Patent Application
20240093677
The present disclosure relates generally to devices capable of generating electrical energy.
It is well known that the Earth's energy resources, such as fossil fuels, are limited and may someday become scarce. Fossil fuels in particular appear to have caused substantial damage to the Earth in the form of global warming. Yet we need energy today more than ever before. Fossil fuels have also created great power instability on our planet. Nations that heavily depend upon fossil fuels for energy production find their vital systems such as food production and winter heating are threatened by geopolitical events beyond their control. Increasing amounts of energy are needed as regional water shortages create great need for region-scale desalination, putting further strain on nonrenewable fossil fuel supplies and further polluting the environment. Many people have no access to fossil fuels. Nearly a billion people have no access to electricity. Over three billion people have no access to clean energy sources for cooking, relying instead on burning dehydrated animal dung, dried brush, and wood. Moreover, as mankind searches for other homes in the Universe, reliable and repeatable energy sources will be needed. Since the same needs exist on Earth, it would be advantageous to engineer new ways to find and generate clean sources of energy.
Various disclosed exemplary embodiments include systems, devices, and methods for generating electrical energy.
In some embodiments, an energy generating device may include a first body portion with at least one first force input structure coupled to the first body portion and configured to receive an external force. In some embodiments, an energy generating device also may include a second body portion, the first body portion rotatable relative to the second body portion. Further, some embodiments of an energy generating device may include an electrical generator configured to use the relative motion between the first body portion and the second body portion to generate electricity. The first body portion and the second body portion may be configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the medium causes a force on the at least one first force input structure by impinging on the at least one force input structure causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion.
In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, an energy generating device may include a first body portion having a pass-through and at least one rotor structure coupled to the first body portion and configured to receive an external force. The energy generating device may also include a second body portion, the second body portion concentrically located at least partially within the pass-through of the first body portion, the first body portion rotatable relative to the second body portion and at least one helical structure, rotor or other torque generating structure coupled to the second body portion and configured to receive an external force. Further, the energy generating device may include an electrical generator configured to use the relative motion between the first body portion, having one or more conductive coils, and the second body portion, having one or more magnets, to generate electricity. Further still, the energy generating device may also include the first body portion and the second body portion may be configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the medium causes a force on the at least one rotor by impinging on the at least one rotor causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion.
Further, various exemplary embodiments may relate to a method of generating electricity. The method may include causing an energy generating device, having a first body portion and a second body portion configured to counter rotate with each other, to descend in a medium under the force of gravity and causing the first body portion and the second body portion to counter rotate by providing contact between the medium and a torque generator configured on both the first body portion and the second body portion. The method may also include generating electricity by providing magnets and conductive coils on the first body portion and the second body portion, the magnets causing an electrical current in the conductive coils as they bypass one another. The method further may include increasing the buoyancy of the energy generating device causing the energy generating device to ascend.
Further still, various exemplary embodiments may relate to a method of manufacturing an energy generating device. The method may include producing, from suitable materials, a first body portion. The method also may include producing, from suitable materials, at least one first force input structure. Further, the method may include coupling the at least one first force input structure to the first body portion in a configuration to receive an external force. Further still, the method may include producing, from suitable materials, a second body portion. Further still, the method may include assembling the first body portion with the second body portion in a configuration to be rotatable relative to the second body portion and assembling an electrical generator in a configuration to use the relative motion between the first body portion and the second body portion to generate electricity. The first body portion and the second body portion may be configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the medium causes a force on the at least one first force input structure by impinging on the at least one force input structure causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion.
In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, an energy generating device may include a first body portion, a second body portion, a torque generator, and an electrical generator configured to use the relative motion between the first body portion and the second body portion to generate electricity. The first body portion and the second body portion may be configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the torque generator causes relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion. In various exemplary embodiments the first body portion may be substantially concentric with the second body portion. In some exemplary embodiments the first body portion may include a pass through configured to receive the second body portion. In some embodiments the second body portion may be rotatably supported by at least one bearing. In various embodiments the at least one bearing may include at least one of a mechanical bearing, an air bearing, a fluid bearing, and a magnetic bearing. In various exemplary embodiments of an energy generating device the torque generator may include at least one first force input structure configured to receive an external force as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion. In some embodiments the torque generator may include at least one first track. In some exemplary embodiments the at least one first track may be configured to prevent the rotation of the first body portion as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium. In some embodiments the at least one first track may be configured to steer or constrain the motion of the first body portion causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium. In various exemplary embodiments the energy generating device may further include at least one second force input structure coupled to the second body portion. In various exemplary embodiments the torque generator may further include at least one second track. In some embodiments the at least one second track may be configured to prevent the rotation of the second body portion as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium. In some embodiments the at least one second track may be configured to steer or constrain the motion of the second body portion causing increased relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium. In various embodiments the at least one second force input structure may be configured to cause increased relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion when the at least one second force input structure receives a force from the impinging medium. In some embodiments the at least one first force input structure may include a rotor and the at least one second force input structure may include a rotor. In various embodiments the at least one first force input structure may include a rotor. In some exemplary embodiments the second body portion may include at least one magnet and the first body portion may include at least one coil, the at least one magnet and the at least one coil being a portion of the electrical generator. In some embodiments the second body portion may include at least one coil and the first body portion may include at least one magnet, the at least one coil and the at least one magnet being a portion of the electrical generator. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments the energy generating device may further include at least one buoyancy modulator configured to selectively change the buoyancy of the energy generating device. In some exemplary embodiments the at least one buoyancy modulator may include at least one ballast tank. In some embodiments the at least one buoyancy modulator may include at least one inflatable member. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments the energy generating device may further include at least one pump or other gas compression member configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments the energy generating device may further include at least one compressor pump configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments the energy generating device may further include at least one pump or other gas compression member configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank. In accordance with some exemplary embodiments the energy generating device may further include at least one compressor pump configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank. In some embodiments the at least one second force input structure may include a helix or helical rotor. In some embodiments the at least one first force input structure may include a helix or helical rotor. In some embodiments, an energy generating device may further include at least one pump or other gas compression member configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank. In some exemplary embodiments, an energy generating device may further include at least one compressor pump configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank. In some exemplary embodiments, an energy generating device may additionally include a vessel. In some exemplary embodiments of an energy generating device the vessel may include a linear vessel. In some exemplary embodiments of an energy generating device the vessel may include a nonlinear vessel. In some embodiments the vessel is configured to contain a medium.
Further, various exemplary embodiments may relate to a method of generating electricity. The method may include causing an energy generating device, having a first body portion and a second body portion configured to counter rotate with each other, to descend in a medium under the force of gravity. The method may further include causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion by configuring the at least one track to steer or constrain the motion of one or both of the first body portion and the second body portion. Further, the method may include generating electricity by providing magnets and conductive coils on the first body portion and the second body portion, the magnets causing an electrical current in the conductive coils as they bypass one another. Further still, the method may include increasing the buoyancy of the energy generating device causing the energy generating device to ascend.
Further still, various exemplary embodiments may relate to a method of generating electricity. The method may include increasing the buoyancy of an energy generating device causing the energy generating device to ascend in a medium. The method may further include causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion by providing contact between the at least one track and one or both of the first body portion and the second body portion, thereby steering or constraining the motion of one or both of the first body portion and second body portion. Further still the method may include reversing polarity of the outputs of an electrical generator. The method may further include generating electricity by providing magnets and conductive coils on the first body portion and the second body portion, the magnets causing an electrical current in the conductive coils as they bypass one another.
Further still, various exemplary embodiments may relate to a method of manufacturing an energy generating device. The method may include producing, from suitable materials, a first body portion. The method may further include producing, from suitable materials, a second body portion. The method may further include producing, from suitable materials, at least one track. Further, the method may include coupling the at least one track to the first body portion in a configuration to steer or constrain the motion of one or both of the first body portion and second body portion. Further still, the method may include assembling the first body portion with the second body portion in a configuration to enable relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion. Further still, the method may include assembling an electrical generator in a configuration to use the relative motion between the first body portion and the second body portion to generate electricity. In various exemplary methods of manufacture, the first body portion and the second body portion may be configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the one or more track steers or constrains the motion of the one or both of the first body portion and the second body portion causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, an energy generating device may include a buoyancy modulator. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a buoyancy modulator may include at least one chemical converter configured to convert one or more input chemicals into one or more output chemicals. In some embodiments, the chemical converter may be configured to convert one or more chemicals to methane. In some exemplary embodiments, the buoyancy modulator may include at least one matter phase converter configured to convert a substance from one phase of matter to another. In some embodiments the matter phase converter may be configured to convert matter between a liquid phase and a gas phase. In some embodiments the matter phase converter is configured to convert matter between a solid phase and a gas phase. In some embodiments the matter phase converter is configured to convert matter between a liquid phase and a solid phase. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, an energy generating device may additionally include at least one density modulator configured to selectively change the density of the energy. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, an energy generating device may additionally include at least one density modulator configured to selectively change the density of the medium in which the energy generating device is located. In some embodiments the source of gravity may be a massive astronomical body. In some embodiments the source of gravity may be an artificial gravity generator. Various exemplary embodiments may relate to a method of creating energy. The method may include creating artificial gravity using an artificial gravity generator and harvesting the buoyancy potential energy of the gravity using an energy generating device. The method may include creating artificial gravity using an artificial gravity generator and harvesting the gravitational potential energy of the gravity using an energy generating device. The method may include creating artificial gravity using an artificial gravity generator and harvesting the potential energy of the gravity using an energy generating device.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
Illustrative embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components or members, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.
