Energy converter

Abstract

An energy converter for converting kinetic energy into electric energy is provided. The energy converter comprises a base (6), and an impeller rotatably coupled to the base (6) by a shaft (3). The impeller includes impeller arms extending radially outward from the shaft (3). Each impeller arm (A, F) includes a housing (5) connected eccentrically to the shaft (3). A roller weight (1) is arranged inside the housing (5). The roller weight (1) is rotatable around a roller axis (31) during rotation of the impeller. A central hub (29) with a central shaft (48) couples the roller axis (31) to the housing (5). A displacement arm (36) is connected to the central shaft (48) and configured for urging or pressing the roller weight (1) towards an inner circumferential face of the housing (5) during rotation of the impeller. A bearing (53) with bearing arms is arranged on the base (6), each bearing arm being associated with a respective impeller arm (A-F) of the impeller. An arm part (52) of the bearing arm is coupled to the central shaft (48) of the central hub (29). On a circumferential face of the housing (5) hydraulic cylinders (22) are arranged. Hydraulic pistons (24) are slidably received within the cylinders (22) and protrude at least partially into in inside of the housing (5). During rotation of the impeller, the roller weight (1) is urged or pressed against the pistons (24) by the displacement arm (36) connected to the bearing arm. The pistons (24) are moved deeper into the cylinders (22) thereby pressurizing hydraulic fluid. Pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided to a hydraulic motor (7) or turbine for generating electric energy by an electric generator coupled to the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine.

Description

[0001] Energy Converter

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an energy converter. More particularly, the present invention relates to an energy converter for converting kinetic energy of weights into electric energy.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Energy demand and in particular electric energy demand is increasing. At the same time, an ecofriendly way of producing electric energy becomes more and more important.

[0006] Energy converters offer an ecofriendly way of producing electric energy. Gravity energy converters convert kinetic energy of weights into electric energy. Such energy converters are known, for example, from documents WO 2008 / 046344 Al, WO 2013 / 072538 Al, US 2004 / 035232 Al or WO 02 / 070893 Al.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to propose an improved energy converter.

[0008] Solution to the problem

[0009] These and other objects, which become apparent upon reading the description, are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments and developments are provided in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an energy converter is disclosed. The energy converter is configured for converting kinetic energy, such as kinetic energy of weights, into electric energy. The energy converter comprises: a base, an impeller rotatably coupled to the base by a shaft, the impeller including at least one pair of impeller arms, the impeller arms being connected to the shaft and extending in a radially outward direction from the shaft, the impeller arms being arranged diametrically opposite to one another with respect to the shaft, each impeller arm including a housing connected eccentrically to the shaft, such as by a beam connected to the shaft, a roller weight arranged inside the housing, the roller weight having a roller axis and being rotatable about the roller axis during rotation of the impeller, the roller weight having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the housing for providing a spatial distance between the housing and the roller weight, a central hub having a central shaft, the central hub being coupled to the roller axis at a position eccentric to the central shaft such that the roller axis and the central shaft are arranged at a distance from one another that is half the spatial distance between the housing and the roller weight, a displacement arm connected to the central shaft, the displacement arm being configured for pressing or urging the roller weight towards an inner circumferential face of the housing during rotation of the impeller, a bearing including an inner ring connected to the base, an outer ring rotatably coupled to the inner ring, at least one pair of bearing arms, each bearing arm being associated with a respective impeller arm, each bearing arm being configured for following a movement of a respective impeller arm during rotation of the impeller arm, each bearing arm including a first arm part connected to the outer ring, a second arm part having a first arm end pivotably connected to a radially outer coupling end of the first arm part, and a second arm end fixedly connected to the central shaft, wherein the bearing and the impeller are arranged such that an imaginary circle extending through the central shaft of each impeller arm and an imaginary circle extending through the radially outer coupling end of each bearing arm have substantially the same diameter, and the shaft is arranged inside the inner ring of the bearing.

[0011] The energy converter further comprises a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, preferably at least four hydraulic cylinders, arranged on a circumferential face of the housing of at least one impeller arm, preferably both impeller arms, each hydraulic cylinder being configured for slidably receiving a hydraulic piston, the hydraulic piston having a piston stroke preferably corresponding to the spatial distance between the housing and the roller weight, the hydraulic piston protruding at least partially into an inside of the housing such that when the impeller is rotated, the roller weight is pressed or urged against the hydraulic piston by the displacement arm and moves the hydraulic piston deeper into the hydraulic cylinder, preferably wherein moving the hydraulic piston deeper into the hydraulic cylinder compresses hydraulic fluid provided within the hydraulic cylinder, and preferably wherein moving the hydraulic piston further out of the hydraulic cylinder draws hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder, an output non-return valve connected to an output of each hydraulic cylinder, the output non-return valve being configured for allowing a flow of compressed hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder and blocking a flow of hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder, an input non-return valve connected to an input of the hydraulic cylinder, the input non-return valve being configured for allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the hydraulic cylinder and blocking a flow of hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder, a high-pressure hydraulic line connected to the output non-return valve of each hydraulic cylinder, a low-pressure hydraulic line connected to the input non-return valve of each hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic tank connected to the low-pressure hydraulic line, and a hydraulic motor or turbine coupled to an electric generator for producing electric energy, wherein an inlet of the hydraulic motor or turbine is coupled to the high-pressure hydraulic line such that compressed hydraulic fluid is provided to the hydraulic motor or turbine for turning the hydraulic motor or turbine and producing electric energy by the electric generator, preferably wherein an outlet of the hydraulic motor or the turbine is coupled to the hydraulic tank for discharging hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic tank.

[0012] The energy converter according to the first aspect is based at least partially on the idea that during rotation of the impeller the roller weights rotate within their respective housing and roll on top of the hydraulic pistons, so that the hydraulic cylinders through their output non-return valves push pressurized hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic motor or turbine for producing electric energy using an electric generator coupled to the hydraulic motor or turbine. The bearing with its bearing arms is arranged such that the bearing arms may follow the movement of the impeller arms during rotation of the impeller.

[0013] Preferably, the first arm part extends radially outward from the outer ring, the second arm part extends in a substantially horizontal direction, the displacement arm extends in a substantially horizontal direction and preferably overlaps with the second arm part, and the inner ring of the bearing is arranged such that an axis extending through a center point of the inner ring and a center point of the shaft extends in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0014] Preferably, the first shaft end of the central shaft is arranged inside the housing, the second shaft end of the central shaft is arranged outside the housing and preferably the displacement arm is arranged inside the housing, and the second arm part of the bearing arm is arranged outside the housing.

[0015] Preferably, the second arm part and the displacement arm are connected to the central shaft in a U-shaped form, preferably wherein the second arm part and the displacement arm overlap one another, preferably wherein the second arm part and the displacement arm overlap one another independent of a rotational angle of the impeller arm and / or independent of a rotational angle of the corresponding bearing arm.

[0016] Preferably, each impeller arm includes a balance weight arranged at a radially outer side of the housing, the balance weight being configured for balancing the roller weight during rotation of the impeller arm, preferably wherein the balance weight is connected to the central hub at a position eccentric to a coupling position of the roller axis and / or at a radial distance from the central shaft.

[0017] Preferably, the balance weight is fixedly connected to the central hub by a shank, the shank being connected with one end to the central hub and with the other end to the balance weight, preferably wherein the shank is connected to the balance weight at an eccentric position with respect to the balance weight.

[0018] Preferably, the balance weight has the shape of a hammer head, preferably wherein a tip of the hammer head points towards a direction of rotation of the impeller.

[0019] Preferably, wherein the balance weight is arranged at an hour position between 1:00 and 3:00 when the impeller is viewed from a side view, preferably wherein the side view is a view facing the central hub of the impeller arms.

[0020] Preferably, the balance weight is allowed to pivot around a pivot axis. The pivot axis may be the central axis of the central shaft. Preferably, a pivoting of the balance weight is in a range of about 60 degrees or more.

[0021] Preferably, the roller weight and the balance weight are allowed to move relative to one another, such as in a direction towards one another or away from one another, for keeping the balance.

[0022] Preferably, wherein the movement of the roller weight and the balance weight relative to one another depends on a hydraulic load of the hydraulic motor.

[0023] Preferably, when a clockwise rotation of the impeller is assumed, a moderate or regular load of the hydraulic motor may cause the balance weight to be arranged at an hour position of 2:00 and the roller weight may be placed at a lower vertical bottom position inside the housing; an overload of the hydraulic motor, in which the hydraulic pistons are more resistant to the pressing or urging of the displacement arm compared to the moderate or regular load, may cause the roller weight to move to the left and may cause the balance weight to move to the right for keeping the balance, preferably wherein moving the balance weight to the right may be associated with a rotation of the balance weight from the hour position of 2:00 to an hour position of more than 2:00, such as 3:00; an underload of the hydraulic motor, in which the hydraulic pistons are less resistant to the pressing or urging of the displacement arm compared to the moderate or regular load, may cause the roller weight to move to the right and may cause the balance weight to move the left for keeping the balance, preferably wherein moving the balance weight to the left may be associated with a rotation of the balance weight from the hour position of 2:00 to an hour position of less than 2:00, such as 1:00.

[0024] In other words, variations in the load of the hydraulic motor may be balanced by the balance weights. The balance weights may pivot, such as pivot around the hour position of 2:00, to balance an overload or underload of the hydraulic motor.

[0025] Preferably, the displacement arm and preferably the first arm part of each impeller arm extend in a horizontal direction when the impeller is viewed from a side view, preferably wherein the side view is a view facing the central hub of the impeller arms. Preferably, the horizontal direction of the displacement arm and preferably also of the first arm part is independent of a load of the hydraulic motor, and / or a rotational position of the impeller arm, and / or a rotational position of the corresponding bearing arm.

[0026] In other words, the displacement arm and preferably also the first arm part of each impeller arm may always extend in the horizontal direction during rotation of the impeller. The horizontal direction may be, for example, an hour position of 3:00 when viewed from the side.

[0027] In yet other words, the displacement arm and preferably the first arm part of each impeller arm may always point towards the hour position of 3:00 during rotation of the impeller when viewed from the side.

[0028] Preferably, the energy converter comprises a motor, preferably an electric motor, configured for rotating the impeller, preferably in a clockwise direction. Preferably electric energy supplied to the motor for rotating the impeller is provided by an electric generator that may be connected to the hydraulic motor or turbine.

[0029] In other words, some energy may be needed to turn the impeller. This energy may be provided, e.g. by an electric generator connected to the hydraulic motor or turbine.

[0030] Preferably, the energy converter comprises a controller for controlling a rotational speed of the impeller, preferably wherein the controller is connected to a potentiometer.

[0031] Preferably, the roller weight includes an outer contour, such as a circular outer contour or an exposed welded ring, arranged on a side face of the roller weight, preferably on both side faces of the roller weight, and the displacement arm includes a roller wheel for rolling on the outer contour.

[0032] Preferably, the displacement arm includes a pressure spring, the pressure spring being configured for pressing or urging the roller wheel towards the outer contour such that the roller weight is pressed or urged towards the inner circumferential face of the housing.

[0033] Preferably, the displacement arm includes a tensioner for tensioning the pressure spring. The tensioner may be used to adjust a strength with which the displacement arm and / or the roller wheel is pressed or urged towards the outer contour.

[0034] Preferably, wherein the energy converter comprises a flange, the flange connecting the shaft to the impeller arms, the flange being configured for transferring hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic cylinders of the rotating impeller arms and the stationary hydraulic motor, wherein the flange includes a high pressure circular channel for transferring compressed hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinders to the inlet of the hydraulic motor, and a low pressure circular channel for transferring hydraulic fluid from the outlet of the hydraulic motor to the hydraulic cylinders, preferably wherein the high pressure circular channel and the low pressure circular channel are arranged concentric to one another around a central axis of the shaft.

[0035] Preferably, wherein the shaft is rotatably coupled to the base by a bushing, the bushing being arranged radially outside of the circular channels and being configured for transferring hydraulic fluid from the circular channels to stationary hydraulic lines connected to the hydraulic motor, preferably wherein sealing rings such as rubber rings are arranged inside the bushing for sealing the circular channels against one another and / or an environment. According to a second aspect of the present invention, an energy converter is disclosed. The energy converter is configured for converting kinetic energy, such as kinetic energy of weights, into electric energy. The energy converter according to the second aspect comprises: a base, an impeller rotatably coupled to the base by a shaft, the impeller including a first pair of impeller arms, the impeller arms being connected to the shaft and extending in a radially outward direction from the shaft, the impeller arms being arranged diametrically opposite to one another with respect to the shaft, each impeller arm including: a housing connected eccentrically to the shaft, such as by a beam connected to the shaft, a roller weight arranged inside the housing, the roller weight having a roller axis and being rotatable about the roller axis during rotation of the impeller, the roller weight having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the housing for providing a spatial distance between the housing and the roller weight, a central hub having a central axis, the central hub being coupled to the roller axis such that during rotation of the impeller the roller axis is rotatable around the central axis, a first bearing including: an inner ring connected to the base, an outer ring rotatably coupled to the inner ring, a first pair of bearing arms, each bearing arm being associated with a respective impeller arm of the first pair of impeller arms, each bearing arm being configured for following a movement of a respective impeller arm during rotation of the impeller arm, one end of each bearing arm being connected to the outer ring and the other end of each bearing arm being connected to the roller axis of the respective impeller arm, wherein the first bearing is arranged such that the shaft coupling the impeller to the base is arranged inside the inner ring.

