Method and device for volume variation in rotating hollow bodies

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for changing the volume in a rotating hollow body filled with compressed gas, which is immersed in an incompressible liquid. The devices for carrying out the method essentially consist of two freely rotatable and mutually inclined interfaces, between which the gas-filled hollow body - preferably designed as a bellows - is located. This method enables a continuous and decentralized supply of electrical energy without permanent operating costs. The devices' output is adjustable and, theoretically (like a fuel-powered power plant), they are permanently available. A key advantage of using buoyancy compared to other energy sources (both renewable and conventional) is the complete independence in choosing a location. The potential applications are virtually unlimited: a horizontal surface at any location, regardless of sun or wind, it can even be operated on ships above or below water. The process is environmentally friendly due to its naturally emission-free nature. The greatest potential risk of accidents lies in the possibility of the water freezing or leaking.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for changing the volume of rotating hollow bodies filled with compressed gas (preferably air) and immersed in an incompressible liquid (preferably water). The hollow body is initially rotationally symmetrical in its resting state and consists of a flexible yet dimensionally stable material composition. The purpose of the method is to deform the hollow body in the horizontal plane to different cross-sections by means of two interfaces with horizontal but intersecting axes of rotation. This arrangement causes the center-of-volume axis of the hollow body to lie adjacent to the common axis of rotation of the two interfaces, resulting in different torques on the two sides of the rotatably mounted hollow body due to the differing buoyancy acting upon it.This results in the capsizing effect familiar from shipping, which is intentionally and deliberately induced here. A ship tends to capsize whenever its own center of mass or volume axis is too tilted or too high above the center of mass axis of the displaced water.

[0002] The devices for carrying out the method essentially consist of two freely rotatable and mutually adjustable interfaces of various designs, between which a gas-filled hollow body is located that separates the gas from the water. Preferably, said hollow body is designed as a cylindrical bellows in its initial state.

[0003] The method according to the invention, or the device variants thereof, enable a continuous and safe supply of electrical energy by first converting the one-sided buoyancy into torque by the respective device, in order to then transform it into electricity by suitable (and known to those skilled in the art) means.

[0004] The invention also includes various measures regarding the cost-effective creation, assembly and maintenance of the system, combined with high environmental compatibility.

[0005] Buoyancy forces in liquids have been known since ancient times. Gases form bubbles and rise in liquids against gravity. Homogeneous liquids sort themselves under the influence of gravity (provided they are not disturbed) according to their temperature: the coldest molecules always sink to the bottom. (A major exception is water, as its greatest density is reached at around 4° Celsius, therefore the colder ice always floats on top.)

[0006] However, if water is released in zero gravity, for example in a spacecraft orbiting the Earth, the "heavy" water will float aimlessly in the "light" air – there is no buoyancy whatsoever. This clearly proves that buoyancy is not a "natural and permanent, or unchanging, property of water" (or other liquids), but is caused solely by Earth's gravity. Now, classical physics teaches, or rather believes, that gravity is not energy, but merely a property of matter. For applied technology, however, this belief is irrelevant, because here the undeniable effect of gravity is utilized, which acts through all container walls into even the most closed systems.

[0007] Several proposals (frequently from non-technical people) have already been put forward for the use of buoyancy, especially for its conversion into torque or electric current: As early as 1974, the idea of ​​utilizing the buoyancy of air in water was presented in DE 24 08 682 as follows: A circulating bucket belt, such as could be used as a water pump in reverse, is blown with compressed air from below, whereby the water in the buckets is then displaced by the air. A technically feasible implementation is not disclosed.

[0008] The same idea is repeated in one of the few granted patents, the Canadian patent CA 2 212 238 of 1996. Here, the enormous mechanical effort is only hinted at.

[0009] In addition to the various paternoster designs, several rotary conveyors are also proposed, as well as flexible shapes for the buoyancy bodies.

[0010] For example, in CA 2 652 831 from 2009. But here, too, the technical effort required for the adjustable buckets is immediately apparent.

[0011] While modern rotary compressors are now very efficient, the amortizable efficiency of all "buoyancy through compressed air injection" methods tends towards zero. This means that the revenue from electricity generation is not high enough to cover the investment in the equipment and its infrastructure, the compressed air generation, and the maintenance, operating, and administrative costs for the entire system before the respective depreciation periods expire.

