Method for fast conversion of chemical energy into usable electrical energy

Abstract

The name of the invention is a method for rapidly converting chemical energy into usable electrical energy. A system for rapidly converting kinetic energy of a magnetized and / or conductive projectile into usable electrical energy using Faraday's Law. The system includes a barrel tube comprising a bore; an electrical circuit comprising a plurality of conductive components distributed along the length of the bore; and a projectile comprising at least one of a conductive material or a magnetic material that magnetically couples the conductive components as the projectile moves along the length of the bore. The electrical circuit stores energy generated by a current induced in the conductive components as the projectile moving along the length of the bore causes a magnetic interaction between the conductive components and the magnetic or conductive material. The magnetic interaction also causes a braking of the projectile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to methods and systems for converting chemical or kinetic energy into usable electrical energy. Background Technology

[0002] Charging appliances in remote locations can be challenging. Existing solutions typically involve carrying multiple charged replacement batteries. However, batteries are heavy, have relatively low energy density, and dissipate energy slowly (thus requiring frequent charging, which may not always be feasible). A more convenient, lightweight, and energy-density method for storing energy in the field is needed. The implementation described in this article addresses this need. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure describes a regenerative braking system for converting the kinetic energy of a projectile into electrical energy suitable for powering electrical appliances or charging batteries. The regenerative braking system can be implemented in various ways, including but not limited to the following.

[0004] 1. A regenerative braking system, comprising:

[0005] A barrel tube, including a boring hole;

[0006] The circuit includes a plurality of conductive components distributed along the length of the bore; and

[0007] A projectile comprising at least one of a conductive material or a magnetic material that is magnetically coupled to a conductive component as the projectile moves along the length of a bore. When the projectile, moving along the length of the bore, causes a magnetic interaction between the conductive component and the magnetic material or at least one of the conductive materials, the circuit stores energy generated by the current induced in the conductive component. The magnetic interaction further causes braking of the projectile.

[0008] 2. The system in Example 1, wherein:

[0009] As the projectile moves along the length of the bore, it generates a first magnetic field, which is configured to induce a current in the conductive components.

[0010] The electric current generates a second magnetic field, and the conductive components are configured such that the magnetic interaction between the second magnetic field and the first magnetic field causes the projectile to brake.

[0011] 3. The system of Example 1, wherein magnetic interactions induce eddy currents in a conductive material in a projectile moving along the length of the bore.

[0012] 4. The system of any one of Examples 1-3 further includes a connector configured to attach a barrel to the muzzle of a firearm, wherein the projectile comprises a bullet fired from the muzzle into the barrel.

[0013] 5. The system of Example 4, wherein the barrel includes a vent located in front of the conductive component so that the vent discharges exhaust from the firearm.

[0014] 6. The system of any one of Examples 1-5, wherein the conductive components are configured such that:

[0015] The projectile leaves the bore at a speed that can be stopped by hand, or at a speed of less than 10 m / s, or

[0016] The projectile's kinetic energy is reduced by at least 90%, and at least a portion of the kinetic energy is converted into energy, including electrical energy.

[0017] 7. The system of any of Examples 1-2 or 4-6, wherein the magnetic material includes a permanent magnet.

[0018] 8. The system of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein each conductive component includes a coil.

[0019] 9. The system of any one of Examples 1-8, wherein the conductive component includes a coupled coil of a coupled magnet.

[0020] 10. The system of any one of Examples 1-9, further comprising a reactor coupled with a tubular tube, wherein the reactor is configured as follows:

[0021] To cause chemical propellants to react with reactants, thereby forming exhaust combustion products; and

[0022] The exhaust combustion products are guided to propel the projectile through the bore.

[0023] 11. The system of Example 10, wherein the reactor includes a combustion chamber.

[0024] 12. The system of Example 11, wherein the projectile includes a piston.

[0025] 13. The system of Example 12 further includes a system for returning the piston to the reactor after the piston has traveled the length of the bore.

