A system for generating electric power, a vehicle and a method

Abstract

A system for generating electric power, comprising: a support structure (16); a mechanism (43) comprising a first solid (11) and a second solid (12) which are hingedly connected with each other so that the first solid (11 ) is rotatable about a first axis (A) which is fixed with respect to the second solid, and said second solid (12) is hingedly connected with the support structure so that the first and the second solid together are rotatable about a second axis (8) which is fixed with respect to the support structure (16) which supports the mechanism; a movable structure that comprises a rotatable part (13) which is attached to or is integrated with the first solid (11); an electric generator (14); and a transmission system (15) operatively connected with the electric generator (14) and with the mechanism for transmitting mechanical power.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A SYSTEM FOR GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER, A VEHICLE AND A METHOD

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present disclosure concerns a system for generating electric power, a vehicle carrying the system and a method for generating energy using the system.

[0005] Background

[0006] The electrical energy is usually produced from mechanical energy, which is obtained from different sources: water force moves turbines in hydroelectric generators for generating electrical energy; fuel combustion is employed to generate heat and steam in thermoelectric generators; nuclear generators, which are nonetheless a type of thermo-generator, employ a nuclear fission reaction to obtain the heat that generates steam; wind power is used as a source of mechanical energy in wind turbines; etc.

[0007] All these conventional generators present intrinsic problems such as a high environmental impact, high cost and / or having to cover large areas in order to become profitable. There is a continuing effort to reduce the cost, weight, and complexity of electrical generators, especially for applications where the generator is installed in remote or space- restricted locations.

[0008] Moreover, the search for electricity generation systems based on renewable energy sources is becoming of particular importance in the energy sector. For instance, wave and tide energy can be harnessed to generate electrical energy , There are known systems based on the conversion of wave or tide energy. However, these systems are not easily implemented, nor combine with the possibility of utilizing a bidirectional movement of a water or air mass, with the possibility of being able to adapt the system for various different applications, scales or places of installation.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention provides a system and a method for generating electric power.

[0011] The present invention also provides a vehicle comprising said system The invention allows for exploiting a bidirectional movement of water or air, for therefore efficiently exploiting wave or sea energy in some of the inventions’ preferred applications. The invention also allows for exploiting other forms of energy, e.g., the kinetic energy of a vehicle which executes a bidirectional movement on a horizontal plane. Moreover, the features of the invention may advantageously allow for varying the scale at which the invention is implemented, as well as for rendering simple and easy to implement the invention and its embodiments. Overall, the invention is versatile and sufficiently simple to implement for generating electrical energy .

