Patent Application
20190055916
The present invention pertains generally to machines for running electric generators and to control units for controlling these machines during their operational duty cycles. More particularly, the present invention pertains to machines that run electric generators by converting the potential energy of an object into kinetic energy for use in running the electric generator, as the object falls under the influence of gravity. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful for machines that use a body of liquid (e.g. water) to dissipate the kinetic energy of an object, and then use the buoyant force that is exerted by the liquid against the object to return it to a launch point for subsequently generating kinetic energy for the object to do further work in another duty cycle. The present invention is also useful for controlling velocities of an object during its duty cycle.
From an engineering perspective, the present invention requires a general familiarity with the concepts of work and energy, and their interrelationship with each other. In particular, the present invention is concerned with the work-energy relationship of a moving object.
By definition, the work, U, that is done by a force, F, when moving an object from one location (position) to another, is equal to the product of the force, F, and the displacement, dr, of the object. Mathematically, work is expressed as:
U=Fdr
On the other hand, the kinetic energy, T1 of an object in motion (i.e. its capacity to do work as a moving object) is mathematically expressed as:
T=½mv2
where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity at a point in time.
In accordance with the general principle of work and energy, it can be shown that as an object moves under the influence of a force F through a displacement dr, the kinetic energy T of the object will be changed by the work U done on or by the object. Mathematically:
T
1+U1→2=T2
Stated differently, the kinetic energy at a first position, T1, plus the work required to move the object from the first position to a second position, U1→2, is equal to the kinetic energy of the object at the second position, T2.
With the above relationships in mind, it is also helpful to know that the energy of a body can be expressed either as potential energy or kinetic energy. The distinction here is that an object has potential energy by virtue of its position or configuration (i.e. static), whereas it has kinetic energy by virtue of its motion (dynamic). The present invention incorporates considerations of both types of energy in two different contexts.
Along with a consideration of energy in the context of an object falling under the force of gravity, the present invention is also concerned with the energy of an object in a context wherein the object is submerged in a liquid (e.g. water). In this latter context, a buoyant force will act on the submerged object that is equal to the weight of the liquid that is displaced by the object. Though the contexts are different, the force of gravity and a buoyant force will have similar dynamic effects on an object, insofar as the work-energy relationship is concerned.
In overview, as envisioned for a duty cycle of the present invention, the force of gravity will convert the potential energy of an object into kinetic energy as the object falls from a predetermined height into a liquid tank. Part of the object's kinetic energy during its fall will then be used to do work in operating an electric generator for generating electricity. Subsequently, a buoyant force acting on the object in the liquid tank will give the object sufficient kinetic energy to return the object to the position of height from which it was originally dropped.
As an object (body) moves it will have a velocity. Mathematically, this velocity is properly considered as a vector which has both a magnitude (i.e. speed) and a direction. Speed and direction should therefore be considered separately. In this context, speed (i.e. the magnitude of the velocity vector) is equal to a change in the travel distance of the object per unit time (e.g. MPH).
For the present invention, the velocity of an object as it is being moved during a duty cycle will have dramatic changes in both its magnitude and direction. Consequently, measurements of time, travel distance and changes in directions, together with the factors causing these changes, are of crucial importance for the present invention. In sum, the velocity of an object needs to be monitored and controlled.
In light of the above, It is an object of the present invention to provide a machine that converts the kinetic energy of a falling object into work for the operation of an electric generator. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a machine that creates a buoyant force on an object that will generate sufficient kinetic energy for the object to return it to a predetermined height. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a machine with a valve mechanism for a liquid tank that reconfigures the tank to alternately provide a low pressure head, h1, and a high pressure head, h2, in the same liquid tank. Still another object of the present invention is to establish control over the velocity of an object as it travels through the machine during a duty cycle. Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for generating electrical energy that is easy to use, is relatively simple to install, and is competitively cost effective.
In accordance with the present invention, a machine for operating an electric generator incorporates five groups of components. These groups are: i) a bi-level liquid (e.g. water) tank having both a lower level liquid surface, and a higher level liquid surface; ii) a valve mechanism, included with the bi-level tank, for maintaining the higher level liquid surface above the lower level liquid surface; iii) a module falling under the force of gravity for transferring energy from the module into work for operating the electric generator; iv) a displacement device in the bi-level tank for controlling variations in the liquid surface levels; and v) a control unit for using the valve mechanism to recycle the module through the bi-level liquid tank.
