An electricity generating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention discloses an electricity generating apparatus comprising an assembly (101) having at least one rotatable flywheel (102, 103) which includes a first flywheel (102) and a second flywheel (103), and at least one shaft (104, 105) arranged in an axis perpendicular to the flywheels (102, 103), such that a rotation of the shafts (104, 105) causes a simultaneous rotation of the flywheels (102, 103) during operation; at least one motor (106, 107) attached to each end of the shafts (104, 105) for driving the rotation of the shafts (104, 105) and flywheels (102, 103); one more bearing means (108) attached in positions equidistant from each other along the shafts (104, 105); and a plurality of support structures (109) disposed beneath each bearing means (108), such that each support structure (109) includes an arch body (1091) having one or more magnets (1092) arranged radially along the arch body (1091); wherein, the bearing means (108) are further configured with magnets (1081) arranged radially along its body, such that a magnetic levitation effect is induced by an interaction between the magnets (1081, 1092) of the bearing means (108) and the support structures (109), causing the shafts (104, 105) to be suspended within the assembly (101).

Description

[0001] AN ELECTRICITY GENERATING APPARATUS

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to electrical power generation. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electricity generating apparatus comprising an assembly having suspended components.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The demand for energy in this day and age has reached an unprecedented level with the current energy supply being in crisis. To date, more than half of the energy supply comes from fossil fuels which are non-renewable energy sources as they will eventually be depleted through constant exploration and use. To meet our everyday power requirement and consumption while reducing the impact on the environment, there is a need to utilize renewable energy sources such as sunlight, wind, ocean waves and many more. However, one of the concerns in the renewable energy field is that power generation is heavily dependent on natural resources that humans cannot control. For example, if the wind speed is low, a windmill may not work efficiently, resulting in null power flow to the grid. In contrast, excessive wind such as a hurricane or tornado may damage the power generator. As a result, uncertainties may arise in energy production in renewable energy technology which affect its feasibility and commerciality in the energy sector.

[0006] Nevertheless, many technologies have been introduced to tackle the current issues plaguing the industry. One such example is a Chinese patent with publication no. CN114915100 A which discloses an energy generator comprising a rotatable flywheel assembly comprising a first and a second flywheel and a shaft rotatable about a first axis to rotate the first and second flywheels, one or more support rails to levitate the flywheel assembly, and a drive motor connected to the shaft to drive the rotational movement of the flywheel assembly.

[0007] Another Chinese patent with publication no. CN111654177A discloses a bidirectional magnetic rotation power generation device comprising a support frame and a generator. The supporting frame comprises a main plate, a first side plate and a second side plate, wherein the first side plate and the second side plate are fixedly connected with the main plate, a rotor of the generator is fixed connected with a first rotating shaft, and a stator of the generator is fixedly connected with a second rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft is sequentially connected with a first load flywheel, a first magnetic driving device and the first side plate in the direction away from the rotor, whereas the second rotating shaft is sequentially connected to a second load flywheel, a second magnetic driving device and the second side plate in the direction away from the stator. This arrangement allows the rotor and the stator of the generator to rotate simultaneously and in opposite directions.

[0008] Besides that, an international publication W02011094914A1 discloses a magnetic suspension support device for a vertical shaft wind-driven generator comprising at least three magnetic suspension support mechanisms. The first magnetic suspension support mechanism is arranged at a position of an annular outer edge of a basic shaft used for supporting a wind wheel, whereas the second magnetic suspension support mechanism is arranged at a position of an annular outer edge of an armature. The third magnetic suspension support mechanism is arranged at a position of an annular outer edge of a center disk of the generator. Each magnetic suspension support mechanism comprises a plurality of groups of magnetic steels distributed in a circle and adopt a matrix-type structure.

[0009] Further, a Chinese patent with publication no. CN201185369Y discloses a magnetic suspension weight and friction reducing aerogenerator, comprising a wind wheel and a generator provided with a stator and a rotor, wherein a stator permanent magnet and a rotor permanent magnet are respectively fixed on the stator and the rotor. The stator permanent magnet and the rotor permanent magnet are arranged symmetrically one above the other, and the polarities of the two sides facing each other are the same. As a result, the repulsive force of the rotor permanent magnet and the stator permanent magnet counteracts the downward pressing force of the windwheel.

[0010] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of generating electricity without compromising the integrity of the components by means of inducing magnetic levitation to support the components in the apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to minimize friction and subsequently reduce energy loss due to heat produced from friction while in operation.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electricity generating apparatus comprising an assembly having at least one rotatable flywheel which includes a first flywheel and a second flywheel, and at least one shaft arranged in an axis perpendicular to the flywheel, such that a rotation of the shafts causes a simultaneous rotation of the flywheels during operation; at least one motor attached to each end of the shaft for driving the rotation of the shafts and flywheels; one more bearing means attached in positions equidistant from each other along the shaft; and a plurality of support structures disposed beneath each bearing means, such that each support structure includes an arch body having one or more magnets arranged radially along the arch body; wherein, the bearing means are further configured with magnets arranged radially along its body, such that a magnetic levitation effect is induced by an interaction between the magnets of the bearing means and the support structure, causing the shafts to be suspended within the assembly. Preferably, the flywheels are positioned along a y-axis relative to the assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the shafts are positioned along an x-axis relative to the assembly.

