A device for generating energy

Abstract

To provide a device for generating an energy having a normal electric form.SOLUTION: A device 10 comprises: a flywheel wheel assembly 12; driving means 14 that is operability coupled to the flywheel wheel assembly 12; an energy generator 16 that is operability coupled to the flywheel wheel assembly 12 via extraction means 18. The driving means contains deflection means connected to an actuator 22 arranged so as to provide an energy accumulated into the deflection means 20. Also, the device contains speed change gear means 24 coupled between the flywheel wheel assembly and the deflection means. By discharging the energy accumulated from the deflection means, a driving force achieving a rotation of the flywheel wheel assembly for gaining a driving force is provided. The extraction means is arranged for quickly extracting the driving force of the flywheel wheel assembly. The energy generator generates electricity from the driving force of the flywheel wheel assembly, quickly extracted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to devices for producing energy, usually in the form of electricity. [Background technology]

[0002] Various flywheel generators are known in the art. These generators generally include a starter motor arranged to rotate a flywheel, which in turn drives a generator to produce electrical power. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007 / 0120430 describes this prior art generator, which includes a series of permanent magnets cooperating with a stationary electromagnet in a magnetic circuit that, after a predetermined number of revolutions, drives the flywheel. The flywheel is coupled to a generator that applies electrical pulses to the stationary electromagnet until the flywheel reaches a sufficient speed and continues to rotate under its own inertia. The flywheel rotates at a relatively high speed of approximately 400 rpm. U.S. Patent No. 6,624,542 describes another prior art generator having a motor designed to accelerate the flywheel to a maximum speed, whose rotational inertia is converted into electrical power in an associated generator. To efficiently operate the generator at high operating speeds up to 40,000 rpm, the generator includes a cooling system designed to absorb heat generated during discharge of the flywheel power source. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a flywheel assembly arranged for rotation; a drive means operably coupled to the flywheel assembly, the drive means including a biasing means connected to an actuator arranged to bias the biasing means to provide stored energy to the biasing means; a transmission means coupled between the flywheel assembly and the deflection means, the deflection means discharging stored energy to drive the transmission means to provide a driving force for achieving rotation of the flywheel assembly to obtain a thrust; extraction means operatively coupled to the flywheel for rapid extraction of thrust of the flywheel assembly; an energy generator associated with the extraction means for generating energy from the rapidly extracted thrust of the flywheel assembly; An apparatus for producing energy is provided, comprising:

[0004] Preferably, the actuator includes a drive motor coupled to the biasing means, the drive motor being biased under the influence of the drive motor, thus providing stored energy to the biasing means. More preferably, the biasing means includes a spring coupled to the drive motor, the drive motor rotating to stress the spring, thereby providing stored spring energy that upon release provides a driving force for the biasing means. Even more preferably, the spring is a torsion spring assembly connected to the speed-changing means, the torsion spring assembly including a torsion spring configured to be wound against the speed-changing means via the drive motor for stressing the torsion spring, the torsion spring being arranged to release its stored spring energy to thus provide a driving force for rotation of the flywheel assembly. Even more preferably, the spring is a constant torque spring assembly connected to the speed-changing means, the constant torque spring assembly being configured to be wound against the speed-changing means via the drive motor for stressing the constant torque spring, the constant torque spring being arranged to release its stored spring energy to thus provide a driving force for rotation of the flywheel assembly. Even more preferably, the drive motor is designed to rapidly deflect the biasing means for a shortened period of time to provide stored spring energy in the biasing means.

[0005] Preferably, the deflection means is designed to deflect via the drive means a reduced displacement compared to the maximum displacement achievable by the deflection means. More preferably, the deflection means is designed to deflect a reduced displacement in successive stages. Even more preferably, the deflection means is designed to deflect a reduced displacement in a subsequent stage before the deflection means is substantially fully relaxed in a previous stage of the series.

[0006] Preferably, the speed changing means includes a drive coupling connected between the deflecting means and the flywheel assembly for rotation of the flywheel assembly. More preferably, the drive coupling includes a continuous drive belt wrapped around the periphery of the deflecting means and the flywheel assembly. Alternatively, the drive belt is wrapped around the deflecting means and a relatively small diameter spindle associated with the flywheel assembly. Even more preferably, the drive means also includes a drive clutch operably coupled to the deflecting means for disengaging the deflecting means from either the actuator or the speed changing means substantially simultaneously with or shortly after the stored energy in the deflecting means is at least substantially released, thereby allowing continuous rotation of the flywheel assembly independent of the actuator.

