Apparatus for generating energy using differential motion between a rotating body and a rotating inertial mass

Abstract

A body is moved by an external force. An inertial mass disposed about the body rotates relative to the body in a differential rotation. The differential rotation may then be used to provide input torque to a generator or alternator, thereby producing electrical power. The electrical power may in turn be used either as a direct power source or to charge a battery bank. The external force may originate from either wave or wind energy acting upon the body. Two or more inertial masses may be disposed about the body so as to provide for separate or simultaneous muti-axial power generation.

Description

APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ENERGY USING DIFFERENTIAL MOTION BETWEEN A ROTATING BODY AND A ROTATING INERTIAL MASSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. provisional patent application serial number 63 / 606,578 filed on December 5, 2023, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not ApplicableNOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

[0003] A portion of the material in this patent document may be subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.14.BACKGROUND

[0004] 1. Technical Field

[0005] The technology of this disclosure pertains generally to energy conversion, and more particularly to energy conversion from external wave forces acting upon a body.

[0006] 2. Background Discussion

[0007] Energy abounds in nature, typically observed as wind or wave action. Such energy may be harvested and converted to electrical energy. Theelectrical energy may in turn be used away from its point of generation, or stored. Storage may typically be achieved by a battery bank or other energy storage medium.

[0008] Generating power from wave energy has been researched extensively, and various wave energy conversion techniques and devices have been compiled in Pecher, A., Kofoed, J. (eds), "Handbook of Ocean Wave Energy. Ocean Engineering & Oceanography", vol 7, Springer, Cham., https: / / doi.org / 10.1007 / 978-3-319-39889-1_8, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0009] This disclosure describes an apparatus for generating energy using differential motion between a rotating body and a rotating inertial mass coupled to the rotating body, and methods for using the apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus utilizes three primary components. These components are a body, an inertial mass, and a generator. Each component is attached to the other such that the relative motion between the body and the inertial mass are used to drive the generator.

[0010] In its most general form, the apparatus utilizes an external energy field, such as the force of wind or wave motion, to drive the movement of the body. It also relies on the properties of rotational inertia of the inertial mass. The action of the body and the inertial mass create a relative motion such that the relative motion can be used to drive a generator.

[0011] Further aspects of the technology described herein will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the technology without placing limitations thereon.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The technology described herein will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:

[0013] FIG. 1A is a frontal cutaway view of the device showing all internal components.

[0014] FIG. 1B is a top cutaway view of the device of FIG. 1A showing the principal internal components.

[0015] FIG. 2A is a side view of an energy conversion device using two or more generators, with a driving ring gear disposed within a cavernous body.

[0016] FIG. 2B is a top cutaway view of the device of FIG. 2A showing the principal internal components.

[0017] FIG. 3A is a top cutaway representation of an alternative embodiment of the device showing energy conversion about multiple axes of rotation.

[0018] FIG. 3B is one component axis of power generation, which is used in two axes above in FIG. 3A.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a representation of an alternative embodiment of the device showing how it could be used to capture wind energy instead of wave energy.

[0020] FIG. 5A is an abstracted view of the apparatus, where the generator rotor is driven by the inertial mass, and the stator is affixed to the body.

[0021] FIG. 5B is an alternative abstracted view of the apparatus, where the generator rotor is driven by the body, and the stator is affixed to the inertial mass.

[0022] FIG. 6A through FIG. 6I are a series of frontal cutaway views of the device of FIG. 1A showing the device as it rotates through a series of wave motions at: 0° in FIG. 6A, 15° in FIG. 6B, 30° in FIG. 6C, 15° in FIG. 6D, 0° in FIG. 6E, -15° in FIG. 6F, -30° in FIG. 6G, -15° in FIG. 6H, 0° in FIG. 6I.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] This disclosure describes an apparatus for converting one form of energy into another form of energy. By way of example, and not of limitation, the apparatus comprises three primary components; namely, a body, an inertial mass, and a generator. Each component is interconnected in such a way that the relative motion of the body and the inertial mass may be used to drive the generator.

[0024] The “generator” as used herein may be a conventional generator, or an alternator. Basically, any device that couples a motion to a moving magnetic field could be termed as the “generator.”

[0025] In its most general form, the apparatus utilizes an external field such aswave motion to drive the movement of the body. It also relies on the properties of rotational inertia of the inertial mass. These two features create a relative motion between the body and the inertial mass such that their relative motion can be used to drive a generator. In this way, the apparatus need not necessarily be deployed in an ocean environment, despite a first embodiment describing it as such.

