.

Wheel (Rotor)

In each of the first to third aspects above, one or more wheels can be present within a single system. One or more wheels can be mounted on the same shaft, in a spaced arrangement to allow rotation of each wheel. Optionally, each wheel has a corresponding housing (stator) and, for the second aspect of the invention, a corresponding turbine and DC motor.

In each of the first to third aspects above, the wheel can be driven by any convenient means. Optionally, the wheel is driven by compressed air supplied by a compressed air turbine, for example from a screw compressor or centrifugal compressor. The air driving the wheel can be expelled via an opening in the centre of the wheel. The compressed air can be created from a power source, or can be sourced from external air (including wind) or any hydraulic source, or can be funnelled into the system of this invention during the movement of the vehicle. For example, the funnelled air can be sourced from external moving air (wind) whilst the system of the present invention is stationary. Alternatively, the funnelled air can be sourced as a result of the system of the present invention moving relative to stationary air. Additionally, both the system of the present invention and the external air can be moving; all that is required is that there is a differential in the relative speed of the air and the system.

When used within an electric car, external air movement (wind) can be used to drive the system of the invention and charge the power bank (supercapacitor or battery). The generated electricity can meet the needs of electric vehicle charging. The invention utilizes the kinetic energy of the wind to convert the electric energy into electric energy.

When used within an electric car, energy from deceleration can be harvested and used to directly drive the wheel or to supply compressed air to drive the wheel.

In a different embodiment, the wheel(s) can be driven as a result from external moving water (including tidal movement) whilst the system of the present invention is stationary. The hydraulic power source can be used to create compressed air or can drive the wheel directly, for example by causing rotation of the drive shaft.

Rotation of the wheel can be driven (at least in part) by a slip ring induction motor or a DC motor.

Optionally, the system of each aspect of the present invention includes multiple wheels (as described above) within a single casing.

Optionally, one of the wheels is a primary wheel which is connected to be arranged to be mechanically driven as described above, and this primary wheel is fixedly mounted on a central shaft such that rotation of the primary wheel also causes rotation of the central shaft. Other secondary wheels within the same housing can be fixedly mounted on the same central shaft. Thus, causing the rotation of the primary wheel will also drive rotation of any other secondary wheels fixedly mounted on the same shaft. As noted above, the wheel is driven mechanically, for example can be driven by harvested compressed air. Conveniently, the compressed air can be generated via a twin-screw configuration which ultimately compresses wind harnessed from the movement of a vehicle equipped with the system of this invention. Alternatively, the wheel can be driven by hydro-turbine power and/or hydraulically (i.e., using water power, for example water being moved under gravity in a stepped dammed canal system and/or tidal or wave motion). In some embodiments, the wheel itself includes fins (or blades) which enable the wheel to be urged to rotate directly by air / water. Thus, the wheel can comprise a turbine means, and may be finned (comprise fins) or can be fin-grooved so that as the air / water contacts the fins, the wheel is urged to rotate. Alternatively, the wheel can be rotationally connected to a separate turbine means, having fins or blades which when contacted by the air / water urge rotation of the wheel.

Optionally, where the wheel is linked to a separate turbine means, the turbine comprises blades are shaped to move the fluid outwardly from a central position to the periphery of the turbine means. Optionally a centrifugal pump can be used in a “pump as turbine” configuration, with the fluid being delivered by a central pipe and being expelled to a pipe on the perimeter of the turbine.

One significant problem faced by energy generators is the accumulation of heat created by moving parts which can lead to inefficiency of generation. Use of a separate turbine which is coupled to the wheel (rotor) can assist in removal of excess heat, particularly where the casing of the turbine is located adjacent, optionally is touching, the wheel or rotor. Thus, the turbine can use the moving fluid (for example water) to mechanically drive the wheel and also, where the turbine is designed to encourage an outward flow of the fluid (as in a centrifugal pump design), the casing of the turbine is cooled and acts as a heat sink for the adjacent wheel (rotor).

Magnets and Electro-magnets

Optionally, for each aspect of the invention, the magnets located circumferentially around the rim of the wheel are at least partially surrounded within the wheel by a dielectric material able to act as an isolator. An example of a suitable dielectric material is a geocrystalline material which is described further below, typically in the form of a free-flowing micron-powder formulation, which can be used to coat the magnets directly or with an adhesive material. The wheel can be substantially formed from the dielectric material (for example the geocrystalline material).

Each wheel within the system includes multiple magnets arranged circumferentially and located towards the outer rim of the wheel. Conveniently each magnet is equidistantly spaced from its neighbours. The exact number of magnets present can vary, but typically at least 4 magnets are present. Optionally, up to 51 magnets can be present, for example arranged as 17 rows of three magnets each. Optionally up to 30 magnets are present. Where a single row of magnets is used, from 8 to 24 magnets, for example 18 magnets, has been found to be convenient. Generally, the magnets are identically sized and shaped. Preferably the magnets are of similar or identical magnetic strength.

In one embodiment, the magnets will be arranged so that the polarity of one magnet is opposite to each of its neighbours. Thus, in this embodiment, there will be an equal number of magnets arranged around the wheel circumference.

In an alternative embodiment, an odd number (for example 15, 17 or 19) magnets or rows of magnets are provided. In this embodiment, two rows of neighbouring magnets within the wheel will have identical polarity and be located adjacent each other. It has been found that having one such pair of rows with the same polarity assists in maintaining the rotation of the wheel and in generation of a 3 phase AC current.

For example, where 51 magnets are used, these can be arranged as 17 rows of magnets, each row having 3 magnets. The magnets alternate in polarity within a row (each row having a N, S, N or a S, N, S arrangement). Generally, the magnets also alternate in polarity in a circumferential direction, but the number of rows used (17) means that two rows of neighbouring magnets will have identical polarity and be located adjacent each other. It has been found that having one such pair of rows with the same polarity assists in maintaining the rotation of the wheel and in generation of a 3 phase AC current. In one embodiment, the wheel has a thickness t and each magnet is sized and shaped to be wholly accommodated within the thickness t and is mounted within the wheel rim.

The magnets are spaced, preferably are equidistantly spaced, around the outer circumference of the wheel. Optionally, the wheel can include rows of magnets, with each row arranged along a radius of the wheel and with rows being are equidistantly spaced, around the outer circumference of the wheel. Optionally, there can be 2 or 3 magnets in each row.

The magnets used within the wheel are typically neodymium magnets, for example can be neodymium iron boron magnets. Alternatively, the magnets can be samarium cobalt magnets. For example, the magnets used can be a grade 48 Neodymium Iron Boron magnet with a BHmax of 48 MGOe. Typically, all of the magnets located on a wheel will have the same or substantially similar magnetic strength. Rotation of the wheel creates a changing magnetic field or polyphase currents “Ferraris field” known now as Alternating Current (AC).

Optionally, one or more of the magnets used in the system of the present invention (in each of the aspects of the invention) will be coated or encapsulated in a material able to act as a heat sink to ensure high temperature performance. Advantageously each of the magnets used in the system of the present invention will be coated or encapsulated in a material able to act as a heat sink to ensure high temperature performance. Optionally, this material is the geocrystalline material as described further below.

