Generator

Abstract

The generator comprises a pair of coaxially aligned rotors including an inner rotor disposed within an outer rotor that combine to form a magnetic field and armature pair. A first prime mover and a second prime mover rotate the rotors in opposite relative directions such that electricity is generated from the relative rotation of the magnetic field and armature. A first flywheel and a second flywheel are connected to the rotors for co-rotation or are integral with the rotors. Each flywheel has a magnetic circumference. One or more magnetic supports are disposed relative to the circumference to exert at least one vertically acting magnetic force relative to the circumference to support the weight of the flywheel. A pair of magnetic stabilizers are disposed on respective opposing sides of each flywheel. The stabilizers exert opposing horizontally acting magnetic forces relative to the circumference of the flywheel to stabilize the flywheel against lateral movement.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to power generation, and more particularly to a generator for producing electrical power that includes a pair of counter-rotating rotors. [Background technology]

[0002] A generator is an electromechanical device for producing electrical power. A generator that produces alternating current (AC) electricity is often called an alternator and typically comprises a rotor that is rotated about an axis relative to a stationary stator by a prime mover, for example a diesel engine. The stator comprises magnets and the rotor comprises a field coil. The rotor provides an armature that rotates relative to the stator's magnetic field to induce AC electrical power in the armature's field coil.

[0003] The frequency and voltage of AC power generated by an alternator depends on the rotational speed of the rotor relative to the stator. Because the stator is stationary, if a higher voltage and frequency is required, the rotor must be turned at a faster rotational speed by a prime mover. Similarly, the voltage produced by a DC generator corresponds to the speed at which the generator's rotor is turned by its associated prime mover.

[0004] To achieve higher rotor speeds in a generator, a more powerful prime mover must be used to drive the generator rotor, which can lead to operational inefficiencies. In situations where multiple prime movers are available, such as multiple wind turbines, a gear mechanism must be used to mechanically transfer the resultant torque generated by the prime movers to the generator rotor, which can lead to further operational inefficiencies. Furthermore, if the rotor is required to rotate at high RPMs for extended periods of time, this can lead to wear and failure of generator components. The bearing assemblies that support the rotor axles can experience significant wear, especially when the rotor is rotating at high rotational speeds.

[0005] Generators also generally need to generate a smooth output current at a particular desired frequency and / or voltage. For example, AC generators used in power plants to supply power to a grid network must typically generate power at a constant frequency (so-called "utility frequency") of 50 or 60 Hertz (Hz). It is inefficient, and often impossible, to regulate the output frequency of large capacity AC generators using electronic means such as variable frequency drives. Therefore, the output frequency is typically regulated using a mechanical governor mechanism that controls the rotor speed of the generator. For example, in a hydroelectric power plant, the rotational speed of each hydroelectric turbine is regulated by controlling the flow rate of water entering the turbine. In a wind farm, the speed of each wind turbine is regulated by reactively changing the angle of the turbine's blades to the current wind direction and speed. It is difficult to achieve a smooth output frequency using such mechanical governor systems. For example, if the speed and / or direction of the wind powering the wind turbine suddenly changes, the angle of the turbine's blades must be rapidly adjusted to compensate for the wind change. There is necessarily a delay between when a change in wind is detected and when the turbine's blades are adjusted accordingly. The rotational speed of the turbine rotor deviates from its desired speed while the turbine blades are being adjusted, which results in fluctuations in the generator output frequency, which are undesirable for the grid network and many other electrical loads.

[0006] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. The discussion is not intended to be an admission or admission that any of the material referred to was or was part of the common general knowledge at the priority date of this application. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention there is provided an electrical generator comprising: a first rotor and a second rotor coaxially aligned and comprising an outer rotor and an inner rotor, the inner rotor being disposed within the outer rotor, the rotors combining to form a magnetic field and an armature pair for generating electricity; a first prime mover and a second prime mover independently connected to the first rotor and the second rotor, respectively, for rotating the rotors in opposite relative directions such that electricity is generated from the relative rotation of the magnetic field and the armature; a first flywheel and a second flywheel connected to or integral with the first rotor and the second rotor, respectively, for co-rotation therewith, each of the first and second rotors, each of the first and second flywheels having a magnetic circumference; one or more magnetic supports arranged relative to the circumference to exert at least one magnetic force acting perpendicularly to the circumference for supporting the weight of the flywheel; a pair of magnetic stabilizers disposed on respective opposing sides of the flywheel, the pair of magnetic stabilizers exerting opposing horizontally acting magnetic forces against the circumference to stabilize the flywheel by preventing lateral movement of the flywheel; A first flywheel and a second flywheel, Equipped with.

[0008] The circumference may have a magnetic polarity matching that of an inboard disposed surface of the stabilizer facing the flywheel, such that the circumference is repelled from the inboard disposed surface by a pair of repulsive forces.

[0009] The stabilizer may be mounted on adjustable supports enabling the horizontal position of each of the inwardly disposed surfaces to be adjusted relative to the circumference to vary the magnitude of each of the reaction forces.

[0010] The stabiliser may comprise an electromagnet, which may be powered by the electricity generated by the generator.

[0011] The magnetic support may comprise a first magnetic support disposed below the flywheel, the magnetic polarity of the first magnetic support matching the magnetic polarity of the circumference such that the circumference is repelled from the first magnetic support.

