Power generation system and method

The power generation system addresses inefficiencies in conventional systems by allowing continuous rotation during free-fall and direct grid integration, enhancing energy conversion and reducing transmission losses, suitable for versatile and efficient power grid applications.

JP2026518403APending Publication Date: 2026-06-05シャーサイード

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
シャーサイード
Filing Date
2024-05-28
Publication Date
2026-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional power generation systems that convert gravitational potential energy into rotational kinetic energy and electricity are inefficient due to energy supply during free-fall, which reduces energy conversion, and transmission losses occur when electricity is passed through intermediate devices before reaching the power grid.

Method used

A power generation system with a shaft rotating unidirectionally about a horizontal axis, an inertial body with non-uniform mass distribution, and a generator directly connected to the power grid, allowing continuous rotation during free-fall and minimizing transmission losses by eliminating intermediate energy storage devices.

Benefits of technology

Enhances energy conversion efficiency and reduces transmission losses, enabling direct integration into the power grid and versatile deployment, with potential for safer large-scale DC power grids and strategic installation in challenging locations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A power generation system comprising a shaft configured to rotate in one direction about a horizontal axis, an inertial body coupled to the shaft with a non-uniform distribution of mass around the shaft, a generator configured to extract rotational kinetic energy from the shaft, and an electric motor configured to supply recovery energy to the shaft. A power generation method includes the steps of providing the power generation system, positioning the shaft in an initial position, and inducing shaft rotation. Once shaft rotation is induced, the method alternately repeats the steps of power generation and power consumption. Since more power is generated than is consumed, a surplus power is supplied to the power grid.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to power generation, and more particularly to a power generation system configured to extract energy from a gravitational field.

Background Art

[0002] The gravitational potential energy of an object is determined by the mass of the object and its relative position with respect to the gravitational source. Basically, the greater the mass of the object and the farther it is from the gravitational source, the more gravitational potential energy it has. As shown in the prior art, the positional gravitational energy of a rotating inertial object can be converted into rotational kinetic energy and ultimately into electricity. However, conventional systems operating on this principle have been ineffective due to several drawbacks.

[0003] First, in conventional systems, energy is often supplied to a rotating inertial object during the free-fall phase. This step increases the rotational speed of the inertial object, but reduces the time it is actively accelerated by gravity, resulting in a decrease in the amount of gravitational potential energy converted into electrical rotation. In contrast, the rotating inertial object of the present invention continues to rotate without interruption even during the free-fall phase, increasing the gravitational potential energy converted into electricity for each rotation.

[0004] Second, the electricity generated in conventional systems often passes through internal energy storage devices or transformers before reaching the power grid. These intermediate steps increase transmission losses, especially in long-distance power transmission. In contrast, the present invention can be directly incorporated into the power grid, making it more efficient and versatile than conventional systems.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present disclosure meets the aforementioned needs by providing, among other things, a power generation system and a method of using the same that address each of the aforementioned desirable characteristics.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a power generation system, which includes a shaft configured to rotate unidirectionally about a horizontal axis; an inertial body coupled to the shaft and having a non-uniform distribution of mass around the shaft; a generator coupled to a first end of the shaft and configured to extract rotational kinetic energy from the shaft; and an electric motor coupled to a second end of the shaft and configured to supply recovery energy to the shaft.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a power generation method, which includes providing a power generation system, positioning a shaft in an initial position where the center of mass of an inertial body is directly above the axis of rotation of the shaft, and inducing shaft rotation. Once shaft rotation is induced, the method continuously alternates between a power generation step and a power consumption step. Since more power is generated than is consumed, a surplus power is supplied to the power grid.

[0008] The gravitational potential energy of an inertial object is added to the shaft during the first rotation period, when the shaft rotates from its initial position to its halfway position. During this period, the gravitational potential energy is converted into rotational kinetic energy.

[0009] The rotational kinetic energy of the shaft is maximized at the intermediate position due to gravitational inertia, which causes the rotational motion of the shaft from the initial position to beyond the intermediate position. The rotational kinetic energy of the shaft is extracted from the shaft throughout the entire rotational motion from the initial position to the final position beyond the intermediate position.