[0007] Preferably, the extraction means includes an extractor coupler assembly arranged to cooperate with the flywheel assembly for rapid rotation of the energy generator relative to the flywheel assembly. More preferably, the energy generator is an electromagnetic generator including a rotor mounted within a stator, the stator being operatively connected to the extraction means and cooperating to produce electricity in response to rapid rotation of the rotor. Even more preferably, the extraction means also includes a buffer arranged between the extractor coupler assembly and the rotor for gradually accelerating the rotor for rapid rotation upon extraction of thrust from the flywheel assembly. Even more preferably, the extractor coupler assembly includes a continuous extractor belt wrapped around the periphery of the flywheel assembly and a relatively small diameter pulley associated with the rotor, the pulley configured relative to the rotor for rapid rotation thereof. Even more preferably, the electromagnetic generator is operably coupled to an actuator of the drive means, whereby electricity produced by the electromagnetic generator is recycled to power the actuator. Even more preferably, the electromagnetic generator is associated with one or more capacitors for storing electricity produced by the generator, the capacitors being associated with one or more batteries arranged to be charged with the stored electricity and power the actuator.

[0008] Preferably, the extraction means also includes an extraction clutch operably coupled to the extractor coupler assembly for disengaging either the flywheel or the energy generator from the extractor coupler assembly while the speed change means effect rotation of the flywheel assembly, thereby enabling rotation of the flywheel assembly by the speed change means independent of the extraction means. More preferably, the extractor coupler assembly is arranged to engage either the flywheel assembly or the energy generator for extraction of thrust from the flywheel assembly when the flywheel assembly has accumulated sufficient thrust.

[0009] Preferably, the extractor coupler assembly includes a gear assembly operatively coupled to the flywheel assembly and the energy generator for accelerating the rotational speed of the generator relative to the flywheel assembly. More preferably, the gear assembly includes a continuously variable transmission.

[0010] Preferably, the apparatus also includes a fluid-containing outer chamber, the flywheel assembly being housed for rotation within the outer chamber and designed for substantially neutral buoyancy in the fluid contained within the outer chamber. More preferably, the flywheel assembly includes a buoyant vessel within which the flywheel is mounted, the buoyant vessel being sufficiently buoyant to ensure that the flywheel assembly is substantially neutrally buoyant in the fluid contained within the outer chamber. Even more preferably, the flywheel is constructed from a relatively dense material and is substantially toroidal in shape. Even more preferably, the buoyant vessel is shaped substantially in the shape of a cylindrical drum.

[0011] Preferably, the flywheel assembly includes a rotating member connected to a flywheel, the rotating member being operatively coupled to both the drive means and the extraction means. More preferably, the flywheel includes a substantially vertically oriented shaft coaxially fixed to the rotating member, and a plurality of pivot arms at or adjacent one end, each pivotally coupled to the shaft. Even more preferably, the flywheel also includes a plurality of weight elements connected to opposite ends of each of the plurality of pivot arms.

[0012] Preferably, the device is one of a plurality of devices networked together.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for producing energy, the method comprising: activating a deflection means associated with the flywheel, said activation of the deflection means causing the deflection means to deflect, thereby providing stored energy within the deflection means; releasing the stored energy in the deflection means to provide a driving force to the flywheel assembly to achieve rotation of the flywheel assembly to obtain thrust; rapidly extracting thrust from the flywheel assembly; generating energy via an energy generator arranged to utilize the rapidly extracted thrust of the flywheel assembly; Includes:

[0014] Preferably, actuation of the deflection means is performed rapidly to provide stored energy in the deflection means for a reduced period of time compared to the relatively slow deflection of the deflection means over time. More preferably, the deflection means deflects a reduced amount of displacement compared to approximately the maximum amount of displacement achievable by the deflection means. Even more preferably, the deflection means deflects a reduced amount of displacement in a subsequent stage of the series before the deflection means has been substantially fully relaxed in a previous stage of the series.

[0015] Preferably, the step of releasing the stored energy in the deflection means includes decoupling the deflection means from either the associated actuator or the speed change means substantially simultaneously with or shortly after the majority of the stored energy in the deflection means has been released, thereby allowing continued rotation of the flywheel assembly.

[0016] Preferably, the step of rapidly extracting the thrust of the flywheel assembly includes rapidly rotating the energy generator relative to the flywheel assembly. More preferably, the ratio of rotational speed of the energy generator to the flywheel assembly is at least about 100 to 1. Even more preferably, the energy generator is gradually accelerated for rapid rotation relative to the flywheel assembly.

[0017] Preferably, the energy generated from the energy generator is recycled to operate the deflection means in providing stored energy within the deflection means.

[0018] Preferably, the method also includes controlling the rotational speed of the flywheel assembly at a substantially constant speed.

[0019] In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of the present invention, some embodiments of apparatus for producing energy will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the general layout of a device for producing energy according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the drive means and transmission means removed from the device of the embodiment of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the drive means and transmission means removed from the device of the embodiment of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a drive means including a deflection means and an actuator taken from the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3; [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view of the extraction means and energy generator removed from the device of the embodiment of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the device for producing energy according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a device for producing energy according to the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an alternative actuation means including an alternative deflection means and actuator. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the alternative drive means of FIG. 8 in relation to the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 5; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the device for producing energy according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 , there is provided an apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention for producing energy, typically in the form of electrical energy or electricity. The apparatus 10 generally includes a flywheel assembly 12, a drive means 14 operably coupled to the flywheel assembly 12, and an energy generator 16 operably coupled to the flywheel assembly 12 via an extraction means 18. The drive means 14 in this embodiment includes a deflection means 20 connected to an actuator 22 arranged to provide stored energy in the deflection means 20. The apparatus 10 in this embodiment also includes a transmission means 24 coupled between the flywheel assembly 12 and the deflection means 20, such that release of the stored energy from the deflection means 20 provides a drive force for achieving rotation of the flywheel assembly 12 to obtain thrust. The extraction means 18 is arranged for rapid extraction of thrust from the flywheel assembly 12. The energy generator 16 generates energy, in this case electricity, from the rapidly extracted thrust of the flywheel assembly 12.