[0012] The magnetic support may comprise a second magnetic support disposed above the flywheel, the magnetic polarity of the second magnetic support being opposite to the magnetic polarity of the circumference such that the circumference is attracted to the second magnetic support.

[0013] The magnetic supports may be mounted on adjustable supports which enable the vertical position of each of the magnetic supports relative to the circumference to be varied.

[0014] The first rotor and the second rotor may include respective first and second drive axles. The first prime mover and the second prime mover may include respective first and second drive shafts coupled to the respective first and second drive axles for rotating the rotors in the opposite relative directions.

[0015] The first and second drive shafts may be axially coupled directly to the first and second drive axles, respectively.

[0016] The first and second drive shafts may be indirectly coupled to the first and second drive axles, respectively, by a pulley wheel and drive belt arrangement.

[0017] The outer rotor may provide the magnetic field and the inner rotor may provide the armature.

[0018] The generator may include a slip ring assembly mounted on the drive axle of the inner rotor.

[0019] The generator may include a slip ring assembly including a pair of conductive rings extending concentrically around an axis of rotation of the second one of the flywheels.

[0020] The outer rotor may comprise a generally cylindrical hollow drum and the first one of the flywheels may be mounted to an outwardly facing surface of the drum.

[0021] The first one of the flywheels may comprise an annular disc extending circumferentially around the outwardly facing surface of the drum.

[0022] The second one of the flywheels may be mounted to the inner rotor drive axle such that the second one of the flywheels is equal in weight to the first one of the flywheels and is laterally offset from the drum.

[0023] The generator may include a set of permanent magnets connected to the first one of the flywheels and a set of field coils connected to the second one of the flywheels, where relative rotation between the permanent magnets and the field coils induces a current in the field coils.

[0024] The generator may include a third rotor, the inner rotor and the outer rotor disposed inside and coaxially aligned with the third rotor, the third rotor connected to the drive axle such that the third rotor is rotated by the drive axle of the inner rotor together with the inner rotor in an opposite relative direction to the outer rotor, and the third rotor and the outer rotor combine to form a magnetic field and armature pair for generating electricity.

[0025] The prime mover may comprise a pair of water turbines or a pair of wind turbines. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; [Diagram 2] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a plan view, partially shown in cross-section, of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a side view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded form; [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is an exploded view, partially shown in cross-section, of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 4 is a side view, partially shown in cross-section, of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a plan view, partially shown in cross-section, of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded form; [Figure 11] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded form; [Figure 12] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded form; [Figure 13] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded form; [Figure 14] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded form; [Figure 15] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded form; [Figure 16] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a side view of a flywheel included in the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown partially in cross-section; [Figure 19] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Figure 20] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is an exploded plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is an exploded plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 23] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Figure 24] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Diagram 25] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Figure 26] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Figure 27]1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Figure 28] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a further plan view of the generator of FIG. 28. [Diagram 30] FIG. 29 is a side view of a pair of flywheels of the generator of FIG. 28. [Diagram 31] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a plan view of a pair of flywheels of the generator of FIG. 31. [Diagram 33] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a plan view of a pair of flywheels of the generator of FIG. 33. [Diagram 35] 1 is a plan view of a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form; FIG. [Diagram 36] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a generator and motor arrangement, where the motor is constructed using the generator principles disclosed herein. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a plan view of the generator and motor arrangement of FIG. 36, in which the motor and generator are connected to each other in an alternative manner. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electric motor shown in partially exploded cross-sectional form. [Figure 39] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a further generator and motor configuration, where the motor is constructed using the generator principles disclosed herein. [Diagram 40] 1 illustrates a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the generator is shown in exploded, partially exploded, or non-exploded form; [Diagram 41]1 illustrates a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the generator is shown in exploded, partially exploded, or non-exploded form; [Diagram 42] 1 illustrates a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the generator is shown in exploded, partially exploded, or non-exploded form; [Diagram 43] 1 illustrates a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the generator is shown in exploded, partially exploded, or non-exploded form; [Diagram 44] 1 illustrates a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the generator is shown in exploded, partially exploded, or non-exploded form; [Diagram 45] 1 illustrates a wind turbine generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the generator being shown in exploded, partially exploded or non-exploded form; [Diagram 46] 1 illustrates a wind turbine generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the generator being shown in exploded, partially exploded or non-exploded form; [Figure 47] 1 illustrates a wind turbine generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the generator being shown in exploded, partially exploded or non-exploded form; [Figure 48] 1 illustrates a wind turbine generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the generator being shown in exploded, partially exploded or non-exploded form; [Figure 49] 1 illustrates a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the generator is shown in exploded, partially exploded, or non-exploded form; [Figure 50] 1 illustrates a generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the generator is shown in exploded, partially exploded, or non-exploded form; [Figure 51]4 shows a hydro-electric generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a generator 10 comprising a first rotor 12 and a second rotor 14. The two rotors are coaxially aligned and comprise an outer rotor 12 and an inner rotor 14, with the inner rotor 14 disposed within the outer rotor 12. The two rotors 12, 14 combine to form a magnetic field and armature pair for generating electricity. The generator 10 also comprises a first prime mover 20 and a second prime mover 22. The two prime movers 20, 22 are independently connected to the first rotor 12 and the second rotor 12, 14, respectively, to rotate the rotors 12, 14 in opposite relative directions such that electricity is generated by the relative rotation of the magnetic field and armature.