[0026] 14. The system described in any one of Examples 1-13, wherein the circuit includes one or more capacitors storing energy generated from an electric current.

[0027] 15. The system of any of Examples 1-14, wherein the conductive component is connected in parallel with the capacitor.

[0028] 16. The system of any one of Examples 1-15, further comprising:

[0029] A battery connected to a circuit, in which the battery stores energy.

[0030] 17. The system of Example 16, in which energy can power a cellular phone, radio, television, computer, GPS, air conditioning system, or electric vehicle motor.

[0031] 18. A system from any of Examples 1-17, wherein the circuit includes a buffer circuit:

[0032] The capacitor is charged using an electric current and a first time constant corresponding to the time scale of the projectile's travel along the borehole.

[0033] According to the manufacturer's instructions for the battery, the capacitor is discharged into the battery using a second time constant that is longer than the first time constant and corresponds to the charging time.

[0034] 19. A means of transport comprising a road vehicle (e.g., a car, truck, bus, or tank), an aircraft, or a vessel (e.g., a boat) that includes a system comprising any one of Examples 1-18.

[0035] 20. The vehicle of Example 19, further comprising an electromagnetic weapon powered by the device.

[0036] This disclosure further describes a method of operating a firearm, including:

[0037] The firearm is fired to propel the projectile from the firearm;

[0038] Converting the kinetic energy of the projectile into electrical energy; and

[0039] Use electrical energy to charge the battery.

[0040] In one or more instances, the method further includes providing a firearm comprising a barrel including a bore; providing a circuit including a plurality of conductive components distributed along the length of the bore; and providing a projectile comprising at least one of a conductive material or a magnetic material magnetically coupled to the conductive components as the projectile moves along the length of the bore. When the projectile moving along the length of the bore causes a magnetic interaction between the conductive components and the magnetic material or at least one of the conductive materials, the circuit stores energy generated by a current induced in the conductive components. The magnetic interaction further causes braking of the projectile. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 A regenerative braking system according to a first example is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 A regenerative braking system according to the second example is shown.

[0043] Figure 3 An example magnetic field distribution in a regenerative braking system according to one or more examples described herein is shown.

[0044] Figure 4 The illustration shows soldiers or hikers using regenerative braking systems in field applications, based on one or more examples described herein.

[0045] Figure 5 A vehicle including a regenerative braking system is shown according to one or more examples described herein.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a regenerative braking system according to one or more examples described herein.

[0047] Figure 7 It is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a regenerative braking system according to one or more examples described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0048] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the description, and several examples are shown by way of illustration. It should be understood that other examples may be used and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] Technical Specifications

[0050] This disclosure describes a system that uses Faraday's law to rapidly and directly convert the kinetic energy of a magnetized and / or conductive projectile (propelled by chemical energy) into usable electrical energy. In one example, the magnetic braking action of a "reverse coil gun" removes energy from a high-kinetic-energy projectile (whose initial kinetic energy is generated by chemical energy) and generates a voltage in a circuit magnetically coupled to the projectile. The voltage-dependent electrical energy can be used directly by the application or to charge a capacitor or battery for later use. This system significantly reduces the weight of the energy storage.

[0051] Firearms Examples

[0052] Figure 1 A regenerative braking system 100 is shown, comprising a barrel 102 having a bore 104, a circuit 106 including a plurality of conductive components 108 distributed along a length 110 of the bore 104, and a projectile 112 including at least one material 114 selected from conductive or magnetic materials of the magnetically coupled conductive components 108 as the projectile 112 moves along the length 110 of the bore 104. Examples of conductive components 108 include, but are not limited to, coils 144 or coupling coils (144b) coupled to magnets 147. Examples of magnetic materials include, but are not limited to, permanent magnets 145.