[0026] 1. Body

[0027] The body is the main external structure of the apparatus. The body is connected to both the inertial mass as well as the generator such that they are both contained inside of the body.

[0028] One of the purposes of the body is to capture external energy such as ocean water waves or wind. Another purpose is to isolate the internal components from the external environment, thereby providing a protected area for the apparatus’s internal operation. Yet another purpose is to facilitate attachment to mooring lines as well as transmit energy from the apparatus to cables that are attached to it.

[0029] The body is rotationally coupled to the inertial mass such that the inertial mass can rotate independently of the body. This rotation is typically facilitated by a bearing or axle. The first embodiment constrains the axis of rotation to a single axis; however, alternative embodiments may also utilize additional degrees of rotational freedom

[0030] The body is attached to the generator in one of two ways. In most embodiments, the body is fixedly coupled to the generator. In alternative embodiments, the generator could instead be driven by the body while the generator is fixedly coupled to the inertial mass.

[0031] The body is shaped in a way that enhances its capacity for the external field to influence its movement, and hence capture energy from the external field, generally in a more-or-less oscillatory fashion. In the first embodiment which is deployed in the water, the body is shaped such that it utilizes buoyant extensions to capture the movement of the waves.

[0032] 2. Inertial Mass

[0033] The inertial mass is rotationally coupled to the body such that it can spin freely. The inertial mass is also connected to the generator such that therelative rotational motion of the body and the inertial mass causes the generator to turn, and hence produce electrical energy.

[0034] Due to rotational inertia, the inertial mass resists any increase or decrease in rotational speed. If no generator were present, the inertial mass would largely remain still regardless of the movement of the body as the two are free to rotate independently of one another. With a generator present, the rotation of the body and the inertial mass are associated with each other in such a way that the rotation of one causes the other to also rotate, while driving the generator in the process.

[0035] In its simplest form, the inertial mass could be represented by a solid cylinder which can rotate about an axle. In other implementations that seek to maximize the rotational inertia properties of a mass such as a flywheel, the weight is shifted to the rim of the object. Other shapes such as tubes, spheres, or discs can be considered as well - the purpose of the component is to utilize the rotational inertia properties of a mass.

[0036] 3. Generator

[0037] The generator is an apparatus which can use rotational torque and produce useful work from it. In most embodiments this will be a standard electric generator, but any apparatus which can capture torque and convert it to useful work can be used.

[0038] The generator is driven when the body and the inertial mass have a difference in relative motion. In most embodiments, the generator is fixedly coupled to the body and is driven by the inertial mass. In alternative embodiments, the generator could instead be affixed to the inertial mass and driven by the body.

[0039] To connect the inertial mass and the generator, a transmission may be necessary. In its most simple form, the generator can be directly driven by the inertial mass without any transmission. Transmission types may include, without limitation, a gearing arrangement that increases the speed of the generator, or a sprocket and chain setup, or planetary gears, or an infinitely variable transmission, or a ratchet type system, magnetic gears, etc.

[0040] 4. Alternative Embodiments

[0041] The first embodiment describes an apparatus which is meant to bedeployed in ocean waves. There are a number of alternative embodiments of this apparatus described herein.

[0042] The second embodiment of the apparatus attaches the generator to the rotating inertial mass and drives the generator with the body. This is contrasted with the first embodiment which attaches the generator to the body and drives the generator with the rotating inertial mass.

[0043] The third embodiment of this apparatus is deployed in the ocean and utilizes multiple rotating inertial mass components, oriented such that their axes of rotation differ from each other. This allows the apparatus to better capture multiple axes of rotation.

[0044] The fourth embodiment of the apparatus describes a configuration that can utilize a different type of external field to drive the operation of the device, namely wind power. This is contrasted with the other embodiments that utilize water waves as the external field to drive the device.

[0045] 5. A First Embodiment

[0046] The first embodiment of this apparatus is deployed into an ocean environment and captures energy from the movement of the ocean waves. The apparatus is buoyant such that it can float in the water independently.

[0047] Refer now to FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1B.