[0010] Recovery energy is supplied to the shaft during the third rotational period, when the shaft rotates from the intermediate position to the final position.

[0011] The above summary and the following detailed description of preferred modifications of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, the drawings show currently preferred modifications. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact configurations shown. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a power generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating exemplary physical components of a control module for a power generation system. [Figures 3a-3e] The shapes of exemplary inertial bodies in various embodiments are shown. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the steps of a power generation method according to one embodiment. [Figures 5a-5e] Figure 4 shows a power generation method applied to the power generation system of Figure 1, according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of this technology are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings are provided as illustrative examples to help enable those skilled in the art to practice the technology. In particular, the following figures and examples do not limit the scope of this disclosure to one or more embodiments. For convenience, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to identical or similar parts.

[0014] Furthermore, while the modifications described herein are primarily considered in the context of power generation systems configured to extract energy from a gravitational field, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited thereto. In fact, the principles of this disclosure described herein are readily applicable to general power generation systems.

[0015] Embodiments showing a single component should not be construed as limiting; rather, unless otherwise specified, this disclosure is intended to encompass other embodiments including multiple identical components, and vice versa. Furthermore, this disclosure also encompasses current and future known equivalents to components referenced herein for illustrative purposes.

[0016] While certain aspects of this technology are described in a specific order of method steps, these descriptions are merely illustrative of the broader methods of this disclosure and can be modified for specific applications. Under certain circumstances, certain steps may be unnecessary or optional. Furthermore, it is possible to add certain steps or functions to the disclosed embodiments, or to change the order in which two or more steps are performed. All such modifications are deemed to be included in the disclosed content and the claims herein.

[0017] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a power generation system 100 according to one embodiment. The power generation system 100 comprises a main shaft 102, an inertial body 104, a generator 106, an electric motor 108, a first transmission device 110, and a second transmission device 112.

[0018] The main shaft 102 is movably held in a rotatable state such that its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Energy loss during rotation of the main shaft 102 is minimized using one or a combination of the following methods: The following reduces rotational friction: Use of a ball bearing or other rolling bearing to separate the main shaft 102 from the base 114. Lubrication of the contact surface between the shaft and the base. The following reduces air resistance: Making the shaft diameter thinner. The main shaft 102 and the inertial body 104 are sealed in a vacuum or near-vacuum.

[0019] The main shaft 102 is made of a material that is appropriately lightweight and rigid, preferably titanium or carbon fiber. Alternatively, any other suitable lightweight and rigid material may be used. By coupling the ratchet mechanism to the main shaft 102, unidirectional rotation can be ensured.

[0020] The inertial object 104 is coupled to the main shaft 102 via a connecting rod. Alternatively, the inertial object 104 is integrally formed with the main shaft 102. In this specification, the combination of the inertial object 104 and the main shaft 102 is referred to as an IO-shaft assembly.

[0021] The mass of the inertial object 104 is unevenly distributed around the main shaft 102, whereby the center of mass of the IO-shaft assembly is offset from the axis of rotation of the main shaft 102.

[0022] The generator 106 extracts energy from the rotation of the shaft 116 and generates alternating current or direct current. This current is directly output to the power grid 120 via the electrical wiring 122. The energy loss during the rotation of the shaft 116 is minimized using any one of the aforementioned energy loss minimization methods, or a combination thereof.

[0023] Preferably, the generator 106 is a doubly-fed induction generator. Compared with a conventional electric generator, a doubly-fed induction generator can output a voltage with a constant amplitude and frequency at variable shaft rotation speeds. Since the shaft 118 of the generator 106 rotates at a variable speed, the above function advantageously maximizes the power generation amount. Preferably, the frequency of the output alternating current is 50 - 60 Hz.

[0024] In the total cost of power usage, the power transmission cost accounts for a large proportion. By eliminating the need for long-distance power transmission infrastructure such as step-up transformers and step-down transformers, such costs can be significantly reduced. Since the present invention is directly incorporated into the power transmission network, it does not require such high-cost infrastructure, can be installed anywhere, and reduces power transmission losses. Furthermore, the present invention can be strategically deployed as a small substation along the power transmission network. In addition to the environmental advantages, the flexibility of deployment enhances the robustness of the existing power transmission network. It can also be implemented as a backup for the existing power transmission network at major load nodes.)