Referring now to
At a specified depth, compressed gas, which may be air or other compressed gas, may be expanded into a buoyancy modulator, for example, the ballast tanks of ballast system 135 on board energy generating device 100, thereby purging the ballast water. With the ballast water purged from the ballast tanks of ballast system 135, energy generating device 100 becomes buoyant and begins rising to the surface of water 125. As energy generating device 100 rises in direction 175, helical rotor 120 may begin to rotate in a direction 160 and inner second body portion 130 may begin to rotate in an opposite direction 165. As outer first body portion 110 and inner second body portion 130 rotate, electrical energy is generated. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, as energy generating device 100 begins to ascend and the helical rotor 120 and the inner second body portion 130 begin to rotate in opposite directions, a switch unit may cause the polarity of the output to reverse, so that electrical energy is stored with the same polarity as when electrical energy generating device 100 descends. Alternatively, a rectifier may be used to ensure that the current output is the same regardless of the direction of rotation of force input structures. Alternatively, the switching of polarity can be avoided by having electrical energy generating device 100 rotate 180° end to end for the ascent. In that way, electrical energy generating device 100 is in the same orientation relative to the direction of travel during both the descent and ascent. Alternatively, as depicted in
Referring now to
At a specified depth, compressed gas, which may be air or other compressed gas, is expanded into one or more buoyancy modulators such as one or more inflatable buoyancy modulator 270 which are inflated thereby. With buoyancy modulators such as one or more inflatable buoyancy modulator 270 inflated, energy generating device 200 becomes buoyant and begins rising to the surface of water 225. As energy generating device 200 rises, helical rotor 220, which may be coupled to outer first body portion 210 begins to rotate in an opposite direction 260 and inner second body portion 230 begins to rotate in an opposite direction 265. As outer first body portion 210 and inner second body portion 230 rotate, electrical energy is generated. In various other exemplary embodiments, rather than a liquid such as water, an exemplary embodiment may be configured for use in a different fluid, semifluid or viscous medium. For example, energy generating device 200 may be configured to rise to an altitude in the atmosphere during which helical rotor 220 and rotors coupled to inner second body portion 230 may be turned by impinging air or other fluid, semifluid or viscous medium. In such an embodiment, one or more buoyancy modulator such as one or more inflatable buoyancy modulator 270 may be configured as reusable balloons that help rise energy generating device 200 in a direction 275 to an altitude, before they are retracted and the gas within, which is gas lighter than the surrounding medium such as gas lighter than air (e.g., helium, or hydrogen, or the like), is recompressed into compressed gas tanks on board energy generating device 200, causing energy generating device 200 to begin to descend, during which descending, helical rotor 220 and rotors coupled to inner second body portion 230 may be turned by an impinging gas such as air.
Referring now to
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Referring now to
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Referring now to
When an energy generating device needs to consume energy the device may receive electricity 699 that may be transferred from any external source to electrical wire 693 to one or more electrical transmitter or receiver 692 to one or more electrical transmitter or receiver 690 to wire 685 to wherever within the device the electricity is needed. Energy generating device 600 is configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability to descend through a fluid medium at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator.
Now referring to
Exemplary device 700 may be configured to rest at or near heat radiating base 790 when one or more balloon 704 is deflated. When one or more balloon 704 is filled with a gas, such as a lighter than air gas by air compression and decompression system 703, this may cause parasail or air-catching lift member 710 to begin to rise or expand. As heated air 795 fills parasail or air-catching lift member 710, one or both of the force of buoyancy and the force of lift acting upon a buoyancy modulator such as a hybrid buoyancy and lift system 702 may cause kinetic unit 701 to ascend in substantially upward direction 715. As depicted in
Whichever one or several of the forces of buoyancy, lift caused by heated air 795 and lift caused by substantially upward moving air 770 is used to cause kinetic unit 701 to ascend, as kinetic unit 701 ascends, a medium such as air may impinge on a torque generator, such as but not limited to one or more rotor blade 735, which may be coupled to outer first body portion 777. One or more rotor blade 735 may create a torque on outer first body portion 777 so that outer first body portion 777 may rotate substantially in rotational direction 725. Simultaneously, magnet assembly 731, which may be rotatably coupled to twisted screw-like track 730, may rotate in rotational direction 775. The relative rotation between magnet assembly 731 and conductive coils 733, which may be components of an electrical generator, may generate electricity in conductive coils 733. Lighter than air gas may be compressed by air compression and decompression system 703 causing one or more balloon 704 to be deflated or causing parasail or air-catching lift member 710 to collapse or causing hybrid buoyancy and lift system to no longer be able to lift kinetic unit 701, thereby causing kinetic unit 701 to descend. A switching unit similar in energy generating device system 1300 depicted in
Now referring to
Exemplary device 800 can move in a substantially upward direction 885 or in a substantially downward direction 886. When an included buoyancy modulator causes exemplary device 800 moves substantially in upward direction 885 in a fluid medium such as water, the medium applies a force to first waterwheel-like rotor assembly 899 and second waterwheel-like rotor assembly 898 in downward direction 886, causing first waterwheel-like rotor assembly 899 and second waterwheel-like rotor assembly 898 to rotate in direction 887. As described in many exemplary embodiments herein, a buoyancy modulator can include a compressed air pump and a compressed air tank, or a chemical or biological reactor, or any of many kinds of buoyancy modulator. When traveling in upward direction 885, first 90° rotation translation mechanism 896 causes outer first body portion 897 to rotate in direction 888 while second 90° rotation translation mechanism 895 causes inner second body portion 894 to rotate in direction 889, thereby causing counterrotation of the conductive coils and magnets, generating electricity in the conductive coils. When exemplary device 800 moves substantially in downward direction 886 in a fluid medium such as water, the medium applies a force to first waterwheel-like rotor assembly 899 and second waterwheel-like rotor assembly 898 in upward direction 885, causing first waterwheel-like rotor assembly 899 and second waterwheel-like rotor assembly 898 to rotate in direction 887. When traveling in downward direction 886, first 90° rotation translation mechanism 896 causes outer first body portion 897 to rotate in direction 888 while second 90° rotation translation mechanism 895 causes inner second body portion 894 to rotate in direction 889, thereby causing counterrotation of the conductive coils and magnets, generating electricity in the conductive coils. An advantage of the configuration of exemplary device 800 is that it neither requires the energy generating device to turn 180° when it reaches its highest or lowest point of travel, nor does it require a switching mechanism to change polarity of the device when it reaches its highest or lowest point of travel.
Exemplary energy generating devices 600, 700 and 800 are configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability to descend through a fluid medium at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator. The exemplary selection of devices depicted herein are configured to operate with several similar principles to energy generating devices 600, 700 and 800, which can harvest potential energy as electrical energy in water or any fluid.
An exemplary method of operation 900 is depicted in
Another exemplary method of operation 1000 is depicted in
Referring now to
Referring now to
In operation, generator body 1210 may be released from just below buoy 1240 and travel under the force of gravity in a downward direction along track 1220. As generator body 1210 descends, water may impinge on a first force input structure such as a torque generator, such as but not limited to one or more rotor blade 1250, which are coupled to outer first body portion 1212. One or more rotor blade 1250 may create a torque on outer first body portion 1212 so that outer first body portion 1212 may rotate relative to an inner second body portion of generator body 1210, which may be placed in a pass through of outer first body portion 1212. Inner second body portion of generator body 1210 may include a magnet assembly 1260, as depicted in
As generator body 1210 descends, electrical energy is generated. Once generator body 1210 reaches a bottom point such as at or just above anchor point 1280, which anchor point 1280 may be any type of weighted member or any member more dense than the surrounding medium or any suction system like a suction caisson or any other anchoring structure and which anchor point 1280 is configured to maintain track 1220 at a relatively fixed position relative to a surface such as water body floor 1285, ballast tank 1290 and ballast tank 1292, which hold water or the like, are filled with air or the like by a pump or other buoyancy modulator 1294 thereby ejecting the water into water body 1230. As an alternative to using an anchor point 1280 to maintain a track 1220 in a relatively fixed position relative to a surface such as a water body floor 1285, a weight may freely hang at any depth to keep track 1220 relatively straight though it may not be fixed. Ballast tank 1290 and ballast tank 1292, when filled with air or other gas, provide buoyancy to generator body 1210 forcing generator body 1210 to move in an upward direction. As generator body 1210 moves in an upward direction, one or more rotor blade 1250 are torqued in the opposite direction of one or more rotation as rotor blade 1250 direction of rotation when generator body 1210 is traveling in the downward direction. A switching circuit or other polarity switching device changes the polarity of the output of conductive coils 1272 so that the output of the electrical generator remains the same polarity as in the downward direction. A configuration of four diodes or a rectifier can be used so that the direction of current flow of the electrical generator remains the same as in the downward direction. When the generator body reaches the top height near buoy 1240, ballast tank 1290 and ballast tank 1292 again take on water and air is compressed inside one or more compressed air tank 1296 and compressed air tank 1297.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, coil assembly 1270 may include any of a variety of parts including but not limited to conductive coils 1272 a top bearing outer race 1273, a top bearing inner race 1274, a bottom bearing outer race 1275, a bottom bearing inner race 1276, and an inner coil support 1277. Inner coil support 1277 may be coupled to conductive coils 1272 on its outside surface and on its inner surface to top bearing outer race 1273 and bottom bearing outer race 1275. Top bearing outer race 1273 and bottom bearing outer race 1275 are configured to rotate around top bearing inner race 1274 and bottom bearing inner race 1276 which are not configured to rotate in this exemplary embodiment but are configured to ride up and down track 1220. This configuration allows conductive coils 1272 to rotate about magnet 1262 which may be coupled to top bearing inner race 1274 and bottom bearing inner race 1276 by magnet outer housing 1263 having a magnet housing top cap 1264 and a magnet housing bottom cap 1265 that holds the magnet assembly 1260 together and helps maintain magnet assembly 1260 to ride up and down track 1220 without rotating. A generator body top cap 1216 and a generator body lower cap 1213 aid in holding together and encasing coil assembly 1270 and magnet assembly 1260. Energy generating device 1200 is configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability to descend through a fluid medium at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator. The exemplary selection of devices depicted herein are configured to operate with several similar principles to energy generating device 1200, which uses a rotor and track configuration to harvest potential energy by the same principles by which energy generating device 600 is able to harvest potential energy using a configuration including two counterrotating helices or rotors without using a track.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Once generator body 1410 reaches a bottom point such as at a weight or other type of anchor 1480, which may be any type of weight or anchoring structure configured to maintain track 1420 at a relatively fixed position relative to a surface, such as a fixed position on water body floor 1485, a buoyancy modulator, such as ballast tank 1490 and ballast tank 1492 which hold water or the like, may be filled with air or the like, thereby ejecting the water into water body 1430. In some embodiments, one or more ballast port 1491 and ballast port 1493 may allow fluid to pass in and out of ballast tank 1490 and ballast tank 1492. One or more ballast tank 1490 and ballast tank 1492, when filled with air or other gas, provide buoyancy to generator body 1410 forcing generator body 1410 to move in the upward direction. As generator body 1410 moves in the upward direction, one or more guide arm 1415 are torqued in a direction that is opposite the direction of rotation of movement of one or more guide arm 1415 when generator body 1410 moves in the downward direction. A switching circuit changes the polarity of the output of conductive coils 1466 so that the output of the electrical generator remains the same as in the downward direction. A configuration of four diodes or a rectifier can be used so that the direction of current flow of the electrical generator remains the same as in the downward direction. When the generator body substantially reaches the top at buoy 1440, ballast tank 1490 and ballast tank 1492 again take on water and air is compressed inside compressed air tanks. Energy generating device 1400 is configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability to descend through a fluid medium at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator. The exemplary selection of devices depicted herein are configured to operate with several similar principles to energy generating device 1400, which uses a configuration including two counter rotational tracks to harvest potential energy by the same principles by which energy generating device 1200 is able to harvest potential energy using both track and rotor.