[0036] The energy converter further comprises a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, preferably at least three hydraulic cylinders, arranged on a circumferential face of the housing of at least one impeller arm of the pair of impeller arms, each hydraulic cylinder being configured for slidably receiving a hydraulic piston, the hydraulic piston having a piston stroke preferably corresponding to the spatial distance between the housing and the roller weight or corresponding to double the spatial distance between the housing and the roller weight, the hydraulic piston protruding at least partially into an inside of the housing, the hydraulic piston being coupled to the roller axis of the roller weight such that when the impeller is rotated the roller axis is rotated around the central axis moving the hydraulic piston deeper into or further out of the hydraulic cylinder, preferably wherein moving the hydraulic piston deeper into the hydraulic cylinder compresses hydraulic fluid provided within the hydraulic cylinder, and preferably wherein moving the hydraulic piston further out of the hydraulic cylinder draws hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder, an output non-return valve connected to an output of each hydraulic cylinder, the output non-return valve being configured for allowing a flow of compressed hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder and blocking a flow of hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder, an input non-return valve connected to an input of the hydraulic cylinder, the input non-return valve being configured for allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the hydraulic cylinder and blocking a flow of hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder, a high-pressure hydraulic line connected to the output non-return valve of each hydraulic cylinder, a low-pressure hydraulic line connected to the input non-return valve of each hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic tank connected to the low-pressure hydraulic line, and a hydraulic motor or turbine coupled to an electric generator for producing electric energy, wherein an inlet of the hydraulic motor or turbine is coupled to the high-pressure hydraulic line such that compressed hydraulic fluid is provided to the hydraulic motor or turbine for turning the hydraulic motor or turbine and producing electric energy by the electric generator, preferably wherein an outlet of the hydraulic motor or turbine is coupled to the hydraulic tank for discharging hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic tank.

[0037] The energy converter according to the second aspect is based at least partially on the idea that two roller weights are arranged diametrically opposite to one another. These roller weights are used for keeping the balance during rotation of the impeller. At least one impeller arm, such as one impeller arm, may include hydraulic cylinders that are connected to the roller weight. The other impeller arm may not include hydraulic cylinders. During rotation of the impeller, the roller weight that is connected to the hydraulic cylinders may move out of the center depending on a resistance of the hydraulic cylinders and / or a load of the hydraulic motor or turbine. The other roller weight may follow this movement and may behave like a mirror in order to preserve the balance of the impeller during rotation of the impeller. During rotation of the impeller, hydraulic cylinders push pressurized hydraulic fluid through the output non-return valves into the hydraulic motor or turbine for producing electric energy using an electric generator coupled to the hydraulic motor or turbine. The bearing with its bearing arms is arranged such that the bearing arms may follow the impeller arms during rotation of the impeller.

[0038] Preferably, each bearing arm includes: a first arm part connected to the outer ring of the bearing, and a second arm part having a first arm end pivotably connected to a radially outer coupling end of the first arm part, and a second arm end connected to the roller axis.

[0039] Preferably, the central hub is coupled to the roller axis such that during rotation of the impeller the roller axis is rotatable around the central axis at a distance from the central axis that is substantially half the spatial distance between the housing and the roller weight.

[0040] Preferably, the roller weights are configured for maintaining a balance of the impeller arms, preferably wherein the roller weight that is connected to the hydraulic cylinders is a first roller weight and the roller weight that is not connected to the hydraulic cylinders is a second roller weight, wherein the second roller weight is configured for counterbalancing a weight of the first roller weight for keeping the balance of the impeller during rotation of the impeller.

[0041] Preferably, only one impeller arm of the first pair of impeller arms includes the hydraulic cylinders and the other impeller arm includes balance weights configured for balancing a weight of the hydraulic system such as the hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic pistons or hydraulic fluid, preferably wherein the balance weights are arranged on a circumference of the housing, preferably wherein the balance weights are distributed over the circumference of the housing, more preferably wherein the balance weights are distributed over the circumference of the respective housing at similar positions than the hydraulic cylinders are distributed over the circumference of their respective housing.

[0042] In other words, balance weights and hydraulic cylinders may be distributed on their respective housings in a similar manner and / or at similar positions for maintaining the balance.

[0043] Preferably, the bearing is arranged such that a central axis of the inner ring and the roller axes of the impeller arms are arranged on a common horizontal plane that is arranged parallel to a horizontal plane extending through central axes of central hubs and a central axis of the shaft.

[0044] Preferably, the impeller includes a second pair of impeller arms preferably designed identical to the first pair of impeller arms, and a second bearing preferably designed identical to the first bearing, wherein the first bearing is configured to move relative to the second bearing for maintaining balance during rotation of the impeller.

[0045] In other words, the energy converter may include two or more pairs of impeller arms wherein each pair includes its own bearing such that during rotation of the impeller the pairs do not affect each other.

[0046] Preferably, the relative movement between the first bearing and the second bearing is synchronized. Preferably, the first bearing includes a first toothed rail mechanism and the second bearing includes a second toothed rail mechanism meshing with the first toothed rail mechanism via a sun gear during rotation of the impeller, preferably wherein the synchronization is such that a movement of the first bearing to the left is compensated by a movement of the second bearing to the right, and / or a movement of the first bearing to the right is compensated by a movement of the second bearing to the left.

[0047] Preferably, the energy converter includes a synchronization gear with an external gear and an internal gear meshing with the external gear via a sun gear, wherein the first bearing is mounted at a center of the internal gear and the second bearing is mounted at a center of the external gear, and a perimeter of the first bearing and a perimeter of the second bearing substantially correspond to a radius the roller axis rotates around the central axis.

[0048] Preferably, the energy converter includes a hydraulic synchronization device with a first hydraulic cylinder connected to the first bearing and a second hydraulic cylinder connected to the second bearing, the second hydraulic cylinder being in fluid communication with the first hydraulic cylinder, wherein a movement of the first hydraulic cylinder results in a movement of the second hydraulic cylinder for keeping a balance during rotation of the impeller, preferably wherein a movement of the first bearing to the left causes hydraulic fluid to be transferred from the first hydraulic cylinder to the second hydraulic cylinder for moving the second bearing to the right, and vice versa.

[0049] Preferably, wherein the first and second hydraulic cylinders are connected with one end to the respective first or second bearing and with the other end to a hydraulic housing that is mounted on the base of the energy converter.

[0050] Preferably, wherein the first and second hydraulic cylinders are connected with one end to the respective first bearing or second bearing and with the other end to a non-rotatable part of the base.

[0051] Preferably, the energy converter comprises: a motor, preferably an electric motor, configured for rotating the impeller, preferably in a clockwise direction, preferably wherein electric energy supplied to the motor for rotating the impeller is provided by an electric generator connected to the hydraulic motor or turbine. Preferably, electric energy supplied to the motor for rotating the impeller is provided by an electric generator connected to the hydraulic motor or turbine.

[0052] In other words, some energy may be needed to turn the impeller. This energy may be provided, e.g. by an electric generator connected to the hydraulic motor or turbine.

[0053] Preferred embodiments of the first aspect may be preferred embodiments of the second aspect. Likewise, preferred embodiments of the second aspect may be preferred embodiments of the first aspect.

[0054] Brief description of the drawings

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic view of one example of an energy converter according to the present invention.

[0056] Figure 2 is another schematic view of the example of Figure 1.

[0057] Figure 3 is another schematic view of the example of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic detailed view of another example of an energy converter according to the present invention.

[0058] Figure 5 is another schematic detailed view of an example of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 6 is another schematic detailed view of an example of present invention.

[0060] Figure 7 is a schematic detailed view of another example of an energy converter.

[0061] Figure 8 is a schematic view of another example of an energy converter.

[0062] Figure 9 is a schematic view of another example of an energy converter.

[0063] Figure 10 is a schematic view of another example of an energy converter.

[0064] Figure 11 is a schematic detailed view of another example of an energy converter.

[0065] Figure 12 is a schematic detailed view of another example of an energy converter.

[0066] Figure 13 is a schematic view of another example of an energy converter.

[0067] Figure 14 is a schematic detailed view of another example of an energy converter.

[0068] Figure 15 is a schematic detailed view of another example of an energy converter.

[0069] Detailed description

[0070] Within the figures, same components are referenced by the same reference numerals. The figures are schematic and merely exemplary. They are intended to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention but shall not limit the scope of the claims.

[0071] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy converter according to the present invention. The energy converter is configured for converting kinetic energy of weights into electric energy.

[0072] The energy converter includes a base 6 and an impeller rotatably coupled to the base 6 by a shaft 3. The impeller includes multiple impeller arms. In the specific embodiment shown, the impeller includes four impeller arms A-D. In other embodiment not shown a different number of impeller arms may be used. A hole-numbered multiple of two arms may be used, such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or more arms. The impeller arms extend radially outward from the shaft 3. The impeller arms are arranged diametrically opposite to one another with respect to the shaft 3. Two impeller arms may form a pair of impeller arms. For example, impeller arms A and C may form a first pair of impeller arms, and impeller arms B and D may form a second pair of impeller arms.

[0073] Each impeller arm includes a beam 4 connected to the shaft 3. A housing 5 is connected to the beam 4 at a radially outer end of the beam 4. The housing 5 may be a cylindrical housing 5. The housing 5 may include caps 38 closing the housing 5 from the side. The caps 38 may be screwed onto the housing 5 using screws 49. The caps 38 have a circular hole in the center. In the circular hole a central hub (hub) 29 is mounted to the caps 38 using screws 43. The central hub 29 includes a central shaft 48.

[0074] A roller weight (roller) 1 is arranged within the housing 5. The roller weight 1 has a weight which may be in the region of several hundred kilograms or several tons. The roller weight 1 may be a cylindrical weight. The roller weight 1 is rotatable about a roller axis. During rotation of the impeller, the roller weight rotates about the roller axis. The roller axis is arranged within the circular hole of the caps 38. The roller axis is coupled to the central hub 29 as will be explained later. The roller weight 1 has a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the housing 5 for providing a spatial distance (distance) 50 between the housing 5 and the roller weight 1. The roller weight 1 includes an outer contour 32 arranged on a side face of the roller weight 1. Preferably, each side face of the roller weight 1 includes an outer contour 32. The outer contour 32 may be circular and / or may be a welded exposed ring extending from the side face of the roller weight 1.

[0075] A displacement arm (wheel carrier) 36 is coupled to the central hub 29. The displacement arm 36 is connected to the central shaft 48. The displacement arm 36 is configured for displacing the roller weight 1 towards an inner circumferential face of the housing 5. The displacement arm 38 includes a roller wheel (pressure wheel) 33. The roller wheel 33 is configured to roll over the outer contour 32 of the roller weight 1 during rotation of the impeller. A pressure spring (wheel pressure spring) 45 is arranged on the displacement arm 36 for pressing or urging the roller wheel 33 towards the outer contour 32 such that the roller weight 1 is displaced towards the inner circumferential face of the housing 5 during rotation of the impeller.

[0076] Several hydraulic cylinders 22 are arranged on a circumferential (outer) face of the housings 5. Hydraulic pistons 24 with rods 23 are slidably received within the cylinders 22. Preferably, a stroke of the piston 24 corresponds to the spatial distance 50 between the housing 5 and the roller weight 1. The pistons 24 extend at least partially into an inside of the housing 5. The pistons 24 protrude at least partially into the inside of the housing 5 such that when the impeller is rotated, the roller weight 1 is pressed or urged against the hydraulic pistons 24 by the displacement arm 36 and moves the pistons 24 deeper into the hydraulic cylinders 22 for compressing hydraulic fluid contained inside the cylinders 22. A piston compression spring 25 is used to urge the pistons 24 towards the inside of the housing 5 for filling the cylinders 22 with uncompressed hydraulic fluid in case the pistons 24 are not pressed into the cylinders 22 by the roller weight 1. Each hydraulic cylinder 22 includes an input non-return valve (inlet non-return valve) or check valve 26 for allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the cylinders 22. Each hydraulic cylinder 22 includes an output nonreturn valve (outlet non-return valve) or check valve 27 for allowing a flow of compressed hydraulic fluid out of the cylinders 22.

[0077] A low-pressure hydraulic line (low pressure rotating hose) 9 is connected to the input nonreturn valves 26 of the cylinders 22. A high-pressure hydraulic line (high pressure rotating hose) 10 is connected to the output non-return valves 27 of the cylinders 22. Lines 9 and 10 are connected to the impeller arm and rotate around the shaft 3. Lines 9, 10 may therefore be termed "rotating hoses" or "rotating lines".

[0078] Line 9 is connected to a low-pressure hydraulic line (low pressure non-rotating hose) 20. Line 10 is connected to a high-pressure hydraulic line (high pressure non-rotating hose) 21. Lines 20 and 21 are not rotating around the shaft 3. In other words, lines 20 and 21 remain stationary during rotation of the impeller. Lines 20, 21 may therefore be termed "non-rotating hoses" or "non-rotating lines".

[0079] The shaft 3 is coupled to the impeller arms by a flange 41. The flange 41 includes a low- pressure circular channel 11 and a low-pressure line channel 14, as well as a high-pressure circular channel 12 and a high-pressure line channel 15. The high-pressure circular channel 12 serves to transfer hydraulic fluid from the shaft 3 and from the rotating high-pressure hydraulic line 10 to the non-rotating high-pressure hydraulic line 21. The low-pressure circular channel 11 servers to transfer hydraulic fluid in the vice versa direction, such as from non-rotating low-pressure hydraulic line 20 to the shaft 3 and to the rotating low- pressure hydraulic line 9. A hydraulic motor 7 is coupled to the base 6. The hydraulic motor 7 includes an inlet (high- pressure inlet coupling) 35 which is coupled to the high-pressure hydraulic lines 10, 21 such that compressed hydraulic fluid can be provided to the hydraulic motor 7. The hydraulic motor 7 includes an outlet (low- pressure inlet coupling) 34 for discharging hydraulic fluid so that discharged hydraulic fluid may flow through lines 9, 10 into, e.g., a hydraulic tank 28.