[0014] Preferably, the motors include a first motor and a second motor.

[0015] Preferably, wherein the shafts include a first shaft and a second shaft.

[0016] Preferably, the first shaft is attached to the first motor and the second shaft is attached to the second motor.

[0017] Preferably, the first motor drives the rotation of the first shaft in a first direction, and the second motor drives the rotation of the second shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0018] Preferably, the rotation of the shafts induces a spinning motion of the flywheels that is engaged with an electrical generator which converts the spinning motion of the flywheels into electricity thereafter.

[0019] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises at least one pulse-based electromagnet attached at any position on either sides or a circumference of either or both the flywheels.

[0020] Preferably, the pulse-based electromagnet is configured to provide pulses of magnetif fields that interacts with another set of magnets embedded in the flywheels, causing the flywheels to continue rotating in the absence of the rotation from the shafts driven by the motors.

[0021] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiment described herein is not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawing the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.

[0024] FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating preferred embodiment of an electricity generating apparatus.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating the electricity generating apparatus.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a support structure of the apparatus.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, the invention shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and by referring to the accompanying description and drawings. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claim.

[0029] The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of an electricity generating apparatus from an isometric view and a top view respectively, in which the apparatus comprises an assembly 101 having at least one rotatable flywheel 102, 103 and at least one shaft 104, 105 arranged in an axis perpendicular to the flywheels 102, 103. Preferably, the flywheels 102, 103 and the shafts 104, 105 may be made from materials including steel or composite materials that provide necessary weight and strength for prolonged periods of operation, such that wear and tear does not occur as frequently. In this preferred embodiment, the flywheels 102, 103 may be positioned along a y-axis relative to the assembly 101, whereas the shafts 104, 105 are positioned along an x-axis relative to the assembly 101. Preferably, the rotatable flywheels 102, 103 include a first flywheel 102 and a second flywheel 103, whereas the shafts 104, 105 include at least a first shaft 104 and a second shaft 105. Additionally, the flywheels 102, 103 and the shafts 104, 105 may be configured with a mechanical coupling that enables said flywheels 102, 103 and the shafts 104, 105 to work in tandem, such that a rotation of the shafts 104, 105 causes a simultaneous rotation of the flywheels 102, 103 during operation. For example, a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear may be attached to the shafts 104, 105 and the flywheels 102, 103 respectively, whereby the bevel gears have teeth cut at an angle that allows for a transfer of motion between the shafts 104, 105 and the flywheels 102, 103 through said bevel gears.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation of the shafts 104, 105 is driven by at least one motor 106, 107 as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The motors 106, 107 may be a type of industrial motor such as a brushed direct current (DC) motor, a brushless DC motor, a synchronous motor, a compound motor, or the likes. The brushed DC motor is more appropriate for generator applications requiring a DC voltage output rather than alternating current (AC) voltage applications. In this preferred embodiment, the motors 106, 107 include a first motor 106 and a second motor 107, wherein the first shaft 104 is attached to the first motor 106, and the second shaft 105 is attached to the second motor 107. In operation, an external power source may provide power to the motors 106, 107 respectively, such that the first motor 106 may drive the rotation of the first shaft 104 in a first direction, either clockwise or counter-clockwise, and the second motor 107 may drive the rotation of the second shaft 105 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Preferably, the external power source may be a renewable or nonrenewable energy source. As a result of the opposing rotational directions, the motors 106, 107 are able to achieve a balanced torque, in which the torque produced by the first shaft 104 can counteract the torque produced by the second shaft 105, consequently minimizing vibrations and preventing the apparatus from spinning or twisting uncontrollably due to reactive forces between the shafts 104, 105. Further, the opposite direction of rotation of the shafts 104, 105 also contributes to an increased efficiency of the apparatus by minimizing internal losses and reduce a likelihood of overloading one side of the apparatus while another side is relatively inactive.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the motors 106, 107 may be configured to only drive the rotation of the first shaft 104 and the second shaft 105 for a predetermined period as defined by the user, as a way of initiating the rotation of the flywheels 102, 103 for said predetermined period, in which the motors 106, 107 may subsequently be turned off thereafter. This may be achieved by having the motors 106, 107 fitted with a timer switch that may control the power on and power off of the external power source at predetermined intervals to achieve optimal efficiency, such that an optimal interval may be a combination that requires a least energy input to produce a highest power output. As a result, the rotation of the shafts 104, 105 induces a spinning motion of the flywheels 102, 103 which is engaged with an electrical generator 110 having a stator and a rotor, such that the stator converts said spinning motion of the flywheels 102, 103 and the generator into electricity thereafter. The generated electricity may then be channeled back towards powering the motors 106, 107 whenever necessary to reduce the use of the external power source. In a preferred embodiment according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the assembly 101 further comprises a pulse-based electromagnet 