Linear Generator with Electromagnetic Suspension and Diaphragm Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical power generation systems that convert mechanical and thermal energy into electrical energy are complex and expensive to maintain, often experiencing corrosion and contamination issues when dealing with low-grade fuels or waste, and combined water purification systems are similarly complex and costly.

Innovation Solution

A simplified electric linear generator/motor system using a rod-shaped rotor electromagnetically suspended in a sleeve with conical sections and diaphragms to reduce corrosion and contamination, allowing for efficient energy conversion and water purification with reduced maintenance costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrical power generation systems are used to convert mechanical and thermal energy into electrical energy, then energy conversion is achieved, but the systems become complex and expensive to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct functional segments: a corrosion-resistant housing containing the electrical components, a separate fluid processing chamber with diaphragms, and isolated magnetic assemblies. This segmentation protects sensitive electrical components from corrosive environments while maintaining energy conversion functionality, thereby improving reliability without requiring overall system simplification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A corrosion-resistant housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the corrosive fluid environment and the electrical components. Diaphragms serve as intermediaries to transmit mechanical motion from the fluid pressure changes to the magnetic assemblies while preventing direct contact between corrosive fluids and sensitive parts. This isolation strategy improves system reliability by protecting critical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If conventional systems process low grade fuels or waste containing contaminants, then energy conversion is achieved, but corrosion and debris blocking occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy conversion capabilityVSAvoidcorrosion and contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful corrosive environment is extracted and isolated from the electrical components by placing them in a sealed, corrosion-resistant housing. The diaphragms extract and transmit only the necessary mechanical motion while blocking contaminants and debris from reaching sensitive internal components. This allows the system to process low-grade fuels and waste while protecting against corrosion and contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible diaphragms are used to separate the corrosive fluid environment from the protected internal components. These thin film barriers allow mechanical motion transmission while providing effective protection against corrosion and contamination, enabling the system to maintain productivity when processing contaminated fuels or waste materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If combined water purification systems are integrated with power generation, then water purification is achieved, but the systems become very complex and expensive to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges power generation and water purification functions by integrating a thermal energy conversion process that simultaneously produces electricity and purifies water. The corrosion-protected linear generator converts thermal energy from the water purification process into electrical energy, creating a multi-functional system that achieves both objectives through coordinated component interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The corrosion-resistant housing and isolated magnetic assemblies serve multiple functions: they protect electrical components, enable energy conversion, and facilitate water purification through integrated thermal processing. The diaphragms simultaneously transmit mechanical motion and prevent contamination. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system provides a cost-effective and low-maintenance method for converting energy and purifying water by minimizing corrosion and contamination, reducing maintenance costs and improving efficiency through electromagnetic suspension and diaphragm isolation.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical induction coil (14) extending lengthwise within the stator (12), a rotor (16) capable of moving linearly to and fro relative to the stator (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

By way of the invention corrosion and contamination effects can be reduced by isolating corrosive and/or contaminating fluids from hard to reach and system critical areas. This is done by using diaphragms.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

the rotor (16) is electromagnetically suspended in the sleeve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic suspension: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentEP2854267B1Electric linear generators/motors and energy converting system with the same
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
  • EP2854267B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2854267B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2854267B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Electric linear generator/motor comprising an elongate stator, an electrical induction coil extending lengthwise within or around the stator, a rotor including or carrying at least one permanent magnet and capable of moving linearly to and fro relative to the stator, and a means for providing connection of the respective ends of the coil with an electrical power storage, electrical power source, electrical device or the like, characterized in that it further comprises a pipe it further comprises a pipe, both pipe ends being sealed by a flexible diaphragm and the pipe being filled with an incompressible fluid, the stator is designed as a sleeve sitting on the pipe and that the rotor is located in the pipe, and systems with the same.