[0053] When the projectile 112 moves along the length 110 of the bore 104, causing a magnetic interaction 120 between the conductive component 108 and the material 114, the circuit 106 stores energy 116 generated by the current 118 induced in the conductive component 108. The magnetic interaction 120 also causes braking or slowing of the projectile 112. In one or more instances, the circuit 106 includes (or is connected to) a capacitor 154 and / or a battery 156 for storing the energy 116 to power an electrical appliance or other device 158.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the system is an accessory that is removably attached to or remounted on the firearm 130. Connector 132 is used to attach barrel 102 to the muzzle 134 of the firearm 130, such that a projectile 112 (bullet 136) is fired from the muzzle 134 into barrel 102. Barrel 102 or connector 132 includes a vent 138 located in front of conductive component 108, such that vent 138 exhausts exhaust gas 140 from the firearm 130.

[0055] Piston example

[0056] Figure 2 An example regenerative braking system 200 is shown, wherein the projectile 112 includes a piston 202. The system further includes a reactor 204 (e.g., a combustion chamber 203) connected to a barrel 102, and the reactor 204 is configured to (1) react a chemical propellant 206 with a reactant 208 (e.g., air or oxygen) to form an exhaust product 210, and (2) guide the exhaust product 210 to propel the piston 202 through a bore 104. The reactor 204 includes an air inlet 212 for inputting air, an outlet 214 for outputting the exhaust product 210, and a spark plug 216 for igniting the chemical propellant 206. The regenerative braking system 200 further includes a mechanism 218 for returning the piston 202 to the reactor 204 after propulsion and braking, after the piston 202 has traveled along the length 110 of the bore 104. In the example shown, mechanism 218 includes connecting rod 220, crank 222, crank pin 224 and crankshaft 226, wherein a portion of the reciprocating motion of piston 202 is converted into rotational motion of crank 222, which is then used to drive connecting rod 220, which drives piston back to reactor 204.

[0057] Example Magnetic Field Distribution

[0058] Figure 3Various examples of magnetic interactions 120 between the conductive component 108 and the projectile 112 are illustrated. In one embodiment, as the projectile 112 moves along the length 110 of the bore 104, the projectile 112 generates a first magnetic field 122, which is configured to induce a current 118 in the conductive component 108. The current 118 generates a second magnetic field 124, and the conductive component 108 is configured such that the magnetic interaction 120 between the second magnetic field 124 and the first magnetic field 122 causes the projectile 112 to brake, for example, by converting the kinetic energy 117 of the projectile 112 into electrical energy 116. In various examples, the second magnetic field 124 does not extend behind the projectile 112 to prevent pushing the projectile 112 along the bore 104.

[0059] In another embodiment, the projectile 112 comprises a conductive material, and magnetic interactions 120 induce eddy currents in the conductive material of the projectile 112 as it moves along the length 110 of the bore 104. The formation of eddy currents causes braking of the projectile because the kinetic energy 117 of the projectile is dissipated in the eddy currents.

[0060] Application Examples

[0061] Figure 4 A person 400 (e.g., soldier 402 or hiker 404) is shown operating a regenerative braking system 100 including a handheld or portable device. The handheld device is used to charge the battery for small-scale power generation in the field. In one or more embodiments, the conductive component 108 is configured such that braking causes the projectile 112 to exit the bore at a speed of less than 10 m / s, a speed that can be stopped by an unprotected hand or a protected hand (e.g., a hand protected by armor or gloves). In one or more further embodiments, the kinetic energy of the projectile is reduced by at least 90%-99%, and at least a portion of the kinetic energy is converted into energy 116, including electrical energy. The average energy in a moving .50 caliber rifle cartridge is approximately 50 kJ, which is sufficient to charge an alkaline AA battery (approximately 10 kJ energy storage capacity), a C battery (approximately 35 kJ energy storage capacity), and a NiCd battery (approximately 1 / 3 of these energies) or a NiMH battery (approximately 1 / 2 of these energies). Alkaline D batteries (approximately 75 kJ energy storage capacity) can be charged using multiple-fire or larger caliber cartridges.