[0028] The generator 10 also includes a first flywheel 16 and a second flywheel 18. The first and second flywheels 16, 18 are connected to the first and second rotors 12, 14 for rotation therewith, respectively. As shown in FIG. 17, each flywheel 16, 18 has a magnetic circumference 60 and is provided with one or more magnetic supports 62, 64 disposed relative to the circumference 60 that exert at least one vertically acting magnetic force relative to the circumference 60 to support the weight of the flywheel 16, 18. Each flywheel 16, 18 is also provided with a pair of magnetic stabilizers 66 disposed on respective opposing sides of the flywheel 16, 18. The stabilizers 66 exert opposing horizontally acting magnetic forces relative to the circumference 60 to stabilize and resist lateral movement of the flywheel 16, 18 during use.

[0029] More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the outer rotor 12 comprises a generally cylindrical hollow drum, and the corresponding flywheel 16 of the outer rotor 12 comprises a generally annular assembly extending circumferentially around the outwardly facing cylindrical surface of the drum. The outer rotor 12 may comprise a magnet 24 attached to the inwardly facing surface of the drum. The magnet 24 may be generally annular in shape and extend circumferentially around the inwardly facing surface of the drum. The magnet 24 may comprise any means for generating a magnetic field, and may comprise, for example, a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. In the example where the magnet 24 is an electromagnet, the outer rotor 12 may be provided with an excitation control system for supplying current to a field coil of the electromagnet to create the required magnetic field.

[0030] The inner rotor 14 may include a field coil 25 located substantially centrally within the hollow drum of the outer rotor 12. The field coil 25 acts as a rotating armature of the generator 10 such that relative rotation between the field coil 25 and the magnetic field of the magnets 24 generates a current in the field coil 25 by electromagnetic induction. The outer rotor 12 may include a drive axle 26 that rotates with the rotor 12. The inner rotor 14 may also include a drive axle 28 that rotates with the rotor 14 and is axially aligned with the outer rotor drive axle 26. The field coil 25 may extend circumferentially around the drive axle 28 of the inner rotor 14. A second flywheel 18 may be attached to the drive axle 28 of the inner rotor 14 and may be laterally offset from the drum of the outer rotor 12.

[0031] The first prime mover 20 may include a drive shaft 30 that is axially connected directly to the drive axle 26 of the outer rotor 12. Similarly, the second prime mover 22 may include a drive shaft 32 that is axially connected directly to the drive axle 28 of the inner rotor 14. The prime movers 20, 22 are shown in exploded (cut-away) form in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the prime movers 20, 22 are shown in unexploded (connected) form with their respective draft shafts connected directly to the rotor axles 26, 28. In this configuration, the prime movers 20, 22 directly rotate the axles 26, 28 and thus the rotors 12, 14.

[0032] Prime movers 20, 22 may comprise any means for generating rotational mechanical power to rotate drive shafts 30, 32 about their respective axes of rotation. For example, each of prime movers 20, 22 may comprise a reciprocating engine (such as a diesel engine), a gas turbine, a wind turbine, or a water turbine. In other examples, each of prime movers 20, 22 may comprise an electric motor powered by an external power source, including a renewable power source.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in another example, the generator 10 may include a pair of prime movers 34, 36 laterally offset from the rotor axles 26, 28. The prime movers 34, 36 may include respective drive shafts having V-shaped pulley wheels 38, 40 mounted thereon. The pulley wheels 38, 40 may be indirectly coupled to the rotor axles 26, 28 by drive belts 42, 44 extending around the pulley wheels 38, 40 and around corresponding V-shaped pulley wheels 46, 48 mounted on the rotor axles 26, 28. The prime movers, pulley wheels and drive belts are shown in exploded (disconnected) form in Figure 1. Additionally, the drive belts 42, 44 and the V-shaped pulley wheels 46, 48 on the rotor axles 26, 28 are shown in isolation without the prime movers in Figure 2.

[0034] To enable the outer rotor 12 to rotate coaxially with the inner rotor 14, the outer rotor 12 may be rotatably mounted to the drive axle 28 of the inner rotor 14 by a pair of annular collars 50. The collars 50 may extend around the drive axle 28 and may each include a bearing arrangement that enables the collars 50 to rotate smoothly around the axle 28. In use, the prime movers 20, 22 rotate the rotor axles 26, 28 in opposite directions, thus rotating the rotors 12, 14 in opposite directions. The relative counter-rotation between the magnetic field provided by the magnets 24 of the first rotor 12 and the field coil 25 of the second rotor 14 induces an alternating current (AC) current in the field coil 25. In one example, each of the rotors 12, 14 may rotate at a rotational speed of 50 to 60 Hertz (Hz). The rotational energy provided by the prime movers 20, 22 to the rotors 12, 14 is stored in the counter-rotating flywheels 16, 18.

[0035] The current generated in the field coil 25 may be received by a slip ring assembly 52 provided on the drive axle 28 of the inner rotor 14. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the slip ring assembly 52 includes a pair of conductive rings extending circumferentially around the drive axle 28 and a pair of brushes resting against the conductive rings to receive the generated current. The drive axle 28 may include wires (not shown) extending longitudinally through the hollow lumen of the axle 28 that provide electricity from the field coil 25 to the conductive rings of the slip ring assembly 52. ​​The current may be provided from the slip rings 52 to a power distribution network or connector interface 54 for subsequent use by an electrical appliance. The field coil 25 may be arranged and configured to generate three-phase or single-phase AC power. A ground rod may also be provided in the generator 10. The generator 10 may also include an automatic voltage regulator (not shown) for controlling the output voltage of the field coil 25.

