Flux-modulated electric generator using rotating chirped laminated ferromagnetic cylinder and superconducting or permanent magnet

Abstract

This invention relates to a flux-modulated electric generator that utilizes a rotating Reluctance Modulation Cylinder (RMC) to dynamically modulate magnetic reluctance between a Magnetic Field Source (MFS) and a Power Extractor Assembly (PEA) by changing the reluctance of medium between PEA and MFS by sinusoidally. The RMC is constructed from chirped laminated ferromagnetic material on a non-magnetic conductive base and is driven by a small mechanical motor. As the RMC rotates, its varying thickness modulates the magnetic reluctance sinusoidally, creating a time-varying magnetic flux in the PEA. The PEA, composed of multiple electromagnets, captures this modulated flux and converts it into electrical energy through Faraday's Law of Induction. The MFS, which consists of permanent magnets or superconducting magnets, provides a stable and high-intensity magnetic field for flux modulation. The system is highly efficient due to the lightweight nature of the RMC, which significantly reduces mechanical power requirements compared to traditional generators with heavy rotating rotors. The generator also allows for individual load extraction through its series-connected electromagnets, making it adaptable to various power applications. This novel design offers enhanced efficiency, reduced mechanical wear, and versatility in power generation for both small and large-scale applications.

Description

Flux-Modulated Electric Generator Using Rotating Chirped Laminated Ferromagnetic Cylinder and Superconducting or permanent Magnet

[0001] Flux-Modulated Electric Generator Using Rotating Chirped Laminated Ferromagnetic Cylinder and Superconducting or permanent.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of electrical power generation, specifically a method and apparatus for generating electrical power by modulating magnetic reluctance using a rotating chirped laminated ferromagnetic cylinder103and one or plurality superconducting or permanent magnet magnetic field source 105. This design enables efficient extraction of power to multiple loads, reducing mechanical complexity and increasing efficiency.

[0003] Conventional electric generators typically use large, heavy rotating components such as permanent magnets or field windings to induce electricity via electromagnetic induction. These systems introduce mechanical challenges due to high rotational inertia, wear, and tear. Furthermore, existing generators struggle with power efficiency when supporting multiple load extractions. Though reluctance modulation methods have been explored, they have yet to be optimized for simultaneous load distribution and minimal mechanical stress.

[0004] The present invention introduces a highly efficient flux-modulated electric generatorthat uses a rotating Reluctance Modulation Cylinder (RMC)made of 202. The generator operates by dynamically modulating the magnetic reluctance between a Magnetic Field Source (MFS)105 and a Power Extractor Assembly (PEA) 104. This modulation induces electrical voltages in the PEA based on the principles of Faraday’s Law of Induction, leading to a highly efficient power generation system capable of serving multiple loads simultaneously.

[0005] Reluctance Modulation Cylinder (RMC): The is a rotating cylinder constructed from laminated ferromagnetic materials. These laminations are arranged in a chirped structure, where the thickness of the ferromagnetic layers and / or spacing between the layers varies periodically along the circumference of the cylinder301. The lamination period is designed to ensure a sinusoidal variation in magnetic reluctance as the RMC rotates within the magnetic field generated by the Magnetic Field Source (MFS) 105.

[0006] Chirped Structure: The term “chirped” refers to the gradual change in the thickness of the laminations along the cylinder’s circumference. This variation in thickness directly affects the magnetic reluctance between the Magnetic Field Source MFS and Power Extraction Assembly (PEA). As the Reluctance Modulation Cylinder (RMC) rotates, thicker sections of the ferromagnetic material reduce the reluctance, allowing more magnetic flux to pass through, while thinner sections increase the reluctance, thereby modulating the flux sinusoidally.

[0007] Non-electrically conductive Base: The ferromagnetic laminations are mounted on a non-magnetic, non-conductive base, to prevent eddy currents within the structure, ensuring that the cylinder remains efficient during rotation. The non-electrically conductive base also provides structural supportfor the laminated ferromagnetic material and contributes to heat dissipation, improving the durability and operational stability of the RMC.