Stator (Wheel Housing) and Solenoids

In each of the first to third aspects of the invention, the wheel is mounted within a wheel housing. The purpose of the housing is to locate the wire coils (solenoids) on at least one side of the wheel rim and position these coils so that rotation of the wheel causes each magnet mounted at a specific radius on the wheel to pass each wire coil at the same radial distance in turn as the wheel rotates. Each solenoid will usually be positioned so that the cylinder axis of the coil is parallel and off-set from the plane of the wheel (or orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the wheel). The solenoid coil diameter is therefore orthogonal to the plane of the wheel. Optionally, the wheel housing is ring-shaped. Optionally, the wheel housing can be is sized and configured so that the outer circumference of the ring corresponds with the outer circumference of the wheel. However, this is not essential as the only requirement is for the magnets and associated coils to be aligned during rotation of the wheel.

As noted above, the wheel housing includes a number of wire coils (solenoids). Each wire coil is electrically connected. The housing may include multiple wire coils arranged circumferentially to correspond to the wheel rim and located adjacent the outer rim of the wheel.

Conveniently each wire coil is equi-distantly spaced from its neighbours within its circle. The exact number of wire coils present can vary, but optionally, the housing includes at least an equivalent number of wire coils to the number of magnets located in the wheel. Thus, for example where the wheel rim includes 18 magnets, the housing can include 18 solenoids.

Optionally, the housing includes at least one pair of wire coils, with one wire coil of the pair positioned to be on one side of the wheel rim to the other wire coil, and positioned so that rotation of the wheel causes each magnet to pass both wire coils of the pair simultaneously as the wheel rotates. In this arrangement, a single magnet in the wheel rim will simultaneously create a change in magnetic flux of each wire coil within the pair as the wheel rotates. Optionally more than one pair of wire coils can be present in the wheel housing. The housing may include multiple pairs of wire coils arranged circumferentially and located adjacent the outer rim of the wheel. Conveniently each pair of wire coils is equi-distantly spaced from its neighbours. The exact number of wire coil pairs present can vary, but optionally, the housing includes at least an equivalent number of wire coil pairs to the number of magnets located in the wheel.

Optionally at least two wire coils or pairs of wire coils are associated with each wheel and conveniently where more than one wire coil or pair of wire coils is associated with a wheel, the multiple wire coils or pairs of wire coils are positioned equi-distantly around the circumference of that wheel and within the housing. Thus, if two wire coils are present, these coils will be positioned diametrically opposite to each other, or if three coils are present, the coils will be spaced at intervals of 120^Q around the circumference of the wheel, etc. A similar arrangement can be adopted where the coils are present in pairs, i.e., three pairs of wire coils will be spaced at intervals of 120^Q (one coil of each pair being located on opposite sides of the wheel) around the circumference of the wheel, etc.

The arrangement of magnets and wire coils can be arranged so that each wire coil is simultaneously magnetically influenced by a magnet on the wheel at a specific time point during rotation of the wheel. Where the wheel bears x magnets, each wire coil experiences a change in magnet flux x times during a single revolution of the wheel.

The at least one wire coil or pair of wire coils is positioned within the housing so that it is passed by the magnet(s) located in the wheel. As noted above, the wire coil or pair of wire coils will be located within a housing for the wheel and is positioned so that its cylindrical axis is in the same plane as the wheel. A gap of 1 to 10 mm, for example between 2 to 10 mm, may be present between the wheel and the housing. Optionally, the gap can be from 1 mm to 5 mm. This gap is selected to be large enough so that the housing does not touch (and therefore stall) rotation of the wheel, but the gap is also as small as possible so that the magnetising effect of each magnet when passing each wire coil is maximised, i.e., that the wire coil is exposed to the highest maximum possible level of magnetic field from each passing magnet.

In some embodiments, the central lumen of each solenoid is positioned orthogonal to the central axis of rotation of the wheel.

Optionally, the wire forming the solenoid can be wound around a bobbin or holder which is then positioned within a chamber in the housing. The bobbin would conveniently form a close fit with the chamber in the housing sections. Each bobbin can include a central lumen. For each aspect of the invention, each wire coil present within the housing can be connected on the same electrical circuit. Conveniently one or more wire coils (preferably each wire coil) will be formed using Litz wire in order to mitigates both “Skin Effect” and “Proximity Effect” losses. The number of windings used within each coil will affect the magnetic flux of the resultant electromagnet once a current is run through the coil. Accordingly, the size and composition of the wire coil will be selected to generate the magnetic field required according to Ampere’s law, in the usual way. Where more than one wire coil is present, it is generally desirable that each coil is of the same or similar size, that is each coil has an equal number of windings of the wire. Electrical connection can be via the wheel housing. Optionally each wire coil has a central lumen.

Where the wheel (rotor) includes more than one magnet at each circumferential location (e.g., has two or three magnets in a row along a radius of the wheel), solenoids can be positioned within the stator to correspond with these locations. Thus, the stator of each aspect of the present invention can include sets of 3 solenoids arranged in a row to correspond with a row of three magnets arranged alone a radius of the rotor. Multiple sets of the solenoids can be present in the stator, as required. Where multiple rows of magnets are present, each row is arranged in a radial manner, with an inner magnet, a middle magnet and an outer magnet. The inner magnets together form an inner circle, the radius of which is at a specific distance from the centre of the wheel. Corresponding inner solenoids will be present and arranged to be passed by each inner magnet. Likewise, the middle magnets together form a middle circle, the radius of which is at a specific distance, greater than that for the inner circle, from the centre of the wheel. Corresponding middle solenoids will be present in the housing and arranged to be passed by each middle magnet. The outer magnets will likewise together form an outer circle, the radius of which is at a specific distance from the centre of the wheel and greater than that of the middle circle. Corresponding outer solenoids will be present in the housing and arranged to be passed by each outer magnet. Thus, the solenoids would also be arranged in rows of three, with an inner circle, middle circle and outer circle within the housing. Thus, for each aspect of the invention, each wire coil within the housing is positioned so that rotation of the associated wheel will cause a change in the magnetic field experienced by the wire coil. Since the magnets on the wheel are of alternating polarity, as each magnet passes the wire coil fluctuation in the magnetic field is created. An electrical current is created as a consequence of changing magnetic field experienced by the wire coil.

Optionally, for each aspect of the invention, one or more solenoids can be in the form of a double solenoid, with a first solenoid located within the lumen of a second outer solenoid and axially aligned therewith. The two nested solenoids would be located in the housing and be passed by the same magnet(s). Optionally, each solenoid within the system is such a double solenoid. Conveniently, each solenoid is wound onto a bobbin, with the bobbins sized and shaped to allow the solenoids to nest as described above without the wires of one nested solenoids touching the wire of the other solenoid. Once a magnet on the wheel passes the location of a double solenoid, the changing magnetic field is experienced by each solenoid and an electrical current is generated in each solenoid and each electrical current is used to charge the power bank.

The wire diameter used within the solenoids can be selected to provide the desired power output design. Where the solenoid is a double solenoid as described above, optionally the wire diameter used in the first solenoid is different to the wire diameter used in the second solenoid. Alternatively, the same wire diameter can be used.

The preferred volume of water in the system this example of the present invention system is designed to have 135 litres of water in it being pumped around every minute with 2.25 meters head of pressure or 3.19 PSI to achieve between 31 ,836kWh and 48.17 kWh with 8 cm diameter piping.

Non-limiting details of an exemplary double solenoids are set out below: Example Second (outer) solenoid

Example First (inner) solenoid

Wireless charging modules use an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects. Briefly, energy is sent through an inductive coupling to an electrical device, which can then use that energy to charge an energy bank or run a device. Wireless charging can provide 5V@300mA power output. In the present device, resonant magnetic coupling, which will reduce the electricity consumption during power transmission, occurs between the rotating magnets and the first and second solenoids. The transfer efficiency could be 90% or higher. The power output can be 5V@300mA or higher.