[0012] The operating principle of the aforementioned devices is quite simple: On the buoyancy side, it's "air in, water out," and on the friction side, "water in, air out." "Air in" requires energy, while "water in" is (in most designs) provided by gravity. Modern air compressors are so efficient that, theoretically, a small surplus of buoyancy could be generated—were it not for the mechanical resistance and, above all, the flow resistance in the water.

[0013] Better efficiencies could be expected according to the "buoyancy by displacement of compressed air" method according to DE 10 2012 022 016 A1.

[0014] However, in contrast to the US publication 2014 / 0197642 A1, the displacement is not achieved in the deflections, but rather in the resulting shortened lift duct. Subsequent calculations reveal this solution to be completely unsuitable for air displacement: the energy required for folding is only marginally offset by the gain from unfolding; the entire lift energy is consumed during folding. This variant simply does not work. If the air displacement were moved to the deflections, as proposed in the German Design Application (DE), the high mechanical complexity would again preclude its implementation.

[0015] Several curious methods for obtaining or generating buoyancy forces have also become known: A so-called gravity rotor according to DE 38 02 023 A1 from 1988 – designed as a hollow, buoyant ring – is intended to receive an upward buoyancy impulse through water displacement within a water-filled pipe section. However, it is highly doubtful that this impulse is sufficient to overcome the frictional seal. The feasibility of this idea is likely to fail due to both the exorbitant manufacturing costs and the sealing problems.

[0016] The buoyancy machine according to DE 197 34 812 A1 is unique in that it proposes a horizontal mode of operation: On a ring-shaped, undulating track, rotors, which are partially filled with water, are set into a wobbling rotation such that the water flows back and forth within them, generating an additional rotational impulse. This sloshing technology is certainly unique, but will it work as intended? The technical teaching disclosed in the patent claims, at least upon reading, causes a certain amount of vertigo.

[0017] DE 10 2017 003 837 A1 aims to solve the problem in an even more complicated way: An elongated, dimensionally stable rotating body contains several separate and deformable floats, which are to be alternately emptied and filled with air and / or fluid (water), so that the resulting shift in the center of gravity within these floats causes the entire structure to rotate. In addition to the air, the water must also be moved or pumped back and forth – essentially a step backward in terms of energy efficiency compared to the previously cited technical principles. Overall, it is a complex construction without any discernible efficiency gain that would justify the investment.

[0018] The most significant drawback of the cited devices, insofar as they function at all (especially the paternoster variants), is the loss generated by the water being carried between the buoyancy elements – this considerably reduces the energy yield. While generating electricity from buoyancy forces using the methods and devices mentioned here would have the advantage of a decentralized and continuous energy supply from a free, renewable source, it would always have a very modest overall efficiency; that is, none of them achieve a discernible, amortizable efficiency.

[0019] With this state of technology, the task is clear: The aim is to enable an effective, that is: cost-effective, safe, environmentally friendly, continuous, and decentralized supply of electrical energy to consumers of all kinds. The invention should further include various measures regarding its cost-effective development, assembly, and maintenance, and last but not least, its environmental compatibility.

[0020] The description of the inventive method for generating buoyancy forces by partial volume change in a rotating and gas-filled hollow body, wherein these buoyancy forces are preferably to be transformed into electrical energy, is given according to the claims: The controlled deformation of a hollow body is determined and regulated by externally controlled, vertically arranged, and rotatable interfaces. The rotation axes of these interfaces intersect the horizontal axis of rotation of the hollow body to the left and right of the body, resulting in deformation towards different cross-sections. The swivel angles can, in principle, be set arbitrarily, thus changing the direction of rotation. This arrangement causes the center of mass axis of the hollow body to lie next to the common axis of rotation of the two interfaces. This creates different torques on the two sides of the rotatably mounted hollow body due to the differing buoyancy forces acting upon it. This can lead to capsizing. The greater the distance between the two functional axes, the more pronounced the capsizing effect becomes.

[0021] The said hollow body is initially rotationally symmetrical in its resting state and must consist of a flexible yet dimensionally stable material composition, whereby the shape of the hollow body can range from balloon to torus with any ring cross-section from smooth round to a preferred cylindrical shape with bellows profile.