[0008] The rotation of the RMC by a small motor introduces a periodic change in the magnetic reluctance, allowing for sinusoidal modulation of the magnetic flux passing through the PEA.

[0009] The RMC rotates at a fixed frequency, creating a time-varying reluctance path for the magnetic flux to pass through. As the RMC rotates, the magnetic reluctance in the gap between the MFS and PEA fluctuates sinusoidally due to the changing thickness of the ferromagnetic layers in the RMC. This variation in reluctance modulates the magnetic flux density that passes through the PEA, thereby inducing a sinusoidal output voltage according to Faraday's Law:

[0010] Where: is the induced electromotive force (voltage), N is the number of turns in the PEA coils, is the number of turns in the PEA coils, and is the rate of change of magnetic flux.

[0011] Magnetic Field Source (MFS): The MFS105consists of permanent magnets or superconducting magnets that generate a stable and strong magnetic field. The MFS is positioned adjacent to the RMC, providing a constant magnetic flux that interacts with the modulating reluctance of the RMC. The generated magnetic field passes through the ferromagnetic core of the RMC and modulates as the RMC rotates.

[0012] The flux ϕ passing through the magnetic circuit depends on the reluctance R of the magnetic path, which varies as the RMC rotates:

[0013] Where is the magnetomotive force from the MFS, is the magnetic reluctance, which changes sinusoidally due to the rotating RMC.

[0014] Where: is the magnetomotive force from the MFS, is the magnetic reluctance, which changes sinusoidally due to the rotating RMC.

[0015] As the RMC modulates the reluctance, the magnetic flux through the PEA also changes sinusoidally, creating a sinusoidal variation in the output voltage.

[0016] Power Extractor Assembly (PEA)104: The PEA consists of a set of electromagnets (or coils) positioned around the RMC. These electromagnets are connected in series and placed such that they capture the modulated magnetic flux passing through the rotating RMC. The PEA extracts the induced voltage caused by the sinusoidal variation of the magnetic flux, converting it into usable electrical power. Each coil in the PEA follows Faraday’s Law, and the output voltage is proportional to the rate of change of flux:

[0017] WhereNis the total number of turns in the PEA's coils, and is the rate of change of the sinusoidally varying magnetic flux caused by the RMC’s modulation of reluctance.

[0018] the rate of change of the sinusoidally varying magnetic flux caused by the RMC’s modulation of reluctance.

[0019] The key innovation in this generator is the dynamic modulation of magnetic reluctance via the rotating RMC. The laminated structure of the RMC is designed such that its thickness and / or spacing varies periodically along its circumference. As the RMC rotates within the air gap between the MFS and the PEA, this periodic variation in the RMC's thickness changes the reluctance in a sinusoidal manner. This leads to a sinusoidal magnetic flux in the PEA, which induces a rectified sinusoidal output voltage.

[0020] The modulation of reluctance by the RMC can be described by the following equation:

[0021] Where is the length of the magnetic path, is he permeability of free space, is the relative permeability of the ferromagnetic material in the RMC, is the time-varying cross-sectional area of the laminated RMC as it rotates.

[0022] As the RMC rotates, varies periodically, creating a sinusoidal variation in reluctance. This variation in reluctance leads to a sinusoidal change in the magnetic flux , which directly induces a sinusoidal voltage in the Technical Problem

[0023] The rotating RMC manipulates the magnetic reluctance between the MFS and PEA to induce a sinusoidal variation in the magnetic flux. This process effectively transforms mechanical rotational motion into electrical power, as the PEA captures the induced voltage generated by the changing magnetic flux. The design of the laminated ferromagnetic material in the RMC, particularly its chirped structure, ensures that the reluctance varies smoothly and sinusoidally, resulting in highly efficient power generation.

[0024] The system is highly scalable, and the sinusoidal modulation of reluctance allows for efficient extraction of power to multiple loads via the PEA’s series-connected electromagnets. Additionally, the lightweight nature of the RMC reduces the mechanical load, leading to minimal wear and tear and increased durability.

