System containing an air compressor for generating electricity

Abstract

A system that uses an air compressor and other components to generate electrical power is provided. The system includes a flywheel and can generate enough electrical power for driving high electrical loads. The electrical outputs of the electrical generator can be connected to electrical storage batteries for charging such devices as electric vehicles, cellular phones, laptops, tablets, personal computers, and the like. The air-powered system of the present invention generates a sufficient amount of electrical energy without producing substantial amounts of air pollution.

Description

SYSTEM CONTAINING AN AIR COMPRESSORFOR GENERATING ELECTRICITYCROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 609,249 filed December 12, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a system comprising an air compressor for generating electricity.Brief Review of the Related Art

[0003] Today, there are many conventional electric generators that are powered by fossil fuels such as gasoline. However, one problem with such traditional electric generators is they can produce exhaust gases that can lead to air pollution. Different systems have been developed for generating electricity that does not produce substantial amounts of air pollution.

[0004] For example, Holleyman, U.S. Patent 3,925,984 discloses a compressed air power plant for land, air and marine vehicles. The power plant operates on compressed air from tanks replenished by battery powered air compressors operating in two consecutive or simultaneous stages.

[0005] Davis, U.S. Patent 5,296,799 discloses an electric power system having an air compressor unit with a reservoir tank, an air powered motor and an electric generator. The air compressor unit has an air compressor that provides compressed air to the reservoir tank. The air compressor is driven by an electric motor. The air powered motor is driven by compressed air from the reservoir tank. The air powered motor provides rotary power to an input shaft of the electricgenerator, wherein the generator produces electrical power. The system can be mounted onto a mobile platform for ease of transport.

[0006] Alenzi, U.S. Patent 8,890,342 discloses an air powered electrical generator having an air compressor, an electrical motor for powering the air compressor and a compressed air storage tank. A fan, a valve, and a pipe direct released air onto the fan to thereby rotate the fan and two electrical generators. A battery and a battery charger provide power for the electric motor so that the air powered electric generator can be moved to a pre-selected location.

[0007] Crisafulli, U.S. Patent 7,468,564 discloses an electrical power supply system comprises an air-powered alternating current electrical generator in which pressurized air from a single source is used to drive an air turbine secured on the shaft of the alternating current electrical generator. One uncontrolled nozzle continuously directs air from the single source to the air turbine. At least a second controlled nozzle directs air from the single source. A solenoid- controlled shut-off valve is placed in a conduit between the source of compressed air and the second nozzle.

[0008] Lee, U.S. Patent 11.566,613 discloses a compressed air-based autonomous power generation system for a standalone industrial robot jig. The system includes an air compressor configured to supply compressed air, a compressed air-based power generator detachably connected with the air compressor to produce power and deliver the compressed air, an industrial robot jig connected with the compressed air-based power generator to receive the compressed air and clamp a product, a battery connected with the compressed air-based power generator to receive, and be charged with, the power, and to supply the power to the industrial robot jig, and an auxiliary air tank connected with the compressed air-based power generator to store the compressed air.

[0009] However, some conventional air-powered electrical generating systems have some drawbacks. For example, many such systems do not have sufficient electrical energy-generating capabilities for driving high loads. There is a need for an improved air-powered system for producing electricity that generates a sufficient amount of electrical energy but does not produce substantial amounts of air pollution.

[0010] The present invention provides such an air-powered electrical generating system. Other advantages, features, and benefits of the present invention are described further below.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates generally to a system having an air compressor for generating electricity comprising: a) an air compressor unit having an electric motor for operating the air compressor; b) an air power motor having an inlet and a rotatable output shaft that is rotated by the compressed air entering the inlet of the motor; c) an electric generator that is coupled to the rotatable output shaft of the air powered motor; and d) a flywheel that is coupled to the rotatable output shaft of the air powered motor, wherein the air compressor unit produces compressed air that causes the output shaft of the air power motor to rotate, and the flywheel rotates with the output shaft to drive the electrical generator.

[0012] The electrical generator has electrical outputs for driving an electrical load such as, for example, an electrical light or household appliance. The electrical outputs can be connected to an electrical storage battery.