[0022] The method according to the invention should / can / must only be carried out under the following conditions: That gravity, a fluid and a gas as well as the pressure difference are present, whereby the internal pressure in all variants must always be slightly higher than the highest pressure on the outside of the respective hollow body so that the flexible hollow bodies do not collapse against the external pressure, that, in addition to air and water, other gases (H, He, N etc.) and / or fluids heavier than water can be used to optimize the process, It can be used in any location.

[0023] If the liquid level or gas pressure drops, the usable power that can be extracted from the process immediately decreases. Both system components, fluid and gas, interact with each other but must be strictly separated. If a leak occurs or the system becomes vertical, the process will cease.

[0024] The preferred bellows profile should be guided or fixed centrally via its inner folds in order to prevent unwanted deformation against the external pressure.

[0025] The devices for carrying out the method therefore essentially consist of two vertically arranged and freely rotatable interfaces, which must be mounted on a common shaft or on two separate shafts and arranged with obliquely intersecting axes of rotation relative to each other. They can be designed as conical disks with the point facing outwards or inwards, or as smooth disks or spoked wheels of various designs, whereby the torque can be transmitted at one of the two shaft ends.

[0026] In between are the gas-filled hollow bodies of various designs, preferably as a roller with a bellows profile, wherein all inner folds are anchored or guided centrally on the axes of rotation or shafts.

[0027] The new solution for generating lift forces through the deformation of rotationally symmetrical hollow bodies eliminates the fluid dynamic disadvantages of known methods and devices and offers numerous advantages as a renewable power generation system with adjustable output and the possibility of installation at any location. Furthermore, it operates without fuel costs and is nevertheless permanently available.

[0028] The procedure and the possible device variants are described using the Fig. 1 to 4 explained in more detail: In Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the advantage of the interface in the design as a conical disk with an inward-facing tip (11): This variant is particularly suitable for reverse operation due to the ease with which the spreading angle can be reversed. For this purpose, the two conical disks (11) only need to be pivotably mounted on a central shaft. In Fig. 1. The rotation is clockwise, in the Fig. 2. Conversely, the shape of the rotationally symmetrical hollow body is irrelevant, even though a torus (01) is shown here. Furthermore, this variant with reversing operation and central shaft is suitable for direct drives such as driving a ship's propeller. In Fig. Figure 3 clearly illustrates the advantage of the interface in the design as a conical disc with the tip facing outwards (12): Due to its high air volume (which unfortunately does not translate into an increase in performance!), this variant is suitable for mobile applications. With the same dimensions, this variant contains the smallest water volume and is therefore the lightest. The shape of the rotationally symmetrical hollow body is also freely selectable here; a roller with a bellows profile (02) is shown. Not shown is the possibility of full development, i.e., that the contour becomes almost smooth, thus offering less drag at the largest outer surface. Here – and also in the Fig. 4 - you can see how strong the difference in area or volume is at the axes of rotation, which enables the desired effect of "capsizing". In Fig. Figure 4 shows the interface as a smooth conical disk (13) (the most cost-effective solution) and the hollow body again as a roller with a bellows profile (02) (the most complex hollow body version). The torque can be taken from either of the two shafts or – and this applies to all variants – from both shaft ends.

[0029] However, the preferred use is the conversion into electrical energy.

[0030] The investigations into potential performance improvements have shown that the shape of the interfaces has no significant influence: The diameter and the spreading angle are crucial; the larger they are, the more power they deliver.

[0031] The situation is quite different with rotationally symmetrical hollow bodies: Here, the elaborate bellows profile contributes significantly to the increase in performance.

[0032] The outstanding advantage of buoyancy as a renewable energy source is the complete independence in the choice of location.

[0033] The possible uses are virtually unlimited: Whether at mountain heights or in deep valleys, regardless of sun or wind, it can even be operated in ships above or below water.

[0034] The invention enables a cost-effective, safe, and continuous supply of electrical energy. Furthermore, it offers high environmental compatibility due to its naturally emission-free operation. Maintenance and servicing are straightforward and carried out under safe and optimal conditions.

[0035] The greatest possible risk of accidents is that the water freezes or leaks.

[0036] To determine an amortizable efficiency, a brief analysis of the possible forces in a 10-foot container with 22.5 m 3 Internal volume: The box, measuring approximately 2.5 × 3 × 3 m, can accommodate a rotor with a maximum diameter of 2.7 m (measured across the fold peaks).

[0037] The maximum roller volume in operating position would therefore be approximately 10 m³. 3 .