For each aspect of the invention, each wire coil can be electrically coupled to a supercapacitor via a contactor, namely an electrically controlled switch used for collecting, concentrating and transferring the individual electrical AC power charge to the power bank (for example to ultra/supercapacitors and/or a solid-state battery). The contactor is used for collecting charge from the individual electrical wire coil (solenoid) circuits, and storing that charge until a suitable level of charge has been collected for charging the power bank. The contactor can be controlled by the wire coil (solenoid) circuit which has a much lower single wire coil (solenoid) power level however once combined by the contractor can transfer much higher voltage charge to the power bank. For example, a 24-volt coil electromagnet controlling a 230-volt motor switch. Specifically, in the case of this invention, the operation of the wheel causes the electrical current created by the magnets of the wheel passing the wire coils within the housing to charge the power bank via the contractor. Optionally an inductor can be present to manage current density requirements. Optionally a microprocessor can be present to monitor and control the charging process.

In one embodiment, the system of each aspect of the present invention comprises a ring-shaped printed circuit board (PCB) which is fixed to the wheel housing. Optionally the ring-shaped PCB includes capacitors mounted thereon, and with electrical connection to each of the capacitors.

Optionally a cross-point switch or matrix switch can be used to control the system. In particular a crossbar switch can be used to conduct charge to the supercapacitors, especially where more than one supercapacitor is to be charged. Optionally a micro-processor can be used to control the system and to maximise power efficiency and/or output. In one embodiment, the micro-processors are mounted on a printed circuit board. Optionally, the printed circuit board (PCB) can be ring-shaped to be accommodated in the same casing at the wheel(s) within the system.

In one embodiment, the primary objective of the system of the present invention is to charge the supercapacitors. In one embodiment, the supercapacitors can be mounted within the system of the invention, for example can be located on the ringshaped PCB.

The casing for the PCB can be formed from geocrystalline material optionally coated or within a Cermet formulation of neodymium powder.

Control Means

One problem which faces electrical generator systems is the general lack of control within the system. As noted above, the system of the first aspect of the invention includes a control means which comprises pins formed of a magnetisable material, such as a ferrous material, for example iron or the like. The pins can move between two positions. In a first position or configuration the pins are positioned outside of the lumen of the solenoid. In a second position or configuration the pins are located within the lumen of the solenoid. The pins can move between the first and second positions (and vice versa). When the pins are moved inwardly, towards the second position, the pins cause the magnetic field of the solenoid to change, thereby changing (decreasing) the electrical current generated. Therefore, the control system can be used to control the generation of electricity by changing the inductance of the solenoid. Decreasing the amount of current generated can be beneficial where the system needs to cool. With the control system described, the rotor will continue to rotate and assist in providing a cooling effect.

Generally, each solenoid (or pair of nested solenoids) will have a corresponding pin. Movement of the pins from the first to second position (and vice versa) can be achieved by any convenient means. Optionally, each pin is associated with an arcuate slot in a member and is slidingly attached therethrough. The member is rotationally attached to the housing. When the member is positioned so that the head of the pin is located at the circumferentially outward end of the arcuate slot, the pin is positioned in its first configuration, whereby the pin is located outside of its associated solenoid. When the member is rotated, the head of the pin slides along the slot until the head of pin is located at the circumferentially inward end of slot. As the head of the pin moves along the slot, the arcuate nature of the slot urges the pin radially inwardly into its second configuration whereby the pin is positioned within the lumen of the bobbin (if present) or of the lumen of the solenoid. Of course, it is possible for the pin to be located in a position which is intermediate the first and second configurations.

The above control system can equally be applied to the second and third aspects of the present invention as an optional feature.

Turbine and DC Motor

One problem faced in electrical generation using a wheel or rotor to create a changing magnetic field, is that the rotational speed of the wheel may be sub- optimal for electrical generation in the solenoids. This is especially the case where the rotor is being caused to turn by a fluid, such as air or water, including the use of mains water.

In the second aspect of the invention, the rotor is urged by rotate through a connection to a turbine, which itself is driven by a fluid, such as air or water. To optimise the rotational speed of the rotor to efficiently generate electricity through the associated solenoids in the housing, the rotor can also be linked to a DC motor, which provides additional torque to the wheel (rotor), increasing its rotational speed to the desired level. Optionally, the DC motor can be located centrally in the rotor and provide the shaft about which the rotor is driven. Optionally, the DC motor can be located around a central pipe which holds a moving fluid which will drive the associated turbine to which the rotor is coupled. Optionally the central pipe forms the axle of the wheel (rotor) and the associated turbine. The spinning axle can therefore be a hollow pipe which additionally delivers the fluid to drive the associated turbine. Optionally, the DC motor(s) can be attached to the outside surface of a spinning hollow pipe. This hollow pipe can act as the axle for the wheel (rotor) and optionally as the eye to which the blades of the turbine are attached.

Although the use of a DC motor within an apparatus for generation of electricity appears counter-intuitive, the motor is a means of control for the rotational speed of the rotor, ensuring that its rotational speed is optimised and maintained at the optimum level for efficient electrical generation using the associated solenoids, irrespective of the rate of flow of the fluid used to drive the turbine also coupled to the rotor. In this second embodiment, the rotor has two sources of rotational energy imparted to it, the first being the turbine which is rotationally coupled to the rotor and the second being the DC motor.

The battery or supercapacitor DC power source for the DC motor can optionally be charged when the motor is used to slow down the spinning of the wheel (rotor) and its associated turbine. This method of charging a DC source in a vehicle is known as regenerative braking. Regenerative braking describes a vehicle’s ability to transform kinetic energy (AKA motion) into electrical energy.

In one embodiment, the hollow pipe carrying the fluid to drive the turbine is used to mount the DC motor, with the outer surface of the shaft serving as the mounting surface for the coils (solenoids) within the motor.

The DC motor is used to drive the shaft on which the wheel is mounted, with friction being minimised. Optionally, the wheel can include fan blades within a central zone, which would aid cooling of the system of the invention.

Optionally, the turbine comprises blades which are shaped to move the fluid outwardly from a central position to the periphery of the turbine means. Optionally a centrifugal pump can be used in a “pump as turbine” configuration, with the fluid being delivered by a central pipe and being expelled to a pipe on the perimeter of the turbine. One significant problem faced by energy generators is the accumulation of heat created by moving parts which can lead to inefficiency of generation. Use of a separate turbine which is coupled to the rotor can assist in removal of excess heat, particularly where the casing of the turbine is located adjacent, optionally is touching, the wheel or rotor. Thus, the turbine can use the moving fluid (for example water) to mechanically drive the wheel and also, where the turbine is designed to encourage an outward flow of the fluid (as in a centrifugal pump design), the casing of the turbine is cooled and acts as a heat sink for the adjacent wheel (rotor).

The use of an associated turbine and a DC motor to control and maximise the efficiency of the rotor can equally be applied to the first and third aspects of the present invention as an optional feature.

Dielectric Material

As noted above, one significant problem faced by electrical generators is the accumulation of heat created by moving parts which can lead to inefficiency of generation. The present invention addresses this issue since the housing is formed (at least partially) of a dielectric material.