[0025] Alternatively, generator 106 is a DC generator. Traditionally, DC has not been used in large-scale power grids due to its high losses during long-distance transmission, especially compared to AC. However, by integrating the present invention, which generates more power than it consumes, these transmission losses can be reduced or completely eliminated. By installing the power generation system 100 at strategic locations, the DC is periodically amplified as it passes through the power grid 120.

[0026] Direct current (DC) is generally considered safer than alternating current (AC). By reducing long-distance transmission losses, this invention enhances the feasibility of large-scale DC power grids. Such grids would provide safer electricity at a favorable rate, particularly in island nations such as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

[0027] The generator 106 engages with the IO shaft assembly via a first transmission device 110. This first transmission device is configured to increase the rotational speed of the generator shaft 116 relative to that of the main shaft 102. The first transmission device 100 is a gear train assembly comprising a large-diameter gear on the main shaft 102 and a small-diameter gear on the shaft 116 of the generator 106. Alternatively, the first transmission device 100 may be a toothed belt drive, chain, or other transmission means having a similar function.

[0028] The first transmission device 100 preferably has a multi-speed transmission function, so that the generator shaft 116 maintains an optimal rotational speed for current generation in the generator 106 over a wide range of rotational speeds of the main shaft 116. This can be achieved, for example, by using a hydraulic automatic transmission device.

[0029] The electric motor 108 draws an alternating current or direct current to induce the rotation of the shaft 118. The current is drawn directly from the power grid 120 via the electrical wiring 122. Energy loss during the rotation of the shaft 118 is minimized using one or a combination of the energy loss minimization methods described above. Preferably, the length of the shaft 118 is set such that its moment of inertia is considerably smaller than the moment of inertia of the rotor of the generator 106.

[0030] The IO shaft assembly engages with the electric motor 108 via a second transmission 112. The second transmission 112 is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the main shaft 102 relative to the rotational speed of the electric motor shaft 118. The second transmission 112 is a gear train assembly comprising a large-diameter gear on the main shaft 102 and a small-diameter gear on the shaft 118 of the electric motor 108. Alternatively, the second transmission 112 is a toothed belt drive, a chain, or other transmission means having a similar function.

[0031] The second transmission device 112 preferably has an asymmetric function, so that when the shaft 118 of the electric motor 108 is rotated, the main shaft 102 rotates, but when the main shaft 102 rotates, the shaft 118 of the electric motor does not rotate. This can be achieved, for example, by using a planetary gear system equipped with a ratchet mechanism.

[0032] This asymmetric feature offers two advantages: Firstly, continuous operation of the electric motor becomes unnecessary. Instead, the electric motor 108 operates periodically only to supply restorative energy to the main shaft 102. Reducing the motor's duty cycle reduces power consumption and also reduces wear on the motor.

[0033] Secondly, since the rotational kinetic energy of the IO shaft assembly is not used to maintain the rotational speed of the motor shaft 118 during the stop time of the electric motor 108, energy loss during the rotation of the IO shaft assembly is reduced.

[0034] The power generation system 100 may further include a control module 200 configured to generate an output signal that controls the intensity of the electric motor 116, as will be described later.

[0035] The power generation system 100 may further include a position sensor 204 configured to continuously or periodically measure the position of the IO shaft assembly. The instantaneous rotational speed of the IO shaft assembly can be determined by differentiating the measured position with respect to the measurement time. Alternatively, the rotational speed of the IO shaft assembly can be measured continuously or periodically using a tachometer.

[0036] The power generation system 100 does not have an internal power storage device. Power is drawn from the power grid 120 as needed. The generated power is immediately output to the power grid 120. Because there is no internal power storage device, the power generation system 100 is smaller and more compact than comparable conventional systems. The present invention can be advantageously installed in locations where installation was previously impossible due to size constraints.