[0025] The invention provides a flux-modulated electric generator featuring a rotating reluctance modulation cylinder (RMC) constructed from chirped laminated ferromagnetic material. The RMC modulates the magnetic reluctance between a static magnetic field source (MFS) and a power extractor assembly (PEA). A superconducting magnet or permanent magnet source provides a stable magnetic field, and the RMC rotates via a small motor. The system is designed for high efficiency and supports the extraction of power to individual loads through the PEA’s series-connected or parallel-connected electromagnets.

[0026] This invention solves the problem of inefficiency and mechanical stress in traditional electric generators by introducing a flux-modulated electric generator with a rotating Reluctance Modulation Cylinder (RMC). Unlike traditional generators that rely on heavy, rotating rotors consisting of poles and windings or permanent magnets, this design uses a lightweight RMC made from chirped laminated ferromagnetic materialon a non-electrically and non-magnetically conductive base. This crucial difference reduces the mechanical power needed for rotation, thereby significantly increasing the overall efficiency of the system.

[0027] Replacing Heavy Rotors with a Lightweight Cylinder: Traditional generators use heavy rotors that consist of poles and large bodies, requiring significant mechanical power to rotate. This leads to substantial mechanical losses due to friction,inertia, and the need for large motors. In contrast, this invention uses a lightweight RMC. The RMC’s design eliminates the need for heavy components, greatly reducing the mechanical load. As a result, the small motor driving the RMC operates with minimal power consumption, which considerably improves overall system efficiency. The reduction in mechanical input power results in lower operational costs, reduced maintenance, and longer system lifespan.

[0028] Dynamic Magnetic Reluctance Modulation: The RMC is designed with laminated ferromagnetic material in a chirped structure—the thickness and / or spacing between each successive layer of the laminated layers varies periodically along its circumference. As the RMC rotates within a small gap between the Magnetic Field Source (MFS) and the Power Extractor Assembly (PEA), it dynamically modulates the magnetic reluctance of the system in a sinusoidal manner. This modulation alters the amount of magnetic flux that passes from the MFS to the PEA, generating a sinusoidal flux variation that induces voltage in the PEA coils. Using the principle of Faraday’s Law:

[0029] the sinusoidal variation in magnetic flux Φ causes a corresponding sinusoidal voltage output in the PEA. The key advantage is that this modulation of reluctance is achieved without the need for heavy, mechanically demanding rotating components.

[0030] Stable Magnetic Field with Reduced Magnetic Losses: The MFS consists of permanent magnets or superconducting magnets, which provide a stable and strong magnetic field. The absence of a heavy rotor reduces magnetic drag and eliminates the back EMF (electromotive force) typically encountered in conventional rotor-stator systems. This means that the system operates more efficiently, with less energy wasted in overcoming internal magnetic forces. The stability of the magnetic field also allows the system to deliver consistent power output, further contributing to its high efficiency.

[0031] Efficient Power Extraction for Multiple Loads: The Power Extractor Assembly (PEA), consisting of multiple electromagnets arranged around the RMC, captures the modulated magnetic flux and converts it into electrical power. The electromagnets are connected in series and / or parallel and are capable of supporting individual load extraction, allowing the generator to serve multiple power outputs. The configuration ensures that power is extracted efficiently, even when loads vary, with minimal resistive losses. The sinusoidal nature of the flux modulation results in a smooth and reliable power output.

[0032] Reduction of Mechanical Power Requirements: Since the RMC is much lighter and simpler than traditional rotor designs, the mechanical power needed to rotate it is drastically reduced. Conventional systems require significant power to rotate large rotors at high speeds, but in this invention, a small motor driving the RMC consumes minimal power. The reduction in mechanical power directly contributes to the overall efficiency of the system, as more energy can be converted into electrical power rather than being lost as mechanical work. This results in a significant increase in efficiency compared to traditional generators.