[0012] A first aspect of the invention concerns a system for generating electric power, comprising: a support structure: a mechanism comprising a first solid and a second solid which are hingedly connected with each other so that the first solid is rotatable about a first axis which is fixed with respect to the second solid, and said second solid is hingedly connected with the support structure so that the first and the second solid together are rotatable about a second axis which is fixed with respect to the support structure which supports the mechanism, the first and the second axis being normal to each other; a movable structure that comprises a rotatable part which lengthwise is normal to and simultaneously rotatable about the first and the second axis, and said movable structure is attached to or is integrated with the first solid for driving the latter’s rotation about the first and the second axis; an electric generator; and a transmission system operatively connected with the electric generator and with the mechanism for transmitting mechanical power from the rotations of the first and / or second solid about the first and / or second axis, respectively. Therefore, by rotating the rotatable part about the first and / or the second axis, the first solid is consequently rotated about the first and second axis, respectively. The transmission system operatively connects the electric generator with the mechanism for transmitting the mechanical energy associated with (i.e., related to) the rotations of the first solid and / or the second solid about the first and / or second axis, respectively. It is noted that the first and the second axes are geometrical axes. Most preferably, the transmission system operatively connects the electric generator with the mechanism for transmitting the mechanical energy associated with (i.e., related to) the rotations of the first solid and the second solid about the first and second axis, respectively. The forces which actuate over the rotatable part are harnessed to generate and / or store electrical energy, i.e., the mechanical energy of the rotatable part is converted into electrical energy. Hence, the system described above allows to take advantage of external forces actuating over the rotatable part for generating electric power. For instance, when the rotatable part is immersed in seawater, waves possibly moving the movable part up and down and across the sea level / surface, can be used to generate and / or store electricity. Likewise, if the system is over a land or sea or air vehicle, the vehicle vibrations and / or roll and pitch movements caused by displacement over land or sea or air may cause the rotatable part to rotate about the first and / or second axis and thus, the system can generate electric power. Therefore, the system can be used to produce electrical energy from renewable sources and / or take advantage of mechanical energy from other systems, i.e.. making use of energy which is not used and, hence, is wasted in previously known systems. Furthermore, the system according to the present invention, compared to previously known electric generators, advantageously has a relatively simple and unexpensive configuration. In addition, the system according to the present invention may be designed to have a small area footprint because it advantageously does not necessarily require a large area of installation for efficiently generating electric power. Therefore, advantageously the environmental impact and cost of the present system can be substantially small in a preferred embodiment, the second solid may comprise a frame which is hingediy connected with the first solid. Therefore, the frame may be rotatable about a second axis together with the first solid.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mechanism is a cardan mechanism or universal joint that joins the movable structure to the support structure. The cardan mechanism or universal joint permits rotation of two solids, e.g., first and second solid, with respect to each other. Advantageously, in an embodiment, the first solid and / or the second solid may comprise shafts. In a preferred embodiment, each of the first solid and the second solids comprises respective shafts.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the first solid and the second solid comprise respective rings which are concentric to each other and are also hingediy connected with each other via first joints located along the first axis. In the latter embodiment, the first solid fits inside the second solid, and the second solid is hingediy connected with the support structure via second joints located along the second axis. Hence, the first solid, i.e., the first ring, may be rotatable about the first and second axes, while the second solid or second ring may be movable about the second axis (with respect to the support structure).

[0015] In an embodiment, the transmission system or mechanism comprises any of gears, pistons, pulleys and / or bands or combinations thereof. Hence, gears, pistons, pulleys and / or bands or combinations thereof may be connected with parts of the system so that the rotation of the first and / or second solids about the first and / or second axis may be transmitted to the electric generator.

[0016] According to some preferred embodiments, the transmission mechanism is configured to convert a bidirectional torque of the first and / or second solid(s) to a unidirectional torque. This configuration may allow to transform the possible bidirectional rotations of the first and second solids into a unidirectional rotation of a part of the transmission system about a single axis, so that advantageously the electrical power generation is not disturbed by a change on the direction of the movement of the first and / or second solid. Likewise, advantageously said optional configuration may allow to keep constant a polarity of a voltage created by the electrical generator when the latter is in operation. Hence, in preferred embodiments which are configured for said bidirectional-tO’Unidirectional torque conversion, advantageously both clockwise and anticlockwise rotations of the first or second solids about respectively the first or second axis may be utilized for generating useful electrical energy. It can be understood that said unidirectional torque may be transmitted to the electric generator for activating the latter.

[0017] Advantageously, the movable structure may be a shaft attached to the first solid. The shaft may be normal to the first and second axis. The shaft may permit for the mechanism being spatially separated from the source of energy, e.g., the waves of the sea. In other words, the shaft may spatially separate the mechanism from the external source of energy (e.g., waves or air stream).

[0018] In an embodiment, the system may further comprise elastic means connected with the support structure and with the movable structure. The elastic means may advantageously recover an initial position of the movable structure and / or support structure after the latter has been displaced by the external forces (e.g. sea waves) acting on it. It is to be understood that, upon receiving mechanical energy from an external source, the position of the movable structure and / or the support structure may change, and the elastic means may recover or bring the support and / or movable structure back to the initial position. Moreover, a system that comprises said optional elastic means may advantageously absorb vibrations possibly acting on the system.