Within the combination of components for the present invention, a power path is established for the module. Specifically, the power path sequentially extends from a launch point above the tank and through a fall zone where kinetic energy is generated for the module. As envisioned for the present invention, this fall zone can be variable and can be either lengthened or shortened according to the needs of the user. In the event, after the module clears the fall zone, the module then engages with the electric generator for travel through an energy transfer section on the power path. It is in this energy transfer section where kinetic energy is transferred from the module for use as work by the electric generator in the generation of electricity.
After the module leaves the power path it enters the bi-level tank through the lower level liquid surface. In the bi-level tank, the module decelerates to zero vertical velocity at a deceleration point. At the deceleration point in the tank, a transfer mechanism, which is located inside the tank for receiving the module from the power path, repositions the module. Specifically, the module is repositioned onto a return path for buoyant acceleration of the module. On the return path, the module leaves the tank through the upper level liquid surface of the tank for a return to the launch point.
In detail, the bi-level tank includes a transfer tank that is formed with an entry port and an exit port. It also includes a return tank that is mounted on the transfer tank, and positioned above the exit port of the transfer tank. In this combination, fluid communication can be selectively established between the transfer tank and the return tank through the exit port. Preferably the entry port is above the exit port. In an alternate embodiment, however, the entry port and the exit port are horizontally coplanar.
For purposes of the present invention, the valve mechanism includes an access valve which is positioned at the entry port of the transfer tank for opening and closing the entry port. The valve mechanism also includes a transfer valve that is positioned adjacent the exit port of the transfer tank for effectively opening and closing the exit port between the transfer tank and the return tank. In this combination, it is particularly important that a respective operation of the access valve and the transfer valve be coordinated in accordance with a predetermined procedure to ensure the entry port is closed whenever the exit port is open.
The essential aspect of the predetermined protocol for an operation of the valve mechanism is that a condition wherein the entry port and the exit port are simultaneously open, must be avoided. This is required because the exit port is submerged below the higher level liquid surface. Consequently, if both the entry port and exit port are open simultaneously, liquid would flow from the return tank into the transfer tank and out of the entry port from the bi-level tank. In the context of the present invention, starting from a configuration wherein the access valve is open and the transfer valve is closed, the access valve (open/close) and transfer valve (close/open) will change on only two occasions during a duty cycle of the machine for the present invention. The first is after the module enters the bi-level tank, and the second is after the module exits from the bi-level tank.
While the module is in the bi-level tank, i.e. when the entry port is closed and the exit port is open, the module decelerates and is repositioned. This is done by the transfer mechanism which includes a receiver having a first end and a second end. The transfer mechanism also includes a pivot mechanism that is mounted inside the transfer tank. In detail, the pivot mechanism is attached to the second end of the receiver and defines a pivot point for rotation of the receiver. In a first orientation, the first end of the receiver is positioned in the transfer tank below the access port for receiving the module as it enters the transfer tank. In a second orientation, the first end of the receiver is repositioned below the exit port for releasing the module from the transfer tank and into the return tank.
Additionally, also located inside the transfer tank is a displacement device which is preferably an expandable bladder. It is an important aspect of the present invention that the displacement device, when activated, will displace a volume, Vd, of liquid in the transfer tank that is equal to the displacement volume Vd of the module. With this in mind, it is also important to appreciate that prior to the module entering the transfer tank (i.e. entry port is open), the lower level liquid surface is at a distance Δ1 below the entry port, such that the transfer tank is a volume Vd short of being completely full. Thus, when the module enters the transfer tank, the entry port is closed.
Continue to consider the module being in the transfer tank and the entry port closed by the access valve. Also, the exit port is now open. As the module is repositioned in the transfer tank, the displacement device is activated. In this case, the higher level liquid surface is raised by a distance Δ2 to compensate for liquid displaced in the transfer tank by the displacement device. Consequently, when the module exits from the return tank, Δ2 becomes zero as the higher level liquid surface returns to its original level. After the module has travelled through the exit port, preferably immediately after the module's exit, the transfer valve closes the exit port. Then, after the transfer valve has closed the exit port, while the access valve has opened the entry port, the displacement device is deactivated and returns to its original volume prior to expansion. The consequence here is that Δ1 is restored in the transfer tank and the bi-level tank is properly configured to receive another module.