Advantageously the dielectric material reduces eddy currents within the system of the invention and/or acts as a thermal sink and/or acts as an isolator.

In the third aspect of the invention, the dielectric material of the housing is defined as a geocrystalline material comprising a soda lime glass and a geopolymer, for example an aluminium silicate such as kaolinite.

Optionally, in each of the first and second aspects of the invention, the dielectric material of the housing can optionally be a geocrystalline material comprising a soda lime glass and a geopolymer, for example an aluminium silicate such as kaolinite.

Advantageously the wheel can be a carbon fibre wheel. Optionally the carbon fibre can be at least partially coated with the geocrystalline material. For each aspect of the invention, a suitable geocrystalline material is described in W02006/128672.

For each aspect of the invention, one suitable geocrystalline material is formed from soda lime glass together with a geopolymer, and optionally a boron salt or compound and /or a sodium or magnesium silicate and/or calcium stearate. Optionally, the geocrystalline material contains 70-90 % by weight of soda lime glass. Optionally, the geocrystalline material contains 10-30 % by weight geopolymer, such as an alumina phyllosilicate, a clay mineral such as a kaolin or kaolinite or a hydrosodalite-based geopolymer poly(sialate).

The soda lime glass can conveniently be formed with a majority component of silicon dioxide and can include one or more of sodium oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide and/or aluminium oxide. Traces of other metals, including heavy metals, or their oxides can also be present, for example in amounts up to 5% by weight. An exemplary composition is formed from (% by weight) SiO₂ (68 to 75%), Na₂O (12 to 18%), CaO (7 to 12%), MgO (0 to 5%), AI2O3 (0 - 2.5%), and optionally heavy metal trace elements, for example in a total amount of up to 1 % by weight. The heavy metal trace elements can be, for example Pb, As and/or Sb. The trace elements will typically be present at an amount of 200ppm or less.

For each aspect of the invention, the glass content of the soda lime glass can be formed by oxides selected from the group consisting of SiO, BO, POs, GeO2, ASOs, ASO, Sb2O, and their mixtures thereof, and more preferably SiO. Optionally, the glass is formed as particles. The glass particles may be solid glass beads, typically of micron or sub-micron size.

Additionally, the glass particles may further include modifiers selected from the group consisting of KO, Na₂O, CaO, BaO, PbO, ZnO, VOs, ZrO, BiO, AI2O, oxides of Ti, oxides of Th, and mixtures thereof.

The soda lime glass will normally be in particulate form and can have a particle size (average diameter) of 300 pm or less, for example can be from 1 to 300 pm, for example can be from 1 to 200 pm, for example from 1 to 120 pm, for example from 50 to 120 pm, for example from 70 to 100 pm.

In one embodiment, the glass particles have an average diameter of 0.05 micron to 1 .5 micron, more preferably 0.75 micron.

For each aspect of the invention, the geopolymer can a hydrous kaolin (china clay), for example can be Polwhite™ E, for example as supplied by Imerys. The geopolymer can be a phyllosilicate, such as talc, mica or kaolin. The geopolymer can be an alumina phyllosilicate and for example may be formed from a clay mineral such as a kaolin or kaolinite in which the structure has been changed upon thermal removal of structural water or by high-energy grinding. The geopolymer can conveniently be selected from a hydrosodalite-based geopolymer poly(sialate), or any of the serpentine mineral groups (i.e. antigorite, chrysotile and lizardite), silica-based geopolymer, sialate link and siloxo link in poly(siloxonate) Si:AI>5, kaolinite / hydrosodalite-based geopolymer, poly(sialate) Si :AI=1 :1 , Meta kaolin MK-750-based geopolymer, poly(sialate-siloxo) Si :AI=2: 1 , water glass-based geopolymer, poly(siloxonate), soluble silicate, Si:AI=1 :0, calcium-based geopolymer, (Ca, K, Na)-sialate, Si:AI=1 , 2, 3 rock-based geopolymer, poly(sialate- multisiloxo) 1 < Si:AI<5 silica-based geopolymer, sialate link and siloxo link in poly(siloxonate) Si :AI>5 fly ash-based geopolymer, ferro-sialate-based geopolymer, phosphate-based geopolymer, AlPC -based geopolymer, organic- mineral geopolymer. The geopolymer is preferably a hydrosodalite-based geopolymer poly(sialate).

The geopolymer can be an aluminium silicate, for example kaolinite.

Suitable boron salts and compounds include, for example sodium borate, in particular anhydrous sodium borate. Other suitable boron compounds include boron trioxide. Optionally a mixture of sodium borate (for example anhydrous sodium borate) and boron trioxide can be used.

The magnesium silicate compound could be: talc, steatite, French chalk, hydrated talc or any composite mixture of these. Optionally, for each aspect of the invention, the geocrystalline material comprises 70-80 % by weight of soda lime glass, 2-5 % by weight calcium stearate; 10-20 % by weight geopolymer and 2-5 % by weight sodium or magnesium silicate and/or sodium borate and/or boron trioxide. The total sum of the ingredients will be 100%.

The geocrystalline material can be combined with a metal to form a Cermet.

Preferred or alternative features of each aspect or embodiment of the invention apply mutatis mutandis to each other aspect or embodiment of the invention (unless the context demands otherwise).

All documents referred to herein are incorporated by reference. Any modifications and/or variations to described embodiments that would be apparent to one of skill in art are hereby encompassed. Whilst the invention has been described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be unduly limited to these specific embodiments or examples.

Fig.1 shows a partial cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of a system 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention. As illustrated, the system 100 comprises two wheels 1 a, 1 b each formed of multiple fins 2, which when exposed to air flow will urge rotation of the wheel. The wheels 1 a, 1 b will be mounted on a common shaft (not shown). Each wheel 1 a, 1 b has a rim 3a, 3b. Each rim 3a, 3b includes multiple magnets mounted therein in a circumferentially spaced arrangement. The magnets will be mounted to have alternating magnetic polarities, for example will be mounted in a Halbech arrangement. The magnets within the wheel 1 a, 1 b are not seen in Fig. 1 , but their location and position are illustrated in Fig. 4.

The rim 3a, 3b of each wheel 1 a, 1 b is located within a housing 7 formed from housing sections 7a, 7b, 7c which abut together. As shown the housing sections 7a, 7b and 7c are positioned so that one housing section is located on each side of both wheels 1 a, 1 b. Each housing section 7a, 7b, 7c is shaped to ensure that it is positioned close to, but does not touch, the rims 3a, 3b in order to avoid any friction with the wheel rim which would slow the rotation of wheels 1 a, 1 b. The housing sections 7a, 7b and 7c are each ring-shaped and have an inner circumference which matches the circumference of the wheels 1 a, 1 b at the inner edge of the rim 3a, 3b.

As best seen in Fig. 1 for housing section 7a, each housing section 7a, 7b, 7c includes a ring-shaped housing section which may include housing magnets 20 spaced circumferentially and located within the housing. Conveniently each housing magnet 20 can be positioned adjacent the solenoid 4.