[0019] In an embodiment, the movable structure comprises a connecting piece and also comprises two shafts which are joined together via a universal joint, one of the two shafts being connected with the mechanism and the other of the two shafts being connected with the connecting piece which is connected with the elastic means, in such optional configuration, the system may efficiently absorb the vibrations from an external source and transmit the mechanical energy to the electric generator.

[0020] Preferably, the movable structure comprises at least one of a float, a blade or another part shaped to harness wave energy or wind energy. Including one or more of the aforementioned optional elements (e.g., a float or a blade) may be done according to a specific application of the system (e.g., generation by sea waves or by wind), for advantageously optimizing the power generation in said specific appiication.

[0021] In other embodiments, the system may further comprise a platform which hoids the support structure and is configured to be instaiied in a maritime location, preferably a coast, and to position the support structure above or beiow the sea level, in such case, the system may advantageously generate electrical power from wave and / or tide energy.

[0022] The second aspect of the invention concerns a vehicle carrying a system according to the first aspect of the invention, preferably the vehicle being any of a boat, a ship, a float, a floating platform, or an automobile. In a vehicle carrying or comprising a system according to the first aspect of the invention, the system may absorb, receive, or take advantage of the vehicle vibrations and / or roll and pitch movements caused by displacement over land or sea for generating electrical power.

[0023] In an embodiment, the movable structure comprises a pendulum at a distal end of the movable structure. The pendulum at a distal end of the movable structure may increase the efficiency of the system for generating electric power. In particular, the mass of the pendulum may serve to increase the electrical power produced by the system.

[0024] In an embodiment, the system further comprises a rotor which is configured to convert wind energy to rotational energy. Preferably said rotor is a rotor of a wind turbine, and hence, may also be called a wind turbine rotor. Similarly, said rotor or wind turbine rotor may comprises blades, Le. the types of blades commonly used in wind turbines, or may be bladeless and similar or identical to the rotor that may be found in known bladeless wind turbines. Said rotor or wind turbine rotor, is connected to the system's transmission system for transmitting, fully or partially, said rotational energy to the electric generator during an operation of the system. Preferably said optional rotor or wind turbine rotor is connected to the transmission system by means of a transmission subsystem. The latter may optionally be simitar to the transmission system commonly found in generators of wind turbines, and hence, may comprise a gear box, and adjustable-speed drive or a continuously variable transmission for adjusting a rotational speed of one or more components within said transmission system or transmission subsystem.

[0025] On its third aspect, the invention concerns a method for generating energy using the system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the rotatable part rotates with respect to the support structure by means of a wind, a sea wave, a sea current and / or a moving water acting on the movable structure. In other words, the source of mechanical energy may be moving water or winds. Therefore, renewable sources may be exploited for generating electrical current.

[0026] Brief description of the drawings

[0027] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of particular embodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar components.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system for generating power according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0029] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0030] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0031] Fig, 4 shows an embodiment of a system for generating power according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0032] Fig, 5 shows an embodiment of a system for generating power according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0033] Fig, 6 shows an embodiment of a system for generating power according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0034] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention; Detailed description of embodiments

[0035] With reference to Fig. 1-5, a preferred embodiment according to the invention, for example the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, comprises: a support structure 16, 26, 36, 44, 54; a mechanism 43, 53 comprising a first solid 11 , 21 , 31 and a second solid 12, 22, 32 which are hingedly connected with each other so that the first solid 11, 21, 31 is rotatable about a first axis A, A', A" which is fixed with respect to the second solid (i.e. the first axis is referenced to the second solid), and said second solid 12, 22, 32 is hingedly connected with the support structure so that the first and the second solid together are rotatable about a second axis B, B', B" which is fixed with respect to the support structure 16, 26, 36, 44. 54 (i.e. the second axis is referenced to the support structure) which supports the mechanism, the first axis and the second axis being normal to each other; a movable structure that comprises a rotatable part 13, 23, 33 which lengthwise is normal to and simultaneously rotatable about the first and the second axis, and said movable structure is attached to or is integrated with the first solid 11 , 21, 31 for driving the latter's rotation about the first and the second axis; an electric generator 14; and a transmission system 15 operatively connected with the electric generator 14 and with the mechanism for transmitting mechanical power from the rotations of the first and second solid about the first and second axis, respectively. The mechanism may act as a cardan mechanism, e.g., as in FIG. 2, or universal joint that joins the movable structure to the support structure. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 the support structure 16 is a frame which supports the mechanism, the movable structure, the electric generator, and the transmission systems. However, the support structure may have a different configuration. Also, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the second solid 12 is a frame which is hingedly connected with the first solid 11. Therefore, the first solid is rotatable about the first axis A and the second axis B, while the frame is rotatable about the second axis B. Fig. 1 further shows that the first solid 11 comprises a shaft, while in other embodiments it is possible that the first and / or the second solid comprises respective shafts. It is also to be understood that the transmission system may comprise any of gears, pistons, pulleys and / or bands or combinations thereof.