[0048] In FIG. 1 A a side view of a wave driven energy conversion apparatus100 comprises a body 102 that has two buoyant extensions 104 protruding from either side. Contained within the body 102 are an inertial mass 106 that is rotatably coupled to the body 102, as well as a generator 108 that is affixed to the body 102. The inertial mass 106 is free to rotate within the body 102. The inertial mass 106 outputs mechanical power through rotation with an inertial mass sprocket 110. Coupled to the input shaft of the generator 108 is a generator sprocket 112. Connecting the inertial mass sprocket 110 to the generator sprocket 112 is a chain 114. Belts or gears, or combinations of both, may similarly be used to replace the sprocket and chain power connection.

[0049] The inertial mass 106 and inertial mass sprocket 110 are connected such that they have common rotational motion about the same center or rotation. Similarly, the generator 108 and generator sprocket 112 areconnected such that they have common rotational motion about a common center or rotation.

[0050] The apparatus 100 is disposed within a wave medium 116, that supplies energy to the apparatus 100. Typically, the wave medium 116 is water, either salt or fresh, that is imbued with wind driven energy in the form of waves 118 that cause the floating apparatus 100 to rock back and forth by displacement of the two buoyant extensions 104. Although here only two buoyant extensions 104 are shown, there may in fact be zero to any number of buoyant extensions, so long as incoming waves 118 cause the body 102 to move relative to the inertial mass 106.

[0051] Refer next to FIG. 1 B, a top view of the wave energy conversion apparatus of FIG. 1A is shown, comprising the body 102, which has two buoyant extensions 104 protruding from either side. Contained within the body 102 are the rotating inertial mass 106 and the generator 108. In this view, one can see an axle 120 fixedly coupled to the body 102 and about which freely rotates the rotating inertial mass 106. Also in this view, the sprockets are obscured by the chain 114.

[0052] Operation of the First Embodiment

[0053] The operation of the first embodiment begins when the apparatus is placed into the ocean with waves of appropriate size for it to capture. The ideal size of the waves to be captured depends on the size of the apparatus. A larger apparatus can have an inertial mass with a higher moment of inertia, as well as utilize larger buoyant extensions with greater buoyancy properties. This relationship of size to energy output speaks to the scalability of the apparatus.

[0054] Consider the apparatus at rest in calm waters. There is no movement from the waves, and as such, the internal components are also at rest as the apparatus produces no energy. As a wave rolls past the apparatus, the body changes its orientation because of the buoyancy properties of its buoyant extensions. This rotation activates the internal mechanisms of the apparatus.

[0055] As the body is rotated by the external field there are two resultant torques. First, the generator is forced to turn as it is driven by the rotating inertial mass, which resists the movement of the body, due to the rotatingmoment of inertia of the rotating inertial mass. As the generator is turned, it provides resistance and rotates the rotating inertial mass in the same direction as the rotation of the body. This process transfers some of the relative motion into the generator, and some into the rotating inertial mass as kinetic energy.

[0056] As the wave goes by, the body reverses its direction of rotation. As it does this, the generator is driven in the opposite direction as the relative motion of the body and the rotating inertial mass has reversed. From the previous cycle, the rotating inertial mass is not stationary, but is in motion as it continues to rotate due to its stored kinetic energy. This stored kinetic energy is recaptured as it adds to the relative motion difference between the rotating inertial mass and the body and helps drive the generator. As the body then meets the next wave causing it to reverse the direction of rotation again, this process repeats to continuously turn the generator as long as the waves continue to roll the apparatus.

[0057] From the foregoing description it will be appreciated that the combination of a rotating inertial mass and a generator coupled to the body functions as a mass-generator unit wherein an external motion imparted to the body causes one or more of the mass-generator units to convert the imparted motion into electrical power. In one embodiment, the inertial mass is rotatably coupled to the body, the generator is coupled to the body and to the inertial mass, wherein the inertial mass moves relative to the body in a differential motion caused by the external motion imparted upon the body, and wherein the differential motion generates power from the generator.

[0058] 6. A Second Embodiment

[0059] Refer now to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, which illustrate a second energy conversion embodiment. FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment 200 that comprises a body 202 and two or more buoyant extensions 204. The buoyant extensions 204 are powered by waves 206 disposed within a wave medium 208. The body 202 comprises an internal ring gear 210. An inertial mass 212 is rotationally coupled to the body 202 such that the inertial mass 212 can spin freely about its center of rotation.

[0060] Affixed to the inertial mass 212 are a plurality of generators 214a and 214b, disposed so as to maintain the rotational equilibrium of the inertial mass212 during the operation of the apparatus. Affixed to the rotor of each generator 214a and 214b are gears 216a and 216b, respectively, which are in turn meshed with internal ring gear 210.