[0036] It will be appreciated that the flywheels 16, 18 are large, heavy objects that accumulate significant angular momentum when accelerated to the required rotational speed during use. To reduce wear on the axles 26, 28 and on the bearing assemblies that rotatably support the axles 26, 28 during use, one or more magnetic supports 62, 64 are operatively configured to support the weight of the flywheels 16, 18. For example, FIG. 17 illustrates an individual flywheel 16 that may be used in the embodiments. The flywheel 16 includes a bottom magnetic support 62 and a top magnetic support 64. The flywheel 16 includes an annular magnet 60 that extends circumferentially around the outer periphery of the flywheel 16. The inner circular body of the flywheel 16 may be made of aluminum, and the annular magnet 60 may be made of iron or a similar ferromagnetic material.

[0037] The magnetic polarity of the concave top surface of the bottom support 62 may match the magnetic polarity of the annular magnet 60, thereby repelling the annular magnet 60 upward from the support 62. The magnetic polarity of the concave bottom surface of the top support 64 may be opposite to the magnetic polarity of the annular magnet 60, thereby attracting the annular magnet 60 upward toward the support 64. The respective repulsive and attractive forces provided by the two supports 62, 64 combine to oppose and support the weight of the flywheel 16. In other examples, only one magnetic support may be used that is adapted to exert a sufficiently strong repulsive or attractive force on the flywheel 16 to support the weight of the flywheel 16. For example, only the bottom support 62 or only the top support 64 may be used.

[0038] The flywheel 16 is also stabilized by a pair of magnetic stabilizers 66 located on respective opposing sides of the flywheel 16. The stabilizers 66 exert opposing horizontally acting magnetic forces on the annular magnet 60 to prevent lateral movement of the flywheel 16 during use. Preferably, each stabilizer 66 has an inwardly disposed face facing the flywheel 16 that has a magnetic polarity matching that of the annular magnet 60. In this configuration, the annular magnet 60 is repelled inwardly from each stabilizer 66 toward the centrally disposed axis of rotation of the flywheel 16. The pair of repelling forces act to center the flywheel 16 on its axis by opposing any periodic forces acting laterally on the axis due to the lack of radial symmetry of the flywheel's weight. The stabilizers 66 also act to oppose any periodic forces acting laterally to the axis due to the generator 10 operating on ground that is not perfectly level.

[0039] In one example, the magnetic polarity of the outwardly facing surface of the annular magnet 60, as well as the magnetic polarity of the surfaces of the lower support 62 and the lateral stabilizer 66 facing the flywheel 16, may each be N, and the magnetic polarity of the surface of the upper support 64 facing the flywheel 16 may be S. In other examples, the aforementioned magnetic polarities may be reversed. The magnets included in the supports 62, 64 and the stabilizer 66 may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. In examples where electromagnets are used, the electromagnets may be powered using electricity generated by the generator 10.

[0040] The lower and upper supports 62, 64 and the lateral stabilizer 66 may each be mounted on adjustable supports that allow their respective positions to be adjusted relative to the circumference 60 of the flywheel 16. For example, the lower and upper supports 62, 64 may be vertically adjustable and the lateral stabilizer 66 may be horizontally adjustable. The other flywheel 18 of the generator 10 may be provided with comparable adjustable magnetic supports and stabilizers. By adjusting the position of the supports and stabilizers, the strength of the corresponding magnetic attractive and repulsive forces can be adjusted to suit the particular size and mass characteristics of each flywheel 16, 18. This configuration also allows the generator 10 to accommodate different size flywheels in case the flywheel 16 needs to be upgraded or replaced over time.

[0041] The combined weight of the first flywheel 16 and the outer rotor 12 is preferably substantially equal to the combined weight of the second flywheel 18 and the inner rotor 14. This ensures that the rotational inertia of each rotating flywheel 16, 18 is substantially equal. In instances where the generator 10 is used for large scale power generation, the rotors 12, 14 may include structural components that are sufficiently large and heavy such that the associated components essentially act as the generator flywheels; that is, the associated components provide an integral flywheel for the rotors 12, 14. Thus, the separately attached flywheels 16, 18 may be omitted in such instances.

[0042] 1 and 2, the outer rotor 12 includes magnets 24 for the generator 10 and the inner rotor 14 includes field coils 25 that act as the armature for the generator 10. However, in other examples, the inner rotor 14 may provide the magnetic field and the outer rotor 12 may include the field coils to act as the armature.

[0043] Instead of the slip ring assembly 52 provided on the drive axle 28 of the inner rotor 14, the flywheel 18 of the inner rotor 14 may include a slip ring assembly. For example, with reference to Figures 3, 6 and 7, the slip ring assembly may include a pair of conductive rings 70 extending concentrically around the axis of rotation of the second flywheel 18 on its outwardly facing surface. The generator 10 may include a pair of conductive brushes (not shown) bearing against the concentric rings 70 to receive the power generated by the field coil 25.