[0036] As an exemplary embodiment, the transmission system in Fig. 1 comprises a bevel gear 151 connecting the first solid 11 with a first shaft 152 connected to a first set of gears 153. The first set of gears 153 in turn is connected to a second shaft 154 which is parallel to the first shaft 152. The first shaft 152 and the gears 153 of said first set transmit (translate) the rotation of the first solid 11 about the first axis A, into a corresponding rotation of the second shaft 154. The transmission system in Fig. 1 also comprises a third shaft 155 which is coaxial to the first shaft 152 and is firmly connected to. and may rotate with, the second solid 12. The second shaft 154 is connected to a second set of gears 156, Said second set 156 of shafts is connected to a fourth shaft 157. The third shaft 155 and the gears 156 of said second set transmit (i.e. translate) the rotation of the second solid 12 about the second axis B, into a corresponding rotation of the fourth shaft 157, The system of FIG. 1 further comprises mechanism 158 or system configured to convert a bidirectional torque to a unidirectional torque. Specifically in the embodiment of FIG. 1 each of the second 154 and fourth 157 shafts are converted to a corresponding one of two special gear mechanisms 158 which are coupled with / to a common output shaft 159. Each of said special gear mechanisms 158 is configured to rotate said output shaft 159 about a single rotational direction, regardless of whether the second 154 or third 155 shafts rotate clockwise or anticlockwise. Hence, the bidirectional torq ue from each of the first 11 and / or second 12 solid body may be transmitted to a respective shaft and converted to unidirectional torque for rotating the output shaft 159, independently of the direction of the torques related to the rotation of the first 11 and second 12 solids. Then, the rotation is transmitted from the output shaft 159 to the electric generator 14. In the art there are known special gear mechanisms for a bidirectional to a unidirectional torque conversion. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the special gear mechanisms comprise bevel gears with ratchet mechanisms having pawls. However, different parts of mechanisms may be used for converting a bidirectional torque into unidirectional torque. It is noted that generally the transmission system may comprise one or more gears, pistons, pulleys and / or bands or combinations thereof.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, as is also in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the movable structure is a shaft attached to the first solid 11 , and said shaft is normal to the first and second axes and is rotatable about the first and second axis; alternatively, said shaft may not be attached to the first solid 11 but instead be integrated with the latter. In a preferred embodiment, the movable structure also comprises a harnessing part at a distal end of the shaft for harnessing mechanical energy more efficiently. The shape and / or shape of the harnessing part may be especially adapted to harness wave energy or wind energy. Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which shows an embodiment of a mechanism wherein the first solid 21 and the second solid 22 are rings which are concentric and hingedly connected with each other via first joints located along the first axis A', the first solid fitting inside the second solid, and the second solid being hingedly connected with the support structure via second joints located along the second axis B'. Therefore, the first solid is rotatable about the first and second axis. In this embodiment, the support structure also comprises a ring of larger diameter compared to the first and second solid rings. However, the support structure may be of a different size, shape and / or structure. Each of the first and second solid rings may be connected with a transmission system or transmission elements (not shown in FIG, 2), such as hydraulic pistons, for transmitting the mechanical energy which is received by the mechanism from an externa! source. Consequently, the system may comprise a transmission system based on hydraulic pistons for the conversion of the received mechanical energy. Similarly, the system may also comprise a hydraulic generator. The embodiment of Fig. 3 is an example of the optional case wherein the transmission system employs hydraulics. Specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 3 the rotation of the rotatable part 33 about the first axis A” causes the compression or expansion of a first piston 37 which is connected to the first solid 31 , while the rotation of the rotatable part 33 about the second axis B" causes the compression or expansion of second piston 38 which is connected to the second solid 32. Regarding the embodiment of FIG. 3, the rotation of the rotatable part 33 about the first and second axis drives the rotation of the first 31 and the second 32 solids about the first axis and second axis, respectively. With reference to FIG. 3, the support structure 36 is a frame, but alternatively may have different shapes and configurations, The use of hydraulics, and in particular the use of pistons as for example the ones in Fig. 3, may allow the transmission of power over substantially large distances, e.g., away from the sea. For example, the pistons may be connected to tubes containing a fluid and, upon compression of the pistons the mechanical energy may be transmitted by the fluid over large distances. It is noted that there is also contemplated another embodiment which is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, and comprises the first piston 37 but does not comprise the second piston 38. In the latter case, the transmission system, that includes said first piston 37, operatively connects the electric generator with the mechanism for transmitting the mechanical energy associated with (i.e„ related to) the rotations of the first solid about the first axis.