Each housing section 7a, 7b, 7c includes a respective chamber 5a, 5b, 5c integrally formed therein which is positioned adjacent a wheel rim 3a or 3b. Each chamber 5a, 5b, 5c is able to contain a solenoid 4. For ease of illustration, only one solenoid 4b (in chamber 5b) is illustrated in Fig. 1. The solenoids 4 are positioned to be passed by the magnets 6 held within the rim 3a, 3b. Note that solenoid 4b will be passed by magnets 6 on both rims 3a, 3b and according the polarity of these magnets may be selected to maximise the change in magnetic flux experienced as a result of rotation of wheels 1 a, 1 b (which are mounted on a common shaft). The cylinder axis (i.e. , the axis through the centre of the coil) of the solenoid 4b is radially aligned to follow the radial angle of the wheel and is parallel to the plane of the wheel. The solenoid is passed by the magnets in the wheel rim. Optionally, the solenoid 4 can be formed using Litz wire. Optionally, the wire of the solenoid 4 can be wound around a bobbin 8a, 8b positioned within chamber 5a, 5b, 5c. As the magnets in rims 3a, 3b pass each solenoid 4, an electrical current is generated. Solenoids 4 are electrically connected to capacitors (not seen in Fig. 1) located adjacent housing 7. Charging of the capacitors can be controlled by any suitable electrical circuit, which can conveniently be in the form of a PCB (printed circuit board) optionally mounted onto housing 7.

Each bobbin 8a, 8b forms a close fit with its respective chamber 5a, 5b, 5c in the housing sections 7a, 7b, 7c. Each bobbin 8a, 8b can include a central lumen 9a, 9b. As shown, the system 100 also includes a control means 10. The control means 10 comprises pins 11 which can move radially towards the centre of the wheel, becoming positioned within a lumen 9a, 9b of the bobbin 8a, 8b. This inward movement, affects the magnetic flux and inductance within the solenoid 4. As shown in Fig. 1 , the pins 11 are positioned above the lumen 9 in a first configuration in which angular momentum is maintained. The pins are formed of a magnetisable (e.g., ferrous) material, such as iron or the like.

The same embodiment is shown is shown in Fig. 2, but is illustrated in a second configuration, in which the pins 11 are positioned within the central lumen 9a, 9b of the bobbins 8a, 8b, respectively. In this configuration, pins 11 affect the magnetic field of the solenoids 4, thereby limiting the generation of electricity. Moving the pins 11 outwardly, such that they are at least partially removed from lumen 9a, 9b of each bobbin 8a, 8b will have the opposite effect, allowing increased electrical generation. Decreasing the amount of current generated can be beneficial where the system needs to cool. With the control system described, the rotor will continue to rotate and assist in providing a cooling effect.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a system 100 according to the first aspect of the invention but without the housing section 7 attached. As shown, two wheels 1 are aligned on a common axis via central lumen 14. Each wheel 1 is formed using multiple fins 2 which urge rotation of the wheel 1 when impacted by moving fluid, such as air or water. A circular member 12 is associated with each wheel 1 and together with pins 11 (not shown) act as a control means 10 to control the rotational speed of the wheel 1 . Each circular member 12 includes multiple arcuate slots 13 which will be slidingly attached to pins 11 (not shown). Since the housing 7 is not shown in Fig. 4, the position of the magnets can be clearly seen from the magnet recesses 30 around rim 3 of the wheel 1 . A discshaped magnet 6 will be secured within each magnet recess30, for example by being of a push-fit configuration or by use of attachment means such as a glue.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a flywheel 1 for use in a system 100 of any aspect of the present invention (for example as shown in Figs. 1 and 2). Wheel 1 is formed of multiple fins 2, which when exposed to air flow will urge rotation of the wheel 1 about a shaft (not shown) passed through central lumen 14. Wheel 1 will be mounted on a shaft (not shown) which passes through central lumen 14. Wheel

I has a circumferential rim 3 which surround the fins 2. Rim 3 includes multiple recesses 30, each recess 30 can house a magnet 6 which is securely mounted therein in a circumferentially spaced arrangement. The magnets 6 will be mounted to have alternating magnetic polarities, for example will be mounted in a Halbech arrangement. Recesses 30 and thus magnets 6 will generally be equidistantly spaced around rim 3. Suitable magnets may be formed, for example, of neodymium material.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a system according to the first aspect of the invention 100 in which two wheels 1 a, 1 b are aligned on a common axis. Each wheel 1 a, 1 b is formed using multiple fins 2 which urge rotation of the wheel 1 a or 1 b when impacted by moving fluid, such as air or water. A circular member 12 is associated with each wheel 1 a, 1 b and together with pins

I I act as a control means 10. Each pin 1 1 is associated with an arcuate slot 13 in circular member 12 and is slidingly attached therethrough. When circular member 12 is positioned so that the head of pin 11 is located at the circumferentially outward end of slot 13, pin 11 is positioned in a first configuration, whereby pin 11 protrudes outwardly from wheel 1 a, 1 b. When circular member 12 is rotated so that it is positioned with the head of pin 11 is located at the circumferentially inward end of slot 13, pin 11 is urged into a second configuration whereby pin 11 is positioned inwardly as described above for Figs. 1 and 2, respectively.

Fig. 6 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, although only some of the pins 11 are illustrated, for simplicity. As illustrated, the system 100 includes housing 7 formed from three housing sections 7a, 7b, 7c which abut together to form a single unit which will enclose two wheels 1 a, 1 b as shown in Fig. 1. Two circular members 12a, 12b are present, each associated with a single wheel 1 a, 1 b. Pins 11 are shown for circular member 12b, but only some of the pins 11 are illustrated for circular member 12a, for simplicity.

Fig. 7 shows a front view of the system 100 according to the first aspect of the invention, with a partial cut-away section B (shown in detail in Fig. 9) to show operation of the control system 10. As illustrated, the system 100 comprises a first wheel 1 a, which will be aligned with a second wheel 1 b (not seen in Fig. 7). Wheel 1 a is formed of multiple fins 2, which when exposed to air flow or liquid flow (e.g., water) will urge rotation of wheel 1 a. First wheel 1 a has a central lumen 14 through which will be located a central shaft (not shown). Second wheel 1 b will be of similar construction and mounted on the same central shaft.

The front side of housing 7 is shown and illustrates the ring-format of the housing 7 which encloses the rim portion of wheel 1 a. Housing 7 has an inner circumference which matches the circumference at an inner edge of the rim of wheel 1 a. The housing 7 is shaped to ensure that it is positioned close to, but does not touch, wheel 1 a, in order to avoid any friction with wheel 1 a which would slow its rotation. The rim of wheel 1 a includes multiple magnets 6 mounted therein in a circumferentially spaced arrangement (not shown, best seen in Fig. 4). The magnets will be mounted to have alternating magnetic polarities, for example will be mounted in a Halbech arrangement. The magnets are not seen in Fig. 7 since this portion of the wheel 1 a (i.e., the rim) is encased by the housing 7.

Housing 7 includes bobbins 8 spaced circumferentially around the housing 7, bobbins 8 are preferably being spaced equidistantly to each other. Each bobbin 8 can hold a solenoid 4 (not shown in Fig. 7, see Fig. 1), conveniently formed of multiple windings of a suitable wire, for example Litz wire. Conveniently each solenoid 4 has the same number of turns of the wire forming the coil.

As illustrated the housing 7 also includes circumferentially spaced magnets 20. Housing magnets 20 are spaced circumferentially in the housing and located within the housing itself. Conveniently each housing magnet 20 can be positioned adjacent a solenoid 4. Optionally, therefore the number of housing magnets 20 will be the same as the number of solenoids 4 held in the housing section 7.

As the magnets in the rim 3 of wheel 1 a pass each solenoid 4, an electrical current is generated. Solenoids 4 are electrically connected to capacitors, conveniently located on a board which may be mounted on the housing 7. Charging of capacitors can be controlled by any suitable electrical circuit, which can conveniently be in the form of a PCB (printed circuit board) optionally located on housing 7.