[0061] Referring next to FIG. 2B, a top view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A is shown, comprising the body 202, which has two buoyant extensions 204 protruding from either side. Contained within the body 202 is the rotating inertial mass 212 that rotates about axle 218 which is fixedly coupled to the body 202. As in FIG. 2A, generators 214a and 214b are affixed to the inertial mass 212. Affixed to the rotor of generator 214a is gear 216a, which is meshed with internal ring gear 210. Affixed to the rotor of generator 214b is gear 216b, which is also meshed with internal ring gear 210.

[0062] 7. A Third Embodiment

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, two axes of energy conversion are shown in an embodiment 300. An outer body 302 houses a first energy converter 304 that has inertial masses 306a and 306b rotating about axis 308. Pillow blocks 310a and 310b attach the inertial masses 306A and 306B to the outer body 302, while allowing free rotation of the inertial masses 306a and 306b. Generator 312 is rotationally coupled to the inertial masses 306a and 306b via a chain 314, which couples the generator 312 to the inertial masses 306a and 306b via sprockets (not shown here for clarity).

[0064] Although a chain and sprockets are used in this example of the first energy converter 304, v-belts and pulleys could also be used. Similarly, gears may be used, or in fact non-contact magnetic couplings.

[0065] A second energy converter 316 is similar to the other energy converter 304, but rotated so as to be at least somewhat linearly independent from the operation of the first energy converter 304.

[0066] Refer now to FIG. 3B, where the first energy converter 304 is shown separately for clarity as a separate unit. It is apparent that the first energy converter 304, when rotated 90° clockwise and mirrored about the vertical axis appropriately, is the same basic design as that of the second energy converter 316.

[0067] 8. A Fourth Embodiment

[0068] Refer now to FIG. 4, which illustrates a fourth embodiment of thisapparatus 400 that is possibly not deployed in the ocean, but rather captures energy from the wind. Here, the body 402 of the apparatus is shaped such that the wind 404 and 406 operate so as to cause an oscillation of the apparatus back and forth. Note that the amplitude of the wind 404 and 406 have different magnitudes, thereby imparting a torque 408 on the body 402 causing the internal inertial mass 410 to resist the rotationally induced torque 408 and thereby generate energy from a generator 412 rotationally connected via a chain 414, or other method as previously described above.

[0069] 9. Abstracted Stator / Rotor Configurations

[0070] Refer now to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, which are abstracted views of yet other embodiments of the energy conversion apparatus. FIG. 5A is related to FIG. 1A previously presented, but in abstracted form. In FIG. 5A, one embodiment 500 has an inertial mass 502 rotating about a center of rotation 504. The inertial mass 502 is disposed within the body 506, which has a center of rotation 508. The generator has been separated into its main component parts comprising the generator rotor 510 and the generator stator 512. Here, we can clearly see how the generator stator 512 is affixed to the body 506, while the generator rotor 510 is driven by the inertial mass 502.

[0071] Referring next to FIG. 5B, we can see an abstracted view of the apparatus 514 that is related to the more detailed FIG. 2A previously presented. In this view, inertial mass 502 rotates about a center of rotation 504. The inertial mass 502 is disposed within the body 506, which has a center of rotation 508. The generator has been broken out into its main component parts in the generator stator 516 and the generator rotor 518. Here, it is shown that the generator stator 516 is affixed to the inertial mass 502, while the generator rotor 518 is driven by the body 506.

[0072] 10. Motion Diagrams

[0073] Refer now to FIG. 6A through FIG. 6I, which are a series of frontal cutaway views similar to the device of FIG. 1 A, showing the device as it rotates through a series of wave motions at: 0° in FIG. 6A, 15° in FIG. 6B, 30° in FIG. 6C, 15° in FIG. 6D, 0° in FIG. 6E, -15° in FIG. 6F, -30° in FIG. 6G, -15° in FIG. 6H, 0° in FIG. 6I.

[0074] In this series of depictions, the apparatus 600 is disposed within awave medium 602, that supplies energy to the apparatus 600. Typically, the wave medium 602 is water, either salt or fresh, that is imbued with wind driven energy in the form of waves 604 that cause the floating apparatus 600 to rock back and forth by displacement of the two buoyant extensions 606. Although here only two buoyant extensions 606 are shown, there may in fact be zero to any number of buoyant extensions, so long as incoming waves 604 cause the body 608 to move relative to the inertial mass 610.

