Gravity engine 5

Abstract

The engine combines gravity and buoyancy energy to create a continuous cycle of energy output. A series of buoyant modules are formed into a chain. The modular chain is transferred from a high density fluid (eg water) to a lower density fluid (eg air) so that the chain rises when immersed in water and fall when immersed in air. A separation and pressure difference between the two fluids is created using a pressure seals P1, P2. The buoyance status of the two columns may be changed by rotating the engine every half cycle.

Description

Described herein are a number of different configurations and designs of "Gravity Engines" exploiting the use of energy derived from gravity. 10 These make it possible to generate substantial amounts of power at the point of demand at low capital and operating costs. GRAVITY ENGINES 15  1. CONTINUOUS CYCLE MODULAR CHAIN ENGINE (According to the present invention) Features of this are depicted in Figs 1-3, 5-8 & 12. This engine can take many forms as shown but operates on the principle of combining GRAVITY and BUOYANCY energy to create a 0 continuous cycle of energy output by driving a conventional electrical generator. By forming a series of buoyant modules into a continuous chain and "Changing the Buoyancy status" from floating to sinking approx. 5 every half cycle, rotational movement is created. This "Changing of Buoyancy Status" is achieved by transferring the module chain repeatedly from a higher density fluid (e.g. water) to a lower density fluid (e.g. air) thus causing the module chain to rise 30 when immersed in the higher density fluid (water) and fall when immersed in the lower density fluid (air). Providing the "Drag" in transferring from the higher density fluid to the lower density fluid is less than the energy derived from buoyancy 35 and gravity, useful energy can be imparted to the module chain. This energy can then be used to drive an electrical generator. Experimentation has shown it is possible to convert at least 50% of this gravity-derived energy into electrical power. 40 To achieve this energy extraction requires a column of a higher density fluid and a column of a lower density fluid. This is achieved by creating a separation and pressure difference between the two fluids at a strategic point. In Fig. 1 this is shown at Pl and 5        P2, P2 being the pressure that maintains the higher density fluid (water) column height. A pressure seal is deployed at this point. This pressure difference can be achieved by atmospheric pressure combined with vacuum or as positive pressure above atmospheric to achieve the desired higher density fluid column height. 10 Because the chain of modules is continuous there is little or no resistance to the module chain moving from a low pressure area to a high pressure area except for the drag of the seal. 15 Siting and design of the seal is important. 2. CONTINUOUS CYCLE POWER. RING ENGINE (Not according to the present invention) Features of this are shown in Fig. 4. 0 This design uses the same principles of operation but drives a continuous ring supported by rollers which act as bearings as well as a means of power take-off. Both above designs can be used as mechanical driving devices or 5 to create electrical energy directly by acting as elements of an electric motor (Stator and Rotor). 3. CONTINUOUS CYCLE HYBRID ENGINE (Not according to the present invention) 30 Figs. 9 & 10 depict the use of gravity and buoyancy in a different way. Buoyancy is used; primarily to counterbalance a falling weight as 2 or more cylinders are rotated by a small force to overcome friction of bearings. Energy is derived by gravity independently of the friction force as the multiples of cylinders are 35 rotated. 4. GRAVITY STORAGE SYSTEM (Not according to the present invention) Fig. 11 describes this system. 40 A heavy, but buoyant "Float" is contained in a large tube with a seal between float and tube allowing it to behave as a piston. When valves on top of piston are closed it can force water through a turbine at near constant pressure due to its own "Head" of pressure until water is depleted. Then valves on top of piston are opened and tank of water below piston is replenished floating 5 piston back to surface. This is a total loss storage device but can be used for small loads to save running the gravity engine continuously. The stored energy is restored by running the primary gravity engine. 0 5. MODULE AND CHAIN DESIGN FOR. 1 AND 2 ABOVE This can be comprised of one or more modules formed into a flexible or rigid ring used as a drive belt to derive and transfer power. Fig. 12 (for 1 above) and Fig. 4 (for 2 above) describe this. 5 6. SEAL DESIGN Seal design can be sliding or rolling design for long life and low drag. See Figs. 2-4. 0  7. FLUID COMPOSITION The dense fluid acts as both buoyancy and lubricant to maximise lift of modules and to minimise drag in operation. The whole gravity engine is maintained at constant temperature to maintain consistency in operation. 5 8. CONFIGURATION OF GRAVITY ENGINES Many variations are possible to suit applications and output requirements. Some of these are shown in the Figs e.g.: • Vertical 30     • Horizontal • Combined V and H • Multi stage • Multi chain • Multi rotor 35     • Powered / Unpowered conveyor at top of Gravity Engine (GE) 9. OUTPUT CONTROL TO MEET DEMAND The GE's are controlled primarily by varying the height of the column of a higher density fluid which in turn is controlled by varying the pressure 40 of the lower density fluid according to a predetermined Formula. Ultimate, refined control, and consistency of output is achieved electro / electronically / mechanically; also by variable speed powered conveyor between vertical upward and downward movement of chain of modules. 5 Further aspects are listed in the following numbered subparagraphs, by way of non-limiting examples: 1. A device for converting the force of gravity into another form of energy; e.g. Electrical energy. 10     2. A device that uses both gravity and buoyancy to produce repetitive movement in a body that can be translated into another form of energy. 3. A device that is described in principle and various forms in the Figs, and the description herein. 15     4. A Gravity Engine that uses Gravity and Buoyancy as its "Fuel". THE MEANS OF DRIVING THE POWER GENERATING DEVICE (e.g. Electrical generator) 5. A device that utilises a chain of one or more modules in its qJ20          design to extract energy from gravity and its derivatives (e.g. Buoyancy) and convert this into another form of energy (e.g. Electricity) 6. A device that comprises one or more modules that are buoyant CO           In a dense fluid (e.g. water) and non-buoyant in a less dense CM25          fluid (e.g. air) according to the principle of Archimedes. Please see Figs. 1, 2 & 3. Utilising this difference in density to create movement in a body. 7. A device as depicted in Figs. 1-3 which incorporates powered or non powered roller, belt or other conveyors for one or more of 30          the following or other functions; • Assisted start up • Power transfer from module chain to electrical generator. • Additional speed I output control. 8. A device where the module or modules form a continuous chain 35          arranged in a loop that can drive a second device (e.g. Electrical generator). The "Chain" being a series of linked modules or continuous body such as a tube. See Figs. 1-4. 9. A device as described in paragraph 8 that has a hard, smooth outer surface to its chain of modules yet retains flexibility over 40           its length. 