Patent Application
20120175885
The present disclosure generally relates to rotating impeller systems and methods of using same, and particularly relates to rotating impeller systems that may be used as a generator and/or motor in various applications.
Prior art pumps, such as pump 10 shown in
These conventional systems, which require separate electrical and mechanical components, introduce operational inefficiency to the system in the form of mechanical drag, electrical loss, undue complexity and weight, and the like. These multi-component systems increase friction, thereby further adding to inefficiency. Moreover, additional components expose the systems to more wear and tear, decreasing the operational lifetime of these systems, which increases costs in replacement parts and time.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a motor comprising: a bearing housing member; a-shaft member configured to rotate when energized; a plurality of blade members attached to the inner wall of said shaft member; and a plurality of bearing members mounted between at least one end of said shaft member and said bearing housing member to allow said shaft member to rotate with respect to said bearing housing member.
In one embodiment, the motor further comprises a thrust member attached to an input of said shaft member; wherein said thrust member comprises an input having a first diameter and an output having a second diameter, where said first diameter is greater than said second diameter. In another embodiment, the shaft member comprises an input having a first diameter and an output having a second diameter, where said first diameter differs from said second diameter. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of bearing members are selected from the group consisting of plain bearings, rolling element bearings, jewel bearings, fluid bearings, magnetic bearings and flexure bearings.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system comprising a wind generator. The wind generator comprises a housing member; a shaft member; a plurality of blade members attached to the inner wall of said shaft member; said plurality of blade members configured to rotate said shaft member when acted on by a sufficient amount of wind force; a plurality of bearing members mounted between at least one end of said shaft member and said bearing housing member; a magnetic mechanism attached to the outer wall of said shaft member, said magnetic mechanism configured to generate a magnetic field; and a stator surrounding at least a portion of said magnetic field.
In one embodiment, the wind generator further comprises an induction cone member attached to an input of said shaft member; wherein said induction cone member comprises an input having a first diameter and an output having a second diameter, where said first diameter is greater than said second diameter. In another embodiment, the wind generator further comprises a pole member attached to at least said wind generator, said pole member configured for 360 degrees rotation by said wind generator. In another embodiment, the wind generator further comprises a tail member attached to said wind generator, said tail member configured to facilitate movement of said wind generator according to the direction of the wind.
In another embodiment, the magnetic mechanism comprises at least one permanent magnet. Alternatively, the magnetic mechanism comprises at least one electromagnet. In yet another embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of said wind generators electrically coupled to a transformer for electrical distribution.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system comprising a hydro-generator. The hydro-generator comprises a housing member; a shaft member; a plurality of blade members attached to the inner wall of said shaft member; said plurality of blade members configured to rotate said shaft member when acted on by a sufficient amount of water force; a plurality of bearing members mounted between at least one end of said shaft member and said bearing housing member: a buoyant member attached to said shaft member, said buoyant member configured to maintain said hydro generator within a desired depth range and allow said hydro generator member to rotate 360 degrees; a magnetic mechanism attached to the outer wall of said shaft member, said magnetic mechanism configured to generate a magnetic field; and a stator surrounding at least a portion of said magnetic field.
In one embodiment, the magnetic mechanism comprises at least one permanent magnet. Alternatively, the magnetic mechanism comprises at least one electromagnet. In another embodiment, the system further comprises a plurality of said hydro-generators electrically coupled to a transformer for electrical distribution.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a generator system comprising: a mechanical element configured to accept a mechanical action; and an electrical element configured to translate said mechanical action into electrical energy; wherein said mechanical element and electrical element comprise a single component.
In one embodiment, the mechanical element is axially aligned with said electrical element. In another embodiment, the single component is configured to rotate in response to said accepting a mechanical action. In another embodiment, said mechanical element is circumferentially inside of said electrical element. In another embodiment, said mechanical element comprises a plurality of blade members.
In yet another embodiment, the system further comprises an induction component, wherein said induction component is configured to amplify fluid entering said single component. In another embodiment, said induction component comprises a first diameter and a second diameter, wherein said first diameter is greater than said second diameter.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a motor system comprising a single component configured to rotate and produce a driving force when energized, wherein said single component comprises a mechanical element configured to produce said driving force when rotated; and an electrical element configured to energize said mechanical element using electrical energy.
In one embodiment, said mechanical element is axially aligned with said electrical element. In another embodiment, said mechanical element is circumferentially inside of said electrical element. In another embodiment, said mechanical element comprises a plurality of blade members.
In another embodiment, the system further comprises a thrust component, wherein said thrust component is configured to amplify fluid exiting said single component. In yet another embodiment, said thrust component comprises a first diameter and a second diameter, wherein said first diameter is greater than said second diameter. In another embodiment, an input of said thrust component comprises said first diameter and an output of said thrust component comprises said second diameter. In another embodiment, the input of said thrust component is coupled to an output of said single component.