In compliance with the above disclosure, a duty cycle for an operation of the machine of the present invention will include a sequence wherein: i) the access valve is open, the transfer valve is closed and the displacement device is deactivated as the module enters the transfer tank through the entry port; ii) the access valve is closed, the transfer valve is open and the displacement device is activated while the module is submerged in the transfer tank and is being transferred into the return tank; iii) as the module leaves the return tank for travel to the launch point, and the transfer valve is closed, the access valve is opened; and iv) the access valve remains open and the transfer valve remains closed as the displacement device is deactivated and the tank is reconfigured for the next duty cycle.
As envisioned for the present invention, the machine is capable of working at least two types of electric generators. One case is where the electric generator is an electromagnetic generator having a rotor and a stator. In this case, a gripper is attached to the module and a chain is connected with the rotor of the generator. The gripper on the module then engages with the chain to move the chain during the fall of the module along the power path. In turn, the chain rotates the rotor to generate electric power from the generator. In the other case, the electric generator is a linear electric generator, and at least one magnet is mounted on the module. For this configuration, a solenoid is positioned along the power path of the module to generate electric power as the module falls along the power path for an interaction between the moving magnet on the module and the solenoid.
Thus far, the disclosure for a machine in accordance with the present invention has focused on a single module. As a practical matter, however, the present invention envisions a multi-module machine with a simultaneous employment of an n number of modules. For disclosure purposes, a four-module machine is considered (i.e. n=4).
For a multi-module machine configuration, a duty cycle is defined here as the total time required for one module to complete a round-trip circuit through the machine. Within a duty cycle, the time duration Te that each individual module is engaged with the power generator is of utmost importance.
As envisioned for the present invention, crucial measurements for the control unit come directly from the power generator. Specifically, power level measurements and sine wave measurements of the generator's power output are necessary to ensure compatibility of the machine's operation with the requirements of the power provider/power company/utility. Thus, the power generator's output is essentially the start point for an operation of the machine.
It is axiomatic that in order for the machine to provide a continuous and effective input to a power generator, Te for all modules is the same and they need to be continuous (i.e. ΣTe=nTe). Thus, the velocity of a module during its engagement with the power generator should be controlled and held substantially constant. Also, for a continuous operation in a duty cycle, one module must effectively engage with the power generator simultaneously with the disengagement of the previous module from the power generator.
It can happen, however, that during a duty cycle the total time 4Te (i.e. a four-module machine) may vary somewhat. Moreover, although the velocity of a particular module during its engagement with the power generator will need to remain constant, its velocity will vary substantially during the remaining portion of a duty cycle when it is not engaged with the power generator. With these factors in mind, the disclosure presented below for controlling a multi-module machine is provided primarily in consideration of module velocities.
Because hydrodynamic changes (e.g. changes in temperature, pressure, density and viscosity) on a submerged module in the bi-level tank will have a meaningful effect on its velocities during a duty cycle, these hydrodynamic changes must be specifically considered for their effects on module velocities. With this in mind, control over a machine of the present invention requires information regarding module velocities during all phases of a duty cycle. This includes hydrodynamic effects on a module when it is submerged, as well as the requirements of the entity (e.g. a power grid) for which the power is generated.
In overview, it is to be appreciated that for the power requirements of a machine, the velocity of a module during its engagement with the power generator, Te, will need to have a substantially constant average velocity, Vp. In this case, Vp is equal to the travel distance, s, of a module while it is engaged with the power generator, divided by its time of engagement (i.e. Vp=s/Te). Recall, Vp needs to be controllable and is preferably constant during the time interval Te. For purposes of the present invention, the variations in Vp that may be required for proper control of the machine can be implemented by varying the load required of the machine for the power provider/power company/utility.