[0044] In another example, as shown in Figures 4 and 8, the flywheel 16 of the outer rotor 12 may be mounted to the drive axle 26 of the outer rotor 12 rather than to the exterior surface of a cylindrical drum remote from the rotor 12. The prime movers 20, 22 may be mechanically coupled to the drive axles 26, 28 by gearing 80 as shown in Figures 8, 10 and 14-16.

[0045] 11-13, in another example, the generator 10 may include a third rotor 90. The inner rotor 14 and the outer rotor 12 may be disposed inside the third rotor 90 and coaxially aligned with the third rotor. The third rotor 90 may be mechanically coupled to the drive axle 28 of the inner rotor 14 such that the third rotor 90 is rotated by the drive axle 28 together with the inner rotor 14. In this configuration, both the third rotor 90 and the inner rotor 14 rotate in opposite relative directions to the outer rotor 12 during use. In addition to the inner rotor 14 and the outer rotor 12, the third rotor 90 and the outer rotor 12 may combine to form a magnetic field and armature pair for generating electricity. For example, the outer rotor 12 may be provided with a first set of field coils 92 disposed on an inner side of the rotor 12 facing the inner rotor 14, and a second set of field coils 94 disposed on an outer side of the rotor 12 facing the third rotor 90. The inner rotor 14 and the third rotor 90 may each include magnets for creating a rotating magnetic field. In use, relative counter-rotation between the two sets of magnets and the field coils 92, 94 generates an AC current in each of the field coils 92, 94.

[0046] 18, in another example, the two prime movers 20, 22 may drive a common drive axle 95 that extends through a gearing 96 that may be included in the generator 10. The gearing 96 may include a pair of drive wheels 97, 98 and an internal gear mechanism (not shown) configured such that rotational motion of the axle 95 rotates the drive wheels 97, 98 in opposite directions about their respective axles. For example, the gear mechanism may include an bevel-shaped crown gear attached to the axle 95 that drives a pair of bevel-shaped crown gears attached to the axles of the drive wheels 97, 98, respectively. The flywheels 16, 18 may be attached directly to the axle 95 at both ends of the axle 95. The drive wheels 97, 98 may drive a pair of drive belts (not shown) that turn a pair of counter-rotating pulley wheels 99 that rotate the inner rotor 14 and the outer rotor 12 in opposite directions.

[0047] 19 and 20 each provide a further example of a generator 10 illustrating how a pair of flywheels 16, 18, rotors 12, 14, rotor drive axles 26, 28, and pulley wheels 46, 48 of the generator 10 may be interconnected. The pulley wheels 46, 48 of each example may be driven by a drive belt connected to a pair of prime movers (not shown). Each generator 10 may include a pair of mounting plates 87. A first mounting plate 87.1 is used to mount the first rotor drive axle 26 to the outer rotor 12 of the generator 10. The mounting plates may include a bracket 88 with bearings that rotatably receive the rotor drive axles 26, 28. The bracket 88 allows the two drive axles 26, 28 and their respective rotors 12, 14 and flywheels 16, 18 to rotate in opposite directions.

[0048] FIG. 21 provides a further example of the generator 10. The generator 10 comprises two prime movers 20, 22 driving a pair of flywheels 16, 18. The flywheels 16, 18 are placed between the prime movers 20, 22 and the rotors 12, 14 of the generator 10. A first pair of drive belts (not shown) may be used to rotate the two flywheels 16, 18 in opposite rotational directions, driven by the prime movers 20, 22. Additionally, a second pair of drive belts (not shown) may be connected between the axles of the flywheels 16, 18 and the pulley wheels 46, 48 of the rotors 12, 14 to rotate the rotors 12, 14 in opposite rotational directions. The generator 10 also includes a third flywheel 84 driven by a gearing 85. The gearing is driven by the drive axles 30, 32 of the prime movers 20, 22 to rotate the flywheel 84 in a single rotational direction. FIG. 22 provides a further example of a generator 10 that is substantially similar to the example shown in FIG. 21, except that it does not include the third flywheel 84 and gearing 85.

[0049] 23, a generator 100 is disclosed that includes first and second rotors 102, 104 that are coaxially aligned and include an outer rotor 102 and an inner rotor 104, with the inner rotor 104 disposed within the outer rotor 102. The rotors 102, 104 combine to form a magnetic field and armature pair for generating electricity. The generator 100 also includes first and second counter-rotating flywheels 106, 108 axially connected to the first and second rotors 102, 104 for rotation therewith, respectively. The generator 100 also includes a prime mover 110 having a gearing 112 disposed thereon. The gearing 112 is operatively configured to be driven by the prime mover 110 to rotate the rotors 102, 104 in opposite relative directions such that electricity is generated from the relative rotation of the magnetic field and the armature.

[0050] The generator 100 may also include a third flywheel 114 mounted on a drive axle 115 of the prime mover 110 that drives the gearing 112. The gearing 112 may include a first drive wheel 116 and a second drive wheel 118 that are turned in opposite rotational directions by an internal gear mechanism (not shown) within the gearing 112 that is driven by the axle 115. The two counter-rotating drive wheels 116, 118 may drive a pair of respective drive belts (not shown) that turn a pair of pulley wheels 120, 122 that rotate the first and second rotors 102, 104 in opposite rotational directions. The internal gear mechanism may include bevel crown gears mounted on the axle 115 that drive a pair of bevel crown gears mounted on the pair of axles of the two drive wheels 116, 118, respectively.