[0022] In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 also includes an outer chamber 26 within which the flywheel assembly 12 is placed for rotation. The outer chamber 26 is prismatic or cubic in shape and is designed to contain a fluid 28 within which the freewheel assembly 12 is at least partially immersed. The flywheel assembly 12 of this embodiment includes a buoyant vessel 30 within which a flywheel 32 is mounted. The flywheel 32 is substantially toroidal in shape and constructed from a relatively dense material, such as steel. The flywheel 32 has a relatively large mass, providing substantial inertia during rotation and providing a relatively large thrust at a relatively low rotational speed. The buoyant vessel 30 is in the shape of a cylindrical drum and is designed so that the flywheel assembly 12 is substantially neutrally buoyant within the fluid 28 in the outer chamber 26. That is, the buoyancy of the cylindrical drum 30 largely neutralizes the force of the weight of the flywheel 32, providing the flywheel assembly 12 with a substantially neutral buoyancy. The specific gravity of the fluid 28 in the outer chamber 26 affects the buoyancy of the cylindrical drum 30 required to achieve neutral buoyancy for the flywheel assembly 12. For example, a fluid with a higher specific gravity will rely less on the buoyant drum 30 (which has a smaller volume) and / or will support a heavier flywheel 32 while maintaining neutral buoyancy.

[0023] In this example, a toroidal-shaped flywheel 32 is axially fixed within a buoyant vessel 30 via a flywheel shaft 34. The buoyant vessel or drum 30 includes a pair of bearing elements 36a and 36b axially aligned with the flywheel shaft 34 and mounted on opposing surfaces 38a and 38b, respectively, of the buoyant drum 30. The bearing elements 36a / b are rotationally mounted to corresponding bearing elements 40a and 40b fixed to respective opposing inner surfaces 42a and 42b of the outer chamber 26. The flywheel assembly 12 is thus free to rotate within the outer chamber 26, and under neutral buoyancy, the flywheel assembly 12 is likely to impart minimal load and friction to the bearing elements 36a / 40a and 36b / 40b.

[0024] 2 and 3, the drive means 14 of this embodiment includes a biasing means 20 in the form of a helical torsion spring 21 connected to an actuator 22 in the form of an electric motor 23. The motor 23 is powered by a battery 44 to rotate the torsion spring 21 about its central axis, thus stressing the spring 21 and providing stored spring energy. It should be understood that the battery 44 should be sufficiently charged to initially power the electric motor 23 in biasing the torsion spring 21 and initiating operation of the device 10. The speed change means 24 of this embodiment includes a drive coupler in the form of a continuous drive belt 25. The drive belt 25 is wrapped around the torsion spring 21 and flywheel assembly 12, and the release of stored energy from the torsion spring 21 provides a drive force to: 1. Providing the driving movement of the torsion spring 21, i.e., in this example, the rotation of the torsion spring 21. 2. This rotation of the torsion spring 21 drives the drive belt 25 with which it cooperates. 3. The drive belt 25 drives the flywheel assembly 12 with which it cooperates.

[0025] As can be seen in Figure 4, the helical torsion spring 21 is part of a torsion spring assembly 48 in which the torsion spring 21 is mounted. The torsion spring 21 is axially housed within a cylindrical housing 50 of the spring assembly 48. An inner end portion 54 of the torsion spring 21 is connected to the axle 56 of the motor 23, while an outer end portion 52 of the torsion spring 21 is fixed within the cylindrical housing 50. Figure 4 illustrates the following sequence of events in deflecting the torsion spring 21 to provide stored energy and then release that stored energy from the torsion spring 21 as a driving force: 1. In Figure 4(a) the motor 23 rotates in one direction, progressively stressing the torsion spring 21 from its relatively relaxed state to its fully stressed state in Figure 4(b). 2. Between Figures 4(b) and 4(c), the stressed torsion spring 21 releases its stored torsional energy at a predetermined tension, providing a driving force by rotating the cylindrical housing 50 in said one direction until the stressed torsion spring 21 releases at least a portion of its stored spring energy.

[0026] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, drive motor 23 is operated or powered for a shortened period of time to rapidly deflect or stress torsion spring 21. It should be understood that this reduction, or shortened period, occurring between FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), is effective in improving the resulting efficiency of the drive operation in stressing spring 21 and thus providing stored spring energy. The shortened period of time may vary and is highly dependent on the spring constant of torsion spring 21 and the torque provided by motor 23. In this example, the relatively short period of time is expected to not exceed approximately 5 seconds. That is, drive means 23 is intermittently powered or cycled to rotate only in the process of deflecting or tensioning spring 21. Subsequent release of the stored energy in providing the drive force during rotation of spring assembly 48 occurs during the steps shown in FIGS. 4b and 4c.