[0013] In another embodiment, the system comprises; a) an air compressor unit having an electric motor for operating the air compressor; b) an air power motor having an inlet and a rotatable output shaft that is rotated by the compressed air entering the inlet of the motor; c) an electric generator having a rotatable input shaft that is coupled to the rotatable output shaft of the air powered motor; d) a flywheel that is coupled to the rotatable output shaft of the air powered motor and rotatable input shaft of the electric generator; and e) a drive belt extending between the output shaft of the air power motor and the flywheel, wherein the air compressor unit produces compressed air that causes the output shaft of the air power motor to rotate and the drive belt to rotate, thereby causing the flywheel to rotate and drive the electrical generator.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The novel features that are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with further objects and attendant advantages, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the system for generating electrical power of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the system for generating electrical power of the present invention; and

[0017] FIG. 3 is schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of the system for generating electrical power of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Referring to the Figures, where like reference numerals are used to designate like elements, and particularly FIG. 1, one embodiment of the system (10) of the present invention is shown. The system (10) comprises: a) an air compressor unit (12) having an electric motor for operating the air compressor, wherein the air compressor (12) delivers compressed air through an air line (13) to an air power motor (14); b) an air power motor (14) having a rotatable output shaft (15) that is rotated by the compressed air entering an inlet of the motor (14); c) an electric generator (16) that is coupled to the rotatable shaft (15) of the air powered motor (14); and d) a flywheel (20) that is coupled to the rotatable shaft (15) and rotates as the shaft (15) rotates.

[0019] The air compressor unit (12) produces compressed air that causes the output shaft (15) of the air power motor (14) to rotate. As the air motor output shaft (15) rotates, the flywheel (20) rotates with the output shaft (15) to increase the moment of inertia of the shaft and to drive the electrical generator (16). The electrical generator (16) includes at least one stator and at least one rotor. The rotor(s) is coupled to and driven by the shaft (15) so that it rotates relative to the statorand produces electricity. The electrical generator has electrical outputs that provide electricity for a load motor as described further below.

[0020] Turning to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of the system (10) of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the system comprises: a) an air compressor unit (12) having an electric motor for operating the air compressor; b) an air power motor (14) having a rotatable output shaft (15) that is rotated by the compressed air entering the inlet of the motor (14); c) an electric generator (16) having a rotatable input shaft (30) that is coupled to the rotatable shaft(15) of the air powered motor (14); d) a flywheel (20) that is coupled to the rotatable output shaft (15) and rotatable input shaft (30) and rotates with the rotating shafts (15, 30); and e) a drive belt (25) extending between the output shaft (15) of the air power motor (14) and the flywheel (20). More particularly, the output shaft (15) is fitted with a sheave (24) having a groove for fitting a drive belt (25). The input shaft (30) of the electrical generator (16) is also fitted with a sheave (26) having a groove for fitting the drive belt (25).

[0021] The air compressor unit (12) produces compressed air that causes the output shaft (15) of the air power motor (14) to rotate. As the air power motor (14) rotates, this action rotates the drive belt (25) that, in turn, causes the flywheel (20) to rotate and drive the electrical generator(16).

[0022] A conventional air compressor unit (12) can be used in accordance with the present invention. For example, a piston-based compressor having a crankshaft, a connecting rod and piston, and a cylinder can be used. The crankshaft can be powered by an electric motor which is powered by electricity through a power cord connected to an outlet or power from a battery. Crankshafts that are driven by gas engines also can be used. A small air compressor model having only a pump and motor can be used. Most air compressors have an air storage or reservoir tank that holds a specific amount of air within a preset pressure range. The reciprocating piston pumps compressed air into the tank. The compressed air drives the pneumatic motor as discussed above. In another example, an air compressor that uses rotating impellers to generate air pressure can be used.