In another embodiment, said single component is configured to amplify fluid exiting said single component, said amplification achieved by said electrical element comprising a first diameter and a second diameter, wherein said first diameter is greater than said second diameter. In another embodiment, an input of said single component comprises said first diameter and an output of said single component comprises said second diameter. In yet another embodiment, the system further comprises a plurality of said single component, wherein at least an output of one single component is coupled to an input of another single component.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the embodiments present disclosure in order that the detailed description of these embodiments that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The present disclosure relates to rotating impeller systems that provide a single component capable of performing both mechanical and electrical actions and translating between the two, where multiple components are typically required. The single component provides a mechanism for accepting or providing a driving force and a mechanism for translating between the driving force and electricity (whether the electricity is in the form of an input signal or an output signal).
The rotating impeller system of the present disclosure replaces the input shaft configuration of conventional systems. For instance, traditional pumps have a motor or electrical element and a separate driving force component. The motor or electrical element often includes an input shaft that rotates when energized. This input shaft, however, does not produce any driving force when it is rotated. Rather, the input shaft is often coupled to a separate mechanical element, e.g., impellers or blades, and the rotation of the input shaft rotates the blades. It is the rotation of the blades that produce a driving force or thrust to move fluid from one location to another. The rotating impeller system of the present disclosure employs a single component that provides both the electrical and mechanical elements. When the rotating impeller system of the present disclosure serves as a pump, the rotating impeller system of the present disclosure replaces the input shaft configuration with a motor that allows fluid (e.g., air or liquid) to flow through the motor itself, which is achieved with an input shaft that comprises a hollow cylinder with blades or impellers attached to the inner wall of the cylinder. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a single component serving as both a mechanical element for providing a driving force when rotated and an electrical element for translating electricity to rotate the single component.
In conventional generator configurations, such as a wind mill, the mechanical element that accepts a driving force or mechanical action, i.e., blades of the wind mill, is usually attached to an input shaft that is coupled, usually through gears, to a separate electrical element, i.e., rotor of a generator. As discussed above, rotating impeller system of the present disclosure employs a single component that provides the mechanical and electrical elements of conventional systems. When the rotating impeller system of the present disclosure serves as a generator, the input shaft serves as both the mechanical element accepting the driving force from the wind and the electrical element (e.g., rotor) that translates the rotation of the mechanical element into electricity. For example, in one embodiment, the hollow cylinder further comprises permanent magnets or electromagnets are attached to the outside of the hollow cylinder. The rotating impeller system further comprises a stator (e.g., armature windings) surrounding the permanent magnets or electromagnets. As the hollow cylinder input rotates in response to the wind acting on the blades or impellers attached to the inner wall, the moving magnetic field from the permanent magnets or electromagnets produce electricity in the stator. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a single component serving as both a mechanical mechanism for accepting a driving force and an electrical mechanism for translating the work from the driving force to electricity.
Referring to
In one embodiment, the rotating impeller system 200 functions as a motor where shaft 202 is rotated when energized by an external electric source, thereby causing the attached blades 204 to correspondingly rotate. The rotation of the blades 204 produces a driving force that draws fluid from the surrounding environment into the input 210 through shaft 202, and the fluid exits out through output 212. Unlike conventional motors, the rotation of the motor or shaft 202 results in a driving force of fluid (e.g., air or water) without the use of a separate mechanical component. As discussed above, rotating impeller system 200 replaces the conventional input shaft configuration. The rotating impeller system 200 directs movement of air of fluids through the electrical element, i.e., the motor itself. That is, shaft 202 performs the electrical and mechanical functions of a conventional pump, thereby eliminating a component from conventional systems and providing various efficiency benefits. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a single component serving as both a mechanical mechanism for providing a driving force when rotated and an electrical mechanism for translating electricity to rotate the single component.
Referring to
Referring to
In one embodiment, compression nozzle 216 is a variable exhaust nozzle, which allows the amplification of the pressure of the exiting fluid to be adjusted. One example of a variable exhaust nozzle is the compression nozzle used on a jet engine. In another embodiment, compression nozzle 216 provides a certain amount of amplification of the pressure of the exiting that is constant.
This thrust or increase of the force of the exiting fluid can also be achieved by other means. In one embodiment, the force of the exiting fluid can be amplified through the narrowing of the shaft itself, instead of using a separate thrust component. Referring to
In another embodiment, the amplified force of the output can be achieved by coupling a series of rotating impeller systems together, where the diameter of the shaft of the rotating impeller systems progressively decreases in size. For instance, in one embodiment, two rotating impeller systems are coupled to one another where the output of the first system is connected to the input of the second system. The rotating impeller systems comprise a shaft that rotates when energized as described with respect to
In other embodiments, the different ways of creating additional thrust can be combined when increased pressure is desired. For instance, a rotating impeller system with a shaft having a narrowing wall as shown in
Motor applications for the rotating impeller system of the present disclosure can include water or other fluid pump, vacuum cleaner, home exhaust fan, etc. Applications for the rotating impeller system of the present disclosure with increased thrust can include leaf blower, electric thrust engine (e.g., aircraft—commercial and models), personal flight suit, blow dryer, air conditioner, heater, etc. The electrical parts allowing the rotating impeller system to be energized are known in the art. Likewise, accessories that assist in directing the movement of the input and/or output (such as collection of leaves or from where water is taken and to where water is provided) are known in the art. Further, these examples merely serve as exemplary applications. The rotating impeller system of the present disclosure can replace any pump or vacuum component in other applications or device, including those that require compressed fluid.