[0080] The energy converter further includes a bearing (star bearing). The bearing includes an inner ring fixedly connected to the base 6 and an outer ring rotatably coupled to the inner ring. Bearing arms extend radially outwards from the outer ring. Each bearing arm is associated with an impeller arm A-D. Each bearing arm is configured to follow the impeller arm associated with the respective bearing arm. The bearing is described in more detail in Figure 4.

[0081] The bearing arm includes, inter alia, two arm parts, a first arm part (not shown in Figure 1) connected to the outer ring, and a second arm part 52, wherein a first arm end of the second arm part 52 is pivotally connected to the first arm part using a shaft 60, and a second arm end of the second arm part 52 is fixedly connected to the central shaft 48. In the specific embodiment shown, the second arm part 52 overlaps with the displacement arm 36 and remains horizontal during rotation of the impeller. More specifics on the bearing and the arrangement between the second arm part 52 and the displacement arm 36 are provided in connection with Figures 3 and 4.

[0082] The energy converter includes a sprocket 16 mounted on the shaft 3. The sprocket 16 is connected to an electric motor (DC electric motor) 8 via a chain drive (chains) 17. The electric motor 8 is configured for rotating the impeller in a predetermined direction such as in a clockwise direction. The electric motor 8 is powered by an alternator 57. The hydraulic motor 7 rotates the alternator 57, which is connected to a battery 56 and a controller 18 which limits the number of revolutions for the motor 8, which is significant for the power of engine and is determined by a potentiometer 19.

[0083] The energy converter works so that all the roller weights 1 weigh on the bottom of their respective housings 5, connected with balance weights 2 which, when viewed from the side as shown in Figure 1, weigh on the right side of the housings 5.

[0084] During rotation of the impeller, the roller weights 1 roll on top of all the hydraulic pistons 24 so that the hydraulic cylinders 22 push high-pressure hydraulic fluid through their output non-return valves 27 into the inlet 35 of the hydraulic motor 7 which is an energy producer of the motor 7 and drives the motor 7. The hydraulic motor 7 is connected to a generator for generating electric energy using the rotation of the impeller. Low-pressure hydraulic fluid exits the hydraulic motor 7 through the outlet 34 and flows into the hydraulic tank 28 which is connected to the low-pressure lines 9, 20 for providing low-pressure hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders 24.

[0085] Depending on a load of the hydraulic motor 7 and / or a resistance of the hydraulic pistons 24, the roller weights 1 may move out of center of the central hub 29. To balance the roller weights 1 during rotation of the impeller, balance weights 2 are arranged at a radially outer side of the housings 5. The balance weights 2 are configured for balancing the roller weights 1 during rotation of the impeller arms A-D. The balance weight 2 may have the shape of a hammer head with the tip of the hammer head pointing towards a direction of rotation of the impeller. The balance weight 2 is connected to the central hub 29 by a shank 37. In the specific embodiment shown, the balance weight 2 is arranged at an hour position of 2:00 and may rocket between an hour position of 1:00 and 3:00 depending on a load of the hydraulic motor 7, as will be explained in more detail in connection with Figure 5. Referring to Figure 2, another schematic cross-sectional view of the energy converter of

[0086] Figure 1 is shown.

[0087] Figure 2 shows the shaft 3 rotatably coupled to the base 6, the controller 18 and the sprocket 16 connected to the shaft 3 and driven by the motor 8 using the chain drive 17.

[0088] Rotating hydraulic lines 9, 10 of hydraulic cylinders 22 are coupled with non-rotating hydraulic lines 20, 21 using circular channels 11, 12 and line channels 14, 15 of flange 41. The flange 41 is fixed in the middle with a shaft pin 46. The non-rotating hydraulic lines 20, 21 are coupled with the flange 41 by a bushing 39. Rubber rings 40 are mounted on an outer bushing ring (outer ring) 47 on both sides of the circular channels 11, 12. The rubber rings 40 are fixed so they do not move during the rotation of the impeller and serve to keep the hydraulic fluid in the circular channels 11, 12. The non-rotating lines 20, 21 are further coupled to the outlet 34 and inlet 35, respectively, of the hydraulic motor 7. The hydraulic tank 28 is coupled to the non-rotating hydraulic line 9.

[0089] Figure 2 further shows the impeller arms with their beams 4 being connected to the shaft 3 via the flange 41. The housing 5 with the caps 38 is connected to the beam 4 at a radially outer end of the beam 4. Inside the housing 5 is the roller weight 1 with its roller axis. The balance weight 2 is arranged outside of the housing 5 for keeping the balance during rotation of the impeller. The shank 37 connects the balance weight 2 with the central hub as will be explained in more detail later on.

[0090] Figure 2 also shows the bearing (star bearing) 53. An inner ring of the bearing 53 is attached to the base 6 using screws 54. An outer ring is rotatably coupled to the inner ring. The bearing arms are attached to the outer ring and extend radially outwards from the outer ring. Each bearing arm includes the first arm part 55 connected to the outer ring and the second arm part 52 pivotally connected to the first arm part 55 using shafts 60 and bearings 61.

[0091] Referring to Figure 3, another schematic cross-sectional view of the energy converter of Figure 1 is shown.

[0092] Figure 3 shows the bearing 53 in more detail. As mentioned, screws 54 attach the inner ring to the base so that the inner ring is fixedly connected to the base. The outer ring is pivotally coupled to the inner ring. The first arm part (tail) 55 is connected to the outer ring. A first arm end of the second arm part (horizontal connector) 52 is pivotally connected to radially outer coupling end of the first arm part 55 using shafts 60 and bearings 61. A second arm end of the second arm part 52 is fixedly connected to a first shaft end of the central shaft 48. A second shaft end of the central shaft 48 is fixedly connected to the displacement arm 36 that includes the pressure spring 45 and the roller wheel 33 that rolls over the outer contour 32 of the roller weight 1 for urging the roller weight 1 towards a circumferential inner face of the housing 5. The balance weight 2 is arranged outside of the housing 5 and keeps the balance during rotation of the impeller.

[0093] Side faces of the housing 5 are covered by caps 38 and screwed onto the housing 5 using screws 49. A central hub 29 is arranged on each side of the housing 5. The central hub 29 is arranged inside a hole of the cap 38. The central hub 29 is mounted to the cap 38 in a rotatable way using bearings 42 and screws 43. The central hub 29 includes a central hole through which the central shaft 48 extends in a rotatable manner using another bearing 51. As can be seen in Figure 3, the second arm part 52, the central shaft 48 and the displacement arm 36 are arranged in a U-shaped manner. In the specific embodiment shown, the displacement arm 36 is arranged inside the housing 5 or on a first side (inner side) of the cap 38, the second arm part 52 is arranged outside the housing 5 or on a second side (outer side) of the cap 38 opposite the first side. As can be further seen in Figure 3, the second arm part 52 overlaps with the displacement arm 36. The overlap may be independent of a rotational position of the impeller. In other words, the second arm part 52 and the displacement arm 36 may always overlap during rotation of the impeller.

[0094] Figure 3 also shows the hydraulic cylinders 22 configured for receiving the hydraulic pistons 24 with rods 23, the input non-return valve 26, the output non-return valve 27 and the rotating hydraulic lines 9, 10 connected to the shaft 3 using the flange 41.

[0095] Referring to Figure 4, a schematic detailed view of another example of an energy converter according to the present invention is shown. In Figure 4, the energy converter includes six impeller arms A-F.

[0096] Figure 4 shows the bearing 53 and the impeller in more detail. The bearing 53 is attached with its inner ring 140 to the base using screws 54. The outer ring 141 is rotatably coupled to the inner ring 140. The bearing 53 is arranged such that the shaft 3 coupling the beams 4 to the base is arranged within the inner ring 140. The inner ring 140 is fixed to the base such that an axis 102 extending through a center point of the shaft 3 and a center point or central axis 108 of the inner ring 140 extends in a substantially horizontal direction. An imaginary circle 64 extending through the central shafts 48 of the impeller arms A-F and an imaginary circle 63 extending through radially outer coupling ends (using shafts 60 and bearings 61) of the first arm part 55 have substantially the same diameter. The second arm part 52 is connected to the radially outer coupling ends of the first arm part 55 and to the central shaft 48 of central hub 29 connected to cap 38 of housing 5.

[0097] As can be seen in Figure 4, the second arm part 52 remains in a substantially horizontal alignment during rotation of the impeller. The second arm part 52 overlaps with the displacement arm that has the roller wheel 33 at its end for urging the roller weight towards the inner circumferential face of the housing 5. As can be seen in Figure 4, during rotation of the impeller, the roller weight passes by the hydraulic cylinders 22 that are connected to hydraulic lines 9, 10. The roller weight rolls over the pistons that are slidably received within the cylinders 22, moves the pistons further into the cylinders 22 and pressurizes hydraulic fluid contained inside the cylinders 22 for driving the hydraulic motor and generating electric energy. The balance weights 2 are coupled with its shanks 37 to the central hubs 29 and are arranged outside of the housings 5. The balance weights 2 may have the shape of a hammer with a tip pointing towards a direction of rotation of the impeller. The shank 37 may connect to the balance weight 2 in an eccentric manner, such as further towards the tip than towards the rear of the hammer.

[0098] Referring to Figure 5, another schematic detailed view of an example of an energy converter according to the present invention is shown. In Figure 5, the balancing of the impeller using the balance weight 2 is explained in more detail.

[0099] Figure 5 shows the central hub 29 mounted to the cap in a rotating way with bearings 42 and screws 43. The central hub 29 has an opening in the center where the bearing 51 is screwed into which the central shaft 48 is mounted. The displacement arm 36 and the second arm part 52 are connected to the central shaft 48 on opposite shaft ends using screws 44. The displacement arm 36 and the second arm part 52 overlap each other. The pressure spring 45 presses the roller wheel 33 against the roller weight. A tensioner 62 is used to tension the pressure spring 45.

[0100] The roller weight includes a roller axis 31. During rotation of the impeller, the roller weight rotates around the roller axis 31. The roller axis 31 is rotatably coupled to the central hub 29 using a bearing 30. The bearing 30 has enough axial clearance so that the roller weight does not weigh on the central hub 29, but on the housing 5. The shank 37 of the balance weight is connected to the central hub 29 using screws 58. In the specific example shown, the shank 37 is connected such that the balance weight is arranged at an hour position of 2:00. Other positions may be possible.

[0101] When a clockwise rotation of the impeller is assumed, the roller wheel 33 presses against the outer contour of the roller weights and urges the roller weight in a direction against the hydraulic cylinders and the balance weights, keeping the roller weights tilted towards the balance weights, or in other words keeps them vertically with the center of the central hub 29 at the bottom of the housing vertically with the center of the central hub, as long as the hydraulic motor is moderately or regularly loaded. Under regular or moderate load, the balance weight may be at an hour position of 2:00.

[0102] In the event of an overload of the hydraulic motor, in which the hydraulic pistons are more resistant to the pressing or urging of the displacement arm compared to the moderate or regular load, the hydraulic pistons may cause the roller weight to move to the left and may cause the balance weight to move to the right for keeping the balance. Moving the balance weight to the right may be associated with a rotation of the balance weight from the hour position of 2:00 to an hour position of more than 2:00, such as 3:00, as indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 4.

[0103] In the event of an underload of the hydraulic motor, in which the hydraulic pistons are less resistant to the pressing or urging of the displacement arm compared to the moderate or regular load, the hydraulic pistons may cause the roller weight to move to the right and may cause the balance weight to move the left for keeping the balance. Moving the balance weight to the left may be associated with a rotation of the balance weight from the hour position of 2:00 to an hour position of less than 2:00, such as 1:00, as indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 4.

[0104] In other words, in the event that the hydraulic motor is overloaded, or is subjected to a higher load than moderate or regular load, the roller weights may move from the center to the left, while at the same time the balance weights may descend to the right and weigh against each other, so that the two diametrical weights of the balance weight and the roller weight can only move together in such a way that they approach or move away from each other, while maintaining the same balance and position, whereby the mentioned balance weights are ensured not to rotate circularly, due to the fact that they are attached to the central hub 29 in an eccentric way with the roller weight having enough weight allowing them to maintain their position at the bottom of the housings and can only oscillate left and right, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 4, by limiting the said hammers at an angle of no more 60 degrees. In other words, when the roller weight is inclined to the maximum to the right, the balance weight is positioned at the hour position of 01:00 and when the roller weight is tilted in the opposite direction, the balance weight is positioned at the hour position of 03:00. Regardless of this relative movement, the displacement arm and the second arm part 52 may stand horizontally or at an hour position of 03:00 during rotation of the impeller, pressing the roller weights in a direction towards the balance weights.

[0105] In yet other words, when the hydraulic motor is overloaded, the hydraulic cylinders are more resistant and create high pressure in the hydraulic system, so that the roller weights are moved from the central vertical line of the housings to the left, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 4. This means that the roller weights which are mounted in an eccentric and rotative way on the central hub 29, would move simultaneously, diametrically with the balance weights that are fixed to the central hub 29, and react as a response to maintain the balance. As a result, the energy converter does not "feel" the load changes of the hydraulic motor and produces stable energy constantly with the same revolutions. Referring to Figure 6, another schematic detailed view of an example of an energy converter according to the present invention is shown.