[0037] Generally, larger components are more efficient than smaller ones. Therefore, by increasing the size of the components used in this invention, a larger, more efficient system with increased output can be realized. Such power generation systems can be advantageously installed in locations where installation was previously difficult due to power consumption constraints. The outputs, in order of priority, are at least 10 MW, at least 100 MW, at least 1 GW, and at least 10 GW.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the power generation system 100 is installed underground or substantially underground. Such underground installation dissipates vibrations more effectively than above-ground installation. Furthermore, underground installation can favorably maintain the local landscape.

[0039] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing exemplary physical components (e.g., hardware) of a control module 200 according to one embodiment. The control module 200 includes at least one processing unit 202 and a memory 212.

[0040] The processing unit 202 executes instructions for performing functions defined in flowcharts and / or block diagram blocks throughout this disclosure. It should be noted that processing may be implemented locally via the processing unit 202, remotely via various forms of wireless or wired network technology, or a combination of both.

[0041] As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” may include computer storage media. Computer storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media, which are implemented in any way or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, or program modules. Memory 212, removable storage device 208, and non-removable storage device 210 are all examples of computer storage media (e.g., memory storage). Computer storage media include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage media, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other manufactured products that store information and are accessible to the control module 200. In some embodiments, such computer storage media may be part of the control module 200. Computer storage media do not include carrier waves or other propagating or modulated data signals.

[0042] A communication medium is any information transmission medium embodied by computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data within a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transmission mechanism. The term “modulated data signal” may describe a signal in which one or more characteristics are set or modified to encode information within the signal. For example, non-limitingly, a communication medium may include wired media such as wired networks or direct wired connections, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media.

[0043] Memory 212 may include various types of short-term and long-term memory known in the art. Various applications may be loaded into Memory 212 in the form of computer-readable program instructions. These computer-readable program instructions for performing operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, configuration data for integrated circuits, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including small talk, object-oriented programming languages ​​such as C++, or procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language, or similar programming languages. In some embodiments, an electronic circuit including, for example, a programmable logic circuit (PLC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) may execute the computer-readable program instructions by individualizing the electronic circuit using state information of the computer-readable program instructions in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

[0044] The application includes a control application 214 configured to generate an output signal for controlling the output response of the electric motor 116.

[0045] Preferably, the control application 214 employs proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control logic to generate an output signal based on a set of input variables. The input variables include, but are not limited to, a reference rotational speed and a measured rotational speed. Alternatively, the control application 214 may employ other control logic that manipulates the set of input variables to generate a desired output.

[0046] Reference data 216 and measurement data 218 are stored in memory 112. Measurement data 218 is collected via various instruments and sensors of the power generation system 100 and may include, but is not limited to, measurements such as the position of components and the rotational speed of components.

[0047] Memory 212 may contain an operating system 220 suitable for controlling the operation of the control module 200.

[0048] The control module 200 may include a position sensor 204 that is either integrated into the control module 200 or otherwise coupled to it. Here, the position sensor 204 engages with the IO shaft assembly via a second transmission device 112. Alternatively, the position sensor 204 may engage with the IO shaft assembly via other means. The position of the inertial body 104 and the rotational speed of the main shaft 102 are continuously measured and stored in measurement data 218.

[0049] Figures 3a-3e show exemplary shapes of the inertial body. The leading edge, trailing edge, or both edges of the inertial body are shaped to improve the aerodynamic performance of the IO shaft assembly. For clarity, only the main shaft 102, the inertial body 104, and the connecting rod are shown in the figures.

[0050] Figure 3a shows a front view and a side view of a teardrop-shaped inertial object.

[0051] Figure 3b shows a front view and a side view of an airfoil-shaped inertial object.

[0052] Figure 3c shows a front view and a side view of an elliptical cylindrical inertial object.

[0053] Figure 3d shows a front view and a side view of an inertial object with a tapered spherical cylindrical shape.

[0054] Figure 3e shows a side view of an elliptical inertial body having length L and width W. Length L is defined as the distance between the axis of rotation of the main shaft and the outermost point of the inertial body, where length L is measured perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the main shaft. Width W is defined as the distance between the leftmost and rightmost points of the inertial body, where width W is measured perpendicular to length L and the axis of rotation of the main shaft.