During the remainder of a duty cycle (i.e. a time duration of 3T) the module is subject to many changes in its velocity as it is returned through the machine for reengagement with the power generator. Specifically, during its return, a module will decelerate, be redirected, accelerated by buoyancy, and then ejected from the bi-level tank onto a launch pad. From there, the module will again be launched for reengagement with the power generator. The present invention recognizes that the sum total of the different velocities, ΣVrtn, that is experienced by the module during its return for reengagement, is a function of Vp (i.e. ΣVrtn is f:(Vp)). Accordingly, Vp is a primary concern for control purposes.
Structurally, a control unit for controlling an operation of the present invention will include a timer for coordinating module movements during a duty cycle. Additionally, the control unit will be connected to a sensor array that includes hydrodynamic sensors, position/velocity sensors, and a power generator output gauge. More specifically, the hydrodynamic sensors in the array will be of types that are well known in the pertinent art and are capable of measuring specific fluid characteristics of the liquid in the bi-level tank. In particular, measurements of interest will include those that affect module velocities, such as pressure, temperature and viscosity. The hydrodynamic sensors will be submerged in the liquid and they will be specifically positioned to take pressure measurements relative to both the high and low liquid surface levels in the bi-level tank. Preferably, at least one hydrodynamic sensor will take measurements in the transfer tank when the entry port is open and the exit port is closed, while another will take measurements in the transfer tank when the entry port is closed and the exit port is open. Still another hydrodynamic sensor will take measurements in the transfer tank to monitor variations in the lower liquid surface level, Llo of the transfer tank.
In addition to the hydrodynamic sensors mentioned above, a plethora of position/velocity sensors for the present invention will be positioned on the machine, both inside the bi-level tank and external to the bi-level tank. The purpose here is to continuously monitor the velocities of each module as they traverse through their respective duty cycle. Preferably, a position/velocity sensor will be positioned at the launch pad and used to establish the beginning of each module's duty cycle. Also, a plurality of position/velocity sensors will be positioned along the machine's power path for measuring the velocity of a module, Vp , during its engagement with the power generator. Another plurality of position/velocity sensors will be positioned inside the bi-level tank, in the transfer tank and in the return tank, to monitor module travel between its engagements with the power generator.
To control an operation of the machine, the control unit uses inputs from the sensor array disclosed above. In detail, the control unit uses these inputs to operate i) internal guides that direct a module through the machine during its duty cycle, ii) the valve mechanism that allows module access into the bi-level tank and maintains respective liquid surface levels for the transfer tank and the return tank, iii) the displacement device in the transfer tank, and iv) the launch pad that establishes the start of each duty cycle. In combination, operations of the sensor array and the machine are coordinated by the control unit for purposes of running the machine.
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
Referring initially to
With reference to
In
Proceeding now to
By cross referencing
For the configuration of the bi-level tank 14 shown in
As envisioned for the present invention, the machine 10 is capable of working two types of electric generators 12. For one, the electric generator 12 can be an electromagnetic generator of a type well known in the pertinent art having a rotor 56 and a stator 58. For this type of electric generator 12, a gripper 60 is attached to the module 20 and a chain drive 62 is connected with the rotor 56 of the generator 12. The gripper 60 on the module 20 then engages with the chain drive 62 to move the chain drive 62 during the fall of the module 20 along the path 22. In turn, the chain drive 62 rotates the rotor 56 to generate electric power from the generator 12. In the other case, the electric generator 12 is a linear electric generator of a type well known in the pertinent art, and at least one magnet (not shown) is mounted on the module 20. A solenoid (also not shown) is positioned along the path 22 of the module 20 to generate electric power as the module 20 falls along the path 22 for an interaction between the moving magnet on the module 20 and the solenoid.
An operation of the present invention will be further appreciated with reference to
With reference to
In accordance with above disclosure, an operation of the present invention requires precise velocity control over each module 20 during its duty cycle. Preferably, the present invention will involve a multi-module machine 10 that simultaneously uses four modules 20a-d. Still referring to
Within the sensor array 108, the plurality of position/velocity sensors 102 are specifically located on the machine 10 to measure positions and velocities of each module 20 as it passes selected points during its respective duty cycle. To do this, at least one position/velocity sensor 102 is positioned at the launch point 26 to determine when a module 20 is ready for launch. At least one position/velocity sensor 102 is located on the power path 22 (e.g. module 20a) to monitor the velocity Vp of modules 20 while they are driving the electric generator 12 by their engagement with the linear generator 100. Also, a plurality of position/velocity sensors 102 are positioned in the bi-level tank 14. More specifically, position/velocity sensors 102 are positioned in the transfer tank 16 to monitor the transfer of a module 20 (e.g. module 20b) from the transfer tank 16 into the return tank 18. Further, position/velocity sensors 102 are positioned in the return tank 18 to ensure appropriate duty cycle locations for modules 20 (e.g. modules 20c and 20d) in preparation for a subsequent launch.