[0075] To better appreciate the motion of the apparatus 600, a vertical reference line (denoted as the Y axis 612) is drawn through the center of mass 614 of the inertial mass 610. A marker 616 is placed for reference on the inertial mass 610 to track the motion of the inertial mass.

[0076] The buoyant extensions 606 in this example are distributed about the center of mass 614 of the inertial mass 610. They serve as indicators of the motion of the apparatus 600 under the influence of the wave 604 induced motion.

[0077] A horizontal X axis 618 is provided for reference to show the horizon of the wave medium 602.

[0078] In FIG. 6A, the apparatus 600 is initially at rest, with the wave medium 602 still and aligned with the X axis 618. In this state, the inertial mass 610 is still, with zero kinetic energy, and the marker 616 (represented by an arrowhead in FIG. 6A through FIG. 6I) is aligned with the Y axis 612.

[0079] In FIG. 6B, the apparatus 600 has rotated 15° due to the incoming wave 604, with the inertial mass 610 rotating 3°. At this point, the inertial mass 610 may also have residual kinetic energy due to continuing rotation. Here, the marker is shown rotated 3° counterclockwise in relation to the Y axis 612.

[0080] In FIG. 6C, the apparatus 600 has rotated 30° due to the continuing motion of the incoming wave 604, while the inertial mass 610 has rotated 6°. At this point, the inertial mass 610 may also have residual kinetic energy due to continuing rotation in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.Here, the marker is shown rotated 6° counterclockwise in relation to the Y axis 612.

[0081] In FIG. 6D, the apparatus 600 has rotated back to 15° due to theincoming wave 604, with the inertial mass 610 rotated to 4°. At this point, the inertial mass 610 may also have residual kinetic energy due to continuing rotation. Since, in the previous frame of FIG. 6C, the inertial mass 610 was at 6°, the inertial mass must be rotating clockwise. Here, the marker is shown rotated 4° counterclockwise in relation to the Y axis 612.

[0082] In FIG. 6E, the apparatus 600 is back to a horizontal position, with the wave 604 aligned with the X axis 618. In this state, the inertial mass 610 is continuing to rotate with residual kinetic energy, and the marker is shown rotated 2° counterclockwise in relation to the Y axis 612.

[0083] In FIG. 6F, the apparatus 600 has rotated to -15° due to the incoming wave, with the inertial mass 610 rotated to -1 °. At this point, the inertial mass 610 has residual kinetic energy due to continuing rotation. Since, in the previous frame of FIG. 6E, the inertial mass 610 was at 2° off of the Y axis 612 the inertial mass must be rotating clockwise. Here, the marker is shown rotated 1 ° clockwise in relation to the Y axis 612.

[0084] In FIG. 6G, the apparatus 600 has rotated back to -30° due to the incoming wave, with the inertial mass 610 rotated to -4°. At this point, the inertial mass 610 may also have residual kinetic energy due to continuing rotation. Since, in the previous frame of FIG. 6F, the inertial mass 610 was at -1 °, the inertial mass must be rotating clockwise. Here, the marker is shown rotated 4° clockwise in relation to the Y axis 612.

[0085] In FIG. 6H, the apparatus 600 has rotated back to -15° due to the incoming wave, with the inertial mass 610 rotated to -3°. At this point, the inertial mass 610 may also have residual kinetic energy due to continuing rotation. Since, in the previous frame of FIG. 6G, the inertial mass 610 was at -4°, the inertial mass must be rotating counterclockwise. Here, the marker is shown rotated 3° clockwise in relation to the Y axis 612.

[0086] In FIG. 6I, the apparatus 600 has rotated back to horizontal due to the incoming wave, with the inertial mass 610 rotated to -2°. At this point, the inertial mass 610 may also have residual kinetic energy due to continuing rotation. Since, in the previous frame of FIG. 6H, the inertial mass 610 was at -3°, the inertial mass must be rotating counterclockwise. Here, the marker isshown rotated 2° clockwise in relation to the Y axis 612.

[0087] The previous FIG. 6A through FIG.6I frames are merely examples of the operation of apparatus 600. Depending on the resonant frequency of the apparatus 600, and the energy draw of generator 620, the motion of the marker 616 may be accentuated or reduced.