[0055] By reducing the length-to-width ratio of the inertial body, a smaller and more compact power generation system 100 can be realized. Such a system can be advantageously placed in areas where installation was difficult due to conventional size constraints. The preferred length-to-width ratios are, in order of preference, less than 3, less than 2.5, less than 2, and less than 1.5.

[0056] Preferred embodiments further include conical and triangular inertial bodies (not shown).

[0057] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the steps of power generation method 400.

[0058] Method 400 begins in step 402, in which a power generation system 100 is provided.

[0059] In step 404, the IO shaft assembly is positioned at its initial position (0-degree marker). At this position, the center of mass of the inertial body 104 is directly above the axis of rotation of the main shaft 102. The rotation of the inertial body 104 around the main shaft 102 begins when the IO shaft assembly moves beyond this initial position (0-degree marker). For clarity, the initial position (0-degree marker) is sometimes also called the final position (360-degree marker).

[0060] Of all possible positions, when the IO shaft assembly is in its initial position (0-degree marker), its center of mass is furthest from the gravitational source (usually Earth). Therefore, the initial position (0-degree marker) represents the position where the gravitational potential energy of the IO shaft assembly is maximum.

[0061] In step 406, rotation of the IO shaft assembly is induced. The electric motor 108 applies a small pushing force to the IO shaft assembly. Preferably, this pushing force is strong enough to slightly displace the IO shaft assembly from its initial position (0-degree mark). The IO shaft assembly then rotates freely under the influence of gravity for the first rotation period, during which it rotates from its initial position (0-degree mark) to the halfway position (180-degree mark).

[0062] Of all possible positions, the center of mass of the IO shaft assembly is closest to the gravitational source (usually Earth) at the halfway position (180-degree marker). Therefore, the halfway position (180-degree marker) represents the point where the gravitational potential energy of the IO shaft assembly is minimized.

[0063] To optimally convert gravitational potential energy into rotational kinetic energy, the IO shaft assembly must be allowed to free-fall for as long as possible during the initial rotation period, and the resulting gravitational inertia energy must be easily converted into rotational kinetic energy. This can be achieved by the following methods, or a combination thereof: The rotational speed of the IO shaft assembly is controlled so that it reaches a minimum rotational speed at the initial position (0-degree mark). Preferably, the minimum rotational speed is the lowest non-zero rotational speed at which the IO shaft assembly can rotate beyond the initial position (0-degree mark) without stalling at the initial position (0-degree mark). During the initial rotation period, no external energy should be supplied to the IO shaft assembly. Supplying external energy, such as via the electric motor 108, increases the rotational speed of the IO shaft assembly, thereby shortening the free-fall time. Therefore, the electric motor 108 must be stopped or disconnected from the IO shaft assembly during the initial rotation period.

[0064] In step 408, rotational kinetic energy is extracted from the IO shaft assembly. The generator 106 engages with the IO shaft assembly during a second rotation period in which the IO shaft assembly rotates from its initial position (0-degree mark) to an intermediate position (within the range of 180 to 360 degrees).

[0065] Alternatively, rotational kinetic energy is extracted from the IO shaft assembly during a modified second rotation period in which the IO shaft assembly rotates from the halfway position (180-degree mark) to an intermediate position (within the range of 180-360 degrees). In this scenario, rotational kinetic energy is not extracted from the IO shaft assembly during the free-fall period. Extracting rotational kinetic energy from the IO shaft assembly during free fall (e.g., via generator 106) is expected to reduce the rotational speed of the IO shaft assembly when it enters the modified second rotation period.

[0066] The intermediate position (within the range of 180 to 360 degrees) is the endpoint of the second rotation period or a modified second rotation period. When the rotational motion stops, the extraction of rotational kinetic energy from the IO shaft ends. In some embodiments, as long as the rotational motion continues, rotational kinetic energy is continuously extracted throughout the entire rotation (e.g., during the first, second, and third rotation periods).