[0106] Figure 6 shows the roller weight 1 with pistons 24, rods 23 and cylinders 22 arranged circumferentially around the housing 5. A stroke of the pistons 24 is preferably adjusted to be the same as the spatial distance 50 between the housing 5 and the roller weight 1. The piston compression ring 25 urges the piston 24 towards an open position, such that hydraulic fluid may be drawn into the hydraulic cylinder 22 via the input non-return valve 26 coupled to low-pressure hydraulic line 9. During rotation of the impeller, the roller weight 1 rotates about the roller axis 31. Roller axis 31 is rotatably coupled to the central hub 29 via the bearing 30. The central hub 29 is coupled to the cap 38 using screws 43 and another bearing 42. Caps 38 are connected to the housing 5 using screws 49.

[0107] During rotation of the impeller, the roller weight 1 rolls over pistons 24. The pressure spring 45 of the displacement arm 36 presses the roller wheel 33 towards the outer contour 32 and urges the roller weight 1 towards the inner circumferential face of the housing 5 moving the pistons 24 further into the cylinders 22. Pressurized hydraulic fluid is discharged via the output non-return valves 27 that are connected to the high-pressure hydraulic line 10.

[0108] Hydraulic lines 9, 10 are coupled to hydraulic lines 20, 21 via the flange 41 that couples the beam 4 to the shaft 3. The flange 41 includes circular channels 11, 12 and lines channels 14, 15. The impeller may be rotated using the chain drive 17 that is connected to the sprocket 16 which in turn is connected to the shaft 3.

[0109] Depending on a load of the hydraulic motor, the resistance of the pistons 24 may vary resulting in a movement of the roller weight 1. Less resistance of the pistons 24 may result in a movement of the roller weight 1 to the right. A higher resistance of the pistons 24 may result in a movement of the roller weight 1 to the left. This is indicated by the dashed circular lines around the roller weight 1. The movement of the roller weight 1 is compensated by a pivoting of the balance weight 2. The balance weight 2 may pivot in an upwards or downwards manner depending on an underload or overload, respectively. The pivoting is indicated by the dashed lines around the balance weight 2.

[0110] Referring to Figure 7, a schematic detailed view of another example of an energy converter according to the present invention is shown. In Figure 7 the hydraulics may be the same as previously explained.

[0111] For example, the energy converter includes hydraulic lines 9, 10 coupled to hydraulic lines 20, 21, respectively, via the flange 41 that couples the beam 4 to the shaft 3. The flange 41 includes circular channels 11, 12 and lines channels 14, 15. The impeller may be rotated using the chain drive 17 that is connected to the sprocket 16 which in turn is connected to the shaft 3.

[0112] The energy converter of Figure 7 also includes the housing 5 connected to a radially outer end of the beam 4, caps 38 connected to the housing 5 using screws 49, and central hubs 29 coupled to the caps 38 using screws 43. The roller weight 1 is arranged inside the housing 5 with a spatial distance 50 from the housing 5 so that the roller weight 1 may roll around its roller axis 31 during rotation of the impeller. The roller axis 31 is rotatably coupled to the central hub 29 using the bearing 30.

[0113] Compared to the embodiments previously explained in connection with Figures 1 to 6, the embodiment of Figure 7 includes a different type of hydraulic cylinders 100. The cylinders 100 are configured to slidably receive hydraulic pistons 101. The pistons 101 may be single acting or double acting. A stroke of the pistons 101 may correspond to the spatial distance 50 or may correspond to double the spatial distance 50, depending on whether the pistons 101 are single or double acting pistons. The pistons may draw hydraulic fluid into the cylinders 100 via input non-return valves 26 and may push compressed hydraulic fluid out of the cylinders 100 via output non-return valves 27. In the embodiment of Figure 7, unlike to the embodiments of Figure 1 to 6, the pistons 101 are coupled to the roller axis 31 and the roller axis 31, in turn, is coupled to the second bearing arm 52. As a result, during rotation of the impeller, the roller axis 31 is rotated around a central axis 70 of the central hub 29 moving the hydraulic pistons 101 deeper into the cylinders 100 or further out of the cylinder 100. The movement of the pistons 101 relative to the cylinders 100 creates pressurized hydraulic fluid that is transferred to the inlet of the hydraulic motor for generating electric energy using the kinetic energy of the weights during rotation of the impeller.

[0114] Control of the hydraulic motor and / or driving of the impeller may be the same as in the embodiments explained in connection with Figures 1 to 6.

[0115] Referring to Figure 8, a schematic view of another example of an energy converter according to the present invention is shown.

[0116] In the embodiment of Figure 8 the impeller includes one pair of impeller arms A-A*. A first impeller arm A is equipped with hydraulic cylinders 100. Hydraulic cylinders 100 may be the same as explained in connection with Figure 7. The second impeller arm A* of the pair of impeller arms A-A* does not include hydraulic cylinders. The second impeller arm A* does not provide compressed hydraulic fluid. The second impeller arm A* serves to maintain balance of the impeller during rotation of the impeller.

[0117] Both impeller arms A, A* each include a housing 5 with a roller weight 1, 1* being arranged inside the housing 5. The roller weight 1 of the first impeller arm A may be a first roller weight 1. The roller weight 1* of the second impeller arm A* may be a second roller weight 1*. The second roller weight 1* is configured for balancing the weight of the first roller weight 1 during rotation of the impeller. The second roller weight 1* may thus be referred to as "counterweight 1*". The second roller weight 1* and the first roller weight 1 may have the same weight and / or dimensions. Both roller weights 1, 1* are coupled to their respective housing 5 via the central hub 29 that is coupled to the caps 38 via bearing 42, as already explained.

[0118] The energy converter includes a bearing (star bearing) 53 similar to the bearing 53 explained in connection with Figures 1 to 7. The bearing 53 includes a pair of bearing arms, each bearing arm being associated with a respective impeller arm A, A* of the pair of impeller arms A-A*. The bearing 53 includes an inner ring 140 coupled to the base 6 via screws 54, and an outer ring 141 rotatably coupled to the inner ring 140. Each bearing arm includes a first arm part 55 that is connected to the outer ring 141 and extends radially outward from the outer ring 141, and a second arm part 52 having a first arm end pivotally coupled to the first arm part 55 at an outer coupling end thereof, and a second arm end coupled to the roller axis 31. During rotation of the impeller, the roller axis 31 is rotates around the central axis 70 of the central hub 29, as already explained in connection with Figure 7. The first impeller arm A pressurizes hydraulic fluid for driving the hydraulic motor. The second impeller arm A* serves to maintain the balance of the impeller when the roller weight 1 of the first impeller arm A moves against the resistance of the hydraulic pistons 101.

[0119] The bearing 53 of the energy converter is arranged such that a central axis 108 of the inner ring 140 and the roller axes 31 of the impeller arms A, A* are arranged on a common horizontal plane 106 that is arranged parallel to a horizontal plane 107 extending through central axes 70 of central hubs 29 and a central axis 104 of the shaft 3. As the first roller weight 1 is connected to the second roller weight (counterweight) 1* via the bearing arms 52, 55, any movement of the first roller weight 1 is compensated by the second roller weight 1* for maintaining the balance of the impeller.

[0120] In other words, when the first roller weight 1 moves to the left from the center of the housing 5, it pushes the second roller weight 1* to the right, and vice versa. This way balance is ensured for the impeller both under load during energy production and when it is not under load.

[0121] The second impeller arm A* that is not connected to hydraulic cylinders 100 includes balance weights 123 that are distributed over the circumference of the housing 5 at similar positions than the hydraulic cylinders 100 are distributed over their housing 5. The balance weights 123 serve to compensate the additional weight of the first impeller arm A which is heavier than the second impeller arm A* due to the weight of the hydraulic system, such as hydraulic cylinders 100, pistons 101 and the hydraulic fluid.

[0122] Referring to Figure 9, a schematic view of another example of an energy converter according to the present invention is shown.

[0123] In the embodiment of Figure 9 the impeller includes two pairs of impeller arms, a first pair A-A* and a second pair B-B*. A first impeller arm A, B of each pair includes hydraulic cylinders 100, the second impeller arm A*, B* does not include hydraulic cylinders. The first impeller arms A, B include the first roller weight 1. The second impeller arms A*, B* include the second roller weight 1* that maintains the balance of the impeller. Axes 31 of the roller weights 1, 1* are coupled to the central hubs 29 which in turn are coupled to the caps of the housing 5 using bearing 42, as explained. The impeller arms A, A* of the first pair are coupled to a first bearing 53 and the impeller arms B, B* of the second pair are coupled to another (second) bearing 53 so that the pairs do not depend on or affect each other during rotation of the impeller. The first and second bearing 53 each include an inner ring 140 connected to the base via screws 54, and an outer ring 141 rotatably coupled to the inner ring 140. First arm parts 55 are connected to the outer ring 141 and second arm parts 52 are connected to the first arm parts 55 and to the roller axis of the respective roller weights 1, 1*. During rotation of the impeller, roller axes 31 may rotate around central axes 70 of the central hubs 29. Central axis 104 of shaft 3 and central axis 108 may be arranged similarly to the embodiment described in connection with Figure 8.

[0124] Referring to Figure 10, a schematic view of another example of an energy converter according to the present invention is shown.

[0125] In the embodiment of Figure 10 the impeller includes two pairs of impeller arms, a first pair A-C and a second pair B-D, rotatably coupled to the base 6 via the shaft 3. In the first pair A-C, both impeller arms A, C include hydraulic cylinders 100 and the first roller weight 1. In the second pair B-D, both impeller arms B, D are not connected to hydraulic cylinders and instead include the second roller weight (counterweight) 1*. In each impeller arm A-D, the roller weights 1, 1* are coupled with their axes 31 to the central hubs 29 via bearings 30. The central hubs 29 are in turn coupled to the caps 38 via bearings 42. The caps 38 are screwed to the housings 5 via screws 49. The impeller arms B, D that are not connected to hydraulic cylinders 100 include the balance weights 123 for compensating the additional weight of the hydraulic system on impeller arms A, C.

[0126] The energy converter of Figure 10 includes two bearings 53, 53*. A first bearing 53 is connected to the first roller weights 1 via arm parts 55. A second bearing 53* is connected to the second roller weights (counterweights) 1* via arm parts 55*. The first bearing 53 and the second bearing 53* are configured to move relative to one another such that during rotation of the impeller balance of the impeller is maintained.

[0127] In the embodiment of Figure 10, the first bearing 53 and the second bearing 53* are synchronized with each other. The first bearing 53 includes a first toothed rail mechanism 120 and the second bearing 53* includes a second toothed rail mechanism 120* meshing with the first toothed rail mechanism 120 via a sun gear 121. A movement of the first bearing 53 to the left is compensated by a movement of the second bearing 53* to the right, and a movement of the first bearing 53 to the right is compensated by a movement of the second bearing 53* to the left.

[0128] During rotation of the impeller, hydraulic cylinders 100 provide pressurized hydraulic fluid that is transferred to the high-pressure hydraulic line 21 and into the inlet 35 of the hydraulic motor 7 which is coupled to generator such as an alternator 57 and a battery 56 for producing electric energy. Low-pressure hydraulic fluid may leave the hydraulic motor 7 via the outlet 34 and may be transferred to the hydraulic tank 28 from where it may be transferred again into hydraulic cylinders 100.

[0129] Referring to Figure 11, a schematic detailed view of another example of an energy converter according to the present invention is shown.

[0130] In the embodiment of Figure 11, the first toothed rail mechanism 120 is mounted on a central non-rotating ring of the first bearing 53, and the second toothed rail mechanism 120* is mounted on a central non-rotating ring of the second bearing 53*. Both toothed rail mechanisms 120, 120* are meshed face to face via the sun gear 121 which is mounted rotatably on an axle 125 that is mounted on the base. At least four bearings 122 are used to guide and hold the two toothed rail mechanisms 120, 120* horizontally. The bearings 122 rotate on axles 124 that are mounted on the base. Using the synchronization mechanism of Figure 1, a movement of the first bearing 53 to the left from the center or central axis 104 of the shaft 3 may cause the second bearing 53* to simultaneously move to the right, and a movement of the first bearing 53 to the right may cause the second bearing 53* to simultaneously move to the left.

[0131] Referring to Figure 12, a schematic detailed view of another example of an energy converter according to the present invention is shown.

[0132] In the embodiment of Figure 12 a different mechanism for synchronizing the two bearings 53, 53* is shown.

[0133] Instead of the toothed rail mechanism shown in Figure 11, the embodiment of Figure 12 includes an external gear 126 that meshes with an internal gear 127 via a sun gear 121. The sun gear 121 rotates around an axle 125. The gears 126 and 127 are arranged concentric with respect to the center or central axis 104 of the shaft 3. The first bearing 53 is mounted at a center 105 on the internal gear 127 and the second bearing 53* is mounted at a center 105* on the external gear 126. Arrow 119 shows the movement stroke of the bearings 53, 53* whose perimeter preferably are the same as the stroke of the axle 31.

[0134] Referring to Figure 13, a schematic view of another example of an energy converter according to the present invention is shown.