Referring now to
Track 1501 may be comprised of rigid materials or may be comprised of flexible material 1555. Also, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments, track 1420 and other tracks of various exemplary embodiments herein may include one or more twisted screw-like track 1550 or 1551. Track 1551 may be comprised of rigid materials or may be comprised of flexible material 1555. Twisted screw-like track 1550 may cause inner second body portion 1414, which may include one or more magnet 1610, to rotate in direction 1620. Outer first body portion 1412, which may include conductive coils 1466, may rotate in direction 1640, which is substantially opposite of direction 1620, around a bearing, for example, roller bearing 1467, or a magnetic bearing or any other kind of bearing. Track 1525 and track 1504 may be subtypes of twisted screw-like track 1550 or track 1551. Track 1575 and track 1508 may be subtypes of track 1500 or track 1501.
Track 1525 and track 1575 may include a wireless energy transfer system such as a wireless electricity system to, for example, transfer electricity to and from an energy generating device and to and from an external electrical load. The wireless electricity system may include wireless transmitter or receiver 1533 and electrical wire 1534. See
A track 1551 may include a cable bundle 1599. A track 1501 may include a cable bundle 1599. Cable bundle 1599 may include one or more electrical cable 1598, one or more fluid transmission pipe 1597, or one or more inner or outer structural element 1596. Cable bundle 1599 may be partially contained within protective article 1595. One or more electrical cable 1598 may transfer electricity through electrical port 1594. One or more fluid transmission pipe 1597 may transfer fluid through fluid port 1593. For example, one or more fluid transmission pipe 1597 may transfer lighter than air gas from an air compressor or chemical converter to a balloon or inflatable member. An exemplary embodiment of an energy generating device 1600 may include one or more outer track 1425 and one or more inner track such as one or more track 1500, 1550, 1501, 1551, 1525, 1575, 1504 or 1508 or similar track. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any kind of track or rail or the like can be used in an energy generating device without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Note that, like many exemplary embodiments depicted herein, some of the members of exemplary embodiments depicted herein, for example, some of the members of an exemplary embodiment of an energy generating device 1600 such as one or more magnet 1610 and one or more conductive coils 1466 may be depicted in an exploded, extruded or expanded view.
An energy generating device 1600 may include one or more magnet 1610 configured to rotate around a track such as track 1550, which track 1550 may include conductive wires, such as one or more alternative conductive wire assembly 1511, 1577 or 1588, or any other alternative conductive wire assembly such as alternative conductive wire assembly 1569. The rotation of one or more magnet 1610 around one or more alternative conductive wire assembly 1511, 1577 or 1588, or any other alternative conductive wire assembly such as alternative conductive wire assembly 1569 may induce current in one or more alternative conductive wire assembly 1511, 1577 or 1588, or any other alternative conductive wire assembly such as alternative conductive wire assembly 1569. Note that any reference herein to conductive coils or a conductive coil assembly should also be understood to include any alternative conductive wire assembly, regardless of whether or not the alternative wire assembly contains conductive coils or some other conductive wire configuration. Energy generating device 1600 is configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive wires and the ability to descend through a fluid medium at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator.
Now referring to
When buoyancy modulator 1660 increases or decreases the buoyancy of kinetic unit 1690, kinetic unit 1690 may travel in a direction 1655. As kinetic unit 1690 travels in a direction 1655, the relative movement of magnet array 1645 with alternative conductive wire assembly 1577 may cause the generation of electricity in alternative conductive wire assembly 1577. Generation of electricity in alternative conductive wire assembly 1577 may provide electrical current to neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser 1675 (or any other type of laser), which may shoot a laser beam or photons 1680 into a photovoltaic array 1685. Photovoltaic array 1685 may convert photons received from neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser 1675 into electricity, which may be stored in a battery 1695 or used for any purpose. Many alternatives to using a laser to send photons to a photovoltaic array exist, for example, an electromagnetic wave generator such as a microwave generator could send microwaves to a microwave receiver to complete the circuit rather than using a laser to send photons to a photovoltaic array. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any energy transfer system can be used to complete the circuit of an energy generating device using a non-coiled conductive wire.
An exemplary method of operation 1700 is depicted in
Another exemplary method of operation 1800 is depicted in
Referring now to
Referring now to
As marine kinetic member 2050 travels in a substantially upward direction 2021, water moves through a pass through in marine kinetic member 2050 substantially in direction 2020 relative to marine kinetic member 2050, causing a member such as spherical or semispherical force input structure 2045 to roll around the inside of marine member middle portion 2035 in direction 2025, which causes spherical or semispherical force input structure 2045 to rotate in direction 2075. Spherical or semispherical force input structure 2045 is coupled to shaft 2060, which is coupled to magnet 2070. Magnet 2070 and conductive coil assembly 2090 may be included in an electrical generator. Magnet 2070 is rotationally coupled to bearing 2065, which causes magnet 2070 to rotate in relation to conductive coil assembly 2090. The outer surface of bearing 2065 is coupled to one or more flexible arm 2066, which are coupled to marine member middle portion 2035. Like several other exemplary embodiments, exemplary embodiment 2000 has been depicted as generating electricity in a liquid medium, in this example, the ocean. Exemplary embodiment 2000 may also function in a gas medium, for example, air such as the atmosphere.
Some exemplary embodiments of an energy generating device may be located in a natural medium such as but not limited to an ocean or the open air or atmosphere, while other embodiments may be located in an artificial or contained medium. Referring now to
As depicted in
Referring now to
Referring now to
Device 2300 may include a body 2370, which may include a compressed air pump and tank 2381 connected and able to provide fluid to and receive fluid from balloon 2385 via fluid channel 2380. When balloon 2385 is filled with a fluid such as lighter than air gas, device 2300 may be more buoyant than the medium in which it is contained, such as air 2399, and therefore device 2300 may ascend. When compressed air pump and tank 2381 compresses enough of the lighter than air gas, device 2300 may be less buoyant than air 2399, and therefore device 2300 may descend. When device 2300 ascends or descends in a substantially upward or downward direction 2395, air 2399 may impinge upon force input member 2325, causing force input member 2325 to oscillate in directions 2390 due to the phenomena of transverse galloping and vortex shedding. As force input member 2325 oscillates in directions 2390, one or more magnet 2335 may move up and down within conductive coil assembly 2340, generating alternating current in the coils, which alternating current may be converted into direct current through a rectifier 2313 or by several other electronic or mechanical methods. Rectifier 2313 may be contained within electronic housing 2310 before being stored in battery 2375. Exemplary embodiment 2300, having a linear generator, may have the advantage over an embodiment containing a rotary generator that embodiment 2300 may begin to generate electricity at lower speeds than an embodiment having a rotary generator.
Referring now to
Device 2400 may include a body 2470, which may include a compressed air pump and tank 2481 connected and able to provide fluid to and receive fluid from balloon 2485 via fluid channel 2480. When balloon 2485 is filled with a fluid such as lighter than air gas, device 2400 may be more buoyant than the medium in which it is contained, such as air 2499, and therefore device 2400 may ascend. When compressed air pump and tank 2481 compresses enough of the lighter than air gas, device 2400 may be less buoyant than air 2499, and therefore device 2400 may descend. When device 2400 ascends or descends in a substantially upward or downward direction 2495, air 3499 may impinge upon force input member 2401, causing force input member 2401 to oscillate in directions 2490 due to the phenomena of aeroelastic fluttering. As force input member 2401 oscillates in directions 2490, one or more magnet 2435 may move up and down within conductive coil assembly 2440, generating alternating current in the coils, which alternating current may be converted into direct current through a rectifier 2411 or by several other electronic and mechanical methods. Rectifier 2411 may be contained within electronic housing 2410 before being stored in battery 2475. Exemplary embodiment 2400, having a linear generator, may have the advantage over an embodiment containing a rotary generator that embodiment 2400 may begin to generate electricity at lower speeds than an embodiment having a rotary generator.
Devices 2300 and 2400 exemplify a general principle of movement of conductive coils relative to a magnetic field. Magnets can move in any combination of one or more linear motions relative to conductive coils, or conductive coils can move in any combination of one or more linear motions relative to magnets to generate an electric current in the conductive coils. The electric current can be stored in a battery by including in the configuration of the energy generating device a rectifier or any other system capable of converting changes in the direction of the electric current into direct current whether the linear motions are one dimensional or oscillating motions or any combination of two or three dimensional linear motions.