[0027] In this embodiment, the torsion spring 21 is also designed to deflect a reduced rotational displacement through the drive motor 23. That is, the torsion spring 21 deflects only a fraction of the maximum rotational displacement achievable by the torsion spring within its elastic range. It will be appreciated that this reduced displacement is effective in stressing the spring 21 and thus further improving the resulting efficiency of the drive operation in providing stored spring energy.

[0028] The torsion spring 21 or other biasing means may be stressed and released in multiple stages rather than in a single cycle or pulse as shown in FIG. 4 . In this variation, the spring 21 may be stressed in subsequent stages without the spring 21 being fully relaxed from the previous stage. It should be understood that the torsion spring 21 in particular is more efficient in this staged mode of operation. In an alternative arrangement not shown, the drive belt is wrapped around the torsion spring assembly or other biasing means and a relatively small diameter spindle associated with the flywheel assembly. It should be understood that in this alternative embodiment, the rotational movement of the flywheel assembly is greater than in the preferred embodiment for a given rotational displacement of the torsion spring assembly. It should also be understood that the torsion spring assembly exerts less torque when driving a small diameter spindle compared to the large diameter of the flywheel of the preferred embodiment.

[0029] As best viewed in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 4, the apparatus 10 may be modified to increase the mechanical efficiency with which the flywheel assembly 12 is driven by the drive means 14. This modification would typically involve increasing the gear ratio (leverage or amplification) provided to the flywheel assembly 12 by the biasing means 20. In the context of the preferred embodiment, increasing the gearing increases the driving force provided by the spring assembly 48 to rotate the flywheel assembly 12 at a given rotational speed. The rotational speed of the spring assembly 48 is thus accelerated by a factor approximately proportional to the increased gear ratio. This increase in gearing may be accomplished with intermeshing gears or pulley arrangements associated with the biasing means 20 or at least partially forming the speed-changing means 24.

[0030] In this modification of the preferred embodiment, the spring assembly 48 will release its stored energy at an increased rotational speed over a shortened period of time. The shortened period is approximately inversely proportional to the increased rotational speed of the spring assembly 48 achieved by the increased gear ratio. That is, the driving force provided by the spring assembly 48 or other biasing means increases proportionally with the increased gearing. Driving force is required for a shorter period of time to rotate the flywheel assembly before rapid extraction of its thrust. Roughly speaking, if the gearing ratio increases by a factor of two, then the driving force and rotational speed of the spring assembly 48 will increase by a factor of two, and the spring assembly 48 will release its stored spring energy in providing driving force for approximately half the period of time (compared to a device without the increased gearing). That is, additional energy efficiency can be achieved with this associated modification of a device having more cycles of a spring assembly, such as 48 of the preferred embodiment, in a given period of time (compared to a device without gearing).

[0031] Although not shown or included in this embodiment, the drive means 14 may also include a drive clutch designed to decouple the biasing means 20 from the actuator 22 substantially simultaneously with or shortly after the stored energy in the biasing means has been at least largely released. This decoupling may occur simultaneously with or shortly after FIG. 4(c), when the torsion spring 21 is in its relatively relaxed state. This decoupling via the drive clutch allows the torsion spring 21 to continue rotating independently of the actuator 22 without the drag of the drive motor 23. Alternatively, the torsion spring 21 may be released or decoupled from the transmission means 24 at this stage in the cycle.

[0032] The torsion spring may be one of a bank of torsion springs sharing a common actuator. The springs are arranged in parallel with the drive shafts of the actuators affixed to each of them, and actuation of the actuators simultaneously deflects or stresses the banks of springs. The parallel springs release their stored energy in unison to provide driving force to the flywheel assembly. Alternatively, the springs may be arranged in series with the drive shafts of the actuators affixed to only one of the springs, with adjacent springs connected to each other. The series springs release their stored spring energy sequentially to provide driving force to the flywheel assembly. This simultaneous or staged release of stored spring energy increases either the driving force or the rotational movement of the flywheel assembly to increase the thrust of the flywheel assembly before the rapid extraction of thrust.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates the energy generator 16 along with portions of the extraction means 18 of this embodiment of the apparatus 10. The generator 16 takes the form of an electromagnetic generator 17 including a rotor (both not shown) mounted within a stator. The rotor includes a rotor shaft 58 axially secured to a small diameter rotor pulley 60. The extraction means 18 of this embodiment includes an extraction coupler assembly in the form of a continuous extraction belt 19 wrapped around the rotor pulley 60 and the large diameter flywheel assembly 12. The extraction means 18 is thus configured to rapidly extract the motive power of the flywheel assembly 12. The extraction coupler assembly may also include a gear assembly (not shown) operably coupled to the flywheel assembly 12 and the energy generator 16 for accelerating the rotational speed of the generator 16. This increase in speed relative to the flywheel assembly 12 may be achieved by one of a variety of conventional gear assemblies, including a continuously variable transmission (not shown). The continuously variable transmission not only accelerates the rotational speed of the generator 16, but also initially provides a buffer between the extraction means 18 and the rotor of the generator 16. This buffer, described in more detail below, provides a damper for the gradual acceleration of the rotor of the generator 16 for rapid rotation upon extraction of the thrust of the flywheel assembly 12.