[0135] In the embodiment of Figure 13 a hydraulic mechanism for synchronizing the two bearings

[0136] 53, 53* is shown. The energy converter of Figure 13 includes a hydraulic synchronization device with a first hydraulic cylinder 99 connected to the first bearing 53 and a second hydraulic cylinder 99* connected to the second bearing 53*. The second hydraulic cylinder 99* is in fluid communication with the first hydraulic cylinder 99 such that a movement of the first hydraulic cylinder 99 results in a movement of the second hydraulic cylinder 99* for keeping a balance during rotation of the impeller. A movement of the first bearing 53 to the left may cause hydraulic fluid to be transferred from the first hydraulic cylinder 99 to the second hydraulic cylinder 99* and may move the second bearing 53* to the right, and vice versa.

[0137] In other words, the hydraulic mechanism has two hydraulic cylinders 99, 99* fixed on one side to the bearing 53, 53*, respectively, and on the other side to a circular housing that is mounted with screws 118 on the base 6 so that it does not rotate during the rotation of the impeller. Both cylinders 99, 99* are connected together with a hose in a closed system so they move together uniformly or extend simultaneously. Hydraulic cylinder 99, which is mounted at one end to the first bearing 53, is emptied when the first bearing 53 moves left while simultaneously filling the diametrically opposite hydraulic cylinder 99* that pushes the second bearing 53* to the right.

[0138] Figure 14 shows a schematic detailed view of the embodiment of Figure 13. As can be seen hydraulic cylinders 99, 99* are connected via a hose.

[0139] Referring to Figure 15, a schematic view of another example of an energy converter according to the present invention is shown.

[0140] In the embodiment of Figure 15 another hydraulic mechanism for synchronizing the two bearings 53, 53* is shown. In the energy converter of Figure 15 hydraulic cylinder 99, 99* are mounted using screws 118 within a non-rotating inner part of the bearings 53, 53*.

[0141] A skilled reader will understand that the examples provided within the disclosure are for illustrating purposes only. Thus, the examples shall not be understood as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Many other suitable examples are possible.

[0142] A skilled reader will understand that examples of energy converters disclosed herein may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0143] The following is also part of the disclosure:

[0144] In a broader sense, the invention belongs to the field of energy, and specifically it refers to a gravity engine.

[0145] (IPC F03G3 / 00;)

[0146] Bearing in mind that energy is the main factor for industrial and social development, researchers around the world have devoted themselves to this field from ancient times until today. They tried in various ways to come up with a formula to produce constant, free energy, specifically with gravity devices, because a gravity device would work independently without the energy from the wind, river, sun or from combustibles.

[0147] A gravity device would be the right solution to produce clean ecological energy especially in modern life where the demand for energy is getting bigger and bigger, due to the need to save and protect the environment. The fact is that we are on the threshold of closing all power plants that work on combustible materials, which means that if there is no increase in ecological energy producers, we can reach a major energy crisis. The modern way to produce electricity is concentrated on ecological producers such as solar panels and wind turbines, but these energy sources do not meet the regular energy supply levels without additional batteries or a power grid.

[0148] The world institutes of technical sciences with the most famous researchers, from ancient times until today, invested a lot of effort, material and non-material resources on numerous gravity and magnetic devices, but they failed to invent an adequate engine that can continuously produce enough free energy without using other energy, which would satisfy the needs of consumers, and which would be an ecologically clean energy producer. It is known that all the previous gravity motors that have been shown, even if they are different, have the same problem, which is that the energy gained by gravity when lowering the weight is consumed when raising it, or so little is gained, that the motor barely spins.

[0149] Due to this, all models presented so far serve more as a theoretical model and cannot be used practically for energy production.

[0150] This major world problem is solved by the new hydrogravity engine, which produces constantly free ecological clean continuous energy using other energy. The new hydrogravity engine is an invention that represents an engine that produces in both directions energy with two types of weights in the same impeller. The first type of weights are (optionally) hammers, and the second type of weight is in the form of rollers that produce a larger amount of (output) energy by their weight, to the same extent during the fall and rise, while rotating simultaneously around their axis and the axis of the impeller, while not losing balance. Their weight needs to maintain balance for easier rotation by minimally using the input energy. Hammers are connected to the rollers by a special mechanism which keeps them weighed on one side during the rotation of the impeller.

[0151] This engine is designed to work and produce constant free energy which would meet the needs of all types of consumers by adapting to their specific energy needs with the hydrogravity engine, which with a suitable generator can supply all types of residential buildings, factories and other consumers that use electricity. This is obtaining energy without using grid electricity, which means that by using the new hydrogravity engine, large power plants and networks for transmitting electricity from power plants to consumers around the world, would be eliminated, so that every consumer would have their own hydrogravity engine for constant free energy production.

[0152] Figure 1, a cross-section, is a front view of a hydrogravity engine having an impeller with four members, labeled (A,B,C,D), which are exactly the same, shown from different views. Member (A) shows the maximum stroke of the hammer, positioned on the outside of the cylindrical housing, connected eccentrically with the roller to the hub and the position of the horizontal connector. Member B, a view into the cylindrical case without a cap, showing the roller and hammer of the hydrogravity engine at medium load, and a view of the position of the hydraulic cylinders, where they are filled and emptied and the pressure wheel standing at 03:00, positioned on the inner side of the cylindrical housing between the roller and cap. Member C, mixed view showing part of the inside and outside of the impeller member, and member D shown similarly to member B.

[0153] Figure 2, longitudinal section, side view of the hydrogravity engine.

[0154] Figure 3, section of one impeller member, top view when it is in a horizontal position. Figure 4, frontal view of the impeller with six engine members (A, B, C, D, E, F), and its connection with a star bearing, which serves to hold the pressure wheels in a horizontal position.

[0155] Figure 5, front view in section, of the hub where the roller and hammer are connected.

[0156] Figure 6 is a front cross-sectional view of one impeller member attached to the primary shaft.

[0157] The hydrogravity engine is designed to simultaneously produce in both directions energy with its impeller containing two types of weights, rollers (1) and (optionally) hammers (2). The hydrogravity engine has a base (6) with vertical columns where an impeller (ABCD) with a rotating primary shaft (3) is rotatably mounted, horizontally on bearings (13). (ABCD) implies an impeller with four members. Figure 1, consists of a primary shaft (3), which has a flange (41) fixed in the middle, with a shaft pin (46). On the flange (41), four or more weight carriers (4) are screwed, diametrically with the same distance between each mentioned weight carrier, which have one round cylindrical housing (5) welded to the ends, parallel to the primary shaft (3). At least four hydraulic cylinders (22) are screwed to the outer diameter of the cylindrical housing (5), where they have corresponding holes for the passage of hydraulic piston rods (24), which move axially inside the cylindrical housing (5), positioned symmetrically with the same distance between all hydraulic cylinders (22), which each have one inlet non-return valve (26), for filling, and one outlet non-return valve (27), for emptying, which is connected in the line of high pressure rotating hoses (10), which is passed through the flange (41), into the primary shaft (3), into the high pressure line channel (15) which is finally connected to the high pressure circular channel (12) around the primary shaft (3) . The high pressure circular channel (12) serves to transfer oil from the shaft and rotating hoses to the non-rotating hoses, and the low pressure circular channel (11) serves to transfer the oil vice versa. Rubber rings (40) are mounted in the outer ring (47) in the bushing (39), on both sides of the circular channels (11 and 12), so that they do not move during the rotation of the impeller and serve to keep the oil in the said circular channel , which is covered by the mentioned bushing, from the high pressure circular channel (12), which is connected to the high pressure inlet coupling (35), where through the high pressure non-rotating hoses (21), is connected to the high pressure inlet coupling (35) which is connected to the entrance of the hydraulic motor (7). The exit of the hydraulic motor (7) is connected with the low pressure inlet coupling (34), from which the oil travels through the low pressure non-rotating hoses (20), into the low pressure inlet coupling (34) which is connected to the bushing (39) and to the tank (28).The low pressure circular channel (11) is connected to the low pressure line channel (14) in the primary shaft (3), which is connected through a flange (41) to the low pressure line of rotating hoses (9), which is connected to all inlet non-return valve (26) , into the hydraulic cylinders (22). The hydraulic cylinders (22) have a piston compression spring (25) inside, which serves to return the piston (23) to the open position, and fills the hydraulic cylinder (22) with oil when it is not under the pressure of the roller (1). The roller (1) is in the form of a whole round cylinder which is made of the heaviest material possible, that has two fixed shafts (31) on its axis. The roller (1) has on both of its circles welded exposed rings (32), which have the same outer perimeters as the circles themselves. The pressure wheels (33) rest on the inner circumference of the welded exposed rings (32), and have a wheel pressure spring (45), built into the wheel carrier (36) the strength of which is adjusted by the tensioner (62). The roller (1) has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical housing (5), so that between the inner diameter of the cylindrical housing (5) and the diameter of the roller (1) there is a distance (50) that corresponds to the stroke length of the hydraulic piston rod (24 ). The cylindrical housing (5), on its circles, has caps (38) mounted with screws (49), which has a circular hole in the center, which includes the fixed shafts (31) and which has a hub (29) mounted on said hole, with screws (43) in a rotating way with bearings (42). The hub (29) has an opening in the center where the bearing (51) is screwed, into which the secondary axles (48) is mounted. At the ends of the secondary axles (48) the wheel carrier (36) and the horizontal connector (52) are fixed with screws (44) in the form of the letter U, whereby the mentioned wheel carrier is positioned between the weight rollers (1) and the caps (38), while the horizontal connector (52) is positioned on the outside of hub (29). The horizontal connectors (52) have their ends connected to the tails (55), with the shafts (60) on the bearings (61) which are mounted on the end of the tails (55) which are distributed symmetrically from the outer ring of the star bearing (53). The joints of the horizontal connectors (52) and the star bearing (53) form a circle (63) which is identical to the circle (64) formed by the secondary axles (48), whereby the circles (63) and (64) are horizontally spaced by the length of the horizontal connector (52), which stand during rotation, horizontally. The star bearing (53) is mounted with the inner ring on the base (6) with screws (54), with its center (108), right in the horizontal with the primary shaft (3) which is positioned in the inner ring of the star bearing (53). The hub (29) has an opening under the center in the appropriate place for the fixed shafts (31), which is mounted a rotating on the bearings (30). Bearing 30 has enough axial clearance so that the roller does not weigh on it, but on the cylindrical housing. The hammer (2) is welded to the end of the hammer shank (37), which is mounted with screws (58) on the hub (29) so that the hammer (2) stands in the hour hand position of 02:00, when the weight roller (1) is vertical with the secondary axles (48). When turning the impeller clockwise, the pressure wheels (33) press the roller (1) on the inner circumference of the welded exposed ring (32) against the hydraulic cylinders (22) and the hammers (2), and keep the rollers (1) tilted towards the hammers (2) or keep them vertically with the center of the hub (29) at the bottom of the housing (5) vertically with the center of the hub (29), as long as the hydraulic motor (7) is moderately loaded. In the event that the hydraulic motor (7) is overloaded, the rollers (1) move from the center, to the left, while at the same time the hammers (2) descend to the right and weigh against each other, so that the two diametrical weights of the hammer and the roller, can only move together in such a way that they approach or move away from each other, while maintaining the same balance and position, whereby, the mentioned hammers and are ensured not to rotate circularly, due to the fact that they are attached to the hub (29) in an eccentric way with rollers that have enough weight that allows them to maintain their position at the bottom of the said cylindrical housings and can only oscillate left and right by limiting the said hammers at an angle of no more 60 degrees, which means that when the mentioned roller is inclined to the maximum to the right, the mentioned hammer is positioned at 01:00h, and when the mentioned roller is tilted in the opposite direction, the mentioned hammer is positioned at 03:00h, regardless of this movement, the pressure wheel (33) stands horizontally at 03:00h pressing the mentioned roller towards the hammer. A sprocket (16) is mounted on the primary shaft (3), which is connected by chains (17) with a DC electric motor (8) powered by an alternator (57). The hydraulic motor (7) rotates the alternator (57), which is connected to the battery (56), and the controller (18), which limits the number of revolutions of the DC electric motor (8), which is significant for the power of the hydrogravity engine and is determined by the potentiometer (19). The hydrogravity engine works so that all the rollers (1) weigh on the bottom of their cylindrical housings (5), connected with hammers (2) which, viewed from thefront of the hydrogravity engine weigh on the right side of the cylindrical housings (5). During the rotation of the impeller, the rollers (1) roll on top of all the hydraulic piston rods (24), so that the hydraulic cylinders through the outlet non-return valves (27) push high pressure and a certain amount of oil to the hydraulic motor (7), which is an energy producer of the gravity motor, intended for direct connection with a generator for the production of electricity or any energy consumer that works on the rotary principle. When the hydraulic motor (7) is underloaded, the hammers (2) stand lifted up to the right, and when the hydraulic motor (7) is overloaded, the hydraulic cylinders (22) are more resistant and create high pressure in hydraulic system, they move the rollers (1) from the central vertical line of the cylindrical housings (5), to the left, seen from the front of the hydrogravity engine, which means that the rollers (1), which are mounted in an excentric and rotative way on the hub (29), would move simultaneously, diametrically with hammers (2) that are fixed to the mentioned hub (29), and react as a response to maintain the balance, so that the hydrogravity motor does not feel the load changes of the hydraulic motor (7), and produces stable energy constantly with the same revolutions.