[0088] 11. Example Implementations

[0089] From the description herein, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses multiple implementations of the technology which include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0090] An energy conversion apparatus, comprising: a body; an inertial mass rotatably coupled to the body; and a generator coupled to the body and coupled to the inertial mass; wherein the inertial mass moves relative to the body in a differential motion caused by an external force acting upon the body; and wherein the differential motion generates power from the generator.

[0091] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the generator is affixed to the body and driven by rotation of the inertial mass.

[0092] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the generator is affixed to the inertial mass and driven by rotation of the body.

[0093] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the generator comprises: a stator affixed to the body; and a rotor coupled to the inertial mass.

[0094] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation: wherein the rotor is coupled to the inertial mass through a rotational mechanical connection; and wherein the rotational mechanical connection comprises: (i) a first sprocket connected to the inertial mass; (ii) a second sprocket connected to the rotor; and (iii) a chain coupled to the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

[0095] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation: wherein the rotor is coupled to the inertial mass through a rotational mechanical connection; and wherein the rotational mechanical connection comprises: (i) a first gear connected to the inertial mass; (ii) a second gear connected to the rotor; (iii) wherein the first gear is coupled to the second gear; and (iv) wherein the first gear drives the second gear.

[0096] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the generator comprises: a stator affixed to the inertial mass; and a rotor coupled to the body.

[0097] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation: wherein the rotor is coupled to the body through a rotational mechanical connection; and wherein the rotational mechanical connection comprises: (i) a first sprocket connected to the body; (ii) a second sprocket connected to the rotor; and (iii) a chain coupled to the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

[0098] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation: wherein the rotor is coupled to the body through a rotational mechanical connection; and wherein the rotational mechanical connection comprises: (i) a first gear connected to the body; (ii) a second gear connected to the rotor; (iii) wherein the first gear is coupled to the second gear; and (iv) wherein the first gear drives the second gear.

[0099] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the body is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation by exertion of an external force on the body.

[0100] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the external force comprises wind or water waves.

[0101] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, further comprising one or more additional inertial masses and corresponding generators disposed with the body, wherein each inertial mass is configured to rotate about a different axis of rotation, and wherein the apparatus is configured for multi-axial power output.

[0102] An energy conversion apparatus, comprising: a body; one or more mass-generator units comprising an inertial mass and a generator coupled to the body; wherein external motion imparted to the body causes one or more of the mass-generator units to convert the imparted motion into electrical power.

[0103] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein each mass-generator unit comprises: an inertial mass rotatably coupled to the body; and a generator coupled to the body and coupled to the inertial mass; wherein the inertial mass moves relative to the body in a differential motioncaused by the external motion imparted upon the body; and wherein the differential motion generates power from the generator.

[0104] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the generator comprises: a stator; and a rotor.

[0105] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein: the stator is affixed to the body; and the rotor is coupled to the inertial mass via a rotational mechanical connection.

[0106] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the rotational mechanical connection between the rotor and the inertial mass comprises: a first sprocket connected to the inertial mass; a second sprocket connected to the rotor; and a chain disposed between the first and second sprockets, whereby mechanical power is transferred between the first and second sprockets.

[0107] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the rotational mechanical connection between the rotor and the inertial mass comprises: a first gear connected to the inertial mass; a second gear connected to the rotor; wherein the first gear drives the second gear, thereby transmitting mechanical power between the first and second gears.

[0108] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein: the stator is affixed to the inertial mass; and the rotor is coupled to the body via a rotational mechanical connection.

[0109] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the rotational mechanical connection between the rotor and the body comprises: a first sprocket connected to the body; a second sprocket connected to the rotor; and a chain disposed between the first and second sprockets, whereby mechanical power is transferred between the first and second sprockets.

[0110] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the rotational mechanical connection between the rotor and the body comprises: a first gear connected to the body; a second gear connected to the rotor; wherein the first gear drives the second gear, thereby transmitting mechanical power between the first and second gears.

[0111] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, whereinthe motion imparted upon the body is due to the action of external forces acting upon the body selected from a group consisting of wind and water waves.

[0112] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, comprising two or more mass-generator units that have inertial masses that rotate about different axes of rotation, wherein multi-axial power may be generated.

[0113] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the inertial mass comprises a flywheel.

[0114] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the differential rotation is oscillatory in nature.

[0115] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the differential rotation is limited via an angular stop of the inertial mass.

[0116] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the inertial mass rotates to an unlimited extent.