[0034] Typically, the extraction means 18, or more particularly the extractor coupler assembly, is disengaged from either the flywheel assembly 12 or the generator 16 while the flywheel assembly 12 is under the influence of the drive means 14. The extractor coupler assembly is arranged to engage either the flywheel assembly 12 or the generator 16 once the flywheel assembly 12 has accumulated sufficient momentum, e.g., is coasting. The extraction means 18 may include an extractor clutch (not shown) for this purpose. In this example, the rotational speed of the rotor pulley 60 relative to the flywheel assembly 12 is expected to be in a ratio of about 100 to 1. That is, for a flywheel assembly 12 having a rotational speed of about 60-120 rpm, the rotor pulley and associated rotor of the electromagnetic generator 16 will rotate at about 6,000-12,000 rpm.

[0035] The electromagnetic generator 16 takes the form of an alternator that generates electricity in a conventional manner upon rotation of the rotor pulley 60 and associated rotor. In this embodiment, the electricity is stored in one or more capacitors, such as 64. It will be appreciated that the capacitors 64 are particularly well suited to storing the electricity generated upon the relatively rapid rotation of the electromagnetic generator 16. Although not shown, the electricity generated by the generator 16 or stored in the capacitors 64 may be recycled to power the actuator 22 of the drive means 14 in a closed-loop configuration of the apparatus 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 22 is powered via a battery 44 that is recharged using the electricity generated by the generator 16 or stored in the capacitor 64.

[0036] The buoyant drum 30 of the flywheel assembly 12 includes a pair of relatively large pulleys 66 and 68 formed integrally with the buoyant drum 30. A pulley, such as 66, is located at the center of the buoyant drum 30, and each is formed by an opposed pair of continuous rails 70a and 70b located around the periphery of the buoyant drum 30. A drive belt 25 engages or wraps around one of the pulleys 66, while a driven belt 19 wraps around the other pulley 68. The drive belt 25 and driven belt 19 are sufficiently tensioned to provide the required rotation of the fly assembly 12 and generator 16. The drive belt 25 and / or driven belt 19 may be ribbed or toothed to sufficiently grip or engage their associated rotating components.

[0037] The device 10 may be scaled depending on the power requirements to which it is applied. The device 10 may be one of multiple devices of the same or different scales or sizes networked together. The specific configuration of the networked devices may vary, but includes devices configured in a branched arrangement. The flywheel assembly 12 of the preferred embodiment may be driven by a modular drive means 14 including multiple deflection means / actuator modules operably coupled to the flywheel assembly 12 via a common transmission means 24. It is expected that the mass of the flywheel assembly 12 will determine the number of deflection means / actuator modules or the scaling required to drive the flywheel assembly 12. It is expected that the deflection means / actuator modules may be staged or continuous in operation, thereby releasing stored energy within the deflection means to provide sufficient driving force for rotation of the flywheel assembly 12. Similarly, the energy generator 16 may be provided as multiple electromagnetic generators operably coupled to a common extraction means 18. The generator modules may generate electricity simultaneously or may be synchronized to generate electricity in successive stages or cycles.

[0038] In a variation on this embodiment of the device 10, the extraction means 18 may include a buffer (not shown) disposed between the extraction means 18 and the rotor of the generator 16. The buffer may in this case take the form of a torsion spring, such as the spring assembly of FIG. 4, designed to gradually accelerate the rotor of the generator 16 for rapid rotation upon extraction of the thrust of the flywheel assembly 12. In this variation, the driven belt 19 wraps around a cylindrical housing 50, which is equivalent to the rotor pulley 60 of the previous embodiment. An inner end portion 54 of the torsion spring 21 is coupled to the rotor shaft 58, thereby 1. The initial rotation of the housing 50 under the influence of the driven belt 19 strains the spring 21 without rotation of the rotor shaft 58. 2. The spring 21 at threshold tension begins to rotate the rotor shaft 58 which gradually accelerates in its rotation. 3. The torsion spring 21 reaches its limit of distortion when the rotor shaft 58 accelerates to a rotational speed substantially equal to the rotational speed of the cylindrical housing 50.

[0039] Figures 6 and 7 show schematic diagrams of second and third embodiments of an apparatus for producing energy. The apparatus in both cases is substantially the same as the apparatus 10 of the above embodiment of Figures 1-5. For ease of reference and to avoid repetition, the same reference numerals with an additional "0" or "00" are used for corresponding components. For example, the flywheel assembly of the embodiment of Figure 6 is designated as 120, and the flywheel assembly of Figure 7 is designated as 1200.