[0038] The embodiments of Fig. 4 and 5 comprise elastic means 46, 56 connected with the support structure 44, 54 and with the movable structure. The elastic means may be arranged horizontally or vertically depending on the configuration of the movable structure. The elastic means may advantageously allow the movable structure and / or the rotatable part to recover an initial position. This is to say, the rotatable part and / or the movable structure may be moved, away from an initial rest position, when by external forces acting on said rotatable part and / or movable structure, and the optionally present elastic means may help to recover said initial position. It can be understood that said optional elastic means may be elongated or compressed depending on the direction of rotation of the rotatable part and / or the movable structure. As shown in the embodiments of Fig, 4 and 5, the movable structure may comprise a part shaped to harness wind energy. In other embodiments, the part shaped to harness wind energy may be a part shaped to harness sea wave energy. It is also contemplated that the movable structure may particularly comprise a float or a blade.

[0039] In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the movable structure comprises a connecting piece 47 and also comprises two shafts 48, 49, 58, 59 which are joined together via a universal joint 45, one of the two shafts 48, 49, 58, 59 being connected with the mechanism 43 and the other of the two shafts 48, 49, 58, 59 being connected with the connecting piece 47 which is connected with the elastic means 46. The shaft may rotate about two axes and the corresponding rotation may drive the mechanism 43. It is to be understood that in other embodiments which are similar to the one of FIG. 5, the universal joint 45 may be substituted by other mechanism or not be present at all. Hence, in an embodiment the two shafts 48 and 49 are integrated to each other forming a single shaft. Likewise, some embodiments which are similar to the one of Fig, 4. may not comprise the connecting piece 47.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 6, the system may further optionally comprise a platform which holds the support structure and is configured to be installed in a maritime location, preferably a coast, and to position the support structure above or below the sea ievel. Said optional support structure may have various different shapes or sizes.

[0041] A vehicle carrying a system according to the first aspect of the invention is shown in Fig. 7. The vehicle shown in FIG. 7 is a ship, however in other embodiments the vehicle is of different type, such as a land vehicle, an air vehicle or a different type of sea vehicle. Therefore, other examples of a vehicle may be any of a boat, a float, a floating platform, an airplane or an automobile. In a vehicle carrying or comprising a system according to the first aspect of the invention, the system absorbs, receives, or takes advantage, of the vehicle vibrations and / or roll and pitch movements caused by displacement over land or sea for generating electrical power. Hence, power may be provided for the operation of the vehicle's potentially present electrical or electronic systems. The movable structure of the system in Fig, 5 comprises a pendulum at a distal end of the movable structure, which allows to harness mechanical energy more efficiently. A method for generating energy can be carried out using a system from any of the embodiments shown in the Figures, wherein the rotatable part rotates with respect to the support structure by means of a wind, a sea wave, a sea current and / or a moving water acting on the movable structure. Therefore, an external renewable source is preferred for generating energy.