[0023] The air compressor unit (12) produces compressed air that flows through the air line (13) to the air power motor (14) that rotates the electrical generator (16) to generate electricity. The electrical generator has electrical outputs for driving an electrical load. For example, the electrical load can be an electrical light or household appliance such as stoves, refrigerators, kitchen blenders, and washers / dryers. The electrical outputs of the electrical generator can be connected to electrical storage batteries for charging such devices as electric vehicles, cellular phones, laptops, tablets, personal computers, and the like. The electrical generator can also directly drive the air compressor unit.

[0024] Both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) generators use electromagnetic induction to generate electricity. The electrical outputs of the generator can be connected to a battery charger. AC generators can be used to power home electrical lights, home appliances, and small motors. DC generators can be used to power large electrical motors. In one embodiment, a battery charger (not shown) converts the AC output power from the generator into DC Power for the batteries. The battery charger can be connected to the storage batteries.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the air compressor unit (12) produces compressed air that flows through the air line (13) to the air power motor (14). This causes the output shaft (15) of the air power motor (14) to rotate. As the air motor output shaft (1 ) rotates, the flywheel (20) rotates with the output shaft (15) to increase the moment of inertia of the shaft and to drive the electrical generator (16). The electrical generator (16) includes at least one stator and at least one rotor. The rotor(s) is coupled to and driven by the shaft (15) so that it rotates relative to the stator and produces electricity. The electrical generator (16) has electrical outputs that that are connected to electrical storage batteries (22).

[0026] As discussed above, the system of the present invention preferably includes a flywheel (20). In general, a flywheel is a mechanical device which uses the conservation of angular momentum to store rotational energy for later use. The stored (rotational) energy is directly associated with the square of the flywheel’s rotational speed. The flywheel may be used to supply pulses of energy at power levels that exceed the abilities of its energy source. This is achieved by accumulating energy in the flywheel over a period of time, at a rate that is compatible with the energy source, and then releasing energy at a much higher rate over arelatively short time when it is needed. In the present invention, the flywheel rotates and helps improve the electrical energy generating function of the system of the present invention.

[0027] As described above, the system of the present invention uses an air compressor and other components to generate electrical power. With the flywheel, the system is able to generate a sufficient amount of electrical power for driving high loads. The air-powered system of the present invention generates a sufficient amount of electrical energy without producing substantial amounts of air pollution.

[0028] It should be understood that the devices, assemblies, systems, constructions, materials, processes, and the like described and illustrated herein represent only some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and additions can be made to the devices, assemblies, systems, constructions, materials, processes, and the like herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. It is intended that all such embodiments be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. A system having an air compressor for generating electricity, the system comprising: a) an air compressor unit having an electric motor for operating the air compressor; b) an air power motor having an inlet and a rotatable output shaft that is rotated by the compressed air entering the inlet of the motor; c) an electric generator that is coupled to the rotatable output shaft of the air powered motor; and d) a flywheel that is coupled to the rotatable output shaft of the air powered motor, wherein the air compressor unit produces compressed air that causes the output shaft of the air power motor to rotate, and the flywheel rotates with the output shaft to drive the electrical generator.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrical generator has electrical outputs for driving an electrical load.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the electrical load is an electrical light or household appliance.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the electrical outputs are connected to at least one electrical storage battery.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the storage battery is used to power a device selected from the group consisting of an electric vehicle, cellular phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, and personal computer.

6. A system having an air compressor for generating electricity, the system comprising: a) an air compressor unit having an electric motor for operating the air compressor;b) an air power motor having an inlet and a rotatable output shaft that is rotated by the compressed air entering the inlet of the motor; c) an electric generator having a rotatable input shaft that is coupled to the rotatable output shaft of the air powered motor; d) a flywheel that is coupled to the rotatable output shaft of the air powered motor and rotatable input shaft of the electric generator; and e) a drive belt extending between the output shaft of the air power motor and the flywheel, wherein the air compressor unit produces compressed air that causes the output shaft of the air power motor to rotate and the drive belt to rotate, thereby causing the flywheel to rotate and drive the electrical generator.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the electrical generator has electrical outputs for driving an electrical load.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the electrical load is an electrical light or household appliance.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the electrical outputs are connected to at least one electrical storage battery.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the storage battery is used to power a device selected from the group consisting of an electric vehicle, cellular phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, and personal computer.

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