[0062] In one or more instances, energy 116 is capable of supplying power to at least one electrical appliance or device 158 selected from cellular phones, radios, televisions, computers, GPS systems, air conditioning systems, or electric vehicle motors (electric motors).

[0063] Figure 5 It shows including Figure 2The regenerative braking system 200 is shown in a vehicle 500 (tank). The vehicle further includes an electromagnetic weapon 502, and the regenerative braking system 200 is used to rapidly charge the energy system of the electromagnetic weapon 502. Although a tank is shown, in other instances, the regenerative braking system 200 is mounted on nearby aircraft and ships (e.g., boats) to rapidly charge naval or aircraft guns, respectively. The energy of a firing M1 Abrams tank hull is approximately 30 MJ, sufficient to charge multiple batteries or hybrid vehicle batteries (approximately 5.4 MJ of storage capacity). Other examples of vehicles include, but are not limited to, cars, trucks, jeeps, or buses.

[0064] Table 1: Various energy capacities of standard batteries and the kinetic energy of various caliber bullets that can be used to charge these batteries, with the bullets referring to their NATO nomenclature.

[0065]

[0066] Methods and Steps

[0067] Manufacturing method

[0068] Figure 6 A method for manufacturing a regenerative braking system is shown (see also reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0069] Box 600 indicates obtaining or manufacturing a barrel 102 including a bore 104. In one or more instances, the barrel and bore are manufactured using materials commonly used in the manufacture of firearms (e.g., metals). Example barrels and bores include, but are not limited to, bores and barrels having cylindrical or non-cylindrical cross-sections.

[0070] Box 602 indicates that a plurality of conductive components 108 are arranged or distributed along the length 110 of the bore 104. Examples of conductive components include, but are not limited to, coils 144 (including wires), windings (including wires), or coupling coils (including wires) of coupled magnets. In one example, the conductive components include a group of linear coils arranged linearly along the length of the bore. Examples of materials for the conductive components include materials commonly used to manufacture conductive coils and windings, such as wires including metals (e.g., silver, copper, tungsten, etc.). Examples of materials for the magnets include, but are not limited to, rare earth materials (e.g., neodymium).

[0071] Box 604 indicates obtaining or manufacturing a projectile 112 comprising at least one material 114 selected from conductive or magnetic materials that can magnetically couple conductive components as the projectile moves along the length of the bore. Examples of magnetic materials include permanent magnets, including, for example, rare-earth materials (e.g., neodymium). Examples of conductive materials include materials commonly used in the manufacture of conductive coils, windings, loops, or wires, such as metals, including but not limited to silver, copper, tungsten, etc.

[0072] Box 606 represents a circuit including a conductive component. Circuit 106 is configured to store energy 116 generated by a current 118 induced in the conductive component when a projectile moving along the length of the bore causes a magnetic interaction 120 between the conductive component and the material. In one or more instances, circuit 106 includes (or is connected to) a capacitor 154 and / or a battery 156 for storing the energy 116.

[0073] In one or more instances, circuit 106 includes a buffer circuit:

[0074] The capacitor 154 is charged using current 118 and with a first time constant corresponding to the time scale of the projectile 112 traveling along the bore 104; and

[0075] According to the manufacturer's instructions for the battery, capacitor 154 is discharged into battery 156 with a second time constant that is longer than the first time constant and corresponds to the charging time.

[0076] Box 608 represents the final result, such as Figure 1 or Figure 2 The regenerative braking system shown.

[0077] Box 610 indicates the attachment of a regenerative braking system to a firearm, reactor, or other system for advancing a projectile along a bore. Examples of firearms include, but are not limited to, guns, pistols, assault weapons, or machine guns. Examples of reactors include, but are not limited to, combustion chambers used in internal combustion engines.

[0078] Operating method

[0079] Figure 7 The method of operating a firearm is shown.