As shown, the system 100 also includes a control means 10. The control means 10 comprises pins 11 (only 4 shown for simplicity) which can move radially towards the centre of the wheel 1 a in order affect the magnetic field of the solenoids 4. As shown in Fig. 7, the pins 11 are positioned partially inserted into the lumen 9. The pins are formed of a magnetisable material, such as iron or the like. The control means includes a circular member 12, which comprises an arcuate slot 13 associated with each pin 11 and to which the head 17 of each pin 11 is slidingly attached by means of an attachment means 18. Engagement of the pins 11 , i.e., their movement in or out of the housing, is determined by the position of circular member 12. Since each pin 11 is slidingly attached to the arcuate slot 13, a small rotational movement of the circular member 12 will determine the position of pin 11 . In the embodiment illustrated, there are 16 pins spaced equally around the circumference of system 100, each pin 1 1 having an associated arcuate slot 13 to which its head 17 is slidingly engaged via attachment means 18. When pin 11 is located at one end of slot 13, movement of circular member 12 by 22.5^Q will cause attachment means 18 (and hence the head 17 of pin 11 ) to travel along the whole length of the slot 13. Due to the arcuate shape of slot 13, the pin will also be urged to move radially into or out of its associated lumen 9 in housing 7.

Fig. 8 shows the cross-section along line A-A of Fig. 7. Wheels 1 a and 1 b are colocated on a common axis via central lumen 14. Each wheel 1 a, 1 b includes multiples fins 2 to urge rotation of the respective wheel 1 a, 1 b. Wheels 1 a, 1 b are mounted within housing 7 which in this embodiment is conveniently manufactured from three sections 7a, 7b, 7c. The rim 3 of each wheel 1 a, 1 b is shown located within housing 7 and comprises circumferentially spaced magnets 6. Magnets 6 are preferably spaced equidistantly to each other. Preferably each wheel 1 a, 1 b comprises the same number of magnets. Optionally, as shown in Fig. 8, the magnets 6 in wheel 1 a are off-set from the magnets 6 in wheel 1 b and their polarities are arranged in a Halbech arrangement. Magnets 6 are preferably neodymium magnets. Each housing section 7a, 7b, 7c includes a respective chamber 5a, 5b, 5c integrally formed therein which is positioned adjacent a wheel rim 3. Each chamber 5a, 5b, 5c is able to contain a solenoid 4. For ease of illustration, only one solenoid 4b (in chamber 5b) is illustrated in Fig. 8. The solenoids 4 are positioned to be passed by the magnets 6 held within the rim 3. Note that solenoids 4 in the housing central portion 7b will be passed by magnets 6 on the rims of both wheels 1 a and 1 b and according the polarity of these magnets may be selected to maximise the change in magnetic flux experienced as a result of rotation of wheels 1 a, 1 b (which are mounted on a common shaft). Optionally, each solenoid 4 can be formed using Litz wire. Optionally, the wire of each solenoid 4 can be wound around a bobbin 8a, 8b positioned within chamber 5a, 5b, 5c and forming a close fit therewith. Each bobbin 8a, 8b can include a central lumen 9a, 9b.

As wheels 1 a, 1 b rotate, magnets 6 are caused to pass each solenoid 4, so that an electrical current is generated. Solenoids 4 are electrically connected to capacitors conveniently located close to or mounted on the housing 7. Charging of capacitors can be controlled by any suitable electrical circuit, which can conveniently be in the form of a PCB (printed circuit board).

As shown, the system 100 also includes a control means 10. The control means 10 comprises pins 11 which can move radially towards the centre of system 100, becoming positioned within an aligned lumen 9 within bobbin 8. Since the pins 11 are formed of a magnetisable material, such as iron or the like, this inward movement of pin 11 will affect the magnetic inductance of the solenoid(s) and thereby decrease the electrical current generated.. As shown at the top of Fig. 8, the pins 11 are positioned partially inserted into the lumen 9. Control means can be used to urge the pins fully into lumen 9 or to withdraw the pins 11 from lumen 9. Optionally, control means 10 can be automatically deployed depending upon the state of charge of the capacitors in system 100. Optionally, control means 10 can be controlled by means of the same PCB also responsible for deploying charge to the capacitors within system 100. Alternatively, the control means 10 can be independently controlled. Decreasing the amount of current generated can be beneficial where the system needs to cool. With the control system described, the rotor will continue to rotate and assist in providing a cooling effect. Fig. 9 shows detail B from Fig. 7. In this detailed illustration, the fins 2 of wheel 1 are partially shown, with the rim 3 of the wheel 1 not visible behind the housing 7. The housing 7 includes a solenoid chamber 5 containing a bobbin 8 around which would be wound a wire solenoid (not shown in Fig. 9). Bobbin 8 includes a central lumen 9 able to accommodate pin 11 which is partially inserted therein.

The general arrangement of the wheel, magnets, housing and solenoids as described above in Figs. 1 to 9 can also be adopted for use with the second and third aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 10 shows a plan view and Fig. 11 a perspective view of a ring-shaped mounting board 23 for holding at least one printed circuit board or PCB 19 and for capacitor 24 which can conveniently be used in any aspect of the the system of the present invention. As shown, board 23 includes multiple PCBs 19 spaced equidistantly therearound, each PCB 19 being associated with a capacitor 24. Capacitors 24 are preferably equidistantly spaced and their charging is controlled by the PCB 19. Board 23 is sized and shaped to fit over or lie adjacent housing 7. Mounting elements 22 are provided to assist with connecting the board 23 (and hence PCBs 19 and capacitors 24) to the system 100 of the present invention. Mounting elements 22 would provide an electrical as well as a physical connection between the charging system of the present invention and the capacitors 24. In Fig.11 , the housing 21 for the mounting board 23 is partially shown, with one side removed so that the interior can be seen. The PCBs 19 are located beneath the capacitors 24 and so are not visible in the view shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of housing 21 for the ring-shaped mounting board 23 described above in Figs 10 and 11 with a transverse cut across the housing, for illustration purposes. Housing 21 includes a mounting board 23 for holding at least one printed circuit board or PCB 19. A capacitor 24 can be located on each PCB 19. Capacitor 24 can conveniently be used to hold electrical charge created by the system of the present invention. Board 23 will typically include multiple PCBs 19 spaced equidistantly therearound, each PCB 19 being associated with and controlling the charging of an associated capacitor 24. Capacitors 24 are preferably equidistantly spaced and their charging is controlled by their associated PCB. The housing 21 is sized and shaped to fit over or adjacent the housing 7 of system 100. Mounting elements (not shown in Fig. 12) can be provided to electrically connect the PCBs 19 and capacitors 24 to the system of the present invention.

Fig. 13 shows a plan view of a system 100 of any aspect of the present invention, which includes the housing 21 for the capacitors 24 (not seen in Fig. 13) mounted therein. As clearly seen in Fig. 13, the capacitor housing 21 is mounted by means of 4 mounting elements 22 over the housing 7 which encloses the flywheel and magnets for electrical generation (not seen in Fig. 13). In addition to physically connecting housing 21 and housing 7 together, mounting elements 22 also include electrical connections so that the charge generated by rotation of the flywheel can be transferred to the capacitor(s) 24 within housing 21 . Lumen 14 notes the position of the central shaft for the flywheel 1 . An electrical connection 31 allows connection of the system 100 to other equivalent systems 100 or to an output for use of the electrical charge stored.