In another embodiment, the rotating impeller system 200 may further comprise a housing (not shown) that covers shaft 202, bearing housing 208, and bearings 206 or 306 completely or partially, depending on the applications. For instance, if rotating impeller system 200 is used in under water applications, the housing for rotating impeller system 200 may substantially cover the body of shaft 202, as well as bearing housing 208, while leaving input 210 and output 212 open. In other embodiments, the housing for rotating impeller system 200 may further be configured to accept accessory attachments.
As the rotating impeller system of the present disclosure may be used as a motor, particularly as pumps and vacuums, it can also serve as a generator that harvest the mechanical power, such as that of wind or water, and converts the mechanical energy into electricity. Referring to
Housing 506 preferably surrounds shaft 502. In one embodiment, to generate electricity, a plurality of permanent magnets 508 are attached to the outer wall of shaft 502 while a plurality of armature windings 510 are attached to the inner wall of housing 506. Housing 506 serves as the stator while shaft 502 serves as the rotor of a generator. Permanent magnets 508 produce the magnetic field that interact with armature windings 510 to generate electricity. Armature windings 510 are preferably coupled to a electricity storage component that stores the electricity for distribution or immediate use. As the mechanical force, e.g., wind or water, moves through shaft 502 itself, the force acts on blades 504 and rotates shaft 502. This rotation causes the magnetic field produced by magnets 508 to move and interact with armature windings 510, thereby inducing current in the armature that can be transferred away for distribution. Alternatively, instead of permanent magnets, the magnetic field may be created by energized electromagnets. Other known arrangements of magnets and/or electromagnets may be used with the rotating impeller system of the present disclosure. Shaft 502 performs both the electrical and mechanical functions, thereby eliminating the conventional input shaft configuration. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a single component serving as both a mechanical mechanism for accepting a driving force and an electrical mechanism for translating the driving force to electricity.
The generator applications of the rotating impeller system of the present disclosure are particularly applicable to harvest wind and water energy. For instance, referring to
Wind generator system 600 further includes induction cone 610 attached to the input of rotating impeller system 602. In the preferred embodiment, induction cone 610 is a separate component that is attached to the housing of rotating impeller system 602. In one embodiment, induction cone 610 is removably attached. In another embodiment, induction cone 610 is part of the housing of rotating impeller system 602 (e.g., molded to a portion of the housing). Preferably, induction cone 610 is attached so that it does not rotating with shaft 606 when the wind acts on blades 608 and rotates shaft 606. According to the preferred embodiment, induction cone 610 is coupled to rotating impeller system 602 so that no air escapes system 600 prior to entering rotating impeller system 602. One way of preventing air from escaping is to provide a seal between induction cone 610 and rotating impeller system 602.
Induction cone 610 preferably has input diameter 612 that is larger than output diameter 614 near the input of the rotating impeller system 602. The ratio between the input diameter 612 and the output diameter 614 depends on the operating conditions of the particular wind generator 600. In one embodiment, the ratio between the input diameter 612 and the output diameter 614 is about 3:1. The generally conical shape of induction cone 610 reduces the turbulence of the incoming wind and amplifies the wind force entering rotating impeller system 602, providing an increased force that acts on blades 608 and rotates shaft 606. To achieve optimal harvest of wind energy, the wind generator system 600 preferably further comprises tail component 616 that allows wind generator system 600 to follow and harvest the wind as it changes direction. As with other wind energy systems, a plurality of the wind generator systems 600 may be placed near one another in an arrangement that maximizes capturing of the wind energy. The plurality of wind generator systems 600 are connected to transformers that collect the generated electricity for distribution.
In another embodiment, wind generator 600 is electrically coupled to a battery of a vehicle and is located on the vehicle in a manner that allows wind generator 600 to receive wind force and generate electricity that is stored in the vehicle battery. The vehicle can use the energy from the battery to move the vehicle itself and/or to power certain parts of the vehicle, such as lights and radio. When wind—whether from the movement of the vehicle or otherwise, acts on blades 608, shaft 606 is rotated, which generates electricity in the armature windings attached to the inner wall of the housing of rotating impeller system 602. The generated electricity is transferred to the electrically coupled battery in the associated vehicle. This battery can be the primary battery of the vehicle or a secondary battery that stores this generated electricity for later usage. In certain embodiments, wind generator 600 may not include induction cone 610 and/or tail component 616, depending on the application and/or any size requirements.
The rotating impeller system of the present disclosure is also particularly applicable to hydroelectricity. For instance, one or more of the rotating impeller systems of the present disclosure, as described in
Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