[0040] In the second embodiment of FIG. 6 , the drive means 140 includes an actuator 220 coupled to a deflection means 200 via an intermediate clutch 110. The actuator 220 in this embodiment takes the form of a rotary turbine 270, such as a rotary turbine found in a coal-fired or gas-fired power plant 290. The deflection means 200 is driven for rotation by the turbine 220 via the clutch 110. The apparatus 100 is otherwise similar in structure to the above embodiments, except that there is no requirement to utilize electricity produced by the generator 160 in powering the actuator 220. The apparatus 100 may include a gear assembly 102 operably coupled to the generator 160 and driven by the extraction means 180. The gear assembly 102 may include or cooperate with a buffer, such as the buffers described in the above embodiments. The apparatus 100 in this embodiment is therefore an open-loop configuration in which the energy or electricity produced is available for consumption elsewhere.

[0041] In the third embodiment of FIG. 7 , the drive means 1400 is similar in structure to the first embodiment, except that in this case the battery 4400 is recharged using electricity from the electrical grid 4500. The electricity is generated by a fossil fuel or other generator 4700 or a substation associated with a coal-fired or gas-fired power plant 2900 local to the device 1000. The device 1000 is thus in an open-loop configuration, producing electricity for consumption elsewhere. The device may therefore be provided in the form of an energy module that allows for retrofitting of a power plant or substation to include non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels and uranium. Alternatively, the device may take the form of an energy module that allows for retrofitting of a power plant or substation to include renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, wave, hydroelectric, biomass, tidal, or geothermal.

[0042] The device comprises a drive means 1) a resiliently flexible elongated member in place of the torsion spring of the preferred embodiment; 2) Linear coil springs for extension or compression in a linear motion rather than the rotational distortion of torsion springs 3) A hydraulic or pneumatic drive instead of the electric motor of the preferred embodiment It may vary in its structure as long as it can contain The speed changing means and / or extraction means may include meshing gearing or other mechanical devices operably coupled to the flywheel. Alternatively, the continuous belt may be replaced by a continuous chain. The flywheel assembly may be oriented with its axis of rotation vertical rather than horizontal. The outer chamber of a preferred embodiment may be prismatic, open at its top, and the bottom chamber may be partially cylindrical or complementary to the buoyant vessel. In the absence of an outer chamber and buoyant vessel, the flywheel assembly may be supported for rotation by magnetic or other bearings.

[0043] In another embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 8 , the biasing means may include a constant torque spring 80 contained in a spring assembly 82. The spring assembly 82 also includes an inner housing 84 secured to an axle 86 of a motor 88, and an outer housing 90 to which the outermost turn of the torque spring 80 is secured. The inner housing 84 is secured to the innermost turn of the torque spring 80 such that actuation of the motor 88 and associated rotation of the axle 86 achieves stressing of the torque spring 80. FIG. 8 illustrates the following sequence of events in biasing the torque spring 80 to provide stored energy and then releasing that stored energy as a driving force from the torque spring 80: 1. In FIG. 8(a), motor 88 rotates in one direction, progressively stressing torque spring 80 from its relaxed state toward the fully stressed state of FIG. 8(b). 2. Between FIGS. 8(b) and 8(c), at a predetermined time or displacement of the torque spring 80, the stressed torque spring 80 releases its stored spring energy and provides a driving force by rotating the outer housing 90 in said one direction until the stressed torque spring 80 releases substantially all of its stored spring energy.

[0044] Figure 9 illustrates an alternative drive means including a spring assembly 82 in relation to the device of Figures 1-5. For ease of reference, the same reference numerals have been used for device 10, except for the various components of constant torque spring assembly 82.

[0045] 10 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus 10000 according to the present invention. It should be understood that the apparatus 10000 includes the same drive means 14000 and energy generator 16000 as the first embodiment, and therefore these components are not shown in detail. The flywheel assembly 12000 may be enclosed within a buoyant vessel for rotation within an outer fluid chamber, consistent with the first embodiment, or alternatively, the flywheel assembly may eliminate these additional features and simply rotate in atmospheric space. For ease of reference and to avoid repetition, the same reference numbers have been used for like components of this alternative apparatus 10000.

[0046] The device 10000 deviates from the previous embodiment primarily insofar as the flywheel assembly 12000 includes a rotating member in the form of a first flywheel 32000 coaxially connected to a second flywheel 11000. In this embodiment, the second flywheel 11000 includes a substantially vertically oriented flywheel shaft 13000 axially fixed to the first flywheel 32000. The second flywheel 11000 is in the form of a managed flywheel including a plurality of flywheel arms, e.g., 15000a and 15000b, pivotally mounted to an upper portion of the flywheel shaft 13000. The pivoting arms 15000a / b are weighted at their free or distal ends via respective flywheel weights 17000a / b. In operation, the first flywheel 32000 rotates via drive means 14000, 1. The flywheel arms 15000a / b gradually rise at increasing radial distances from the flywheel shaft 13000, increasing the rotational thrust of the governed flywheel 11000. 2. The flywheel arms 15000a / b utilize the input energy of the drive means 14000 in the form of gravitational potential energy and rotational thrust depending on the rotational speed of the weights 17000a / b and the flywheel 32000 to achieve a predetermined height.