Fig. 14 shows a side view of one embodiment of a system 200 of the present invention, and which includes housing 221 for capacitors mounted therein and controlled by means of a PCB. As illustrated, 6 separate housings 221 are present, in two groups of three, for the capacitors for storage of the charge generated. Each housing 221 is electrically connected to any neighbouring housing at connector 232, which provides electrical connection between the capacitors to maximise storage of charge generated. An electrical connection 231 at each end of system 200 allows connection of the system 200 to other equivalent systems or to an output for use of the electrical charge stored. Each housing 221 is mounted on and surrounds an associated housing 207 which comprises a flywheel and associated magnets as described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 9 and which are connected electrically thereto. An endcap 290 can be included at each end of the system 200.

Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of the system 200 as illustrated in Fig. 14, and which includes the housing 221 enclosing capacitors 24. Each housing 221 is mounted on and surrounds an associated housing 207 which comprises a flywheel and associated magnets as described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 9 and which are connected electrically thereto. Additionally, Fig. 15 shows the lumen 214 within endcap 290 through which the central shaft for mounting the flywheels will pass. As illustrated, 6 separate housings 221 are present, in two groups of three, for the capacitors for storage of the charge generated. As described above each housing 221 will also contain a PCB for controlling the charging of each capacitor. Each housing 221 is electrically connected to any neighbouring housing at connector 232, which provides electrical connection between the capacitors to maximise storage of charge generated. An electrical connection 231 at each end of system 200 allows connection of the system 200 to other equivalent systems or to an output for use of the electrical charge stored.

Fig. 16 shows a plan view of a system 300 of any aspect of the present invention. As illustrated, the system 300 comprises a wheel 301 which includes multiple fins 302 within a rim 303.

For the second aspect of the invention, wheel 301 is mounted on a rotating hollow shaft 350. Within hollow shaft 350 is a pipe 351 which can carry water or other fluid within its lumen 352 and which can be used to drive a turbine rotationally connected to the wheel 301 . The space the outer surface of pipe 351 and the inner surface of shaft 350 can accommodate a DC motor (not shown) which can provide torque to the rotating shaft 350. Optionally the cross-sectional areas of shaft 350 and pipe 351 can be varied from that shown in Fig. 16. In this embodiment, the fins 320 are attached to the rotating wheel 301 and draw air around the wheel and the neighbouring stator to provide a cooling effect.

Alternatively, wheel 301 could be mounted on a solid axle which is caused to rotate by fluid passing the fins 302.

Wheel 301 includes multiple rows 360 of magnets 306 mounted therein on the rim section 303 in a circumferentially spaced arrangement. The magnets 306 will generally be mounted to have alternating magnetic polarities, for example will be mounted in a Halbech arrangement. Visible behind wheel 301 is the outer portion of a housing 307 which contains the solenoids (not seen in Fig. 16) and which acts as a stator. Housing 307 is shaped to ensure that it is positioned close to, but does not touch, wheel 301 in order to avoid any friction with the wheel 301 which would slow the rotation of wheel 301 . Housing 307 can be ring-shaped and have an inner circumference which matches the circumference of the inner edge of rim section 303 wheel 301 .

Optionally, housing 307 may include housing magnets 320 spaced circumferentially and located within the housing 307 (not shown in Figs. 16 or 17). Conveniently each housing magnet 320 can be positioned adjacent a solenoid 304.

As illustrated, there are 17 rows of magnets, each row having 3 magnets. The magnets alternate in polarity within a row (each row having a N, S, N or a S, N, S arrangement). Generally, the magnets also alternate in polarity in a circumferential direction, but the number of rows illustrated (17) means that two rows of magnets will have identical polarity and be located adjacent each other. It has been found that having one such pair of rows with the same polarity assists in maintaining the rotation of the wheel and in generation of a 3 phase AC current.

Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of the system 300 as shown in Fig. 16. As illustrated, the system 300 comprises a wheel 301 which includes multiple fins 302 within a rim 303.

For the second aspect of the invention, wheel 301 is mounted on a rotating hollow shaft 350. Within hollow shaft 350 is a pipe 351 which can carry water or other fluid within its lumen 352 and which can be used to drive a turbine rotationally connected to the wheel 301 . The space the outer surface of pipe 351 and the inner surface of shaft 350 can accommodate a DC motor (not shown) which can provide torque to the rotating shaft 350. Optionally the cross-sectional areas of shaft 350 and pipe 351 can be varied from that shown in Fig. 16. In this embodiment, the fins 320 are attached to the rotating wheel 301 and draw air around the wheel and the neighbouring stator to provide a cooling effect. Alternatively, in a different aspect, wheel 301 could be mounted on a solid axle which is caused to rotate by fluid passing the fins 302.

As shown, wheel 301 includes multiple rows 360 of recesses 330 which in use would hold permanent magnets mounted therein on the rim section 303 in a circumferentially spaced arrangement. The magnets 306 will generally be mounted to have alternating magnetic polarities, for example will be mounted in a Halbech arrangement.

As illustrated, housing 301 can accommodate 17 rows of magnets, each row having 3 magnets. The magnets alternate in polarity within a row (each row having a N, S, N or a S, N, S arrangement). Generally, the magnets also alternate in polarity in a circumferential direction, but the number of rows illustrated (17) means that two rows of magnets will have identical polarity and be located adjacent each other. It has been found that having one such pair of rows with the same polarity assists in maintaining the rotation of the wheel and in generation of a 3 phase AC current.

Visible behind wheel 301 is the housing 307 which acts as a stator. Housing 307 is shaped to ensure that it is positioned close to, but does not touch, wheel 301 in order to avoid any friction with the wheel 301 which would slow the rotation of wheel 301 . Housing 307 can be ring-shaped and have an inner circumference which matches the circumference of the inner edge of rim section 303 wheel 301 .

Housing 307 includes multiple chambers 305 integrally formed therein which are positioned adjacent wheel rim 303, and which extend for the length of the rows of magnets 360. Each chamber 305 is able to contain a solenoid 304 or multiple solenoids 304. The solenoids 304 are positioned to be passed by the magnets 306 held within recesses 330 in rim 303. The cylinder axis (i.e. , the axis through the centre of the coil) of the solenoid 304 is radially aligned to follow the radial angle of the wheel 301 and is parallel to the plane of the wheel 301 .

In use, each solenoid 304 is passed by the magnets 306 in the wheel rim 303. Since Fig. 17 shows an embodiment using rows of magnets, the housing 307 will contain corresponding rows of solenoids. Optionally, each solenoid 304 can be formed using Litz wire. Optionally, the wire of the solenoid 304 can be wound around a bobbin 308 positioned within chamber 305. As the magnets 306 in rim 303 pass each solenoid 304, an electrical current is generated. Solenoids 304 are electrically connected to capacitors (not seen in Fig. 17) located adjacent housing 307. Charging of the capacitors can be controlled by any suitable electrical circuit, which can conveniently be in the form of a PCB (printed circuit board) optionally mounted onto housing 307.