Referring now to
Buoyancy modulator 2429 may include a gas compressor and a compressed gas tank. Buoyancy modulator 2429 may receive lighter than air gas from one or more balloon 2421 and compress the gas it receives from one or more balloon 2421, thereby decreasing the buoyancy of device 2420 and causing device 2420 to descend, or buoyancy modulator 2429 may provide lighter than air gas to one or more balloon 2421, thereby increasing the buoyancy of device 2420 and causing device 2420 to ascend. As device 2420 travels in direction 2426 in a fluid medium such as air, air may travel in direction 2432 relative to device 2420. Air may travel into pass through 2416 to impinge upon one or more rotor 2412, thereby causing rotation of magnet assembly 2415. Device 2420 may be buffeted by winds causing it to pitch, yaw or roll, thereby causing slide unit 2417 to travel around curvilinear track 2428 in a curvilinear route 2418 or in the opposite direction of curvilinear route 2418. The movement of magnet assembly 2415 relative to conductive coil assembly 2425 causes generation of current within conductive coil assembly 2425.
Device 2420 exemplifies a general principle of movement of conductive coils relative to a magnetic field. Magnets can move in any combination of one or more rotational or curved motions relative to conductive coils, or conductive coils can move in any combination of one or more rotational or curved motions relative to magnets to generate an electric current in the conductive coils. The electric current can be stored in a battery by including in the configuration of the energy generating device a rectifier or any other system capable of converting changes in the direction of the electric current into a single direction (direct current) whether the rotational or curved motions are regular rotational motions or any combination of curved motions.
Referring now to
Buoyancy modulator 2451 may include a gas compressor and a compressed gas tank. Buoyancy modulator 2451 may receive lighter than air gas from one or more balloon 2453 and compress the gas it receives from one or more balloon 2453, thereby decreasing the buoyancy of device 2460 and causing device 2460 to descend, or buoyancy modulator 2451 may provide lighter than air gas to one or more balloon 2453, thereby increasing the buoyancy of device 2460 and causing device 2460 to ascend. As device 2460 ascends substantially in direction 2468 in a fluid medium such as air, air may travel in direction 2469 relative to device 2460. Air may travel into pass through 2464 to impinge upon magnet assembly 2459 and one or more air-catching fin 2458, thereby causing movement of magnet assembly 2459 in one or more of directions 2467 or any other direction. Magnet assembly 2459 and conductive coil assembly 2461 may be included in an electrical generator such as a chaotic generator. The movement of magnet assembly 2459 relative to conductive coil assembly 2461 causes generation of electric current within conductive coil assembly 2461. Electric current may be transmitted across battery connector 2462 to be stored in battery 2475 or may be used for any purpose.
Unlike rotational generators which may continuously output direct current and unlike oscillating or linear generators which may output alternating current at a regular periodicity, the chaotic generators of devices 2420 and 2460, which output current of unpredictable polarity, might be advantageous in highly variable weather conditions such as gusty wind environments or turbulent waters by enabling the magnet a greater range of movement and thereby generating more electricity than if the movement of the magnet were constrained to a single linear or rotational direction. The generators depicted in
Device 2460 exemplifies a general principle of movement of conductive coils relative to a magnetic field. Magnets can move in any combination of one or more linear or curved motions relative to conductive coils, or conductive coils can move in any combination of one or more linear or curved motions relative to magnets, regardless of how apparently chaotic the motions may be, to generate an electric current in the conductive coils. The electric current can be stored in a battery by including in the configuration of the energy generating device a rectifier or any other system capable of converting changes in the direction of the electric current into a single direction (direct current). Any path of travel, whether rotational, consisting of curved movement, oscillating, consisting of a linear movement, or chaotic, consisting of any combination of curved and linear movement, can generate usable and storable electricity in an energy generating device.
Referring now to
As energy generating device 2500 kinetic member 2501 approaches a point closer to the source of gravity, or approximately around the time a device reaches the end of its descent, or around the time a device prepares to reverse its direction of travel, a buoyancy modulator such as a chemical converter or gas compressor and tank 2530 may release compressed gas into balloon 2505, which may increase the buoyancy of kinetic member 2501. As kinetic member 2501 approaches a higher point along outer track 1425, or when kinetic member 2501 recedes from the source of gravity or approaches the end of its ascent or prepares to reverse its direction of travel, a chemical converter or gas compressor and tank 2530 may compress gas received from balloon 2505, which may decrease the buoyancy of kinetic member 2501. Energy generating device 2500 is configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability for the device or for. One or more members of the device to descend through a fluid at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator. The exemplary selection of devices depicted herein are configured to operate with several similar principles to energy generating device 2500, which uses a configuration including an outer track and inner rotor to harvest potential energy by the same principles by which energy generating device 1200 is able to harvest potential energy using an inner track and an outer rotor.
Referring now to
As a buoyancy modulator such as a compressed air system 2681 increases the buoyancy of device 2600 by releasing lighter than air gas through fluid channel 2680 and into balloon 2685, device 2600 may begin to ascend. As device 2600 ascends in a medium such as air 2695, torque is generated one or more first body portion 2610 as air 2695 impinges on one or more rotor 2605, causing first body portion 2610 and crank 2620 to rotate in a direction such as direction 2625. The rotation of crank 2620 causes sliding pin 2621 to oscillate in oscillatory left and right directions 2651 relative to sliding yoke 2630, which sliding yoke 2630 causes connecting rod 2635 and one or more magnet 2645 to oscillate in oscillatory up and down directions 2650. The movement of one or more magnet 2645 within a pass through of one or more conductive coils 2655 generates alternating current in conductive coils 2655, which alternating current is converted into direct current by rectifier 2665 or other system to convert alternating current into direct current. Direct current is stored in battery 2675 or used by device 2600 or for any other purpose. As a buoyancy modulator such as a compressed air system 2681 decreases the buoyancy of device 2600 by compressing lighter than air gas received from balloon 2685 via fluid channel 2680, device 2600 may begin to descend. Like during the ascent process described above, as device 2600 ascends in a medium such as air 2695, torque is generated one or more first body portion 2610 as air 2695 impinges on one or more rotor 2605, causing first body portion 2610 and crank 2620 to rotate, thereby generating and storing or using energy through an analogous process to the generation of energy during the ascent of device 2600 as described above.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Track 2863 may include one or more electrical transmitter or receiver 2866, which may send electricity through electrical wire 2867 or receive electricity from electrical wire 2867. An energy generating device may include one or more electrical transmitter or receiver 2833, which may be coupled to body portion 2801, which may be coupled to first body portion 2810. As the energy generating device generates electricity, it may store energy in one or more battery 2825, or it may send electricity through electrical wire 2832 into one or more electrical transmitter or receiver 2833 which may wirelessly transmit electrical energy 2834 to one or more electrical transmitter or receiver 2866, which may transmit electrical energy to electrical wire 2867 which may transmit electrical energy to any electrical load or locus or battery. When an energy generating device needs to consume energy a device may use energy stored in a battery 2825, which may be coupled to first body portion 2810, or a device may receive electrical energy 2834 that may be transferred from any external source to electrical wire 2867 to one or more electrical transmitter or receiver 2866 to one or more electrical transmitter or receiver 2833 to wire 2832 to anywhere it may be needed by a device. Energy generating device 2800 is configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability for the device or one or more members of the device to descend through a fluid at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator.
Referring now to
Energy generating device 2900 is configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability to descend through a fluid medium at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator. The exemplary selection of devices depicted herein are configured to operate with several similar principles to energy generating device 2900, which uses a configuration including an inner track and outer rotors to harvest potential energy within a gas medium, for example, air, by the same principles by which several exemplary devices depicted herein harvest potential energy within a liquid medium. By these principles, an energy generating device can harvest both gravitational potential energy and buoyancy potential energy in any fluid medium.
Referring now to
Device 3000 may include body 3005, which may be coupled to one or more steering unit 3025, and may also be coupled to rear balloon array 3035 by fluid channel array 3030, and may also be coupled to one or more nose balloon 3045 by fluid channel 3040. The interior of body 3005 may include a buoyancy modulation facility 3020, an electrical generator 3055 a rotation translation facility 3050. Buoyancy modulation facility 3020 may include an air compressor and compressed gas tank that provide gas to and receive gas from one or more fluid channel array 3030 and one or more fluid channel 3040 the purpose of modulating the buoyancy of device 3000 to cause it to travel upward or downward in a medium. Body 3005 may include one or more pass-through 3015, which may allow water or air or any other fluid to travel through. Pass-through 3015 may include one or more rotor 3060, which, when impinged upon by a fluid medium such as air or water, may rotate and generate torque. Depending on the needs of the people or systems piloting device 3000, the rotation generated by rotor 3060 may be used to generate electricity by electrical generator 3055, or the rotation generated by rotor 3060 might be translated by some number of degrees, such as 90° or 180° via rotation translation facility 3050, which may transfer the rotation to steering unit 3025 in order to steer device 3000 from captains quarters 3010 or autonomously.