[0051] 24 shows an example in which the generator 100 is used for large scale power generation. The two rotors 102, 104 are large and heavy enough to effectively act as counter-rotating flywheels for the generator 100. Therefore, the separately mounted flywheels 106, 108 are omitted in this example.

[0052] Figure 25 shows a further example of a generator 100. The generator 100 is substantially similar to the example shown in Figure 23, except that the counter-rotating flywheels 106, 108 are mounted on the axles of the two drive wheels 116, 118 instead of being mounted on the rotors 102, 104. The third flywheel 114 has also been omitted. The flywheels 106, 108 are positioned inboard relative to the drive wheels 116, 118.

[0053] Figure 26 shows a further example of a generator 100. The generator 100 is substantially similar to the example shown in Figure 25, except that the counter-rotating flywheels 106, 108 are positioned outboard relative to the drive wheels 116, 118. Also mounted on the drive axle 115 is a third flywheel 114. Two lateral magnetic supports 66 are also shown on either side of the third flywheel 114.

[0054] 27, a generator 200 is disclosed having first and second rotors 202, 204 that are coaxially aligned and include an outer rotor 202 and an inner rotor 204, with the inner rotor 204 disposed within the outer rotor 202. The rotors 202, 204 combine to form a magnetic field and armature pair for generating electricity. The generator 200 also includes first and second counter-rotating flywheels 206, 208 axially connected to the first and second rotors 202, 204, respectively, for rotation therewith. The generator 200 also includes first and second prime movers 210, 212 independently connected to the first and second rotors 202, 204, respectively, via drive belts (not shown) to rotate the rotors 202, 204 in opposite relative directions such that electricity is generated from the relative rotation of the magnetic field and armature.

[0055] In addition to the inner rotor 204 and the outer rotor 202, the generator 200 includes a set of permanent magnets 214 connected to the first flywheel 206 and a set of field coils 216 connected to the second flywheel 208. FIGS. 28-29 and 31-35 also show examples of generators 200 provided with permanent magnets 214 and field coils 216. As best shown in FIG. 30, in such examples, the permanent magnets 214 and field coils 216 may each be positioned in a circular fashion at regular intervals around the rotational axle of the associated flywheel. As with the rotor pairs 204, 202, the permanent magnets 214 and field coils 216 rotate in opposite directions, and the relative counter-rotation induces a current in the field coils 216. As shown in FIG. 42, the permanent magnets 214 may be attached to the flywheel by an adjustable bracket 218 that allows the position of the permanent magnets 214 relative to the field coils 216 to be adjusted. For example, the permanent magnets 214 may be attached to the ends of elongated threaded connectors 218 that thread into elongated passages that extend laterally through the flywheel. Rotating the connector 218 changes the respective distances between the paired magnets 214, 216.

[0056] The current induced in the field coil 216 supplements the current generated by the counter-rotating rotors 204, 202. As best shown in Figure 35, the second flywheel 208 may include a pair of concentric slip rings 220 on its output face that engage complementary brushes to receive the power generated by the field coil 216.

[0057] Embodiments of the present invention provide generator systems and methods useful for generating electrical power, including AC power. In particular, the generator 10 allows AC power to be generated from a relatively low individual rotational speed of each rotor 12, 14 while remaining relatively compact in size. The counter-rotating action of the rotors 12, 14 advantageously provides high relative rotation between the armature and magnetic field of the generator 10 while maintaining a relatively low individual rotational speed of each rotor 12, 14. This reduces component wear and failure and provides improved power generation efficiency compared to conventional generators that use a fixed, stationary stator and a rotating armature. In conventional generators, the rotors typically operate at 1500 or 3000 rpm for 200-250V or 380-440V with a single axle. In embodiments of the present invention, a relative rotation of 1500 rpm can be achieved between the two rotors 12, 14, but each rotor 12, 14 rotates individually at half this speed (i.e., at 750 RPM). In an embodiment where a relative rotation of 3000 rpm is required, each rotor 12, 14 rotates individually at half this speed (i.e., at 1500 RPM). More generally, for any relative rotation speed required, the individual rotors 12, 14 advantageously only need to rotate individually at half the relative rotation speed. This allows the generator 10 to produce high power electrical output and frequency when driven by a low RPM rotary prime mover. For example, this advantage can be utilized when the generator is powered using a pair of wind turbines in low wind conditions or by a pair of water turbines in low fluid flow conditions. In an example where the generator flywheel is provided with a set of permanent magnets 214 and a set of field coils 216 arranged in a circular arrangement, the electricity induced in the field coils 216 supplements the electricity generated by the counter-rotating action of the rotors 12, 14, thus improving the efficiency of the generator.

[0058] The two flywheels 16, 18 advantageously operate to smooth out fluctuations in the frequency of the output current produced by the generator 10. For example, if the generator 10 is powered by a wind turbine, a sudden change in the speed and / or direction of the wind powering the turbine must rapidly adjust the angle of the turbine's blades to compensate for the wind change. The stored rotational energy and inertia of the flywheels 16, 18 keep the output frequency constant or near a constant value while blade adjustments are made.