Fig. 18 shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section of one embodiment of a DC motor mounted in a rotor for use in any aspect of the present invention, but which is of particular utility in the second aspect of the present invention. As shown, the base of inner edge of wheel 301 is mounted on a rotating hollow shaft 350. (Note that the whole of wheel 301 is not shown in Fig. 18). Within hollow shaft 350 is a pipe 351 which can carry water or other fluid within its lumen 352 and which can be used to drive a turbine rotationally connected to the wheel 301 . The space between the outer surface of pipe 351 and the inner surface of shaft 350 can accommodate a DC motor 500, which comprises solenoids 501 attached to pipe 351 and which are powered by a battery, capacitor or other power source. DC motor 500 also includes magnets 502 which operate with the solenoids 501 to provide rotation motion to axle 350. In use, DC motor 500 can provide additional torque to the rotating shaft 350 in a controllable manner in order to maximise the efficiency of electrical generation within the main system of the invention. DC motor 500 can be controlled by an operating system or computer program, which may operate automatically using feedback from electrical current from the solenoids 304 (not shown). Optionally the cross-sectional areas of shaft 350 and pipe 351 can be varied from that shown in Fig. 18.

Also attached to rotating axle 350 are four connectors 355, which are spaced around the axle 350 and provide secure connection to the wheel 301 so as to urge its rotation, whilst minimising frictional forces. Connector 355 can have a tongue and groove arrangement. Connectors 355 can comprise a pin. In this embodiment, the fins 320 are attached to the rotating axle 350 and draw air around the wheel and the neighbouring stator to provide a cooling effect. Optionally, double solenoids (as shown in Fig. 19) can be used.

Since Fig. 19 shows a bobbin arrangement 400 which comprises a row of three bobbins which would be suitable for use within the housing 207 of the system 300 shown in Fig. 16.

As show in Fig. 19, the bobbin arrangement comprises three double bobbins (6 bobbins in total) each of which would be wound on its outer surface with an electrically conducting wire (such as Litz wire) to form a solenoid (not shown in Fig. 19). For example, the space 430 between bobbin 410 and 420 can be completely filled by winding an electrical wire around bobbin 410. This can of course be repeated for bobbins 411 and 412, and similar winding can be present on around each of the outer bobbins 420-422.

As shown, each pair of bobbins comprises a first bobbin (410, 411 , 412) which is nested within its respective second (outer) bobbin (420, 421 , 422) and forms a close fit therewith. The bobbins 410-412, 420-422 are each formed of an insulating material such the wire wound around first bobbins (410, 41 1 , 412) does not come into electrical contact with the wire wound around its respective second bobbin (420, 421 , 422). In use, the wire wound around each of the first bobbins (410, 411 , 412) is connected in a first electrical circuit and the wire wound each of the second bobbins (420, 421 , 422) is connected in a second electrical circuit. For example, the space 430 between bobbin 410 and 420 can be completely filled by winding an electrical wire around bobbin 410.

Each bobbin 410-412, 420-422 forms a close fit with its respective chamber in the housing section.

Each first bobbin 410-412 includes a central lumen 440-442. Lumens 440, 441 and 442 are aligned and, where the control system described in Figs. 7 and 8 is present, these lumens can accommodate the control pin.

As an example, a wire diameter of AWG Number 2 = 0.258 mm can be used in the bobbin system shown. For example, when these bobbins are used in the system shown in Fig. 17, the system of the present invention will have 724 turns over 51 transformer coils for each of the 17 transformer coils for each of the 3 concentric rings per disk = 0.183kW x 51 coils per disk = 9.333kWh x 6= 55.998kWh.

Such as system can have the following characteristics:

Example required DC Motor Horsepower/Kilowatt Power for the system of the present invention. Each Disk Rotor DC Brushless Motor

Pressure: = 0.2 Bar - 0.22428 Kilogram-force/Square Centimetre (kg/cm²)

Flow Rate: = 2.25 L/s (Ips)

Pump Efficiency: = 75% (this is typical for a pump and there is not much beneficial change in end output with a greater efficiency) Drive Motor Efficiency: = 90%

Brake Horsepower: = 0.09hp

Total Power Input Requirements (Energy Use Rate): = 0.07kwh

Wheel Specification Example in the system of the present invention

Mass = 2.25kg

Diameter = 200cm

RPM = 3000

Disk:

Kinetic Energy = 0.55531 Joules

Inertia = 0.000011250 Kg mA²

Ring:

Output Kinetic Energy = 1 .1106 Joules = 3.085kWh - (Note: Total Power Input Requirements (Energy Use Rate) of the Disk Brushless Motor = 0.07kwh) Inertia = 0.000022500 Kg mA²

Centrifugal Force = 22.212 Newtons = 2.2650 kgs

Surface Speed = 31 .420 M/Sec

Claims

1 . A system for charging one or more power banks, said system comprising: i. at least one rotationally mounted wheel, wherein said wheel comprises circumferentially spaced magnets, wherein neighbouring magnets are of alternating polarity;

II. a housing member at least partially formed of a dielectric material, which comprises an electrically connected solenoid, wherein said solenoid is positioned to be within the magnetic field of a circumferentially spaced magnet of said wheel when aligned therewith, and wherein rotation of said wheel causes each circumferentially spaced magnet to magnetically affect said solenoid in turn; and ill. a power bank which is electrically connected to said solenoid such that the power bank is charged by said electrical current; and iv. wherein said housing member comprises control means, said control means comprising pins formed from a magnetisable material able to move from a first position wherein each pin is outside of the lumen of a respective solenoid of the housing member and a second position wherein each pin is located within the lumen of its respective solenoid.

2. A system for charging one or more power banks, said system comprising: i. at least one rotationally mounted wheel, wherein said wheel comprises circumferentially spaced magnets, wherein neighbouring magnets are of alternating polarity;

II. a housing member at least partially formed of a dielectric material, which comprises circumferentially spaced electrically connected solenoids, wherein each solenoid is positioned to be within the magnetic field of a circumferentially spaced magnet of said wheel when aligned therewith, and wherein rotation of said wheel causes each circumferentially spaced magnet to magnetically affect each solenoid in turn; iii. a power bank which is electrically connected to each solenoid such that the power bank is charged by said electrical current; and iv. wherein a DC motor is linked to the wheel and able to control the rotational speed of the wheel.

3. A system for charging one or more power banks, said system comprising: i. at least one rotationally mounted wheel, wherein said wheel comprises circumferentially spaced magnets, wherein neighbouring magnets are of alternating polarity;

II. a housing member at least partially formed of a dielectric material, which comprises circumferentially spaced electrically connected solenoids, wherein each solenoid is positioned to be within the magnetic field of a circumferentially spaced magnet of said wheel when aligned therewith, and wherein rotation of said wheel causes each circumferentially spaced magnet to magnetically affect each solenoid in turn; iii. a power bank which is electrically connected to each solenoid such that the power bank is charged by said electrical current; and iv. wherein the dielectric material of the housing is a geocrystalline material which comprises a soda lime glass and a geopolymer.

4. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the cylinder axis of each solenoid is parallel to the plane of the wheel.

5. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the system comprises an odd number of magnets such that two neighbouring magnets have the same polarity.

6. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the dielectric material of the housing comprises a soda lime glass and an aluminium silicate.

7. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein at least one solenoid is present as a double solenoid, with a first solenoid nested within an outer solenoid, wherein each solenoid is on a separate electrical circuit. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein at least two systems are linked in series, with a single source of fluid to cause rotation of the wheels. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the fluid is carried by a pipe which decreases in diameter through the system. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein a DC motor is mounted onto a central pipe carrying a fluid which drives rotation of the wheel. An electric vehicle comprising a system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10. A hydroelectric generator comprising a system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.