[0042] Various modifications and additions can be made to the embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combination of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above-described features.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A system for generating electric power, comprising: a support structure (16, 26, 36, 44, 54); a mechanism (43, 53) comprising a first solid (11 , 21, 31) and a second solid (12,22, 32) which are hingedly connected with each other so that the first solid (11 , 21, 31) is rotatable about a first axis (A, A', A") which is fixed with respect to the second solid, and said second solid (12, 22, 32) is hingedly connected with the support structure so that the first and the second solid together are rotatable about a second axis (8, B*, B") which is fixed with respect to the support structure (16,26, 36, 44, 54) which supports the mechanism, the first axis and the second axis being normal to each other; a movable structure that comprises a rotatable part (13, 23, 33) which lengthwise is normal to and simultaneously rotatable about the first and the second axis, and said movable structure is attached to or is integrated with the first solid (11 , 21,31) for driving the latter's rotation about the first and the second axis; an electric generator (14); and a transmission system (15) operatively connected with the electric generator (14) and with the mechanism for transmitting mechanical power from the rotations of the first and / or second solid about the first and / or second axis, respectively,2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission system (15) is operatively connected with the electric generator (14) and with the mechanism for transmitting mechanical power from the rotations of the first and second solid about the first and second axis, respectively,3. A system according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the second solid (12) comprises a frame which is hingedly connected with the first solid (11).

4. A system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mechanism (43, 53) is a cardan mechanism or universal joint that joins the movable structure to the support structure.

5. A system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first solid (11, 31) and / or the second solid (12, 32) comprise a respective shaft.

6. A system according to the any of the previous claims, wherein the first solid (21) and the second solid (22) are rings which are concentric and hingedly connected with each other via first joints located along the first axis (A. A', A' ’), the first solid fitting inside the second solid, and the second solid being hingedly connected with the support structure via second joints located along the second axis (B, B’, B").

7. A system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the transmission comprises any of gears, pistons, pulleys and / or bands or combinations thereof,8. A system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the transmission mechanism (43, 53) is configured to convert a bidirectional torque of the first and / or second solid to a unidirectional torque,9. A system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the movable structure is a shaft attached to the first solid (11, 21, 31).

10. A system according to any of the previous claims, further comprising elastic means (46, 56) connected with the support structure (44, 54) and with the movable structure,11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the movable structure comprises a connecting piece (47) and also comprises two shafts (48, 49) which are joined together via a universal joint (45), one of the two shafts (48. 49) being connected with the mechanism (43) and the other of the two shafts (48, 49) being connected with the connecting piece (47) which is connected with the elastic means (46).

12. A system according to the previous claims, wherein the movable structure comprises at least one of a float, a blade or another part shaped to harness wave energy or wind energy.

13. A system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the system further comprises a platform which holds the support structure and is configured to be installed in a maritime location, preferably a coast, and to position the support structure above or below the sea level.

14. A system according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a rotor which is configured to convert wind energy to rotational energy, wherein said rotor is connected to the system's transmission system for transmitting, at least partially, said rotational energy to the electric generator during an operation of the system, preferably the system further comprising a transmission subsystem which interconnects the rotor and the transmission system.

15. A vehicle carrying a system which is according to any of claims 1-14, preferably the vehicle being any of a boat, a ship, a float, a floating platform, or an automobile.

16. A vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the movable structure comprises a pendulum at a distal end of the movable structure.

17. Method for generating energy using a system which is according to any of claims 1-14, wherein the rotatable part rotates with respect to the support structure by means of a wind, a sea wave, a sea current and / or a moving water acting on the movable structure.

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