Energy storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy storage device. An apparatus is disclosed that is adapted to store received electrical energy as rotational energy and to provide the stored energy as electrical energy as needed.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application obtains priority from Israeli patent IL309026, which was filed on December 2, 2023 and authorized on July 2, 2024.

[0003] FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the field of energy storage, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus adapted to store received electrical energy as rotational energy and to provide the stored energy as electrical energy as required.

[0005] One challenge in electricity use is balancing the electricity generated and the electricity load required at any given moment. Excess electricity may be generated when demand is low, such as during regenerative braking, during the day when using solar panels, or when there is a particularly brisk wind when using windmills. In contrast, insufficient electricity may occur when electricity is needed, such as when an electric vehicle accelerates, at night when using solar panels, or when the wind is weak.

[0006] Known electrical energy storage devices have various limitations and disadvantages.

[0007] It would be useful to have a device that could store received electrical energy and provide the stored energy as electrical energy as needed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus adapted to store received electrical energy as rotational energy and to provide the stored energy as electrical energy upon demand.

[0010] According to an aspect of some embodiments taught herein, there is provided a device for storing received electrical energy as rotational energy and providing the stored energy as electrical energy on demand (in some preferred embodiments in an electric vehicle and preferably without energy loss during driving, rotation, vibration and other disturbances), the device comprising:

[0011] a. A base (eg, a base of an electric vehicle chassis);

[0012] b. a frame rotatably attached to the base, allowing the frame to rotate about a frame rotation axis oriented in a first direction;

[0013] c. a gimbal rotatably attached to the frame, allowing the gimbal to rotate about a gimbal rotation axis perpendicular to the frame rotation axis;

[0014] d. a rotor rotatably attached to a universal joint, allowing the rotor to rotate about a rotor rotation axis perpendicular to the universal joint rotation axis;

[0015] wherein the base, frame, universal joint and rotor together constitute a gyroscope assembly (preferably providing three-dimensional free rotation of the rotor as a field to eliminate energy-consuming mechanical friction);

[0016] and wherein the rotor is configured as a rotor of a rotating electrical machine functionally associated with a field of the rotating electrical machine,

[0017] And the gimbal is configured as a stator of a rotating electrical machine having functionally associated stator leads to transmit power to and from the gimbal, the stator leads including at least two rotating electrical connectors: two stator lead gimbal-frame rotating electrical connectors and two stator lead frame-base rotating electrical connectors.

[0018] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a circuit functionally associated with stator lead 1 and stator lead 2, the circuit having at least three states:

[0019] i. a first state, in which the motor is used as a motor, allowing power to be output to the circuit to increase the rotation rate of the rotor, allowing the electrical energy of the power to be stored as rotational energy of the rotor;

[0020] ii. a second state in which no power is passed through stator lead 1 and stator lead 2 so that the rotor can rotate without inductive braking through interaction with the stator; and

[0021] iii. A third state, in which the motor acts as a generator, allowing the rotational energy of the rotor to be converted in a controlled manner into electrical power that can be output from an electrical circuit.

[0022] In some embodiments, at least one of the rotating electrical connectors includes a slip ring that securely binds the stator coils to another electrical device.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least one of the rotating electrical connectors includes a rotary transformer.

[0024] In some embodiments, the rotor is the armature of a rotating electrical machine and the stator is the field of the rotating electrical machine.

[0025] In some embodiments, the rotor is the field of a rotating electrical machine and the stator is the armature of the rotating electrical machine.

[0026] Aspects and embodiments of the invention are described in the following description and in the appended claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Some embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings makes it apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments of the present invention may be practiced. The accompanying drawings are for purposes of illustrative discussion and do not attempt to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a basic understanding of the present invention. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the drawings are not to scale.

[0029] In the attached picture:

[0030] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the teachings herein, Figure 1A is the mechanical part of the device, and Figure 1B It is part of the circuit of the device.

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In some embodiments of the invention, the invention relates to a device adapted to store received electrical energy as rotational energy and to provide the stored energy as electrical energy as required.

[0033] The principles, uses and implementations of the teachings herein can be better understood with reference to the attached description and drawings. Upon reading the description and drawings provided herein, those skilled in the art will be able to implement the present invention without undue effort and experimentation. In the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals always refer to similar parts.

[0034] Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the details and / or methods of the construction and component arrangement described herein. The present invention can be practiced or implemented in other embodiments or in various ways. The wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive.