[0067] The precise angular markers at intermediate positions (within the range of 180 to 360 degrees) are based on operational constraints such as, but are not limited to, the rotational kinetic energy extraction rate and component efficiency.

[0068] For example, an increase in the rotational kinetic energy extraction rate during the second rotation period reduces the rotatable distance of the IO shaft assembly before recovery energy is required to maintain rotation. Conversely, a decrease in the rotational energy extraction rate during the second rotation period increases the rotatable distance of the IO shaft assembly before recovery energy is required to maintain rotation.

[0069] Similarly, decreased component efficiency increases friction losses, reducing the rotatable distance of the IO shaft assembly before recovery energy is needed to maintain rotation. Conversely, improved component efficiency reduces friction losses, increasing the rotatable distance of the IO shaft assembly before recovery energy is needed to maintain rotation.

[0070] In step 410, recovery energy is supplied to the IO shaft assembly. The electric motor 108 imparts a micro-vibration to the IO shaft assembly during a third rotation period in which the IO shaft assembly rotates from an intermediate position (within the range of 180 to 360 degrees) to a final position (360-degree mark). Preferably, this micro-vibration is strong enough to rotate the IO shaft assembly beyond the final position (360-degree mark) without stalling at the final position (360-degree mark) for more than 90% of the "nonlinear time" required for one rotation.

[0071] Once rotation is induced, the power generation method 400 continuously alternates between step 408, in which power is generated, and step 410, in which power is consumed. With sufficiently efficient components, more power is generated than is consumed, resulting in surplus power supplied to the power grid 120.

[0072] It should be understood that a complete rotation of an IO shaft assembly includes 1) a first rotation period, 2) a second rotation period or a modified second rotation period, and 3) a third rotation period.

[0073] The first rotation period includes all IO shaft assembly positions between the initial position (0-degree marker) and the halfway position (180-degree marker).

[0074] The second rotation period includes all IO shaft assembly positions between the initial position (0-degree marker) and the intermediate position (within the range of 180 to 360 degrees).

[0075] The corrected rotation period includes all IO shaft assembly positions between the halfway position (180-degree mark) and the intermediate position (within the range of 180-360 degrees).

[0076] The third rotation period includes all IO shaft assembly positions between the intermediate position (within the range of 180-360 degrees) and the final position (360-degree mark).

[0077] In some embodiments, the first and second rotation periods may overlap. The second or modified second rotation period immediately precedes the third rotation period, and the third rotation period immediately precedes the first rotation period.

[0078] Figures 5a-5c illustrate the steps of the power generation method 400 applied to the power generation system 100. For clarity, only the main shaft 102, inertial body 104, and connecting rods are shown. Relative rotational speed is indicated by the size of the arrows. In the diagrams showing multiple positions of the IO shaft assembly, the positions are arranged in chronological order, with the rightmost position being later in time.

[0079] Figure 5a shows step 402, which provides the power generation system 100.

[0080] Figure 5b shows step 404, where the IO shaft assembly is positioned in its initial location, where its gravitational potential energy is maximized.

[0081] Figure 5c shows step 406, which induces rotation of the IO shaft assembly. As the IO shaft assembly rotates from its initial position (0 degrees) to its maximum swing angle position (within the range of 180 to 360 degrees), its gravitational potential energy is converted into rotational kinetic energy.

[0082] Figure 5d shows step 408 in which the rotational kinetic energy of the IO shaft assembly is extracted. As the IO shaft assembly rotates from its initial position to an intermediate position, its rotational kinetic energy is converted into an electric current and output to the power grid 120. The extraction of rotational kinetic energy stops before the rotational speed of the IO shaft assembly reaches zero.

[0083] Figure 5e shows step 410, in which recovery energy is supplied to the IO shaft assembly. Current is drawn from the power grid 120 and used to increase the rotational speed of the IO shaft assembly. At the final position, the rotational speed of the IO shaft is fast enough to avoid stalling.

[0084] The methods described herein are represented as blocks in a logical flow graph, which represent a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, a block represents a computer executable instruction stored in one or more computer storage media, which, when executed by one or more processors, causes the processor to perform the operations described. The order in which the processes are described is not intended to be limiting, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the illustrated methods or alternative methods. Furthermore, individual blocks may be deleted from these methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.