[0047] The second or managed flywheel 11000 is also effective in coordinating with the first flywheel 32000 to regulate the rotational speed of the flywheel assembly 12000 at a substantially constant rate, depending primarily on the construction of the flywheel assembly 12000. The managed flywheel 11000 is therefore dynamic in the way it controls the rotation of the flywheel assembly 12000.

[0048] The first flywheel 32000 of the flywheel assembly 12000 in this embodiment is coupled to the drive means 14000 via a continuous drive belt 25000, and the first flywheel 32000 is coupled to the energy generator 16000 via a continuous extraction belt 19000.

[0049] During its extraction phase, the device 10000 rapidly extracts the thrust of the flywheel assembly 12000. During the extraction phase, the flywheel arms 15000a / b of the managed flywheel 11000 gradually lower toward the flywheel shaft 13000, accelerating the rotational speed of the flywheel assembly 12000, which might otherwise slow down. The managed flywheel 11000 thus maintains rotation of the flywheel assembly 12000 at a substantially constant rotational speed during this extraction phase. It should also be appreciated that the managed flywheel 11000 provides improved efficiency compared to the above-described embodiments of the present invention in maintaining a substantially constant rotational speed of the flywheel assembly 12000 during both its drive and extraction phases. The size and mass of the first flywheel 32000 may be reduced from the above-described embodiments with the understanding that this facilitates rotation of the flywheel assembly 12000 as the flywheel arms 15000a / b lower, rapidly extracting the thrust of the flywheel assembly 12000. In an alternative embodiment, the rotating member may have a reduced mass such that it does not substantially function as a flywheel, in which case the flywheel assembly 12000 is limited to a single flywheel only in the form of the managed flywheel 11000. In this variation, the rotating member may take the form of a rotating platform that supports the managed flywheel 11000 and provides coupling for the drive belt 25000 and extraction belt 19000.

[0050] In each of the above embodiments, and in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for producing energy is provided. In the context of the first embodiment, the method comprises the following general steps: 1. activating a deflection means 20 associated with the flywheel assembly 12, said activation providing stored energy within the deflection means 20; 2. releasing the stored energy in the deflecting means 20 in the form of a driving force to the flywheel assembly 12 to achieve its rotation, thereby causing the flywheel assembly 12 to acquire a thrust; 3. Rapidly extracting the thrust of the flywheel assembly 12; 4. Generating energy via an energy generator 16 arranged to utilize the rapidly extracted thrust of the flywheel assembly 12; Includes:

[0051] In improving the efficiency of the device 10, the deflection means 20 is rapidly actuated by the actuator 22 for a shortened period of time. In a first embodiment, this means that power is supplied to the drive motor 23 for a shortened period of time to deflect the deflection means 20 and improve the resulting efficiency of the drive operation in providing stored energy. As will be described in connection with the device 10, the deflection means 20 may be partially displaced or strained through a portion of its maximum range of elastic displacement. In a preferred embodiment, the drive motor 23 may be intermittently powered or intermittently energized for periods of less than 5 seconds.

[0052] When discharging the stored energy in the biasing means 20 to provide the driving force, it may be preferable to decouple the biasing means 20 from either the actuator 22 or the speed-varying means 24. This decoupling may occur substantially simultaneously with or immediately after the stored energy in the biasing means 20 is primarily discharged, thereby allowing the flywheel assembly 12 to continue rotating independently of the actuator 22. This decoupling may occur for a predetermined period of time after each cycle or pulse of intermittent powering of the actuator or drive motor 23. The biasing means 20 must then be re-engaged with the actuator 22 before the next power cycle. The drive dynamics may include winding the spring or other biasing means 20 two or more times until the freewheel assembly 12 reaches the desired rotational speed. In either case, the actuator 22 or drive motor 23 is stopped to provide an anchor for the biasing means 20 to rotate around when providing the required driving force.

[0053] In this embodiment, rapid extraction of the thrust of the flywheel assembly 12 includes rapid rotation of the energy generator 16 relative to the flywheel assembly 12, where the ratio of the rotational speed of the rotor of the generator 16 to the flywheel assembly 12 is at least about 100 to 1. The generator 16 may be coupled to extraction means 18 to accelerate the relative rotational speed of the generator 16 for rapid extraction of the thrust of the flywheel 12.

[0054] In its closed loop mode, the device 10 recycles or extracts the energy or electricity it produces to operate the actuator 22 and deflect the deflecting means 20. In its open loop mode, the device 10, or more particularly the actuator 22 of the drive means 14, is externally powered or driven.