Referring now to
One or more rotor 3196 may be coupled to body portion 3101 which may be coupled to one or more conductive coils 3104 on its inner surface. Body portion 3101 may be rotatably coupled to body portion 3102 by a bearing or other rotational member. When conductive coils 3104 rotate around one or more magnet 3103, current is induced in conductive coils 3104. Conductive coils 3104 may transmit electricity, for example, through a wireless electricity transfer system, to a wire 3132. Wire 3132 may begin in body portion 3102 and extend down guide arm 1415 into slide unit 1417. Wire 3132 may transmit electricity to one or more electrical transmitter or receiver 3133, which may wirelessly transmit electricity 3134 to one or more electrical transmitter or receiver 3166, which may transmit electricity 3134 to electrical wire 3167, which may transmit electricity to any electrical load or locus or battery. When an energy generating device needs to consume energy a device may receive electricity 3134 that may be transferred from any external source to electrical wire 3167 to one or more electrical transmitter or receiver 3166 to one or more electrical transmitter or receiver 3133 to wire 3132 to wherever within the device the electricity is needed. Energy generating device 3100 is configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability for the device or one or more members of the device to descend through a fluid at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy, for example, via a buoyancy modulator 3194.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Device 3200 may be placed into a body of water at ocean surface 3201. As device 3200 travels through a fluid medium such as water in direction 3250, water moves in direction 3240 relative to device 3200 and some water passes into one or more fluid accelerator 3288 of conductive coil-coupled Tesla turbine 3225 and magnet-coupled Tesla turbine 3275. Now describing magnet-coupled Tesla turbine 3275, fluid accelerator 3288 increases the speed at which water flows into fluid spreading unit 3289. After passing through fluid spreading unit 3289, water passes through the spaces in between force input disks 3290, which spaces are maintained by small spacer discs 3284. As the water passes through the disks, the boundary layer effect causes force input disks 3290 to rotate in direction 3242. Force input disks 3290 are coupled to a central shaft 3292, which rotates as force input disks 3290 rotate. As device 3200 continues to travel, water continues to enter fluid accelerator 3288, through fluid spreading unit 3289, through the spaces between force input disks 3290 and finally exits the device after passing through fluid exit channel 3282. Central shaft 3292 is coupled to the vertical half of a bevel gear 3294, which is rotationally coupled to the horizontal half of a bevel gear 3296 at a 90° angle, thereby translating the rotational force by 90° and causing the horizontal half of a bevel gear 3296 to rotate in direction 3244. The horizontal half of a bevel gear 3296 is coupled to the inner portion of a bearing 3298. The inner surface of the inner portion of one or more bearing 3298 is coupled to one or more magnet 3297. The rotational force of the horizontal half of a bevel gear 3296 causes one or more magnet 3297 to rotate in direction 3244.
Now describing conductive coil-coupled Tesla turbine 3225, by a similar mechanism as occurs in magnet-coupled Tesla turbine 3275, water that enters fluid accelerator 3288 causes a central shaft 3292 to rotate in direction 3241. Central shaft 3292 is coupled to the vertical half of a bevel gear 3293, which is rotationally coupled to the horizontal half of a bevel gear 3295 at a 90° angle, thereby translating the rotational force by 90° and causing the horizontal half of a bevel gear 3295 to rotate in direction 3243. The horizontal half of a bevel gear 3295 is coupled to conductive coil assembly 3299, where therefore also rotate in direction 3243. The inner surface of conductive coil assembly 3299 is coupled to the outer portion of one or more bearing 3298. Note that in both conductive coil-coupled Tesla turbine 3225 and magnet-coupled Tesla turbine 3275, the rotational coupling of first outer casing 3286 to central shaft 3292 by one or more bearings 3291 prevents the rotation of force input disks 3290 from causing rotation of first outer casing 3286. First outer casing is coupled to second outer casing 3287, which therefore also does not rotate. As device 3200 travels through a fluid medium such as water in direction 3250, the counter rotation of conductive coil assembly 3299 and one or more magnet 3297 may cause the generation of electricity in conductive coil assembly 3299, which electricity may be used by device 3200 or may be stored in in one or more energy storage device such as one or more internal battery 3283.
Referring now to
Device 3200 may transfer compressed gas from one or more front multifluid tank 3210 and from one or more back multifluid tank 3220 through one or more fluid transmission pipes included in fluid transmission pipe assembly 3263, through seafloor air compression member into compressed gas tank 3270. Device 3200 may transfer a gas such as air from one or more front multifluid tank 3210 and from one or more back multifluid tank 3220 through one or more fluid transmission pipes included in fluid transmission pipe assembly 3263 into seafloor air compression member 3265, which seafloor air compression member 3265 may compress the gas and then transfer it into compressed gas tank 3270. Compressed gas tank 3270 may transfer a compressed gas such as air through seafloor air compression member 3265 into one or more fluid transmission pipes included in fluid transmission pipe assembly 3263 into one or more front multifluid tank 3210 and into one or more back multifluid tank 3220 into. Some of the compressed gas transferred from compressed gas tank 3270 may be transferred into a compressed gas tank of one or more front multifluid tank 3210 or one or more back multifluid tank 3220, and some of the compressed gas transferred from compressed gas tank 3270 may be decompressed as it is transferred into a ballast tank of one or more front multifluid tank 3210 or one or more back multifluid tank 3220, which may expel water from the ballast tank of one or more front multifluid tank 3210 or one or more back multifluid tank 3220, thereby causing device 3200 to rise. The combined density of the gasses and fluids in one or more front multifluid tank 3210 may be lower than the combined density of the gasses and fluids in one or more back multifluid tank 3220, causing device 3200 to reorient 180° or some other number of degrees such that one or more front multifluid tank 3210 becomes substantially higher than one or more back multifluid tank 3220 as device 3200 rises through the water.
Now referring to
An energy generating device may transmit electricity directly to facilities without power lines. Referring now to
An exemplary embodiment of an energy generating device can be configured to output energy in several different ways. As depicted in other devices, device 3300 may output to a power line or other electricity transportation medium. For example, as depicted in
As depicted in
When or around the time that the aerial unit 3369 of an exemplary embodiment of an energy generating device 3300 reaches a height, for example, its zenith height 3329, the direction of rotation of bottom torque generator 3341 may switch from substantially direction 3328 to substantially direction 3324 and the direction of rotation of top torque generator 3342 may switch from substantially direction 3324 to substantially direction 3328. While the aerial unit 3369 of an exemplary embodiment of an energy generating device 3300 descends through a medium substantially in direction 3395, for example from a height such as height 3329 to height 3326 to height 3323 a bottom torque generator 3341 may rotate substantially in direction 3324 and a top torque generator 3342 may rotate substantially in direction 3328, causing relative rotation between magnets and conductive coils to generate electricity.
When or around the time that the aerial unit 3369 of an exemplary embodiment of an energy generating device 3300 reaches a height, for example, its lowest height 3323, the direction of rotation of bottom torque generator 3341 may switch from substantially direction 3324 back to substantially direction 3328 and the direction of rotation of top torque generator 3342 may switch from substantially direction 3328 back to substantially direction 3324. When the aerial unit 3369 of an exemplary embodiment of an energy generating device 3300 reaches a height such as its zenith height 3329 or its lowest height 3323 a switching unit 3327, which may function similarly to switching unit 1330, may cause the polarity of the output to reverse, so that electrical energy generated while ascending is stored with the same polarity as electrical energy generated while descending. A configuration of four diodes or a rectifier can be used so that the direction of current flow of the electrical generator remains the same as in the downward direction.
Device 3300 and many of the other exemplary devices depicted herein may output electricity into an energy storage device. For example, as depicted in
As depicted in
As depicted in
As depicted in
As depicted in
Upon or shortly after a balloon 3305 or an aerial unit 3369 of an energy generating device reaches the highest zenith height 3329, cable bundle storage and retraction unit 3365 may reel in cable bundle 1599 and may thereby cause or increase the rate at which the energy generating device travels substantially in direction 3395 in addition to the primary decrease in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator. Alternatively, cable bundle storage and retraction unit 3365 may not have any impact on the rate at which an energy generating device travels. The cable bundle storage and retraction unit 3365 may serve to keep and organize the portion of cable bundle 1599 that is at ground level at any point in time.
An energy generating device may be configured to operate in a set location, as depicted in some of the drawings herein or an energy generating device may be portable. As depicted in
As depicted in
Energy generating devices 3300, 3311, 3322 and 3333 are configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability for the device or one or more members of the device to descend through a fluid at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator. The exemplary selection of devices depicted herein are configured to operate with several similar principles to energy generating device 3300, 3311, 3322, 3333, 3344 and 3366, for example, an energy generating device can harvest gravitational potential energy and flotational potential energy in any fluid medium. Further, an energy generating device can harvest potential energy regardless of whether the torque generator of an energy generating device includes two counterrotating rotors as depicted in energy generating device 3300, or alternatively includes some other configuration of tracks and rotors.
As previously taught, some of the members of an energy generating device may be included in an aerial unit 3369. Referring now to
In some exemplary embodiments of an energy generating device such as devices 3483 and 3484, cable bundle storage and retraction unit 3365 may reel in, release and store cable bundle 1599. Reeling in can be powered by traditional methods using a torsion spring, for example, during descent of the aerial unit 3369, or reeling in may occur by any other method. Alternatively, no reeling need occur. As depicted in
Referring now to
An exemplary embodiment of an energy generating device 3453 includes a surface unit 3408, which includes a buoy 3437 which may be coupled to a pole 3451, which may be coupled to a system 3416. System 3416 may include many of the same components as ground unit 3473 depicted in
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
A typical cruise ship 3613 may consume substantial amounts of fossil fuels to power their facilities and their engines 3614. An exemplary embodiment of an energy generating device 3600 may generate and be powered by 100% clean electricity harvested from potential energy and can therefore provide energy to cruise ships to supplement and reduce their fossil fuel consumption, for example, by sending electricity from battery 3608 through electrical cable 3609 to cruise ship battery or electrical load 3616. Energy generating device 3600 is configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability for a device or one or more member of a device to descend through a fluid at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator. The exemplary selection of devices depicted herein is configured to operate with several similar principles to energy generating device 3600, which uses a configuration including two counter rotational tracks to harvest potential energy by the same principles by which energy generating device 2900 is able to harvest potential energy using both track and rotor.