[0158] Possible aspects are:

[0159] 1. The hydrogravity motor has a base (6), with vertical columns where a rotating impeller (ABCD) is mounted, with a rotating primary shaft (3), horizontally, wherein said impeller consists of the said primary shaft, which has a flange (41) fixed in the middle, on which four or more weight carriers (4) are screwed, diametrically, with the same distance between each said weight carrier, which each have a round cylindrical housing (5) welded to the end, fixed parallel to said primary shaft, where at least four hydraulic cylinders (22) are symmetrically distributed and screwed to the outer diameter of the said cylindrical housing, with the hydraulic piston rod (24) towards the axis of the said cylindrical housing, where they have corresponding holes for opening and moving the said hydraulic piston rod into the said cylindrical housing axially, and closing said hydraulic piston rod flush with the inner diameter of said cylindrical housing, whereby all said hydraulic cylinders have one inlet non-return valve (26) for filling, and one outlet nonreturn valve (27) for emptying, connected in a line of high pressure rotating hoses (10), which is passed through the rotating mentioned primary shaft, by the existing hydraulic method to non-rotating high pressure hoses (21), connected to the high pressure inlet coupling (35) which is connected to the entrance of the hydraulic motor (7), then exits from said hydraulic motor, via low pressure coupling (34) through low pressure non-rotating hoses (20)which are connected to the bushing (39) and to the tank (28) and via the rotating said primary shaft, by the same hydraulic method with a line of low pressure rotating hoses (9), which are connected to all the mentioned inlet non-return valves, which are on the mentioned hydraulic cylinders, which each have a piston compression spring inside (25), which opens the piston (23) and fills the mentioned hydraulic cylinder when it is not under pressure by the roller (1), which is in the form of a whole round cylinder with the appropriate weight, which has on its axis the fixed shafts (31), and has on both of its circles welded exposed rings (32), which have the same outer perimeters as the circles of the roller, positioned inside the said cylindrical housing, which has a sufficiently larger internal diameter than the diameter of the mentioned roller, where there is a distance (50), which corresponds to the stroke length of said hydraulic piston rod, wherein said cylindrical housing has caps (38) on its circles, which have a circular hole in the center, where in a rotating manner mounted hubs (29), which include the mentioned fixed shafts (31), mounted rotating, horizontally below the center of the mentioned hubs for half the distance (50), and in the center of the mentioned hubs are mounted rotating secondary axles (48), which at the ends have, parallel in the form of the letter U, a screw-fixed wheel carrier (36) positioned inside the said cylindrical housing, between the said roller and the said cap, and on the outside a horizontal connector (52), the end of which is rotatably connected to the end of tail (55), which are arranged symmetrically on the outer ring of the star bearing (53), so that the connections of the mentioned horizontal connectors (52) and the mentioned tails (55) form a circle (63), which is identical to the circle (64) formed by the said secondary axles (48), wherein the said star bearing (53) is mounted with the inner ring screwed to the said base (6) with its center (108) right in the horizontal with the said primary shaft (3) which is positioned in the inner ring of the said star bearing, whereby the mentioned tails (55) and outer ring of said star bearing (53) follows the rotation of said impeller, keeping the mentioned wheel carrier (36) in a horizontal position, which has a built-in thrust wheel spring (45), and the said pressure wheel (33) which rotates pressing the mentioned roller on the mentioned exposed ring opposite to the pressure exerted by the mentioned hydraulic cylinders and the said hammers positioned outside the outer diameter of the said cylindrical housing in the clockwise position at 02:00, while said rollers (1) are centered vertically with mentioned secondary axles (48), whereby, at the moment when the mentioned hydraulic motor is overloaded, said hydraulic cylinders are more resistant to the strength of said wheel spring (45) and move the said rollers from the vertical of the mentioned secondary axles, to the left at the same time as said hammer (2) move in the opposite direction, so that the two diametrical weights of said rollers (1) and said hammers (2) which are connected eccentrically to the said hub (29), while the said hammer are ensured not to rotate circularly, due to the fact that they are connected to the said hub eccentrically with the said rollers, which have enough weight that allows them to , during rotation, move from the center of the said housings only by rocking left and right keeping the position at the bottom of the said cylindrical housings, by limiting the travel of the said hammer within an angle of 60 degrees, whereby, when the said roller is positioned to the far right, then said hammer is positioned at 01:00h, and when said roller is positioned to the far left, said hammer is positioned at 03:00h, and regardless of this movement, the pressure wheel (33) stands horizontally at 03:00h pressing the mentioned roller towards the said hammer.

[0160] 2. The hydrogravity motor of possible aspect 1, wherein it produces in both directions energy, whereby the hammers (2) are connected eccentrically on the hub (29) with the rollers (1) which are under the pressure of the pressure wheels (33), wherein the motor has a controller (18) in order to preserve the rotational speed of the mentioned impeller, which is determined by the potentiometer (19), while the mentioned rollers which, during the rotation of the mentioned impeller, roll evenly into the mentioned cylindrical housings while in turn pressing all the hydraulic piston rods (24), which constantly push, with a high amount of pressure, the necessary amount of oil into the mentioned hydraulic motor (7), which causes the torque of the mentioned hydraulic motor which is the producer of constant rotational energy of the hydrogravity motor, whereby for the rotation of the mentioned impeller, a DC electric motor (8) can be used connected to the battery (56) and the alternator (57), which rotates the mentioned hydraulic motor with a minimal part of the produced energy. (Figure 1,2 and 4)

[0161] The following aspects are preferred embodiments of the invention:

[0162] 1. An energy converter configured for converting kinetic energy into electric energy, the energy converter comprising: a base (6), an impeller rotatably coupled to the base (6) by a shaft (3), the impeller including at least one pair of impeller arms (A-F), the impeller arms (A-F) being connected to the shaft (3) and extending in a radially outward direction from the shaft (3), the impeller arms (A-F) preferably being arranged diametrically opposite to one another with respect to the shaft (3), each impeller arm (A-F) including: a housing (5) connected eccentrically to the shaft (3), a roller weight (1) arranged inside the housing (5), the roller weight (1) having a roller axis (31) and being rotatable aboutthe roller axis (31) during rotation of the impeller, the roller weight (1) having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the housing (5) for providing a spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1), a central hub (29) having a central shaft (48), the central hub (29) being coupled to the roller axis (31) at a position eccentric to the central shaft (48) such that the roller axis (31) and the central shaft (48) are arranged at a distance from one another that is half the spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1), a displacement arm (36) connected to the central shaft (48), the displacement arm (36) being configured for pressing or urging the roller weight (1) towards an inner circumferential face of the housing (5) during rotation of the impeller, a bearing (53) including: an inner ring (140) connected to the base (6), an outer ring (141) rotatably coupled to the inner ring (140), at least one pair of bearing arms, each bearing arm being associated with a respective impeller arm (A-F), each bearing arm being configured for following a movement of a respective impeller arm (A-F) during rotation of the impeller arm (A-F), each bearing arm including: a first arm part (55) connected to the outer ring (141), a second arm part (52) having a first arm end pivotally connected to a radially outer coupling end of the first arm part (55), and a second arm end fixedly connected to the central shaft (48), wherein the bearing (53) and the impeller are arranged such that an imaginary circle (64) extending through the central shaft (48) of each impeller arm (A- F) and an imaginary circle (63) extending through the radially outer coupling end of each bearing arm have substantially the same diameter, and the shaft (3) coupling the impeller to the base (6) is arranged inside the inner ring (140) of the bearing (53), a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (22), preferably at least four hydraulic cylinders (22), arranged on a circumferential face of the housing (5) of at least one impeller arm, preferably both impeller arms, each hydraulic cylinder (22) being configured for slidably receiving a hydraulic piston (24), the hydraulic piston (24) having a piston stroke preferably corresponding to the spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1), the hydraulic piston (24) protruding at least partially into an inside of the housing (5) such that when the impeller is rotated, the roller weight (1) is pressed or urged against the hydraulic piston (24) by the displacement arm (36) and moves the hydraulic piston (24) deeper into the hydraulic cylinder (22), preferably wherein moving the hydraulic piston (24) deeper into the hydraulic cylinder (22) compresses hydraulic fluid provided within the hydraulic cylinder (22), and preferably wherein moving the hydraulic piston (24) further out of the hydraulic cylinder (22) draws hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder (22), an output non-return valve (27) connected to an output of each hydraulic cylinder (22), the output non-return valve (27) being configured for allowing a flow of compressed hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder (22) and blocking a flow of hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder (22), an input non-return valve (26) connected to an input of the hydraulic cylinder (22), the input nonreturn valve (26) being configured for allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the hydraulic cylinder (22) and blocking a flow of hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder (22), a high-pressure hydraulic line (10, 21) connected to the output non-return valve (27) of each hydraulic cylinder (22), a low-pressure hydraulic line (9, 20) connected to the input non-return valve (26) of each hydraulic cylinder (22), a hydraulic tank (28) connected to the low-pressure hydraulic line (9, 20), and a hydraulic motor (7) or turbine coupled to an electric generator for producing electric energy, wherein an inlet (35) of the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine is coupled to the high-pressure hydraulic line (10, 21) such that compressed hydraulic fluid is provided to the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine for turning the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine and producing electric energy by the electric generator, preferably wherein an outlet (34) of the hydraulic motor (7) or the turbine is coupled to the hydraulic tank (28) for discharging hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic tank (28).

[0163] 2. The energy converter of aspect 1, wherein: the first arm part (55) extends radially outward from the outer ring (141), the second arm part (52) extends in a substantially horizontal direction, the displacement arm (36) extends in a substantially horizontal direction and preferably overlaps with the second arm part (52), and the inner ring (140) of the bearing (53) is arranged such that an axis (102) extending through a center point (108) of the inner ring (140) and a center point of the shaft (3) extends in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0164] 3. The energy converter of aspects 1 or 2, wherein: the first shaft end of the central shaft (48) is arranged inside the housing (5), the second shaft end of the central shaft (48) is arranged outside the housing (5) and preferably, the displacement arm (36) is arranged inside the housing (5), and the second arm part (52) is arranged outside the housing (5).

[0165] 4. The energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the second arm part (52) and the displacement arm (36) are connected to the central shaft (48) in a U-shaped form, preferably wherein the second arm part (52) and the displacement arm (36) overlap one another, preferably wherein the second arm part (52) and the displacement arm (36) overlap one another independent of a rotational angle of the impeller arm (A-F) and / or a rotational angle of the corresponding bearing arm.

[0166] 5. The energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein each impeller arm further includes: a balance weight (2) arranged at a radially outer side of the housing (5), the balance weight (2) being configured for balancing the roller weight (1) during rotation of the impeller arm (A-F), preferably wherein the balance weight (2) is connected to the central hub (29) at a position eccentric to a coupling position of the roller axis (31) and / or at a radial distance from the central shaft (48).

[0167] 6. The energy converter of aspect 5, wherein the balance weight (2) is fixedly connected to the central hub (29) by a shank (37), the shank (37) being connected with one end to the central hub (29) and with the other end to the balance weight (2), preferably wherein the shank (37) is connected to the balance weight (2) at an eccentric position with respect to the balance weight (2).

[0168] 7. The energy converter of aspects 5 or 6, wherein the balance weight (2) has the shape of a hammer head, preferably wherein a tip of the hammer head points towards a direction of rotation of the impeller.

