Concentric Electrostatic Generator with Magnetic Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrostatic generators and motors face limitations in maximizing power output and electrical standoff capability due to the design of interleaving fan-like condenser plates, which result in suboptimal performance in vacuum environments and high-voltage applications.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a new configuration featuring concentric cylindrical stators and rotors with varying thicknesses and shapes, including dielectric materials, and the use of magnetic fields to enhance electrical insulation and prevent electrical breakdown, allowing for higher voltage gradients and improved mechanical rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If interleaving fan-like condenser plates are used, then electrical connection to rotor is achieved, but voltage-holding ability and electrical standoff capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical standoff capabilityVSAvoidinterleaving fan-like condenser plates configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into three distinct cylindrical components: an inner cylindrical stator, an outer cylindrical stator, and a cylindrical rotor positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to have optimized electrical and mechanical properties, with the rotor serving as a common electrode for both capacitors rather than requiring complex interleaved structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cylindrical rotor is nested between the inner and outer cylindrical stators, creating a compact concentric arrangement. The rotor acts as the inner electrode for the outer capacitor and the outer electrode for the inner capacitor, efficiently utilizing space and improving electrical insulation without requiring interleaved plate structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Power

If simple cylindrical configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but power output and voltage-holding ability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidcylindrical stator and rotor configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nested cylindrical configuration allows two capacitors to be arranged concentrically with the rotor as the common electrode. This nested arrangement increases the effective capacitance and voltage-holding ability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the rotor serves dual electrical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures, particularly in the rotor which may include dielectric materials combined with conductive elements. This allows the rotor to function as both a mechanical rotating component and an electrical electrode, improving power output while managing the complexity through material integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Power

If high voltage gradients are applied, then power output increases, but electrical breakdown occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidelectrical insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical rotor serves as an intermediary electrode between the inner and outer stators. This intermediate structure provides controlled electrical pathways and enhances insulation by distributing voltage gradients across two capacitor interfaces rather than one, preventing electrical breakdown at high voltages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes geometric parameters of the cylindrical configuration, including radii and spacing between stators and rotor, to manage electric field distribution. By carefully controlling these parameters, the device can sustain high voltage gradients without exceeding breakdown thresholds, enabling high power output while maintaining electrical insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration significantly increases the voltage-holding ability and power output of electrostatic generators and motors, enabling efficient operation at high voltages and frequencies suitable for applications like HVDC transmission, while maintaining high efficiency and mechanical stability.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic field having field lines about parallel with the longitudinal axis is provided

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

electrostatic generators and motors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS8643249B2Electrostatic generator/motor configurations

Publication Date: 2014.02.04 LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NAT SECURITY LLC

AI summary

Electrostatic generators/motors designs are provided that generally may include a first cylindrical stator centered about a longitudinal axis; a second cylindrical stator centered about the axis, a first cylindrical rotor centered about the axis and located between the first cylindrical stator and the second cylindrical stator. The first cylindrical stator, the second cylindrical stator and the first cylindrical rotor may be concentrically aligned. A magnetic field having field lines about parallel with the longitudinal axis is provided.