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of an apparatus according to the teachings herein are Figure 1A (mechanical parts of the device) and Figure 1B (Circuit of the device) is schematically depicted in FIG.

[0036] exist Figure 1A In the invention, the device 10 for storing received electrical energy as rotational energy and providing the stored energy as electrical energy as required according to the teachings of the present invention comprises:

[0037] a. base 12;

[0038] b. a frame 14 rotatably attached to the base 12, allowing the frame 14 to rotate about a frame rotation axis 16 oriented in a first direction;

[0039] c. a gimbal 18 rotatably attached to the frame 14, allowing the gimbal 18 to rotate about a gimbal rotation axis 20 perpendicular to the frame rotation axis 16;

[0040] d. a rotor 22 rotatably attached to the universal joint 18, allowing the rotor 22 to rotate about a rotor rotation axis 24 perpendicular to the universal joint rotation axis 20;

[0041] The base 12 , the frame 14 , the universal joint 18 and the rotor 22 together form a gyroscope assembly 26 .

[0042] Specifically, the rotatable attachment of the various components is by means of components such as low friction bearings or the like so that the gyroscope assembly 26 can function as a gyroscope as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0043] In addition, the universal joint 18 is configured as a stator of a rotating electric machine 28, which has functionally associated stator winding leads 30 to transmit power to and from the stator winding of the universal joint 18; and the universal joint 18 is configured as a stator winding of a rotating electric machine 28, which has functionally associated stator second winding leads 38 to transmit power to and from the stator winding of the universal joint 18.

[0044] In some embodiments, the rotor is the field of a rotating electrical machine and the stator is the armature winding of the rotating electrical machine.

[0045] In some alternative embodiments, the rotor is the armature winding of a rotating electrical machine and the stator is the field of the rotating electrical machine.

[0046] Each of the stator leads 30 and 38 includes at least two rotary electrical connectors. The first pair of rotary electrical connectors are the stator lead frame-base rotary electrical connectors 42 and 36. These electrical connectors provide electrical communication over the rotary joint between the frame 14 and the base 12. The second pair of rotary electrical connectors are the stator lead gimbal-frame rotary electrical connectors 40 and 34, which provide electrical communication over the rotary joint between the gimbal 18 and the frame 14.

[0047] In some alternative embodiments where the rotor is an armature winding, the leads 30 and 38 include at least three pairs of rotary electrical connectors. The first pair of rotary electrical connectors are the rotor lead frame-base rotary electrical connectors 36, 42. They provide electrical communication over the rotary joint between the frame 14 and the base 12. The second pair of rotary electrical connectors are the rotor lead universal joint-frame rotary electrical connectors 34, 40, which provide electrical communication over the rotary joint between the universal joint 18 and the frame 14. The third pair of rotary electrical connectors are the rotor lead rotor-universal joint rotary electrical connectors 32, 51, which provide electrical communication over the rotary joint between the rotor 22 and the universal joint 18.

[0048] Each rotating electrical connector is any suitable rotating electrical connector. In some embodiments, at least one rotating electrical connector of the device comprises a slip ring. In some embodiments, at least one rotating electrical connector of the device comprises a rotary transformer. In some embodiments, all rotating electrical connectors are of the same type. Alternatively, in some embodiments, at least one rotating electrical connector is of a different type than at least one other rotating electrical connector.

[0049] The device 10 also includes a circuit 44. The details of the circuit 44 are as follows Figure 1B As shown. Figure 1B As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the circuit 44 of the device 10 includes a three-way switch 46 having three positions.

[0050] When the conductor 46a is in electrical communication with the contact 46b, there is a circuit between the motor 28 and the power source 48 through the stator lead 30 and the stator lead 38. This is the first state of the circuit 44, allowing the motor 28 to be used as a motor. Specifically, power is input from the power source 48 to the circuit 44 to increase the rotation rate of the rotor 22, thereby allowing the electrical energy of the power from the power source 48 to be stored as rotational energy of the rotor 22.

[0051] When the conductor 46a is in electrical communication with the contact 46c (eg Figure 1B ), the motor 28 is not part of the circuit through the stator leads 30 and the stator leads 38. This is the second state of the circuit 44, in which no power is passed through the stator leads 30 and the stator leads 38, so that the rotor 22 can rotate without inductive braking through interaction with the stator of the motor 28.