10. A device as described in paragraph 9 that has a soft outer surface that maintains its cross-sectional rigidity and shape whilst maintaining flexibility over its length. 11. A device as described in paragraph 8, that has a hard or soft 5          outer surface and maintains its cross sectional and longitudinal rigidity during movement (e.g. Fig 4). 12. A device that has Stator and Rotor components that can be used to generate electrical energy directly by configuring the device to use magnetism and electrical coils as in an electric motor. 10     13. A device where the power output is determined principally by the following factors; • Weight of modules in ambient air at STP or other pressure and temperature. • Buoyancy of modules in water or other dense fluid. 15            • Density and viscosity of fluids device exposed to. • Height of fall of modules. • Pressure Head of dense fluid. • Speed of operation. • Drag due to losses in mechanism. 0     14. A device where the buoyancy of the module or modules can be repeatedly altered by transferring the module or modules from the dense fluid to the less dense fluid and back again, allowing the module or modules to rise or fall alternately under forces of buoyancy or gravity extracting energy from these forces and 5          transferring this energy to a second device as in paragraphs 5 and 8. 15. A device where the module or modules are part time immersed in a fluid greater than its own density and part time immersed in a fluid less than or equal its own density. 30     16. A device where it is unnecessary to overcome pressure differences between alternate fluids in order to transfer modules between fluids. 17. A device where the buoyancy of the modules can be altered by altering its displacement and / or its weight / effective weight and 35         density of the fluids. Liquid mercury giving a massive buoyancy advantage and potential power output. 18. A device where there is pressure difference in different parts of the device and a pressure seal or seals separating these areas allowing discrete columns of dense and less dense fluids to be 40         formed. 10 15 30 35 40 19. A device where the chain of modules can pass between high density and pressure areas and lower density and pressure areas virtually unaffected by the different pressures, owing to the continuity of the module or chain of modules and lack of an "End Effect" of pressure resistance on module chain end as there is no end. The chain of modules only having to overcome the seal resistance to traverse from one pressure area to another. 20. A device where (in the case of one or more discrete modules linked together) the module is open to pressure and fluid at one end but buoyancy is maintained by a very light filler such as polystyrene foam maintaining the desired displacement. 21. A device as described in paragraph 20 but modules are sealed with fixed buoyancy according to the density of fluid in which it is immersed. 22. A device where any pressure forming between successive discrete chain modules acts equally on both modules cancelling out any pressure effect that would otherwise impede the transit of modules from one pressure area to another pressure area. 23. A device where the module external surface is hard and smooth allowing a softer and / or more flexible sealing material to transit the module surface with minimal resistance and wear. 24. A device where the module is a rigid ring as depicted in Fig 4. 25. A device where the module or modules are formed into a continuous, flexible tube who's outer surface is made of a softer material for sealing purposes and the stationary part of the seal is a hard smooth material such as steel. 26. A device where the rigidity of the outer surface of the tube is maintained by a series of internal supports such as balls and small sections of tube and or pressure allowing longitudinal flexibility whilst maintaining external radial rigidity for sealing purposes. 27. A device employing a flexible tube where its flexibility Varies from inner diameter of the complete module loop to the outer diameter of the module loop, thus making the "driving" (inner diameter) rigid for power transmission (e.g. similar to a timing belt on an internal combustion engine) but allowing the outer diameter to flex to accommodate directional change. 28. A device where the module or modules are sealed compartments maintaining buoyancy / ballast as required. 29. A device where the modules are arranged as depicted in Figs. 9 and / or 10 where a small input of energy is required to rotate modules in order to extract much greater energy from gravity. (Figs 9 and 10). CONFIGURATION OF GRAVITY ENGINE 5     30. This is as one of a number of configurations as depicted in the Figs, but not limited to these. COMPOSITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF FLUIDS 31. The most practical and commercially viable fluids appear to be 10          air and water and form the basis of the disclosure herein but it is not limited to these fluids. Desired characteristics . • Readily available at low cost. • Non-toxic / non combustible. • Can be used as a lubricant with additives such as soapy 15                 liquids or soluble oil. • Density. • Coolant. • Can be used with corrosion and biological growth inhibitors. 0 SEALS 32. A device incorporating one or more pressure and / or fluid seals or no seal as required. 33. A device incorporating a seal of sliding or rolling design for single linear directional sealing. Most seals are employed in a rotary or 5          reciprocating mode. This can be achieved by a simple lip seal or rotating seal similar to the operation of Flexible impellers on seawater pumps for marine engines. 34. A device incorporating a dynamic seal of "pumpable" and compressible sealing compound as used in sealing propellor 30          shafts on boats.e.g. based on PTFE or other low friction continuously replaceable material. GRAVITY ENGINE ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE 35. A device as depicted in Fig. 11 as a total loss standby device that 35         stores energy supplied by the main Gravity Engine which charges up its "Water Battery" when not operating at full load, providing fuel for the storage device to meet small or short term electrical demand. 40 ENERGY OUTPUT CONTROL OF GRAVITY ENGINE TO MEET DEMAND 36. A device relying on some or all of the following means of control: • Control of gravity / buoyancy "Fuel Input". • Pressure control of low-density fluid to control high density fluid height and buoyancy liquid head. • Programmable controller to control pressure according to 5              predetermined algorithm. • Control of speed of travel of module chain by variable speed conveyor . • Final output control electronically at generator. 37. A device that utilises the properties of one or more fluids (e.g. 10          density, viscosity) in conjunction with the force of gravity to create movement in a body. 38. A device that utilises the ability of a fluid to change its Density and or viscosity (e.g. by temperature and / or mixing with a fluid of differing density; e.g. aerated water to create movement in a 15         body. 39. An energy conversion device that is described herein where the modules are linked together as depicted in Fig. 12. 40. A device that contains any feature or features of any paragraph or paragraphs or all above paragraphs in this application or in C\bo         any combination of such paragraphs whatsoever.