[0080] Box 700 indicates that the firearm is fired to propel the projectile from the firearm.

[0081] Box 702 indicates the conversion of the projectile's kinetic energy into electrical energy.

[0082] Box 704 indicates that electrical energy is used to charge the battery.

[0083] This method solves the problem of charging weapons or other equipment in the field. Specifically, it enables the rapid conversion of high-density chemical energy into usable electrical energy using direct energy conversion, reducing the weight of the energy storage compared to existing batteries.

[0084] Existing solutions typically involve carrying multiple charged replacement batteries. However, batteries are heavy and have relatively low energy density compared to chemical energy solutions. Furthermore, batteries lose energy slowly and require frequent recharging, necessitating a power source and energy supply for recharging. The method described herein requires transporting only one battery in the field, as the energy is stored in the chemical energy of the propellant used for projectile firing, and this chemical energy is only converted into battery energy when recharging is needed.

[0085] in conclusion

[0086] This summarizes the description of examples of this disclosure. The foregoing description of examples has been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings. The scope of the claims is intended to be limited not by this detailed description, but by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A regenerative braking system (100, 200), comprising: The barrel tube (102) includes a bore (104); The circuit (106) includes a plurality of conductive components (108) distributed along the length (110) of the bore (104); A projectile (112) comprising a magnetic material magnetically coupled to the conductive component (108) as the projectile (112) moves along the length (110) of the bore (104); and A connector (132) is configured to attach the barrel (102) to the muzzle (134) of a firearm (130); in: The projectile (112) includes a bullet (136) fired from the muzzle (134) into the barrel (102). When the projectile (112) moving along the length (110) of the bore (104) causes a magnetic interaction (120) between the conductive component (108) and the magnetic material, the circuit (106) stores energy (116) generated by the current (118) induced in the conductive component (108). The magnetic interaction (120) causes braking of the projectile (112). The circuit (106) stores energy capable of charging a battery connected to the circuit (106), and the energy is capable of powering at least one device selected from a cellular phone, radio, television, computer, air conditioning system, or electric vehicle motor. The conductive component is configured such that the projectile (112) has at least: Speed ​​less than 10m / s, or The kinetic energy is reduced by at least 90%, and at least a portion of the kinetic energy is converted into energy including electrical energy.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: As the projectile (112) moves along the length (110) of the bore (104), the projectile (112) generates a first magnetic field (122), which is configured to induce the current (118) in the conductive member (108), and The current (118) generates a second magnetic field (124), and the conductive component (108) is configured such that the magnetic interaction (120) between the second magnetic field (124) and the first magnetic field (122) causes braking of the projectile (112).

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein The barrel (102) includes a vent (138) located in front of the conductive component (108), wherein the vent (138) discharges exhaust (140) from the firearm (130).

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic material (114) comprises a permanent magnet (145), and each of the conductive components (108) comprises a coupling coil (144) coupled to the magnet (147).

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a reactor (204) connected to the barrel (102), wherein the reactor (204) is configured to: The chemical propellant (206) reacts with the reactant (208) to form the discharge product (214), and The discharge product (214) is guided to propel the projectile (112) into the bore (104).

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the reactor (204) includes a combustion chamber (203) and the projectile (112) includes a piston (202), wherein the system further includes a mechanism (218) for returning the piston (202) to the reactor (204) after the piston (202) has traveled the length (110) of the bore (104).

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuit (106) includes one or more capacitors (154) storing energy (116) generated by the current (118).

8. The system according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising: A battery (156) connected to the circuit (106), wherein the battery (156) stores the energy (116), wherein the circuit (106) includes a buffer circuit: The capacitor (154) is charged using the current (118) and with a first time constant corresponding to the time scale of the projectile (112) traveling along the bore (104), and According to the manufacturer's instructions for the battery (156), the capacitor (154) is discharged into the battery (156) with a second time constant that is longer than the first time constant and corresponds to the charging time.

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