[0033] Minimization of Eddy Currents and Heat Generation: The laminated structure of the RMC is designed to minimize eddy currents within the ferromagnetic material. By laminating the material, eddy currents are confined to small loops, reducing heat generation and ensuring higher efficiency. Additionally, the non-electrically conductive base further aids in reducing eddy current losses while providing mechanical stability.

[0034] The most significant improvement in this design is the replacement of heavy rotating componentswith a light, rotating Reluctance Modulation Cylinder RMC. This fundamental change drastically reduces the mechanical power required to rotate the system, leading to much lower energy losses due to friction and inertia. As a result, the system's efficiency is significantly higher than that of traditional generators, where a large portion of the input power is lost to rotating heavy components. This breakthrough enables the generator to produce power more efficiently, with reduced mechanical wear and lower operational costs.

[0035] The configuration of the PEA enables multiple loads to be powered simultaneously, enhancing the versatility of the generator in power distribution applications.

[0036] Reduced Mechanical Complexity: The lightweight nature of the RMC minimizes mechanical wear and tear, reducing the need for heavy rotors and large motors, thus lowering maintenance requirements.

[0037] The system can be scaled up or down depending on power needs, making it suitable for various industrial and commercial applications.

[0038] because the size and weight of the rotor are no longer critical, the generator can be fabricated in any size, even tens of times larger than commercial generators. The stationary nature of the magnetic field source and the use of a lightweight RMC enable scalability for industrial applications, providing a generator that is adaptable for large-scale power generation without sacrificing efficiency.

[0039] The drawings included in this patent application illustrate the various components and configurations of the flux-modulated electric generator. Specifically,  provides a visual representation of the overall system architecture, highlighting the relationship between the rotating reluctance modulation cylinder (RMC), the magnetic field source (MFS), and the power extractor assembly (PEA) and  further detail the structural elements and operational principles of the generator, showcasing the modulation of magnetic reluctance and the resulting electrical output.

[0040] This drawing depicts the overall structure of the flux-modulated electric generator. The RMC103is shown rotating within the magnetic field generated by the MFS magnetic poles105, which surrounds the cylinder. The PEA104, composed of electromagnets(104-1 to 104-6), is positioned to capture the modulated magnetic flux from the RMC. The figure demonstrates the placement of the key components and how they interact to generate power.

[0041] illustrates the cross-sectional view of the RMC, highlighting its chirped laminated structure. The varying thickness of the laminations is shown, demonstrating how the reluctance is modulated as the cylinder rotates. The air gap between the RMC and the PEA is depicted, emphasizing the modulation effect on the magnetic flux passing through the system.

[0042] This figure details the Magnetic Field Source (MFS) and its configuration of permanent or superconducting magnets arranged in poles around the RMC. The figure shows how the magnetic flux generated by the MFS passes through the RMC and is modulated as the RMC rotates. The interaction between the magnetic flux and the PEA is illustrated.Examples

[0043] In this embodiment, the generator operates with 4 magnetic poles, each providing a 0.5 T magnetic field. The Reluctance Modulation Cylinder (RMC) is constructed from ferrite laminations mounted onanon-magnetic non-conductive base, and the thickness of the laminations varies along the circumference to ensure a sinusoidal modulation of the magnetic reluctance. The modulation results in a time-varying flux that is captured by the Power Extractor Assembly (PEA), composed of electromagnets placed around the RMC. The Magnetic Field Source (MFS) consists of permanent magnets that provide the steady magnetic field, and the PEA electromagnets are wound with high-conductivity wire to capture the modulated flux. The small motor driving the RMC requires only minimal power due to the lightweight nature of the RMC, operating at 3000 RPM to match the 50 Hz output frequency. With an output of 40 kV and 5 kA, the system delivers a total power of 20 MW, with minimal losses due to the system's efficient reluctance modulation and reduced mechanical complexity.