Claims

17 10241. A device for driving a drive shaft, comprising:a chain of modules linked to form a loop,a column of a lower density fluid,a column of a higher density fluid, anda pressure seal deployed at a point of a separation and pressure difference between the column of a higher density fluid and the column of a lower density fluid; in which:the loop extends around a first roller conveyor and a second roller conveyor and through the column of a lower density fluid, the pressure seal and the column of a higher density fluid, the loop rotatable in a forward direction to cycle each module of the chain of modules through the column of a lower density fluid, the pressure seal and the column of a lower density fluid,each module comprises a leading end and a trailing end, andthe modules are linked by an arrangement of link rods and ball joints to form, between adjacent leading and trailing modules, a rotating joint between the trailing end of the leading module and the leading end of the trailing module, the trailing end of the leading module overlapping the leading end of the trailing module; and in which:the device comprises means for adjusting the height of the column of a higher density fluid; the means for adjusting the height of the column of a higher density fluid comprises means for adjusting the pressure of the lower density fluid of the column of a lower density fluid, andthe height of the column of a higher density fluid is adjustable by varying the pressure of the lower density fluid of the column of a lower density fluid;the device incorporating powered roller, belt or other conveyors for the functions of assisted start up and additional speed / output control, andthe device and drive shaft operatively connected such that rotation of the loop in the forward direction causes rotation of the drive shaft.

2. The device of claim 1, in which one of the first and second roller conveyors is a powered, variable speed roller conveyor.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, in which:a first portion of the loop extends from a top to a bottom of the column of a lower density fluid,a second portion of the loop extends from a bottom to a top of the column of a higher density fluid,17 1024the first portion of the loop is oriented vertically, andthe second portion of the loop is oriented at an inclination that displaces bottoms of the first and second portions further apart than tops of the first and second portions.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, in which:the lower density fluid is air, andthe higher density fluid is water.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, the means for adjusting the pressure of the lower density fluid of the column of a lower density fluid comprising a rotary compressor.

6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, the means for adjusting the pressure of the lower density fluid of the column of a lower density fluid comprising a programmable controller.

7. The device of any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising an immersion heater and temperature sensor.

8. The device of any one of claims 1 to 7, arranged such that a maximum of a single pair of a trailing end of a leading module and a leading end of a trailing module is present within the pressure seal at any time during rotation of the loop through a complete cycle.

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