[0117] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the generator comprises an alternator with an alternator output.

[0118] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the alternator output comprises alternating current (AC) or rectified direct current (DC) power.

[0119] The apparatus of any preceding or following implementation, wherein the alternator output is configured to charge a battery bank.

[0120] 12. Definitions and Scope

[0121] As used herein, the term "implementation" is intended to include, without limitation, embodiments, examples, or other forms of practicing the technology described herein.

[0122] As used herein, the singular terms "a," "an," and "the" may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Reference to an object in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more."

[0123] Phrasing constructs, such as “A, B and / or C”, within the present disclosure describe where either A, B, or C can be present, or any combination of items A, B and C. Phrasing constructs indicating, such as “atleast one of” followed by listing a group of elements, indicates that at least one of these groups of elements is present, which includes any possible combination of the listed elements as applicable.

[0124] References in this disclosure referring to “an embodiment”, “at least one embodiment” or similar embodiment wording indicates that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with a described embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, these various embodiment phrases are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, or to a specific embodiment which differs from all the other embodiments being described. The embodiment phrasing should be construed to mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics of a given embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, system, or method.

[0125] As used herein, the term "set" refers to a collection of one or more objects. Thus, for example, a set of objects can include a single object or multiple objects.

[0126] Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, upper and lower, left and right, and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0127] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has", "having," "includes", "including," "contains", "containing" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, apparatus, or system, that comprises, has, includes, or contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, apparatus, or system. An element proceeded by "comprises . . . a", "has . . . a", "includes . . . a", "contains . . . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, apparatus, or system, that comprises, has, includes, contains the element.

[0128] As used herein, the terms "approximately", "approximate", "substantially", "substantial", "essentially", and "about", or any other versionthereof, are used to describe and account for small variations. When used in conjunction with an event or circumstance, the terms can refer to instances in which the event or circumstance occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event or circumstance occurs to a close approximation. When used in conjunction with a numerical value, the terms can refer to a range of variation of less than or equal to ± 10% of that numerical value, such as less than or equal to ±5%, less than or equal to ±4%, less than or equal to ±3%, less than or equal to ±2%, less than or equal to ±1 %, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to ±0.1 %, or less than or equal to ±0.05%. For example, "substantially" aligned can refer to a range of angular variation of less than or equal to ±10°, such as less than or equal to ±5°, less than or equal to ±4°, less than or equal to ±3°, less than or equal to ±2°, less than or equal to ±1 °, less than or equal to ±0.5°, less than or equal to ±0.1 °, or less than or equal to ±0.05°.

[0129] Additionally, amounts, ratios, and other numerical values may sometimes be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used for convenience and brevity and should be understood flexibly to include numerical values explicitly specified as limits of a range, but also to include all individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly specified. For example, a ratio in the range of about 1 to about 200 should be understood to include the explicitly recited limits of about 1 and about 200, but also to include individual ratios such as about 2, about 3, and about 4, and sub-ranges such as about 10 to about 50, about 20 to about 100, and so forth.

[0130] The term "coupled" as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0131] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of the technology described herein or any or all the claims.

[0132] In addition, in the foregoing disclosure various features may be grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Inventive subject matter can lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.

[0133] The abstract of the disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

[0134] It will be appreciated that the practice of some jurisdictions may require deletion of one or more portions of the disclosure after the application is filed. Accordingly, the reader should consult the application as filed for the original content of the disclosure. Any deletion of content of the disclosure should not be construed as a disclaimer, forfeiture, or dedication to the public of any subject matter of the application as originally filed.

[0135] All text in a drawing figure is hereby incorporated into the disclosure and is to be treated as part of the written description of the drawing figure.

[0136] The following claims are hereby incorporated into the disclosure, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0137] Although the description herein contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0138] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the disclosed embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed as a "means plus function" element unless the element is expressly recited usingthe phrase "means for". No claim element herein is to be construed as a "step plus function" element unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "step for".

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . An energy conversion apparatus, comprising: a body; an inertial mass rotatably coupled to the body; and a generator coupled to the body and coupled to the inertial mass; wherein the inertial mass moves relative to the body in a differential motion caused by an external force acting upon the body; and wherein the differential motion generates power from the generator.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the generator is affixed to the body and driven by rotation of the inertial mass.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the generator is affixed to the inertial mass and driven by rotation of the body.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the generator comprises: a stator affixed to the body; and a rotor coupled to the inertial mass.