[0059] The magnetic supports 62, 64 advantageously support the weight of the flywheels 16, 18, thus reducing wear on the axles 26, 28 and the bearing assemblies supporting the axles 26, 28 during use. The magnetic stabilizers 66 advantageously counter any periodic forces acting laterally on the axles 26, 28 during use as a result of the weight of the flywheels not being perfectly radially symmetrical about their respective axles 26, 28. Due to imperfections introduced during the manufacturing process, the weight distribution of each flywheel is not perfectly radially symmetrical about its axle. Due to the significant size and weight of the flywheels, even slight imperfections can result in strong periodic forces acting on the axles 26, 28. The stabilizers 66 compensate for these undesirable forces. The stabilizers 66 also act to counter any periodic forces acting laterally on the axles 26, 28 due to the generator 10 operating on ground that is not perfectly level. Thus, the magnetic supports 62, 64 and stabilizer 66 allow large, heavy flywheels to be used, which are essential for effectively regulating the output frequency of the generator 10.

[0060] 45-48 show wind turbine generators 400 according to further exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Each exemplary generator 400 includes a pair of wind turbines 410, 412 that act as prime movers to rotate the generator's outer and inner rotors 12, 14 in opposite directions. The rotors 12, 14 may be large and heavy enough to essentially operate as a pair of flywheels. For example, the outer casing of each rotor may be large and heavy enough to operate as a flywheel with the casing integrated with the associated rotor. The rotors 12, 14 may be mounted above a magnetic platform 62. The outer periphery 60 of the outer rotor 12 may be magnetic so as to be repelled from the platform 62 to support the weight of the rotors 12, 14. As shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, the rotors 12, 14 may also include a pair of permanent magnets 214 and a pair of field coils 25 that generate additional power to supplement the power generated by the main magnets 24 and field coils 216 of the generator 400. As shown in Figure 48, each wind turbine generator 400 includes magnetic stabilizers 66 disposed on opposite sides of each of the rotors / flywheels 12, 14. The stabilizers 66 exert opposing horizontally acting magnetic forces on the rotors / flywheels 12, 14 to stabilize and resist lateral movement of the rotors / flywheels 12, 14 during use.

[0061] FIG. 51 illustrates a hydroelectric generator according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The generator comprises a pair of hydroelectric turbines 342 that receive water flowing under pressure through a pair of chutes 340. The turbines 342 act as prime movers to rotate the outer and inner rotors 12, 14 of the generator in opposite directions. The rotors 12, 14 may be large and heavy enough to essentially operate as flywheels. The rotors 12, 14 comprise magnetic supports and stabilizers as described above to support and stabilize the rotors / flywheels 12, 14.

[0062] It will be appreciated that the disclosed generator principles may equally be used to construct a DC generator. It will also be appreciated that the disclosed generator principles may be used to construct an electric motor. By way of example, and with reference to Figs. 36-38, an electric motor 300 is shown comprising a first rotor 302 and a second rotor 304. The two rotors 302, 304 are coaxially aligned and comprise an outer rotor 302 and an inner rotor 304, the inner rotor 304 being disposed within the outer rotor 302. The two rotors 302, 304 combine to form a magnetic field (stator) and armature pair. In use, when an alternating current is supplied to the field coil of the outer rotor 302 (stator), the resulting current induced in the inner rotor 304 (armature) causes the two rotors 302, 304 to rotate in opposite directions.

[0063] The electric motor 300 may also be modified to operate in a single rotation mode rather than a counter-rotation mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 38, the electric motor 300 may include a locking pin 306 slidably mounted to a stationary support frame or housing 308 of the electric motor 300. When the pin 306 is pushed towards the support frame 308, it engages a complementary opening 310 in the side of the outer rotor 302 housing. The pin 306 locks the outer rotor 302 to the support frame 308 preventing relative rotation between the outer rotor 302 and the frame 308. In use, when an alternating current is supplied to the field coils of the outer rotor 302 (stator), a current induced in the inner rotor 304 (armature) causes the inner rotor 304 to rotate on its own relative to the outer rotor 302 which is statically fixed to the support frame 308.

[0064] The motor 300 may include a set of slip rings to provide electrical current to the outer rotor 302 to power the motor 300. For example, a set of concentrically arranged slip rings 312 may be used. In another example, a set of slip rings 314 spaced apart along the axis of the outer rotor 302 may be used. In addition to a live ring and a neutral ring, the slip rings may include a ground ring 316 that is connected to earth.

[0065] In a further example, the electric motor 300 may be used to drive a mechanical load, which may be a counter-rotating generator 10 connected to the electric motor 300 using a pulley and drive belt arrangement, as shown in Figures 36 and 37. In the example shown in Figure 36, a pulley wheel 320 axially connected to the outer rotor 302 operably drives a pulley wheel 42 axially connected to the outer rotor 12 of the generator 10, and a pulley wheel 322 axially connected to the inner rotor 304 operably drives a pulley wheel 44 axially connected to the inner rotor 14 of the generator 10. Alternatively, in the example shown in Figure 37, a pulley wheel 320 axially connected to the outer rotor 302 of the electric motor 300 operably drives a pulley wheel 44 axially connected to the inner rotor 14 of the generator 10, and a pulley wheel 322 axially connected to the inner rotor 304 of the electric motor 300 operably drives a pulley wheel 42 axially connected to the outer rotor 302 of the generator 10. As shown in Figure 38, each pulley wheel may comprise a V-belt pulley 324, a timing pulley 326, or a gear pulley 328. A wide variety of pulley and belt configurations may be used depending on the RPM and energy output required from each of the motor rotors 302, 304. Alternatively, in the example shown in Figure 39, a pulley wheel 320 axially connected to the outer rotor 302 of the motor 300 operably drives a pulley wheel 42 axially connected to the inner rotor 14 of the generator 10, and a pulley wheel 322 axially connected to the inner rotor 304 of the motor 300 operably drives a pulley wheel 44 axially connected to the outer rotor 12 of the generator 10.