Referring now to
The problems that an exemplary device may solve for underwater communities are similar to the problems that an exemplary device may solve for communities with an unbreathable atmosphere, such as a community on Mars, or such as a community on Earth if by fate or by folly Earth's air becomes unbreathable. Device 3601 may feed electricity into an electrolysis unit 3670 to convert a medium 3698, for example, air, such as air containing high amounts of CO2, into carbon and oxygen for dwellers in a space community, for example, a Martian community of Earth plants, animals and people 3677. Energy generating devices 3601, 3602 and 3603 are configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability for a device or one or more member of a device to descend through a fluid at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, energy generating devices 3700 and 3777 may be configured to generate electricity similar to devices depicted in previous figures, for example, devices 1400 and 1600. An energy generating device 3700 may include a vessel such as linear vessel 2110 rotatably coupled by one or more bearing 3720 to body portion 3715. Body portion 3715 may be coupled to artificial gravity generator 3750 by one or more body connector portion 3730. Alternatively in some embodiments, body portion 3755 may be coupled to a vessel such as linear vessel 2110 on its inner surface and body connector portion 3730 on its outer surface. Embodiment 3700 may include an artificial gravity generator 3750, which may rotate substantially in direction 3725 or direction 3775. Embodiment 3700 may include one or more conductive coils 1466 rotatably coupled to one or more one or more magnet 1610, for example, by one or more rotational member such as a bearing such as roller bearing 1630. Embodiment 3700 may include an outer track 1425 movably coupled to conductive coils 1466, for example, by guide arm 1415 coupled to slide unit 1417. Exemplary device 3700 may include an inner track 1525 movably coupled to one or more magnet 1610 such that one or more magnet 1610 rotate as the move up or down track 1525. Alternatively, embodiment 3700 may use one or more rotors in place of one or more outer track 1425 or 1525. One or more terminus of an energy generating device 2100 may include a top cap 3788 coupled to or supporting or binding one or more members of an energy generating device such as linear vessel 2110, outer track 1425, track 1525 and other members. Embodiment 3700 may include linear vessel 2110, which may contain a fluid medium. Linear vessel 2110 is depicted in cut away view from several angles in
An exemplary embodiment of an energy generating device 3777 may be coupled to the outer surface of an artificial gravity generator 3750, or as depicted in
Referring now to
Referring now to
An exemplary embodiment of an energy generating device may include an electrical generator or other energy generator or energy source like one or more battery 3931. For example, an energy generating device 3999 may include an energy generating device 2100 or other energy generator. An exemplary device may include a wired energy transmission line, in addition to or in place of a wireless energy transmission system. An energy generating device 2100 or an electrical generator or other energy generator or energy source like a battery 3931 may provide energy to a space manufacturing facility 3977, or may transmit electricity 3934 through wire or other energy transfer member 3932 into wireless energy transmitter or receiver 3933, which may transfer the energy to wireless energy transmitter or receiver 3966, which may transfer the energy through wire or other energy transfer member 3967, which may transfer electricity through electrical port 3968 into cable bundle 3950, to any source of electrical load, for example, a facility, for example, an asteroid mining facility and materials processing facility and manufacturing facility 4015, as depicted in
Asteroid mining facility and materials processing facility and manufacturing facility 4015 may produce energy generating devices and may produce parts for energy generating devices or may process or produce any other good or material, and is especially well suited to produce goods and materials comprised of the stones, ores and other matter mined or obtained from an asteroid 4013 or any astronomical body. An energy generating device may include several energy generating devices, for example, an exemplary energy generating device 4000 may include several energy generating devices 2100. Exemplary energy generating device 4000 may rotate substantially in direction 4025 or direction 4075 in order to create artificial gravity, which artificial gravity may include gravitational and buoyancy potential energy, which potential energy may be harvested as electrical energy or any form of energy, for example, by the several energy generating devices 2100 that may be included in energy generating device 4000. Energy generating devices 3999 and 4000 are configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability for a device or one or more member of a device to descend through a fluid at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator. The exemplary selection of devices depicted herein are configured to operate with several similar principles to energy generating devices 3999 and 4000, and by these principles may harvest potential energy in the form of electrical energy from a source of gravity created by a natural source such as a planet or from artificially created gravity. Like other exemplary energy generating devices previously taught, exemplary embodiments 3999 or 4000 do not require a natural source of gravity in order to harvest gravitational potential energy and buoyancy potential energy, which can be harvested in the absence of astronomical bodies and in the absence of any matter by generating artificial gravity.
Referring now to
An energy generating device such as an energy generating device included in device 4100 operates on the principle by which potential energy can be harvested as electrical energy. To realize this principle an energy generating device such as an energy generating device included within device 4100 may be configured as described and depicted herein or may include any configuration of: fluid medium, torque generator, buoyancy modulator and electrical generator. While energy generating device 4100 is depicted including eight different configurations of an energy generating device for illustration and exemplary purposes, a device 4100 may instead include energy generating devices that all share the same configuration in order to balance the device and facilitate smooth rotation. Energy generating device 4100 and energy generating devices included within energy generating device 4100 are configured to operate with several similar principles to the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein, for example, the relative rotation between a first body portion and a second body portion enables the generation of electrical energy by an electrical generator that may include magnets and conductive coils and the ability for a member to descend through a fluid at least partly under the influence of gravity and ascend through a fluid at least partly by changes in buoyancy caused by a buoyancy modulator.
Referring now to
As depicted in several of the preceding figures, the ideal size, components or members, and configuration, of an energy generating device may be determined by the specific use, application, or purpose for which the energy generating device is being configured. All energy generating devices such as those exemplary devices depicted herein operate on similar principles, therefore an energy generating device might interchangeably use any configuration of counter rotational torque generator including any combination of clockwise and counterclockwise torque generators, or any other combination of torque generators or force input members, or any single torque generator or force input member, included dual torque generators that rotate in the same direction such as the example depicted in
Further, it should be noted that the type of energy generator may be varied without departing from the spirit or scope of the matter of this disclosure. For example, the type of generator that may be used includes but is not limited to the types shown and described above but may be any type of electric or electromagnetic generator, which may be any of direct current generators (dynamos) or alternating current generators (alternators). Further other types of generators may also be used, including but not limited to electrostatic generators, thermoelectrical generators, etc. alone or in conjunction with a dynamo or alternator.
Further still, it should be noted that the type of buoyancy modulator may be varied without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, the type of buoyancy modulator that may be used includes but is not limited to the types shown and described above and may be any type of buoyancy modulator such as use of a lighter than air gas, use of heated gas or heated particles similar to that used in hot air balloons and airships, use of a flapping system similar to that used in ornithopters, rotary lift similar to that used in helicopters, jet propulsion, ionic wind or electrodynamic thrust, magnetism, ballast systems as used in submarines, pneumatic systems such as those that use air to fill cavities or compartments, use of a vacuum, buoyant materials, propulsion and swim bladders similar to those used in aquatic robots.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the type of force input member or torque generator may be varied without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, the type of force input member or torque generator that may be used includes but is not limited to the types shown and described above and may be any type of force input member or torque generator such as toroidal rotors, any kind of rotors, horizontal axis turbines, vertical axis turbines, Savonius turbines, force input members used in linear generators, any kind of turbines, Archimedes screw, force input members that use vortex induced vibration or other systems using vortex shedding, electrostatic wind energy converters, rolling fluid turbines, force input members that rely upon electrohydrodynamic phenomena such as systems similar to solid state wind energy transformers, and any other force input member or torque generator.
Many exemplary embodiments of an energy generating device taught herein have been configured to use a single rotor or two rotors. Embodiments configured with two rotors have primarily been described to use two counter rotating rotors. However, as will be obvious to anyone of ordinary skill in the art, the two rotors could rotate in the same direction, as exemplified in exemplary energy generating device 800. Without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art could configure two rotors of an energy generating device to rotate in the same direction, or in any two directions which are neither the same nor opposite, simply by coupling at least one of the rotors to a mechanical system that translates one rotational direction to another. For example, one could use a mechanical system of gears, belt and pulley systems, bevel gears, worm and worm gears, cam and follower, linkages, ratchets, etc., to convert the rotational direction of one rotor into a different rotational direction so that although the rotors are not configured to rotate in opposite directions, the magnet and conductive coils of the electrical generator rotate in opposite directions.
Many structures and designs may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Various materials may also be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.
The term “the exemplary selection of devices depicted herein” is used several times herein to describe the select subset of energy generating devices that have been included in these teachings for the purposes of providing a select few example configurations of the many possible configurations of an energy generating device, in particular, devices: 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1200, 1400, 1600, 1650, 2000, 2100, 2150, 2200, 2250, 2300, 2400, 2420, 2460, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, 3100, 3200, 3300, 3311, 3322, 3333, 3344, 3350, 3366, 3452, 3453, 3483, 3484, 3500, 3501, 3600, 3601, 3602, 3603, 3700, 3777, 3888, 3999, 4000 and 4100, 4101, 4102, 4103, 4104, 4105, 4106, 4107 and 4108.
Further, it should be noted that each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein, may be configured to include a first body portion, at least one first force input structure coupled to the first body portion and configured to receive an external force, a second body portion, the first body portion rotatable, oscillatable, or movable relative to the second body portion; and an electrical generator configured to use the relative motion between the first body portion and the second body portion to generate electricity, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the medium causes a force on the at least one first force input structure by impinging on the at least one force input structure causing relative rotation, oscillation or movement between the first body portion and the second body portion. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the first body portion is substantially concentric with the second body portion. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the first body portion includes a pass through configured to receive the second body portion. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the second body portion is rotatably, oscillatably, or movably supported by at least one bearing, scotch yoke, slider-crank mechanism, cam and follower mechanism, rack and pinion mechanism, screw thread mechanism, flexible or inflexible hanging member such as a rope or string, or any other movable mechanism. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the at least one bearing includes at least one of a mechanical bearing, an air bearing, a fluid bearing, and a magnetic bearing. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that at least one second force input structure is coupled to the second body portion. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the at least one second force input structure is configured to cause increased relative rotation, oscillation or movement between the first body portion and the second body portion when the at least one second force input structure receives a force from the impinging medium. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the at least one first force input structure includes a rotor, oscillator, or is configured to receive chaotic forces and the at least one second force input structure includes a rotor, oscillator, or is configured to receive chaotic forces. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the at least one first force input structure includes a rotor, oscillator, or is configured to receive chaotic forces. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the second body portion includes at least one magnet or coil and the first body portion includes at least magnet or one coil, the at least one magnet and the at least one coil being a portion of the electrical generator. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that at least one buoyancy modulator selectively changes the buoyancy of the energy generating device. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the at least one buoyancy modulator includes at least one ballast tank. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the at least one buoyancy modulator includes at least one inflatable member. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that at least one pump or other gas compression member configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that at least one compressor pump configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the at least one second force input structure includes a helix. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the at least one first force input structure includes a helix. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured such that the at least one second force input structure includes a helix. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured to include a first body portion having a pass-through, at least one rotor or oscillator or a torque generating structure configured to receive chaotic forces or other torque generating structure coupled to the first body portion and configured to receive an external force, a second body portion, the second body portion concentrically located at least partially within the pass-through of the first body portion, the first body portion rotatable or oscillatable or movable relative to the second body portion, at least one rotor or other torque generating structure coupled to the second body portion and configured to receive an external force and an electrical generator configured to use the relative motion between the first body portion, having one or more conductive coils, and the second body portion, having one or more magnets, to generate electricity, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the medium causes a force on the at least one rotor or oscillator or a torque generating structure configured to receive chaotic forces or other torque generating structure by impinging on the at least one rotor or oscillator or a torque generating structure configured to receive chaotic forces or other torque generating structure causing relative rotation, oscillation or movement between the first body portion and the second body portion. Each exemplary energy generating device depicted herein may be configured to perform a method of generating electricity, comprising: causing an energy generating device, having a first body portion and a second body portion configured to counter rotate with each other or to counter oscillate with each other or to move relative to each other, to descend in a medium under the force of gravity, causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion by providing contact between the medium and a torque generator configured on one or both of the first body portion and the second body portion, generating electricity by providing magnets and conductive coils on the first body portion and the second body portion, the magnets causing an electrical current in the conductive coils as they bypass one another and increasing the buoyancy of the energy generating device causing the energy generating device to ascend.