[0052] When conductor 46a is in electrical communication with contact 46d, an electrical circuit exists between motor 28 and motor / battery 50 through stator lead 30 and stator lead 38. This is the third state of circuit 44 and allows motor 28 to function as a generator, allowing the rotational energy of rotor 22 to be converted into electricity in a controlled manner, which can be output from circuit 44 to operate the motor or charge battery 50.

[0053] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the specification including definitions will take precedence.

[0054] As used herein, the terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their grammatical variations will be considered to specify stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not exclude the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. As used herein, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" mean "at least one" or "one or more", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0055] As used herein, when a numerical value is preceded by the term "about," the term "about" is intended to indicate + / - 10%. As used herein, phrases of the form "A and / or B" mean selected from the group consisting of (A), (B), or (A and B). As used herein, phrases of the form "at least one of A, B, and C" mean selected from the group consisting of (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A and B and C).

[0056] It should be understood that certain features of the invention described in the context of separate embodiments for clarity may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination, or may be suitable for provision in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of multiple embodiments are not considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment does not function without those elements.

[0057] Embodiments of the methods and / or devices described herein may involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or in combination thereof. Some methods and / or devices described herein are implemented using components including hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, some components are general-purpose components, such as a general-purpose computer, a digital processor, or an oscilloscope. In some embodiments, some components are dedicated or custom components, such as circuits, integrated circuits, or software.

[0058] For example, in some embodiments, some of the embodiments are implemented as a plurality of software instructions executed by a data processor, which is, for example, part of a general-purpose or custom computer. In some embodiments, the data processor or computer includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and / or data and / or a non-volatile memory for storing instructions and / or data, such as a magnetic hard disk and / or removable media. In some embodiments, the implementation includes a network connection. In some embodiments, the implementation includes a user interface, typically including one or more input devices (e.g., allowing input of commands and / or parameters) and output devices (e.g., allowing reporting of operating parameters and results).

[0059] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments of the present invention, it is apparent that many substitutions, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0060] Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

[0061] The section headings used herein are intended to facilitate understanding of this specification and are not to be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A device (10) for storing received electrical energy as rotational energy and providing the stored energy as electrical energy as required in an electric vehicle without energy loss during driving, rotation, vibration and other disturbances, the device comprising: a. A base of an electric vehicle chassis (12); b. a frame (14) rotatably attached to the base (12) allowing the frame (14) to rotate about a frame rotation axis (16) oriented in a first direction; c. a universal joint (18) rotatably attached to the frame (14) allowing the universal joint (18) to rotate about a universal joint rotation axis (20) perpendicular to the frame rotation axis (16); d. a rotor (22) rotatably attached to the universal joint (18) allowing the rotor (22) to rotate about a rotor rotation axis (24) perpendicular to the universal joint rotation axis (20); wherein the base (12), the frame (14), the universal joint (18) and the rotor (22) together form a gyroscope assembly (26), and the gyroscope assembly (26) provides three-dimensional free rotation of the rotor as a field to eliminate energy-wasting mechanical friction; and among them: The rotor (22) is configured as a rotor of a rotating electrical machine (28) functionally associated with a field of the rotating electrical machine (28), and The universal joint (18) is configured as a stator of the rotating electrical machine (28), the stator having functionally associated stator leads (38, 30) for transferring power to and from the universal joint (18), the stator leads (38, 30) including at least two rotating electrical connectors: two stator lead gimbal-frame rotary electrical connectors (34, 40), and Two stator lead frame-to-base rotary electrical connectors (36, 42).

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a circuit (44) functionally associated with the stator lead 1 (30) and the stator lead 2 (38), the circuit (44) having at least three states: i. a first state in which the electric machine (28) functions as a motor, allowing power to be output to the circuit (44) to increase the rotation rate of the rotor (22), allowing the electrical energy of the power to be stored as rotational energy of the rotor (22); ii. a second state in which no power is passed through the stator lead 1 (30) and the stator lead 2 (38), so that the rotor (22) can rotate without inductive braking through interaction with the stator; as well as iii. A third state in which the electric machine functions as a generator, allowing the rotational energy of the rotor (22) to be converted in a controlled manner into electrical power that can be output from the circuit (44).

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: At least one of the rotating electrical connectors includes a slip ring that securely binds the stator coils to another electrical device.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one of the rotating electrical connectors includes a rotary transformer.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The rotor is the armature of the rotating electrical machine, and The stator is the field of the rotating electrical machine.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The rotor is the field of the rotating electrical machine, and The stator is an armature of the rotating electrical machine.

Images