[0169] 8. The energy converter of any one of aspects 5-7, wherein the balance weight (2) is arranged at an hour position between 1:00 and 3:00 when the impeller is viewed from a side view. The energy converter of any one of aspects 5-8, wherein the balance weight (2) is allowed to pivot around a pivot axis, preferably wherein a pivoting of the balance weight (2) is in a range of about 60 degrees. The energy converter of aspects 5-9, wherein the roller weight (1) and the balance weight (2) are allowed to move relative to one another, such as in a direction towards one another or away from one another, for keeping the balance. The energy converter of aspect 10, wherein the movement depends on a hydraulic load of the hydraulic motor. The energy converter of aspect 11, wherein when a clockwise rotation of the impeller is assumed, a moderate or regular load of the hydraulic motor (7) causes the balance weight (2) to be arranged at an hour position of 2:00 and the roller weight (1) to be placed at a lower vertical bottom position inside the housing (5), an overload of the hydraulic motor (7), in which the hydraulic pistons (24) are more resistant to the pressing or urging of the displacement arm (36) compared to the moderate or regular load, causes the roller weight (1) to move to the left and causes the balance weight (2) to move to the right for keeping the balance, preferably wherein moving the balance weight (2) to the right is associated with a rotation of the balance weight (2) from the hour position of 2:00 to an hour position of more than 2:00, such as 3:00, an underload of the hydraulic motor (7), in which the hydraulic pistons (24) are less resistant to the pressing or urging of the displacement arm (36) compared to the moderate or regular load, causes the roller weight (1) to move to the right and causes the balance weight (2) to move the left for keeping the balance, preferably wherein moving the balance weight (2) to the left is associated with a rotation of the balance weight (2) from the hour position of 2:00 to an hour position of less than 2:00, such as 1:00. The energy converter of any one of aspects 11 or 12, wherein the displacement arm (36) and preferably the first arm part (52) of each impeller arm (A-F) extend in a horizontal direction when the impeller is viewed from a side view, preferably wherein the horizontal direction is independent of a load of the hydraulic motor (7) and / or a rotational position of the impeller arm (A-F) and the corresponding bearing arm. The energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising: a motor, preferably an electric motor (8), configured for rotating the impeller, preferably in a clockwise direction, preferably wherein electric energy supplied to the motor for rotating the impeller is provided by the electric generator connected to the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine. The energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising: a controller (18) for controlling a rotational speed of the impeller, preferably wherein the controller (18) is connected to a potentiometer (19). The energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the roller weight (1) includes an outer contour (32) arranged on a side face of the roller weight (1), preferably on both side faces of the roller weight (1), and the displacement arm (36) includes a roller wheel (33) for rolling on the outer contour (32). The energy converter of aspect 16, wherein the displacement arm (36) includes a pressure spring (45), the pressure spring (45) being configured for pressing or urging the roller wheel (33) towards the outer contour (32) such that the roller weight (1) is pressed or urged towards the inner circumferential face of the housing (5). The energy converter of aspect 17, wherein the displacement arm (36) includes a tensioner (62) for tensioning the pressure spring (45). The energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising: a flange (41) connecting the shaft (3) to the impeller arms (A-F), the flange (41) being configured for transferring hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic cylinders (22) of the rotating impeller arms (A-F) and the stationary hydraulic motor (7), wherein the flange (41) includes a high pressure circular channel (12) for transferring compressed hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinders (22) to the inlet (35) of the hydraulic motor (7), and a low pressure circular channel (11) for transferring hydraulic fluid from the outlet (34) of the hydraulic motor (7) to the hydraulic cylinders (22), preferably wherein the high pressure circular channel (12) and the low pressure circular channel (11) are arranged concentric to one another around a central axis of the shaft (3). The energy converter of aspect 19, wherein the shaft (3) is rotatably coupled to the base (6) by a bushing (39), the bushing (39) being arranged radially outside of the circular channels (11, 12) and being configured for transferring hydraulic fluid from the circular channels (11, 12) to stationary hydraulic lines (20, 21) connected to the hydraulic motor (7), preferably wherein sealing rings (40) such as rubber rings are arranged inside the bushing (39) for sealing the circular channels (11, 12) against one another and / or an environment. An energy converter configured for converting kinetic energy into electric energy, the energy converter comprising: a base (6), an impeller rotatably coupled to the base (6) by a shaft (3), the impeller including a first pair of impeller arms (A-A*), the impeller arms (A, A*) being connected to the shaft (3) and extending in a radially outward direction from the shaft (3), the impeller arms (A, A*) preferably being arranged diametrically opposite to one another with respect to the shaft (3), each impeller arm (A, A*) including: a housing (5) connected eccentrically to the shaft (3), a roller weight (1, 1*) arranged inside the housing (5), the roller weight (1, 1*) having a roller axis (31) and being rotatable about the roller axis (31) during rotation of the impeller, the roller weight (1, 1*) having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the housing (5) for providing a spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1, 1*), a central hub (29) having a central axis (70), the central hub (29) being coupled to the roller axis (31) such that during rotation of the impeller the roller axis (31) is rotatable around the central axis (70), a first bearing (53) including: an inner ring (140) connected to the base (6) an outer ring (141) rotatably coupled to the inner ring (140), a first pair of bearing arms, each bearing arm being associated with a respective impeller arm (A, A*) of the first pair of impeller arms (A-A*), each bearing arm being configured for following a movement of a respective impeller arm (A, A*) during rotation of the impeller arm (A, A*), one end of each bearing arm being connected to the outer ring (141) and the other end of each bearing arm being connected to the roller axis (31) of the respective impeller arm (A, A*), wherein the first bearing (53) is arranged such that the shaft (3) coupling the impeller to the base (6) is arranged inside the inner ring (140), a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (100), preferably at least three hydraulic cylinders (100), arranged on a circumferential face of the housing (5) of at least one impeller arm (A) of the pair of impeller arms (A-A*), each hydraulic cylinder (100) being configured for slidably receiving a hydraulic piston (101), the hydraulic piston (101) having a piston stroke preferably corresponding to the spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1) or corresponding to double the spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1), the hydraulic piston (101) protruding at least partially into an inside of the housing (5), the hydraulic piston (101) being coupled to the roller axis (31) of the roller weight (1) such that when the impeller is rotated the roller axis (31) is rotated around the central axis (70) moving the hydraulic piston (101) deeper into or further out of the hydraulic cylinder (100), preferably wherein moving the hydraulic piston (101) deeper into the hydraulic cylinder (100) compresses hydraulic fluid provided within the hydraulic cylinder (100), and preferably wherein moving the hydraulic piston (101) further out of the hydraulic cylinder (100) draws hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder (100), an output non-return valve (27) connected to an output of each hydraulic cylinder (22), the output non-return valve (27) being configured for allowing a flow of compressed hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder (100) and blocking a flow of hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder (100), an input non-return valve (26) connected to an input of the hydraulic cylinder (100), the input non-return valve (26) being configured for allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the hydraulic cylinder (100) and blocking a flow of hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder (100), a high-pressure hydraulic line (10, 21) connected to the output non-return valve (27) of each hydraulic cylinder (22), a low-pressure hydraulic line (9, 20) connected to the input non-return valve (26) of each hydraulic cylinder (22), a hydraulic tank (28) connected to the low-pressure hydraulic line (9, 20), and a hydraulic motor (7) or turbine coupled to an electric generator for producing electric energy, wherein an inlet (35) of the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine is coupled to the high-pressure hydraulic line (10, 21) such that compressed hydraulic fluid is provided to the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine for turning the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine and producing electric energy by the electric generator, preferably wherein an outlet (34) of the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine is coupled to the hydraulic tank (28) for discharging hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic tank (28). nergy converter of aspect 21, wherein each bearing arm includes: a first arm part (55) connected to the outer ring (141) of the bearing (53), and a second arm part (52) having a first arm end pivotally connected to a radially outer coupling end of the first arm part (55), and a second arm end connected to the roller axis (31). The energy converter of aspects 21 or 22, wherein the central hub (29) is coupled to the roller axis (31) such that during rotation of the impeller the roller axis (31) is rotatable around the central axis (70) at a distance from the central axis (70) that is half the spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1, 1*). The energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the roller weights (1, 1*) are configured for maintaining a balance of the impeller arms (A, A*), preferably wherein the roller weight (1) that is connected to the hydraulic cylinders (100) is a first roller weight (1) and the roller weight (1*) that is not connected to the hydraulic cylinders (100) is a second roller weight (1*), wherein the second roller weight (1*) is configured for counterbalancing a weight of the first roller weight (1). The energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein only one impeller arm (A) of the first pair of impeller arms (A-A*) includes the hydraulic cylinders (100) and the other impeller arm (A*) includes balance weights (123) configured for balancing a weight of the hydraulic cylinders (100), preferably wherein the balance weights (123) are arranged on a circumference of the housing (5), preferably wherein the balance weights (123) are distributed over the circumference of the housing (5), more preferably wherein the balance weights (123) are distributed over the circumference at similar positions than the hydraulic cylinders (100). The energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the bearing (53) is arranged such that a central axis (108) of the inner ring (140) and the roller axes (31) of the impeller arms (A, A*) are arranged on a common horizontal plane (106) that is arranged parallel to a horizontal plane (107) extending through central axes (70) of central hubs (29) and a central axis (104) of the shaft (3). The energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the impeller includes a second pair of impeller arms (B-B*) preferably designed identical to the first pair of impeller arms (A-A*), and a second bearing (53*) preferably designed identical to the first bearing (53), wherein the first bearing (53) is configured to move relative to the second bearing (53*) for maintaining balance during rotation of the impeller. The energy converter of aspect 27, wherein the relative movement between the first bearing (53) and the second bearing (53*) is synchronized. The energy converter of aspect 28, wherein the first bearing (53) includes a first toothed rail mechanism (120) and the second bearing (53*) includes a second toothed rail mechanism (120*) meshing with the first toothed rail mechanism (120) via a sun gear (121) during rotation of the impeller, preferably wherein synchronization is such that a movement of the first bearing (53) to the left is compensated by a movement of the second bearing (53*) to the right and / or a movement of the first bearing (53) to the right is compensated by a movement of the second bearing (53*) to the left. The energy converter of aspect 29, including a synchronization gear with an external gear (126) and an internal gear (127) meshing with the external gear (126) via a sun gear (121), wherein the first bearing (53) is mounted at a center (105) of the internal gear (127) and the second bearing (53*) is mounted at a center (105*) of the external gear (126), and a perimeter of the first bearing (53) and a perimeter of the second bearing (53*) substantially correspond to a radius the roller axis (31) rotates around the central axis (70). The energy converter of aspect 29, including a hydraulic synchronization device with a first hydraulic cylinder (99) connected to the first bearing (53) and a second hydraulic cylinder (99*) connected to the second bearing (53*) and in fluid communication with the first hydraulic cylinder (99), wherein a movement of the first hydraulic cylinder (99) results in a movement of the second hydraulic cylinder (99*) for keeping balance during rotation of the impeller, preferably wherein a movement of the first bearing (53) to the left causes hydraulic fluid to be transferred from the first hydraulic cylinder (99) to the second hydraulic cylinder (99*) for moving the second bearing (53*) to the right. The energy converter of aspect 31, wherein the first and second hydraulic cylinders (99, 99*) are connected with one end to the respective first or second bearing (53, 53*) and with the other end to a hydraulic housing that is mounted on the stationary base (6). The energy converter of aspects 31 or 32, wherein the first and second hydraulic cylinders (99, 99*) are connected with one end to the respective first bearing (53) or second bearing (53*) and with the other end to a non-rotatable part of the base (6). The energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising: a motor, preferably an electric motor (8), configured for rotating the impeller, preferably in a clockwise direction, preferably wherein electric energy supplied to the motor for rotating the impeller is provided by the electric generator connected to the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An energy converter configured for converting kinetic energy into electric energy, the energy converter comprising: a base (6), an impeller rotatably coupled to the base (6) by a shaft (3), the impeller including at least one pair of impeller arms (A-F), the impeller arms (A-F) being connected to the shaft (3) and extending in a radially outward direction from the shaft (3), the impeller arms (A-F) preferably being arranged diametrically opposite to one another with respect to the shaft (3), each impeller arm (A-F) including: a housing (5) connected eccentrically to the shaft (3), a roller weight (1) arranged inside the housing (5), the roller weight (1) having a roller axis (31) and being rotatable aboutthe roller axis (31) during rotation of the impeller, the roller weight (1) having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the housing (5) for providing a spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1), a central hub (29) having a central shaft (48), the central hub (29) being coupled to the roller axis (31) at a position eccentric to the central shaft (48) such that the roller axis (31) and the central shaft (48) are arranged at a distance from one another that is half the spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1), a displacement arm (36) connected to the central shaft (48), the displacement arm (36) being configured for pressing or urging the roller weight (1) towards an inner circumferential face of the housing (5) during rotation of the impeller, a bearing (53) including: an inner ring (140) connected to the base (6), an outer ring (141) rotatably coupled to the inner ring (140), at least one pair of bearing arms, each bearing arm being associated with a respective impeller arm (A-F), each bearing arm being configured for following a movement of a respective impeller arm (A-F) during rotation of the impeller arm (A-F), each bearing arm including: a first arm part (55) connected to the outer ring (141), a second arm part (52) having a first arm end pivotally connected to a radially outer coupling end of the first arm part (55), and a second arm end fixedly connected to the central shaft (48), wherein the bearing (53) and the impeller are arranged such that an imaginary circle (64) extending through the central shaft (48) of each impeller arm (A- F) and an imaginary circle (63) extending through the radially outer coupling end of each bearing arm have substantially the same diameter, and the shaft (3) coupling the impeller to the base (6) is arranged inside the inner ring (140) of the bearing (53), a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (22), preferably at least four hydraulic cylinders (22), arranged on a circumferential face of the housing (5) of at least one impeller arm, preferably both impeller arms, each hydraulic cylinder (22) being configured for slidably receiving a hydraulic piston (24), the hydraulic piston (24) having a piston stroke preferably corresponding to the spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1), the hydraulic piston (24) protruding at least partially into an inside of the housing (5) such that when the impeller is rotated, the rollerweight (1) is pressed or urged against the hydraulic piston (24) by the displacement arm (36) and moves the hydraulic piston (24) deeper into the hydraulic cylinder (22), preferably wherein moving the hydraulic piston (24) deeper into the hydraulic cylinder (22) compresses hydraulic fluid provided within the hydraulic cylinder (22), and preferably wherein moving the hydraulic piston (24) further out of the hydraulic cylinder (22) draws hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder (22), an output non-return valve (27) connected to an output of each hydraulic cylinder (22), the output non-return valve (27) being configured for allowing a flow of compressed hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder (22) and blocking a flow of hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder (22), an input non-return valve (26) connected to an input of the hydraulic cylinder (22), the input nonreturn valve (26) being configured for allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the hydraulic cylinder (22) and blocking a flow of hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder (22), a high-pressure hydraulic line (10, 21) connected to the output non-return valve (27) of each hydraulic cylinder (22), a low-pressure hydraulic line (9, 20) connected to the input non-return valve (26) of each hydraulic cylinder (22), a hydraulic tank (28) connected to the low-pressure hydraulic line (9, 20), and a hydraulic motor (7) or turbine coupled to an electric generator for producing electric energy, wherein an inlet (35) of the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine is coupled to the high-pressure hydraulic line (10, 21) such that compressed hydraulic fluid is provided to the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine for turning the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine and producing electric energy by the electric generator, preferably wherein an outlet (34) of the hydraulic motor (7) or the turbine is coupled to the hydraulic tank (28) for discharging hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic tank (28).

2. The energy converter of claim 1, wherein: the first arm part (55) extends radially outward from the outer ring (141), the second arm part (52) extends in a substantially horizontal direction, the displacement arm (36) extends in a substantially horizontal direction and preferably overlaps with the second arm part (52), and the inner ring (140) of the bearing (53) is arranged such that an axis (102) extending through a center point (108) of the inner ring (140) and a center point of the shaft (3) extends in a substantially horizontal direction.