Disclosed below are various embodiments and related features which may entirely form or form features of the disclosed embodiments alone or in various combinations. These embodiments and clauses detailing potential elements are provided as disclosure and support for possible alternative claims and claim limitations in accordance with various embodiments of the inventions discussed in this document and the family of which this document is a member.
An energy generating device disclosed includes a first body portion, at least one first force input structure coupled to the first body portion and configured to receive an external force and a second body portion, the first body portion rotatable relative to the second body portion. The device also includes an electrical generator configured to use the relative motion between the first body portion and the second body portion to generate electricity. The first body portion and the second body portion are configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the medium causes a force on the at least one first force input structure by impinging on the at least one force input structure causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion.
The energy generating device may include the second body portion having at least one coil and the first body portion having at least one magnet, the at least one coil and the at least one magnet being a portion of the electrical generator.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second force input structure having at least one torque generator.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first force input structure having at least one torque generator.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second force input structure having at least one torque generator.
A method of manufacturing an energy generating device may include producing, from suitable materials, a first body portion and producing, from suitable materials, at least one first force input structure. The method may also include coupling the at least one first force input structure to the first body portion in a configuration to receive an external force and producing, from suitable materials, a second body portion. The method may further include assembling the first body portion with the second body portion in a configuration to be rotatable relative to the second body portion and assembling an electrical generator in a configuration to use the relative motion between the first body portion and the second body portion to generate electricity. The first body portion and the second body portion are configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the medium causes a force on the at least one first force input structure by impinging on the at least one force input structure causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion.
An energy generating device includes at least one first body portion, at least one second body portion, at least one torque generator, and at least one electrical generator configured to use the relative motion between the first body portion and the second body portion to generate electricity. The first body portion and the second body portion are configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the torque generator causes relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion.
The energy generating device may include the first body portion is substantially concentric with the second body portion.
The energy generating device may include the first body portion having a pass through configured to receive the second body portion.
The energy generating device may include the second body portion is rotatably supported by at least one bearing.
The energy generating device may include the at least one bearing having at least one of a mechanical bearing, an air bearing, a fluid bearing, and a magnetic bearing.
The energy generating device may include the torque generator having at least one first force input structure configured to receive an external force as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first track being configured to prevent the rotation of the first body portion as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first track being configured to steer or constrain the motion of the first body portion causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium.
The energy generating device may include at least one second force input structure coupled to the second body portion.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second track being configured to prevent the rotation of the second body portion as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second track being configured to steer or constrain the motion of the second body portion causing increased relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second force input structure being configured to cause increased relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion when the at least one second force input structure receives a force from the impinging medium.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first force input structure having a rotor and the at least one second force input structure includes a rotor.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first force input structure having a rotor.
The energy generating device may include the second body portion having at least one magnet and the first body portion having at least one coil, the at least one magnet and the at least one coil being a portion of the electrical generator.
The energy generating device may include the second body portion having at least one coil and the first body portion having at least one magnet, the at least one coil and the at least one magnet being a portion of the electrical generator.
The energy generating device may include at least one buoyancy modulator configured to selectively change the buoyancy of the energy generating device.
The energy generating device may include the at least one buoyancy modulator having at least one ballast tank.
The energy generating device may include the at least one buoyancy modulator having at least one inflatable member.
The energy generating device may include at least one pump or other gas compression member configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank.
The energy generating device may include at least one compressor pump configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank.
The energy generating device may include at least one pump or other gas compression member configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank.
The energy generating device may include at least one compressor pump configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second force input structure being a helix or helical rotor.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first force input structure being a helix or helical rotor.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second force input structure being a helix or helical rotor.
The energy generating device may include at least one pump or other gas compression member configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank.
The energy generating device may include at least one compressor pump configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank.
The energy generating device may include the torque generator having at least one first guide member.
The energy generating device may include the torque generator having at least one second guide member.
The energy generating device may include a vessel.
The energy generating device may include the vessel having a linear vessel.
The energy generating device may include the vessel having a nonlinear vessel.
The energy generating device of may include the first body portion having a pass through configured to receive the second body portion.
The energy generating device may include the second body portion being rotatably supported by at least one bearing.
The energy generating device may include the at least one bearing having at least one of a mechanical bearing, an air bearing, a fluid bearing, and a magnetic bearing.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first guide member having at least one first track.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first track being configured to prevent the rotation of the first body portion as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first track being configured to steer or constrain the motion of the first body portion causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second guide member having at least one second track.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second track being configured to prevent the rotation of the second body portion as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first force input structure including at least one first guide member.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second force input structure including at least one first guide member.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first force input structure including at least one second guide member.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second track being configured to steer or constrain the motion of the second body portion causing increased relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion as the energy generating device descends or ascends through a medium.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second force input structure being configured to cause increased relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion when the at least one second force input structure receives a force from the impinging medium.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first force input structure having a rotor and the at least one second force input structure having a rotor.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first force input structure having a rotor.
The energy generating device may include the at least one buoyancy modulator having at least one ballast tank.
The energy generating device may include the at least one buoyancy modulator having at least one inflatable member.
The energy generating device may include at least one pump or other gas compression member configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank.
The energy generating device may include at least one compressor pump configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank.
The energy generating device may include at least one pump or other gas compression member configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank.
The energy generating device may include at least one compressor pump configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second force input structure being a helix or helical rotor.
The energy generating device may include the at least one first force input structure being a helix or helical rotor.
The energy generating device may include the at least one second force input structure being a helix or helical rotor.
The energy generating device may include at least one pump or other gas compression member configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank.
The energy generating device may include at least one compressor pump configured to fill at least one compressed gas tank.
The energy generating device may include the vessel being a linear vessel.
The energy generating device may include the vessel being a nonlinear vessel.
The energy generating device may include a potential energy converter.
The energy generating device may include the potential energy converter being configured to convert the potential energy of the force of gravity into electrical energy.
The energy generating device may include the potential energy converter being configured to convert the potential energy of the force of buoyancy into electrical energy.
The energy generating device may include the potential energy converter being configured to convert the potential energy of the force of gravity into thermal energy.
The energy generating device may include the potential energy converter being configured to convert the potential energy of the force of buoyancy into thermal energy.
The energy generating device may include the potential energy converter being configured to convert the potential energy of the force of gravity into sound energy.
The energy generating device may include the potential energy converter being configured to convert the potential energy of the force of buoyancy into sound energy.
The energy generating device may include the potential energy converter being configured to convert the potential energy of the force of gravity into chemical energy.
The energy generating device may include the potential energy converter being configured to convert the potential energy of the force of buoyancy into chemical energy.
The energy generating device may include the potential energy converter being configured to convert the potential energy of the force of gravity into radiant energy.
The energy generating device may include the potential energy converter being configured to convert the potential energy of the force of buoyancy into radiant energy.
The energy generating device may include the buoyancy modulator having at least one chemical converter configured to convert one or more input chemicals into one or more output chemicals.
The energy generating device may include the at least one chemical converter being configured to convert one or more chemicals to lighter than air gas.
The energy generating device may include the buoyancy modulator having at least one matter phase converter configured to convert a substance from one phase of matter to another.
The energy generating device may include the matter phase converter being configured to convert matter between a liquid phase and a gas phase.
The energy generating device may include the matter phase converter being configured to convert matter between a solid phase and a gas phase.
The energy generating device may include the matter phase converter being configured to convert matter between a liquid phase and a solid phase.
The energy generating device may include the at least one chemical converter being configured to convert one or more chemicals into one or more chemicals that are lighter than air.
The energy generating device may include the vessel being configured to contain a medium.
The energy generating device may include at least one density modulator configured to selectively change the density of the energy generating device.
The energy generating device may include at least one density modulator configured to selectively change the density of the medium in which the energy generating device is located.
The energy generating device may include the source of gravity being a massive astronomical body.
The energy generating device may include the source of gravity being an artificial gravity generator.
The energy generating device may include the at least one chemical converter being configured to convert one or more chemicals to methane.
The energy generating device may include the at least one chemical converter being configured to convert one or more chemicals to one or more chemicals less dense than the medium surrounding the energy generating device.
The energy generating device may include the at least one chemical converter being configured to convert one or more chemicals to one or more chemicals less dense than the medium in which the energy generating is located.
The energy generating device may include the at least one chemical converter being configured to convert one or more chemicals to one or more chemicals lighter than water.
A method of generating electricity may include causing an energy generating device, having a first body portion and a second body portion configured to counter rotate with each other, to descend in a medium under the force of gravity and causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion by configuring the at least one track to steer or constrain the motion of one or both of the first body portion and the second body portion. The method may also include generating electricity by providing magnets and conductive coils on the first body portion and the second body portion, the magnets causing an electrical current in the conductive coils as they bypass one another and increasing the buoyancy of the energy generating device causing the energy generating device to ascend.