[0055] Having described several embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the apparatus for producing energy has at least the following advantages. 1. The device utilizes the propulsive force of a flywheel assembly that rotates at a relatively low rotational speed in efficiently producing energy. 2. The thrust of the flywheel assembly is rapidly extracted by an extraction means associated with an energy generator for generating energy. 3. The drive means includes a deflection means for effectively storing and releasing energy in the form of drive force through a speed change means to a flywheel assembly, thus providing the requisite rotation of the flywheel assembly to obtain a thrust force.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. For example, the flywheel assembly may be simplified to a weighted flywheel without levitation within the outer chamber, provided sufficient low-friction bearings are incorporated into the design. The biasing means may deviate from the torsion spring of the preferred embodiment and extend to other types of springs, including, but not limited to, compression, extension, or other coil springs, constant force springs, leaf springs, or devices with elastic charge and return dynamics. The transmission means and extraction means may vary from the drive belt of the preferred embodiment, provided that the energy stored in the biasing means is released as a drive force for transmission to the flywheel assembly for rotation thereof, and the extraction means provides for rapid extraction of the flywheel assembly's thrust. In this embodiment, the drive force is a fundamental force in the form of a spring force. Alternatively, the drive force may be in the form of gravity, for example, buoyancy. The biasing means may deviate from the spring depending on the required or designed drive force for the device, for example the biasing means taking the form of a buoyant container associated with the flywheel assembly and immersed in the fluid in the outer chamber of the preferred embodiment. All such variations and modifications should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which should be judged from the above description.

Claims

1. In the apparatus, a flywheel assembly arranged for rotation; a drive means operably coupled to the flywheel assembly, the drive means having a spring connected to an actuator, the actuator positioned to apply stress to the spring, the spring providing stored energy to the spring; a transmission means coupled between the flywheel assembly and the spring, the release of the energy stored in the spring driving the transmission means to provide a driving force causing rotation of the flywheel assembly to obtain a thrust; and an extraction means operably coupled to the flywheel assembly, the extraction means configured to extract the thrust of the flywheel assembly to power an electromagnetic generator, the extraction means comprising: extraction means including an extractor coupler assembly arranged in cooperation with the flywheel assembly for rotation of an electromagnetic generator relative to the flywheel assembly, the electromagnetic generator including a rotor mounted within a stator, the stator being operatively connected to the extractor coupler assembly in response to rotation of the rotor, both of which cooperate to produce electricity; a buffer disposed between the extractor coupler assembly and the rotor to gradually accelerate the rotor for rapid rotation upon extraction of the thrust of the flywheel assembly; An apparatus comprising:

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a drive motor connected to the spring, the spring being stressed under the influence of the drive motor to provide the energy stored in the spring.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the drive motor rotates to stress the spring, thereby providing stored spring energy that is released to provide the driving force of the spring.

4. the spring is a torsion spring assembly connected to the transmission means; 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the torsion spring assembly includes a torsion spring wound about the speed changing means via the drive motor to stress the torsion spring, the torsion spring configured to release spring energy stored in the torsion spring to provide the driving force that rotates the flywheel assembly.

5. the spring is a constant torque spring assembly connected to the speed changing means; 4. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the constant torque spring assembly includes a constant torque spring wound against the speed changing means via the drive motor to stress the torsion spring, the torsion spring configured to release spring energy stored in the torsion spring to provide the driving force that rotates the flywheel assembly.

6. 6. The device according to claim 2, wherein the spring is designed to be stressed via the drive motor by a reduced displacement relative to the maximum displacement achievable by the spring.

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the spring is designed to be stressed by the reduced displacement in successive steps.

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the spring is designed to be stressed by the reduced deflection in a subsequent step before the spring has fully relaxed in a previous step in the series.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the speed changing means includes a drive coupling connected between the spring and the flywheel assembly for rotation of the flywheel assembly.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said drive means also includes a drive clutch operatively connected to said spring so as to decouple said spring from either said actuator or said speed changing means substantially simultaneously with or shortly after said energy stored in said spring is at least largely released, thereby permitting continued rotation of said flywheel assembly independent of said actuator.

11. 11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the extraction means also includes an extractor clutch operatively connected to the extractor coupler assembly so as to decouple either the flywheel assembly or the electromagnetic generator from the extractor coupler assembly while the speed change means is causing rotation of the flywheel assembly, thereby permitting rotation of the flywheel assembly by the speed change means independent of the extraction means.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the extractor coupler assembly is positioned to engage either the flywheel assembly or the electromagnetic generator for extraction of the flywheel assembly thrust once the flywheel assembly has accumulated sufficient thrust.

13. 13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the extractor coupler assembly includes a gear assembly operatively connected to the flywheel assembly and the electromagnetic generator to accelerate the rotational speed of the electromagnetic generator relative to the flywheel assembly.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the gear assembly comprises a continuously variable transmission.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the flywheel assembly comprises a flywheel operatively connected to both the drive means and the extraction means.

16. The flywheel is a shaft oriented perpendicular to the flywheel and coaxially fixed to the flywheel; a plurality of pivot arms at or adjacent one end, each pivotally connected to said shaft; 16. The apparatus of claim 15, comprising:

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the flywheel also includes a plurality of weighted elements connected to opposite ends of each of the plurality of pivot arms.

18. A networked device in which a plurality of devices according to any one of claims 1 to 17 are connected.

Images