[0066] The motor 300 may be provided with one or more flywheels 330 that may be attached to the outer rotor 302 and / or the inner rotor 304. In embodiments in which the rotors 302, 304 rotate in counter directions, the combined weight of the outer rotor 302 and any flywheels attached thereto is preferably substantially equal to the combined weight of the inner rotor 304 and any flywheels attached thereto. This ensures that the rotational inertia of the two counter-rotating bodies is substantially equal, ensuring that the same power and RPM is achieved on both sides.

[0067] As used herein, the word "comprising" means "including but not limited to" and the word "comprises" has a corresponding meaning.

[0068] The above embodiments have been described by way of example only and can be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. a first rotor and a second rotor coaxially aligned and comprising an outer rotor and an inner rotor, the inner rotor being disposed within the outer rotor, the rotors combining to form a magnetic field and an armature pair for generating electricity; a first prime mover and a second prime mover independently connected to the first rotor and the second rotor, respectively, for rotating the rotors in opposite relative directions such that electricity is generated from the relative rotation of the magnetic field and the armature; a first flywheel and a second flywheel connected to or integral with the first rotor and the second rotor, respectively, for rotation therewith, the first flywheel and the first rotor having a combined weight substantially equal to a combined weight of the second flywheel and the second rotor, each of the flywheels comprising an annular magnet extending circumferentially around an outer periphery of the respective flywheel; one or more magnetic supports arranged relative to the annular magnet to exert at least one perpendicularly acting magnetic force on the annular magnet to support the weight of the flywheel; a pair of magnetic stabilizers disposed on respective opposing sides of the flywheel, the stabilizers having inwardly disposed faces facing the flywheel, the magnetic polarity of the faces matching the magnetic polarity of the outwardly facing faces of the annular magnet such that the stabilizers exert a pair of opposing magnetic repulsive forces on the annular magnet to resist lateral movement of the flywheel and stabilize the flywheel; A first flywheel and a second flywheel, A generator comprising:

2. 2. The generator of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer is mounted on adjustable supports that allow the position of each of the inwardly disposed surfaces to be adjusted relative to the annular magnet to vary the magnitude of each of the repulsive forces.

3. 3. The generator of claim 1 or 2, wherein the stabilizer comprises an electromagnet.

4. The generator of claim 3 , wherein the electromagnet is powered by the electricity produced by the generator.

5. 2. The generator of claim 1, wherein the magnetic support comprises a first magnetic support disposed below the flywheel, the magnetic polarity of the first magnetic support matching the magnetic polarity of the annular magnet such that the annular magnet is repelled from the first magnetic support.

6. 6. The generator of claim 5, wherein the magnetic support comprises a second magnetic support disposed above the flywheel, the second magnetic support having a magnetic polarity opposite to the magnetic polarity of the annular magnet such that the annular magnet is attracted to the second magnetic support.

7. 7. A generator as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the magnetic supports are mounted on adjustable supports which enable the vertical position of each of the magnetic supports relative to the annular magnet to be varied.

8. 2. The generator of claim 1, wherein the first rotor and the second rotor comprise respective first and second drive axles, and the first and second prime movers comprise respective first and second drive shafts coupled to the respective first and second drive axles for rotating the rotors in the opposite relative directions.

9. 9. The generator of claim 8, wherein the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft are directly axially coupled to the first drive axle and the second drive axle, respectively.

10. 9. The generator of claim 8, wherein the first and second drive shafts are indirectly coupled to the first and second drive axles, respectively, by a pulley wheel and drive belt arrangement.

11. The generator of claim 1 , wherein the outer rotor provides the magnetic field and the inner rotor provides the armature.

12. The generator of claim 11 , wherein the generator comprises a slip ring assembly disposed on the drive axle of the inner rotor.

13. 2. The generator of claim 1, wherein the generator comprises a slip ring assembly comprising a pair of conductive rings extending concentrically about an axis of rotation of the second one of the flywheels.

14. 2. The generator of claim 1, wherein the outer rotor comprises a generally cylindrical hollow drum and the first one of the flywheels is mounted on an outwardly facing surface of the drum.

15. 15. The generator of claim 14, wherein the first one of the flywheels comprises an annular disk extending circumferentially around the outwardly facing surface of the drum.

16. 16. The generator of claim 14 or 15, wherein the second one of the flywheels is mounted to a drive axle of the inner rotor and is laterally offset from the drum.

17. 2. The generator of claim 1, wherein the generator comprises a set of permanent magnets connected to the first one of the flywheels and a set of field coils connected to the second one of the flywheels, wherein relative rotation between the permanent magnets and the field coils induces a current in the field coils.

18. 2. The generator of claim 1, wherein the generator comprises a third rotor, the inner rotor and the outer rotor disposed inside and coaxially aligned with the third rotor, the third rotor connected to the drive axle such that the third rotor is rotated by the drive axle of the inner rotor together with the inner rotor in an opposite relative direction to the outer rotor, the third rotor and the outer rotor combining to form a magnetic field and armature pair for generating electricity.

19. The generator of claim 1 , wherein the prime mover comprises a pair of water turbines.

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