A method of manufacturing an energy generating device may include producing, from suitable materials, a first body portion and producing, from suitable materials, a second body portion. The method may also include producing, from suitable materials, at least one track and movably coupling the at least one track to one or both of the first body portion and second body portion in a configuration to cause the track to steer or constrain the motion of one or both of the first body portion and second body portion. Further, the method may include assembling the first body portion with the second body portion in a configuration to enable relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion and assembling an electrical generator in a configuration to use the relative motion between the first body portion and the second body portion to generate electricity. The first body portion and the second body portion are configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the track steers or constrains the motion of the one or both of the first body portion and the second body portion causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion.
A method of generating electricity may include increasing the buoyancy of an energy generating device causing the energy generating device to ascend in a medium and causing relative rotation between the first body portion and the second body portion by providing contact between the at least one track and one or both of the first body portion and the second body portion, thereby steering or constraining the motion of one or both of the first body portion and second body portion. The method may also include reversing polarity of the outputs of an electrical generator and generating electricity by providing magnets and conductive coils on the first body portion and the second body portion, the magnets causing an electrical current in the conductive coils as they bypass one another.
A configuration of four diodes or a rectifier can be used so that the direction of current flow of the electrical generator remains the same as in the downward direction.
A method of creating energy may include creating artificial gravity using an artificial gravity generator and harvesting the buoyancy potential energy of the gravity using an energy generating device.
A method of creating energy may include creating artificial gravity using an artificial gravity generator and harvesting the gravitational potential energy of the gravity using an energy generating device.
A method of creating energy may include creating artificial gravity using an artificial gravity generator and harvesting the potential energy of the gravity using an energy generating device.
An energy generating device may include a first body portion, at least one first force input structure coupled to the first body portion and configured to receive an external force, a second body portion, the first body portion oscillatable relative to the second body portion and an electrical generator configured to use the relative motion between the first body portion and the second body portion to generate electricity, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the medium causes a force on the at least one first force input structure by impinging on the at least one force input structure causing relative oscillation between the first body portion and the second body portion.
The energy generating may be configured such that the at least one second force input structure is configured to cause increased relative oscillation between the first body portion and the second body portion when the at least one second force input structure receives a force from the impinging medium.
The energy generating device may be configured such that the at least one first force input structure includes an oscillator and the at least one second force input structure includes an oscillator.
The energy generating device may be configures such that the at least one first force input structure includes an oscillator.
An energy generating device may include a first body portion having a pass-through, at least one oscillator or other torque generating structure coupled to the first body portion and configured to receive an external force, a second body portion, the second body portion concentrically located at least partially within the pass-through of the first body portion, the first body portion oscillatable relative to the second body portion, at least one oscillator or other torque generating structure coupled to the second body portion and configured to receive an external force, and an electrical generator configured to use the relative motion between the first body portion, having one or more conductive coils, and the second body portion, having one or more magnets, to generate electricity, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the medium causes a force on the at least one oscillator or other torque generating structure by impinging on the at least one oscillator causing relative oscillation between the first body portion and the second body portion.
A method of generating electricity may include causing an energy generating device, having a first body portion and a second body portion configured to oscillate relative to each other, to descend in a medium under the force of gravity, causing relative oscillation between the first body portion and the second body portion by providing contact between the medium and a torque generator configured on one or both of the first body portion and the second body portion, generating electricity by providing magnets and conductive coils on the first body portion and the second body portion, the magnets causing an electrical current in the conductive coils as they bypass one another and increasing the buoyancy of the energy generating device causing the energy generating device to ascend.
An energy generating device may include a first body portion, at least one first force input structure coupled to the first body portion and configured to receive an external force, a second body portion, the first body portion movable relative to the second body portion and an electrical generator configured to use the relative motion between the first body portion and the second body portion to generate electricity, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the medium causes a force on the at least one first force input structure by impinging on the at least one force input structure causing relative movement between the first body portion and the second body portion.
The energy generating device may be configures such that the at least one second force input structure is configured to cause increased relative movement between the first body portion and the second body portion when the at least one second force input structure receives a force from the impinging medium.
The energy generating device may be configured such that the at least one first force input structure is configured to receive irregular, nonlinear, noncurvilinear or chaotic forces and the at least one second force input structure is configured to receive irregular, nonlinear, noncurvilinear or chaotic forces.
The energy generating device may be configured such that the at least one first force input structure is configured to receive irregular, nonlinear, noncurvilinear or chaotic forces.
An energy generating device may include a first body portion having a pass-through, at least one torque generating structure is configured to receive irregular, nonlinear, noncurvilinear or chaotic forces coupled to the first body portion and configured to receive an external force, a second body portion, the second body portion concentrically located at least partially within the pass-through of the first body portion, the first body portion movable relative to the second body portion, at least one torque generating structure coupled to the second body portion and configured to receive irregular, nonlinear, noncurvilinear or chaotic forces and an electrical generator configured to use the relative motion between the first body portion, having one or more conductive coils, and the second body portion, having one or more magnets, to generate electricity, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are configured to descend through a medium at least partially under the force of gravity or ascend through the medium at least partially by buoyant forces in such a way that the medium causes a force on the at least one torque generating structure by impinging on the at least one torque generating structure causing relative movement between the first body portion and the second body portion.
A method of generating electricity may include causing an energy generating device, having a first body portion and a second body portion configured to move relative to each other, to descend in a medium under the force of gravity, causing relative movement between the first body portion and the second body portion by providing contact between the medium and a torque generator configured on one or both of the first body portion and the second body portion, generating electricity by providing magnets and conductive coils on the first body portion and the second body portion, the magnets causing an electrical current in the conductive coils as they bypass one another and increasing the buoyancy of the energy generating device causing the energy generating device to ascend.
In some instances, one or more components or members may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configured by,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such terms (e.g. “configured to”) generally encompass active-state components or members and/or inactive-state components or members and/or standby-state components or members, unless context requires otherwise.
In some instances, an energy generating device or one of the components or members comprising an energy generating device may be said to “comprise” or “include” components or members. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the terms “comprise” and “include” are synonyms used interchangeably unless context requires otherwise. In some instances, an energy generating device or one of the components or members comprising an energy generating device may be said to be “attached to” or “coupled to” or “included in” or comprised of or may be said to “have” components or members. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that these terms are synonyms used interchangeably unless context requires otherwise.
In some instances, an energy generating device or one or more members of an energy generating device may be described in the singular or may be described in the plural. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a device or member that included in the singular could also be included in the plural and a device or member that is included in the plural could also be included in the singular without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, a member described as “a bearing” could also be “one or more bearings”, while a member described as “one or more bearing” could also be “one bearing”.
While many exemplary energy generating devices are described as having or including components that are explicitly named using the word “member”, for example, “outer first body portion 3320”, a skilled practitioner will recognize that included components that are not explicitly named using the word “member” are members despite not being explicitly named as such. For example, “conductive coils 1466” are not explicitly named using the word “member” but are nonetheless a member of an exemplary energy generating device. An energy generating device or a member of an energy generating device may be described as having a property, state or function. A skilled practitioner will recognize that the device or member may have substantially that property, state or function without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, in some instances, an energy generating device or one or more members of an energy generating device may be said to be oriented in a direction, such as a vertical orientation, or may be said to be oriented in relation to a second member such as oriented concentrically to a second member. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a device or member that is said to be oriented in relation to a second member such as oriented concentrically to a second member could also be oriented substantially concentrically to a second member without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a device or member that is said to said to be oriented in a direction could also be oriented in a substantially similar direction without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, a device said to be vertically oriented could also be substantially vertically oriented.
In some instances, an energy generating device or one or more members of an energy generating device may be said to be rotating or moving or traveling in a direction. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a device or member that is said to be rotating or moving or traveling in a direction could be moving in a substantially similar direction to the written or depicted direction without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, an exemplary energy generating device traveling in a downward direction may not be traveling straight downward, but may be traveling at a downward angle. As a second example, a member that is said to travel or rotate in the opposite direction of a second member may not be traveling or rotating in exactly the opposite direction of a second member, but may be traveling or rotating in a substantially opposite direction of a second member.
In some instances, an energy generating device or one or more members of an energy generating device may be said to turn or reorient by some number of degrees, such as 180°. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a device or member that is said to said to turn or reorient by some number of degrees could turn or reorient a substantially similar number of degrees to the written or depicted number of degrees without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, an exemplary energy generating device traveling in a downward direction may not be traveling straight downward, but may be traveling at an angle. When the device turns around, it may be said to turn 180° in order travel in an upward direction, but the device might not turn a full 180°, or it might turn more than 180°.
In some instances, an energy generating device or one or more members of an energy generating device may be said to reach a height such as a top height or zenith height or bottom height. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a device or member that is said to reach a height such as a top or bottom height could reach a substantially high or low height without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, an exemplary energy generating device or member said to reach a top height may reach any height higher than its prior height. Another example, an exemplary energy generating device or member said to reach a bottom height may reach any height lower than its prior height.
In some instances, an energy generating device or one or more members of an energy generating device may be said to reach a height relative to another device or member, such as a height “just below buoy 1240”. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a device or member that is said to reach a height relative to the height of another device or member could reach a substantially higher or lower height without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, an exemplary energy generating device or member said to reach a height just below buoy 1240 may reach any height lower than buoy 1240.
While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
With respect to the appended claims, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.
While the disclosed subject matter has been described in terms of illustrative embodiments, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter as set forth in the claims and all illustrative embodiments are exemplary in nature.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/376,455, filed on Sep. 21, 2022, entitled ENERGY GENERATING DEVICE to Inventor Phillip Galinsky, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference. This application also claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/101,126, filed on Jan. 25, 2023, entitled ENERGY GENERATING DEVICE to Inventor Phillip Galinsky, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63376455 | Sep 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18101126 | Jan 2023 | US |
| Child | 18369196 | US |