3. The energy converter of claims 1 or 2, wherein: the first shaft end of the central shaft (48) is arranged inside the housing (5), the second shaft end of the central shaft (48) is arranged outside the housing (5) and preferably, the displacement arm (36) is arranged inside the housing (5), and the second arm part (52) is arranged outside the housing (5).

4. The energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second arm part (52) and the displacement arm (36) are connected to the central shaft (48) in a U-shaped form, preferably wherein the second arm part (52) and the displacement arm (36) overlap one another, preferably wherein the second arm part (52) and the displacement arm (36) overlap one another independent of a rotational angle of the impeller arm (A-F) and / or a rotational angle of the corresponding bearing arm.

5. The energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each impeller arm further includes: a balance weight (2) arranged at a radially outer side of the housing (5), the balance weight (2) being configured for balancing the roller weight (1) during rotation of the impeller arm (A-F), preferably wherein the balance weight (2) is connected to the central hub (29) at a position eccentric to a coupling position of the roller axis (31) and / or at a radial distance from the central shaft (48).

6. The energy converter of claim 5, wherein the balance weight (2) is fixedly connected to the central hub (29) by a shank (37), the shank (37) being connected with one end to the central hub (29) and with the other end to the balance weight (2), preferably wherein the shank (37) is connected to the balance weight (2) at an eccentric position with respect to the balance weight (2).

7. The energy converter of claims 5 or 6, wherein the balance weight (2) has the shape of a hammer head, preferably wherein a tip of the hammer head points towards a direction of rotation of the impeller.

8. The energy converter of any one of claims 5-7, wherein the balance weight (2) is arranged at an hour position between 1:00 and 3:00 when the impeller is viewed from a side view.

9. The energy converter of any one of claims 5-8, wherein the balance weight (2) is allowed to pivot around a pivot axis, preferably wherein a pivoting of the balance weight (2) is in a range of about 60 degrees.

10. The energy converter of claims 5-9, wherein the roller weight (1) and the balance weight (2) are allowed to move relative to one another, such as in a direction towards one another or away from one another, for keeping the balance.

11. The energy converter of claim 10, wherein the movement depends on a hydraulic load of the hydraulic motor.

12. The energy converter of claim 11, wherein when a clockwise rotation of the impeller is assumed, a moderate or regular load of the hydraulic motor (7) causes the balance weight (2) to be arranged at an hour position of 2:00 and the roller weight (1) to be placed at a lower vertical bottom position inside the housing (5), an overload of the hydraulic motor (7), in which the hydraulic pistons (24) are more resistant to the pressing or urging of the displacement arm (36) compared to the moderate or regular load, causes the roller weight (1) to move to the left and causes the balance weight (2) to move to the right for keeping the balance, preferably wherein moving the balance weight (2) to the right is associated with a rotation of the balance weight (2) from the hour position of 2:00 to an hour position of more than 2:00, such as 3:00, an underload of the hydraulic motor (7), in which the hydraulic pistons (24) are less resistant to the pressing or urging of the displacement arm (36) compared to the moderate or regular load, causes the roller weight (1) to move to the right and causes the balance weight (2) to move the left for keeping the balance, preferably wherein moving the balance weight (2) to the left isassociated with a rotation of the balance weight (2) from the hour position of 2:00 to an hour position of less than 2:00, such as 1:00.

13. The energy converter of any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the displacement arm (36) and preferably the first arm part (52) of each impeller arm (A-F) extend in a horizontal direction when the impeller is viewed from a side view, preferably wherein the horizontal direction is independent of a load of the hydraulic motor (7) and / or a rotational position of the impeller arm (A-F) and the corresponding bearing arm.

14. The energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a motor, preferably an electric motor (8), configured for rotating the impeller, preferably in a clockwise direction, preferably wherein electric energy supplied to the motor for rotating the impeller is provided by the electric generator connected to the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine.

15. The energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a controller (18) for controlling a rotational speed of the impeller, preferably wherein the controller (18) is connected to a potentiometer (19).

16. The energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roller weight (1) includes an outer contour (32) arranged on a side face of the roller weight (1), preferably on both side faces of the roller weight (1), and the displacement arm (36) includes a roller wheel (33) for rolling on the outer contour (32).

17. The energy converter of claim 16, wherein the displacement arm (36) includes a pressure spring (45), the pressure spring (45) being configured for pressing or urging the roller wheel (33) towards the outer contour (32) such that the roller weight (1) is pressed or urged towards the inner circumferential face of the housing (5).

18. The energy converter of claim 17, wherein the displacement arm (36) includes a tensioner (62) for tensioning the pressure spring (45).

19. The energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a flange (41) connecting the shaft (3) to the impeller arms (A-F), the flange (41) being configured for transferring hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic cylinders (22) of the rotating impeller arms (A-F) and the stationary hydraulic motor (7), wherein the flange (41) includes a high pressure circular channel (12) for transferring compressed hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinders (22) to the inlet (35) of the hydraulic motor (7), and a low pressure circular channel (11) for transferring hydraulic fluid from the outlet (34) of the hydraulic motor (7) to the hydraulic cylinders (22), preferably wherein the high pressure circular channel (12) and the low pressure circular channel (11) are arranged concentric to one another around a central axis of the shaft (3).

0. The energy converter of claim 19, wherein the shaft (3) is rotatably coupled to the base (6) by a bushing (39), the bushing (39) being arranged radially outside of the circular channels (11, 12) and being configured for transferring hydraulic fluid from the circular channels (11, 12) to stationary hydrauliclines (20, 21) connected to the hydraulic motor (7), preferably wherein sealing rings (40) such as rubber rings are arranged inside the bushing (39) for sealing the circular channels (11, 12) against one another and / or an environment.

21. An energy converter configured for converting kinetic energy into electric energy, the energy converter comprising: a base (6), an impeller rotatably coupled to the base (6) by a shaft (3), the impeller including a first pair of impeller arms (A-A*), the impeller arms (A, A*) being connected to the shaft (3) and extending in a radially outward direction from the shaft (3), the impeller arms (A, A*) preferably being arranged diametrically opposite to one another with respect to the shaft (3), each impeller arm (A, A*) including: a housing (5) connected eccentrically to the shaft (3), a roller weight (1, 1*) arranged inside the housing (5), the roller weight (1, 1*) having a roller axis (31) and being rotatable about the roller axis (31) during rotation of the impeller, the roller weight (1, 1*) having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the housing (5) for providing a spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1, 1*), a central hub (29) having a central axis (70), the central hub (29) being coupled to the roller axis (31) such that during rotation of the impeller the roller axis (31) is rotatable around the central axis (70), a first bearing (53) including: an inner ring (140) connected to the base (6) an outer ring (141) rotatably coupled to the inner ring (140), a first pair of bearing arms, each bearing arm being associated with a respective impeller arm (A, A*) of the first pair of impeller arms (A-A*), each bearing arm being configured for following a movement of a respective impeller arm (A, A*) during rotation of the impeller arm (A, A*), one end of each bearing arm being connected to the outer ring (141) and the other end of each bearing arm being connected to the roller axis (31) of the respective impeller arm (A, A*), wherein the first bearing (53) is arranged such that the shaft (3) coupling the impeller to the base (6) is arranged inside the inner ring (140), a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (100), preferably at least three hydraulic cylinders (100), arranged on a circumferential face of the housing (5) of at least one impeller arm (A) of the pair of impeller arms (A-A*), each hydraulic cylinder (100) being configured for slidably receiving a hydraulic piston (101), the hydraulic piston (101) having a piston stroke preferably corresponding to the spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1) or corresponding to double the spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1), the hydraulic piston (101) protruding at least partially into an inside of the housing (5), the hydraulic piston (101) being coupled to the roller axis (31) of the roller weight (1) such that when the impeller is rotated the roller axis (31) is rotated around the central axis (70) moving the hydraulic piston (101) deeper into or further out of the hydraulic cylinder (100), preferably wherein moving the hydraulic piston (101) deeper into the hydraulic cylinder (100) compresses hydraulic fluid provided within the hydraulic cylinder (100), and preferably wherein moving the hydraulic piston (101) further out of the hydraulic cylinder (100) draws hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder (100),an output non-return valve (27) connected to an output of each hydraulic cylinder (22), the output non-return valve (27) being configured for allowing a flow of compressed hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder (100) and blocking a flow of hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder (100), an input non-return valve (26) connected to an input of the hydraulic cylinder (100), the input non-return valve (26) being configured for allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the hydraulic cylinder (100) and blocking a flow of hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder (100), a high-pressure hydraulic line (10, 21) connected to the output non-return valve (27) of each hydraulic cylinder (22), a low-pressure hydraulic line (9, 20) connected to the input non-return valve (26) of each hydraulic cylinder (22), a hydraulic tank (28) connected to the low-pressure hydraulic line (9, 20), and a hydraulic motor (7) or turbine coupled to an electric generator for producing electric energy, wherein an inlet (35) of the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine is coupled to the high-pressure hydraulic line (10, 21) such that compressed hydraulic fluid is provided to the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine for turning the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine and producing electric energy by the electric generator, preferably wherein an outlet (34) of the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine is coupled to the hydraulic tank (28) for discharging hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic tank (28).

22. The energy converter of claim 21, wherein each bearing arm includes: a first arm part (55) connected to the outer ring (141) of the bearing (53), and a second arm part (52) having a first arm end pivotally connected to a radially outer coupling end of the first arm part (55), and a second arm end connected to the roller axis (31).

23. The energy converter of claims 21 or 22, wherein the central hub (29) is coupled to the roller axis (31) such that during rotation of the impeller the roller axis (31) is rotatable around the central axis (70) at a distance from the central axis (70) that is half the spatial distance (50) between the housing (5) and the roller weight (1, 1*).

24. The energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roller weights (1, 1*) are configured for maintaining a balance of the impeller arms (A, A*), preferably wherein the roller weight (1) that is connected to the hydraulic cylinders (100) is a first roller weight (1) and the roller weight (1*) that is not connected to the hydraulic cylinders (100) is a second roller weight (1*), wherein the second roller weight (1*) is configured for counterbalancing a weight of the first roller weight (1).

25. The energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein only one impeller arm (A) of the first pair of impeller arms (A-A*) includes the hydraulic cylinders (100) and the other impeller arm (A*) includes balance weights (123) configured for balancing a weight of the hydraulic cylinders (100), preferably wherein the balance weights (123) are arranged on a circumference of the housing (5), preferably wherein the balance weights (123) are distributed over the circumference of the housing (5), more preferably wherein the balance weights (123) are distributed over the circumference at similar positions than the hydraulic cylinders (100).

26. The energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing (53) is arranged such that a central axis (108) of the inner ring (140) and the roller axes (31) of the impeller arms (A, A*) are arranged on a common horizontal plane (106) that is arranged parallel to a horizontal plane (107) extending through central axes (70) of central hubs (29) and a central axis (104) of the shaft (3).

27. The energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the impeller includes a second pair of impeller arms (B-B*) preferably designed identical to the first pair of impeller arms (A-A*), and a second bearing (53*) preferably designed identical to the first bearing (53), wherein the first bearing (53) is configured to move relative to the second bearing (53*) for maintaining balance during rotation of the impeller.

28. The energy converter of claim 27, wherein the relative movement between the first bearing (53) and the second bearing (53*) is synchronized.

29. The energy converter of claim 28, wherein the first bearing (53) includes a first toothed rail mechanism (120) and the second bearing (53*) includes a second toothed rail mechanism (120*) meshing with the first toothed rail mechanism (120) via a sun gear (121) during rotation of the impeller, preferably wherein synchronization is such that a movement of the first bearing (53) to the left is compensated by a movement of the second bearing (53*) to the right and / or a movement of the first bearing (53) to the right is compensated by a movement of the second bearing (53*) to the left.

30. The energy converter of claim 29, including a synchronization gear with an external gear (126) and an internal gear (127) meshing with the external gear (126) via a sun gear (121), wherein the first bearing (53) is mounted at a center (105) of the internal gear (127) and the second bearing (53*) is mounted at a center (105*) of the external gear (126), and a perimeter of the first bearing (53) and a perimeter of the second bearing (53*) substantially correspond to a radius the roller axis (31) rotates around the central axis (70).

31. The energy converter of claim 29, including a hydraulic synchronization device with a first hydraulic cylinder (99) connected to the first bearing (53) and a second hydraulic cylinder (99*) connected to the second bearing (53*) and in fluid communication with the first hydraulic cylinder (99), wherein a movement of the first hydraulic cylinder (99) results in a movement of the second hydraulic cylinder (99*) for keeping balance during rotation of the impeller, preferably wherein a movement of the first bearing (53) to the left causes hydraulic fluid to be transferred from the first hydraulic cylinder (99) to the second hydraulic cylinder (99*) for moving the second bearing (53*) to the right.

32. The energy converter of claim 31, wherein the first and second hydraulic cylinders (99, 99*) are connected with one end to the respective first or second bearing (53, 53*) and with the other end to a hydraulic housing that is mounted on the stationary base (6).

33. The energy converter of claims 31 or 32, wherein the first and second hydraulic cylinders (99, 99*) are connected with one end to the respective first bearing (53) or second bearing (53*) and with the other end to a non-rotatable part of the base (6).

4. The energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a motor, preferably an electric motor (8), configured for rotating the impeller, preferably in a clockwise direction, preferably wherein electric energy supplied to the motor for rotating the impeller is provided by the electric generator connected to the hydraulic motor (7) or turbine.

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