Claims

1. It is a power generation system, A shaft configured to rotate in one direction around a horizontal axis, An inertial body connected to the shaft, wherein the mass of the inertial body is unevenly distributed around the shaft, A generator coupled to the first end of the shaft, configured to extract rotational kinetic energy from the shaft, The motor is coupled to the second end of the shaft and is configured to provide recovery energy to the shaft. The center of mass of the inertial body is positioned directly above the axis of rotation of the shaft at the initial position of the shaft. The gravitational potential energy of the falling inertial object is added to the shaft during a first rotation period in which the shaft rotates from its initial position to a position 180 degrees beyond the initial position. The rotational kinetic energy of the shaft is extracted from the shaft during a second rotation period in which the shaft rotates from the initial position to an intermediate position that is 180 to 360 degrees past the initial position. The recovery energy is supplied to the shaft during a third rotation period in which the shaft rotates from the intermediate position to the final position which is 360 degrees past the initial position. After shaft rotation is induced, the shaft rotates continuously without stalling. Power generation system.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the generator outputs a voltage having a constant amplitude and frequency at a variable shaft rotation speed.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the generator is a dual-feed induction generator.

4. The aforementioned generator outputs power directly to the external power grid, The aforementioned electric motor draws power directly from the external power grid, The system does not include an internal power storage device. The system according to claim 2.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the generator outputs at least 10 megawatts of power to the external power grid.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein at least 21.5% of the rotational kinetic energy extracted from the shaft is output to the external power grid.

7. The system according to claim 4, wherein the ratio of length to width of the inertial body is less than 2, the length is taken along a first line extending perpendicularly outward from the axis of rotation of the shaft, and the width is taken along a second line perpendicular to the first line and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the leading edge and trailing edge of the inertial body is shaped to improve aerodynamic performance.

9. The power generation system according to claim 4, wherein the power generation system is located underground or substantially underground.

10. The system according to claim 4, wherein, after shaft rotation is induced, the minimum rotational speed of the shaft occurs at the initial position of the shaft.

11. A method of generating electricity, It is a system, A shaft configured to rotate in one direction around a horizontal axis, An inertial body connected to the shaft, wherein the mass of the inertial body is unevenly distributed around the shaft, A generator coupled to the first end of the shaft, configured to extract rotational kinetic energy from the shaft, An electric motor coupled to the second end of the shaft, configured to provide recovery energy to the shaft, To provide a system equipped with, The shaft is initially positioned so that the center of mass of the inertial body is directly above the axis of rotation of the shaft, This includes inducing shaft rotation, The gravitational potential energy of the falling inertial object is added to the shaft during a first rotation period in which the shaft rotates from its initial position to a position 180 degrees beyond the initial position. The rotational kinetic energy of the shaft is extracted from the shaft during a second rotation period in which the shaft rotates from the initial position to an intermediate position 180 to 360 degrees beyond the initial position, and the recovery energy is supplied to the shaft during a third rotation period in which the shaft rotates from the intermediate position to a final position 360 degrees beyond the initial position. Method of generating electricity.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the generator outputs a voltage with a constant amplitude and frequency at a variable shaft rotation speed.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the generator is a dual-feed induction generator.

14. Electrical equipment outputs power directly to the external power grid, The electric motor draws power directly from the external power grid, The system does not include an internal power storage device. The method according to claim 12.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the generator outputs at least 10 megawatts of power to the external power grid.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein at least 21.5% of the rotational kinetic energy extracted from the shaft is output to the external power grid.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the ratio of the length to the width of the inertial body is less than 2, the length is taken along a first line extending perpendicularly from the axis of rotation of the shaft, and the width is taken along a second line perpendicular to the first line and the axis of rotation of the shaft.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the leading edge and trailing edge of the inertial body is shaped to improve aerodynamic performance.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the power generation system is located underground or substantially underground.

20. The system according to claim 14, wherein, after shaft rotation is induced, the minimum rotational speed of the shaft occurs at the initial position of the shaft.