5. The apparatus of claim 4: wherein the rotor is coupled to the inertial mass through a rotational mechanical connection; and wherein the rotational mechanical connection comprises:(i) a first sprocket connected to the inertial mass;(ii) a second sprocket connected to the rotor; and(iii) a chain coupled to the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

6. The apparatus of claim 4: wherein the rotor is coupled to the inertial mass through a rotational mechanical connection; andwherein the rotational mechanical connection comprises:(i) a first gear connected to the inertial mass;(ii) a second gear connected to the rotor;(iii) wherein the first gear is coupled to the second gear; and(iv) wherein the first gear drives the second gear.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the generator comprises: a stator affixed to the inertial mass; and a rotor coupled to the body.

8. The apparatus of claim 7: wherein the rotor is coupled to the body through a rotational mechanical connection; and wherein the rotational mechanical connection comprises:(i) a first sprocket connected to the body;(ii) a second sprocket connected to the rotor; and(iii) a chain coupled to the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

9. The apparatus of claim 7: wherein the rotor is coupled to the body through a rotational mechanical connection; and wherein the rotational mechanical connection comprises:(i) a first gear connected to the body;(ii) a second gear connected to the rotor;(iii) wherein the first gear is coupled to the second gear; and(iv) wherein the first gear drives the second gear.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation by exertion of an external force on the body.11 . The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the external force comprises wind or water waves.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the inertial mass comprises a flywheel.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the differential motion is oscillatory in nature.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the differential motion is limited via an angular stop of the inertial mass.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the inertial mass rotates to an unlimited extent.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the generator comprises an alternator with an alternator output.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the alternator output comprises alternating current (AC) or rectified direct current (DC) power.

18. The energy conversion apparatus of claim 16, wherein the alternator output is configured to charge a battery bank.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising one or more additional inertial masses and corresponding generators disposed with the body, wherein each inertial mass is configured to rotate about a different axis of rotation, and wherein the apparatus is configured for multi-axial power output.

20. An energy conversion apparatus, comprising: a body; one or more mass-generator units comprising an inertial mass and a generator coupled to the body; wherein external motion imparted to the body causes one or more of the mass-generator units to convert the imparted motion into electrical power.21 . The apparatus of claim 20, wherein each mass-generator unit comprises: an inertial mass rotatably coupled to the body; and a generator coupled to the body and coupled to the inertial mass; wherein the inertial mass moves relative to the body in a differential motion caused by the external motion imparted upon the body; and wherein the differential motion generates power from the generator.

22. The energy conversion apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the generator comprises: a stator; and a rotor.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein: the stator is affixed to the body; and the rotor is coupled to the inertial mass via a rotational mechanical connection.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the rotational mechanical connection between the rotor and the inertial mass comprises: a first sprocket connected to the inertial mass; a second sprocket connected to the rotor; and a chain disposed between the first and second sprockets, whereby mechanical power is transferred between the first and second sprockets.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the rotational mechanical connection between the rotor and the inertial mass comprises: a first gear connected to the inertial mass; a second gear connected to the rotor; wherein the first gear drives the second gear, thereby transmitting mechanical power between the first and second gears.

26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein: the stator is affixed to the inertial mass; and the rotor is coupled to the body via a rotational mechanical connection.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the rotational mechanical connection between the rotor and the body comprises: a first sprocket connected to the body; a second sprocket connected to the rotor; and a chain disposed between the first and second sprockets, whereby mechanical power is transferred between the first and second sprockets.

28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the rotational mechanical connection between the rotor and the body comprises: a first gear connected to the body; a second gear connected to the rotor; wherein the first gear drives the second gear, thereby transmitting mechanical power between the first and second gears.

29. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the motion imparted upon the body is due to the action of external forces acting upon the body selected from a group consisting of wind and water waves.

30. The apparatus of claim 21 , comprising two or more mass-generator units that have inertial masses that rotate about different axes of rotation, wherein multi-axial power may be generated.31 . The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the inertial mass comprises a flywheel.

32. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the differential rotation is oscillatory in nature.

33. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the differential rotation is limited via an angular stop of the inertial mass.

34. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the inertial mass rotates to an unlimited extent.

35. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the generator comprises an alternator with an alternator output.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the alternator output comprises alternating current (AC) or rectified direct current (DC) power.

37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the alternator output is configured to charge a battery bank.

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