111 which may be fabricated or fitted at any position along either sides or a circumference of either or both of the flywheels 102, 103 facing the motors 106, 107. Preferably, the pulse-based electromagnet 111 is a pulsed field magnet which is powered by a brief pulse of electric current through its windings rather than a continuous current, producing a brief but strong pulse of magnetic field. The pulse-based electromagnets 111 may also be connected to the external power source, such that said electromagnets 111 may provide pulses of the magnetic field at predetermined intervals as configured by the user, in which the pulses of magnetic field produced by the electromagnets 111 interact with a set of magnets 1021, 1031 embedded in the flywheels 102, 103 to maintain their rotational movements once the motors 106, 107 have been turned off using the timer switch. This enables a continuous generation of electricity by the generator 110 without expelling additional power or resources to continuously drive the rotation of the shafts 104, 105.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the assembly 101 further comprises one or more bearing means 108 attached in positions equidistant from each other along each shaft 104, 105, and a plurality of support structures 109 disposed beneath each bearing means 108. Referring to the cross-sectional view A-A of FIG. 3, the shafts 104, 105 are inserted through the bearing means 108. Each support structure 109 includes an arch body 1091 having one or more magnets 1092 arranged radially along the arch body 1091. The magnets 1092 may be embedded into the arch body 1091 in said arrangement, such that the magnets 1092 are flush with the sides of the arch body 1091, in addition to ensuring a uniform magnetic field surrounding the arch body 1091 and the bearing means 108. Additionally, the bearing means 108 are further configured with another set of magnets 1081 also arranged radially along its body. The magnets 1081, 1092 in both the bearing means 108 and the support structures 109 are configured to have sides having similar polarities face each other, such that a repulsive force is generated from the interaction between the magnetic fields produced by the respective magnets 1081, 1092 in the bearing means 108 and the support structures 109. This interaction of repulsive forces across evenly distributed magnetic fields subsequently induces a magnetic levitation effect upon the shafts 104, 105, causing the shafts 104, 105 to effectively be suspended without additional support while in operation. As mentioned above, the flywheels 102, 103 may also be fitted with a set of magnets 1021, 1031, with additional support structures 109 disposed beneath said flywheels 102, 103, such that the flywheels 102, 103 may also be in a constantly suspended state. Not only do the support structures 109 allow the shafts 104, 105 and flywheels 102, 103 to rotate in full rotation while minimizing or nulling friction between them, it allows for higher speeds of rotation of the shafts 104, 105 and the flywheels 102, 103, and in turn generating higher amounts of electricity. In a preferred embodiment, the support structures 109 further comprising at least one shaft 1093 extending from the arch body 1091, in which said shaft 1093 may be fixed to a side plate of the assembly 101 or to an external wall, such as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0034] The present disclosure includes as contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a degree of particularly, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electricity generating apparatus comprising an assembly (101) having at least one rotatable flywheel (102, 103) which includes a first flywheel (102) and a second flywheel (103), and at least one shaft (104, 105) arranged in an axis perpendicular to the flywheels (102, 103), such that a rotation of the shafts (104, 105) causes a simultaneous rotation of the flywheels (102, 103) during operation; at least one motor (106, 107) attached to each end of the shafts (104, 105) for driving the rotation of the shafts (104, 105) and flywheels (102, 103); one or more bearing means (108) attached in positions equidistant from each other along the shafts (104, 105); and a plurality of support structures (109) disposed beneath each bearing means (108), such that each support structure (109) includes an arch body (1091) having one or more magnets (1092) arranged radially along the arch body (1091); wherein, the bearing means (108) are further configured with magnets (1081) arranged radially along its body, such that a magnetic levitation effect is induced by an interaction between the magnets (1081, 1092) of the bearing means (108) and the support structures (109), causing the shafts (104, 105) to be suspended within the assembly (101).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flywheels (102, 103) are positioned along a y-axis relative to the assembly (101).

3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shafts (104, 105) are positioned along an x-axis relative to the assembly (101).

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motors (106, 107) include a first motor (106) and a second motor (107).

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shafts (104, 105) include a first shaft (104) and a second shaft (105).

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the first shaft (104) is attached to the first motor (106) and the second shaft (105) is attached to the second motor (107).

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first motor (106) drives the rotation of the first shaft (104) in a first direction, and the second motor (107) drives the rotation of the second shaft (105) in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the rotation of the shafts (104, 105) induces a spinning motion of the flywheels (102, 103) that is engaged with an electrical generator (110) which converts the spinning motion of the flywheels (102, 103) into electricity thereafter.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprises at least one pulse-based electromagnet (111) attached at any position along either sides or a circumference of either or both the flywheels (102, 103).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the pulse-based electromagnet (111) is configured to provide pulses of magnetic fields that interacts with another set of magnets (1021, 1031) embedded in the flywheels (102, 103), causing the flywheels (102, 103) to continue rotating in the absence of the rotation from the shafts (104, 105) driven by the motors (106, 107).

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