The plurality of hydrodynamic sensors 104 are submerged in the bi-level tank 14 to measure fluid characteristics of the liquid in the bi-level tank 14. In particular, at least one hydrodynamic sensor 104 (e.g. sensor 104a) records fluid pressure in the transfer tank 16 when the entry port 36 is open and the exit port 38 is closed. At least one other hydrodynamic sensor 104 (e.g. sensor 104b) records fluid pressure in the transfer tank 16 when the entry port 36 is closed and the exit port 38 is open. And, at least one hydrodynamic sensor 104 (e.g. sensor 104c) records fluid pressure in the transfer tank 16 to monitor variations Δ1 in the lower level liquid surface Llo of the transfer tank 16. The general purpose here is to provide hydrodynamic values that can affect the velocity of a module 20 in the bi-level tank 14, and to provide information to the control unit 30 pertaining to Lhi and Llo and their respective variations Δ2 and Δ1 that is needed for timely operation of the valves at the entry port 36 and the exit port 38. Additionally, the hydrodynamic sensors 104 in the transfer tank 16 provide important information to the control unit 30 regarding fluid pressure values in the transfer tank 16 that must be accounted for during a proper operation of the displacement device 52.
Referring now to
Operational control for the machine 10 will be best appreciated with reference to
With reference to the time line in
With the above in mind, recall that the times and velocities of a module 20 as it travels through a duty cycle 116 must necessarily be based on Te. Also, there are two velocities in a duty cycle 116 that will remain substantially constant. First, the velocity Vpthat a module 20 has during a power phase 118 of the duty cycle 116 while it is engaged with the linear generator 100 for the time Te needs to be constant. Second, the velocity Vr which is the terminal velocity attained by the module 20 while it is submerged in the bi-level tank 14 during a return phase 120 of the duty cycle 116 will remain substantially constant. Module velocities other than Vp and Vr are transitional velocities which either decrease toward zero from Vp or Vr or, depending on the position of the module 20 in the duty cycle 116, will increase from zero to Vp or Vr.
As shown, Vp is held constant between t1 and t2. Note: at the time t2, as a module 20 disengages from the linear generator 100, the successive module 20 will simultaneously engage with the linear generator 100. Also, it is important to note that at the time t2, the entry port 36 will be open to allow the disengaged module 20b to enter the transfer tank 16. During this time, the exit port 38 will accordingly be closed. As a safety feature, in order to ensure that entry port 36 is indeed open, a mechanical trip switch 124 (see
Between the times t2 and t3, entry port 36 is closed and exit port 38 is opened. In this time interval, the displacement device 52 is activated (e.g. inflated) to force a volume of liquid from the transfer tank 16, through the now-open exit port 38. Specifically, as noted elsewhere herein, this displaced volume of liquid will be equal to the volume of the module 20 that is in the transfer tank 16 at the time.
While it is inside the transfer tank 16, the module 20b will decelerate to zero at the time t3. Then, after being reoriented by the pivot mechanism 50, the module 20 will accelerate to its terminal velocity Vr as it transitions from the transfer tank 16 and into the return tank 18. By time t4, the module 20 will be completely inside the return tank 18. It is important that the time interval between t2 and t4 must necessarily be less than Te. This is so because at a time t2+Te the next module 20 will need to enter the transfer tank 16 during its duty cycle 116.
Still referring to
It is to be appreciated that the above disclosure with reference to
While the particular Control System for Machine Electric Generator as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 15/677,800, filed Aug. 15, 2017, which is currently pending. The contents of application Ser. No. 15/677,800 are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15677800 | Aug 2017 | US |
| Child | 15829039 | US |