[0038] The maximum effective buoyancy volume at a spread angle of 60° would therefore be approximately 3.4 m³. 3 .

[0039] This results in a radial bearing load in the interfaces (13) of at least 100 kN with a usable, radially acting lift force of max. 34 kN gross. With a lever arm of approx. 0.7 m, a torque of max. 23.8 kNm is thus applied to the shaft – when stationary.

[0040] Folding and unfolding the hollow body during rotational movement creates alternating and tilting loads at and within the interfaces (13) of approximately 20 and 9 kN, respectively. These folding forces do not cancel each other out, but rather add to the axial load of approximately 170 kN exerted on the interfaces by the internal pressure of approximately 35,000 Pa within the hollow body.

[0041] The total axial load therefore amounts to approximately 200 kN. In addition, there is a radial load of 50 kN per bearing.

[0042] In operation, each of the 4 rolling bearings (at Rµ 0.005) consumes approximately 1 kN, thus reducing the available effective buoyancy force to 29.9 kN.

[0043] According to the manufacturer, the running resistance of the rolling bearings is 0.4 kNm.

[0044] In the initial operating state, only 22.5 kNm are available, which generate 106 kW of mechanical power at the optimal speed of 45 rpm.

[0045] The resulting operating losses now amount to 58 kW, leaving only 48 kW available for generator drive.

[0046] Even without further calculations, it is now clear to the expert that a decent generator can be operated with the device - with at least 40 kW.

[0047] The cost calculation for a production unit resulted in a retail price of €80,000.

[0048] An annual yield of approximately 350,000 kWh could be expected.

[0049] This would result in an efficiency level that allows for amortization. List of reference symbols for Figs. 1 to 4 01 Hollow body, in its resting state a rotationally symmetric torus, shown here already deformed. 02 Hollow body, in its resting state a rotationally symmetrical roller with bellows profile, shown here already deformed. 11 Interface as a conical disk, tip facing inwards. 12. Interface as a conical disk, tip facing outwards. 13. Interface as a smooth disk. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 24 08 682

[0007] CA 2 212 238

[0008] CA 2 652 831

[0010] DE 10 2012 022 016 A1

[0013] US 2014 / 0197642 A1

[0014] DE 38 02 023 A1

[0015] DE 197 34 812 A1

[0016] DE 10 2017 003 837 A1

[0017]

Claims

[1] Method for changing the volume in a rotating hollow body filled with compressed gas (preferably air), which can be immersed in an incompressible liquid (preferably water), with the aim of intentionally capsizing, that means creating a tilting or rotating movement, characterized by , that the targeted deformation of the hollow body is specified and regulated via externally controlled, vertically arranged, rotatable interfaces, wherein the axes of rotation of these interfaces intersect the horizontal axis of rotation of the hollow body to the left and right of the hollow body, so that a deformation towards different cross-sections occurs. [2] Method for changing the volume in a rotating hollow body filled with compressed gas (preferably air), which can be immersed in an incompressible liquid (preferably water), with the aim of intentionally capsizing, that means creating a tilting or rotating movement, characterized by , that the hollow body is initially rotationally symmetrical in its resting state and consists of a flexible yet dimensionally stable material composition, the shape of the hollow body can range from a balloon to a torus with any ring cross-section, from smooth and round to a cylindrical shape with a bellows profile. [3] Method for changing the volume in a rotating hollow body filled with compressed gas (preferably air), which can be immersed in an incompressible liquid (preferably water), with the aim of intentionally capsizing, that means creating a tilting or rotating movement, characterized by , that the method can be applied in the Earth's natural gravitational field at any location and is preferably carried out and used for generating electrical energy, where, in addition to air and water, other gases (H, He, N etc.) and fluids, e.g. heavier than water, can be used, where the internal pressure must always be slightly higher than the external pressure. [4] The devices for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims are characterized by , that they essentially consist of two vertically arranged and freely rotatable interfaces, which are positioned relative to each other with obliquely crossed axes of rotation, and which can be designed as discs or spoked wheels of various constructions, between which the gas-filled hollow bodies of various designs are located, whereby the torque can be dissipated at one of the two shaft ends. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by , that the two vertically arranged and freely rotatable boundary surfaces a) as conical discs with the point facing inwards, or b) as conical discs with the point facing outwards and c) can be designed as smooth discs.

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