[0044] Small-Scale Renewable Energy Application. In this embodiment, the generator is designed for renewable energy applications, such as wind or solar power systems, where efficient power extraction is critical. The RMC is lightweight and optimized for variable-speed operation, ensuring efficient reluctance modulation even at lower rotational speeds. The MFS uses superconducting magnets, which allow for a stronger magnetic field (up to 1 T), increasing the system’s power density. The PEA is configured to extract power efficiently, even during fluctuations in the input power from renewable sources. This embodiment delivers 5 MW of output power with a smaller footprint, making it ideal for distributed energy systems and microgrids.

[0045] The flux-modulated electric generator has numerous industrial applications, including use inpower generation plants,renewable energy systems, and distributed power systems. Its ability to efficiently extract power for multiple loads while minimizing mechanical complexity makes it suitable for long-term, large-scale energy production. The system’s scalability also enables its use in smaller applications where efficient power extraction is critical.

Claims

A flux-modulated electric generator comprising:A rotating reluctance modulation cylinder made of laminated ferromagnetic material with periodically varying thickness to modulate magnetic reluctance.A magnetic field source providing a steady magnetic flux for interaction with the rotating reluctance modulation cylinder.A power extraction assembly comprising multiple electromagnets configured for individual load extraction.A motor configured to rotate the reluctance modulation cylinder.The generator of claim 1, wherein the RMC operates by dynamically modulating the magnetic reluctance between the MFS and PEA through its chirped laminated ferromagnetic material, creating a sinusoidal variation in reluctance. The rotating RMC is driven by a mechanical motor, which operates at a fixed frequency, ensuring smooth and periodic modulation of the magnetic flux.The generator of claim 2, wherein the RMC is mounted on a non-magnetic material or composite base to provide structural integrity and support the laminated ferromagnetic layers. The base is designed to reduce eddy currents and enhance the stability of the rotating cylinder.The generator of claim 1, wherein the MFS is composed of superconducting magnets or permanent magnets arranged in multiple poles, creating a strong and stable magnetic field. The MFS generates magnetic flux lines that pass through the RMC, where the flux is modulated based on the varying reluctance of the RMC’s laminated structure.The generator of claim 1, wherein the PEA is composed of several electromagnets placed in series around the RMC. The electromagnets are designed to capture the modulated magnetic flux and convert it into electrical energy by inducing a voltage in the coils according to Faraday’s Law. Each coil can extract power to support individual loads.The generator of claim 2, wherein the mechanical motor used to rotate the RMC operates at low power due to the lightweight nature of the cylinder. The motor ensures that the RMC rotates at an optimal speed, allowing the laminated structure to periodically modulate the reluctance, producing a smooth, sinusoidal change in the magnetic flux.The generator of claim 1, wherein the RMC consists of laminated ferromagnetic material with variable thickness around its circumference, creating a chirped structure. As the RMC rotates, thicker regions of the cylinder reduce magnetic reluctance, allowing more flux to pass, while thinner regions increase reluctance, restricting flux. This dynamic modulation of reluctance generates a time-varying magnetic flux that is sinusoidal in nature, leading to sinusoidal voltage output in the PEA.The generator of claim 4, wherein the MFS poles are arranged radially around the RMC to ensure uniform magnetic field interaction across the rotating cylinder. The MFS poles are synchronized with the modulation pattern of the RMC, ensuring that magnetic flux variations are in-phase with the rotation of the cylinder.The generator of claim 5, wherein the PEA electromagnets are positioned at a predetermined distance from the RMC to maximize the capture of modulated magnetic flux while minimizing flux leakage. The coils are wound with high-conductivity material and connected in series to support power extraction for multiple loads. The coils’ configuration allows for both high voltage and high current output, depending on the application.The generator of claim 6, wherein the mechanical motor is powered by a small fraction of the generator's total output, given the reduced mechanical load from the lightweight RMC. The motor’s power consumption is minimized, contributing to the overall efficiency of the generator.The generator of claim 1, wherein the sinusoidal variation in the magnetic reluctance caused by the RMC’s rotation results in a sinusoidal magnetic flux passing through the PEA. This time-varying flux induces a corresponding sinusoidal voltage in the PEA coils, allowing for smooth power output with minimal ripple.

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