Power generation by continuous floatation

Power generation systems may be achieved by a variety of system, processes, and techniques. In one implementation, a power generation system may include a tank adapted to hold a liquid and a drive section submersed in the tank. The drive section may include a continuous, collapsible pressure container and a rotatable assembly around which the pressure container is routed. The rotatable assembly may contain an axis mounted to the tank. The drive section may also include a series of panels guided around the rotatable assembly to encourage the pressure container to expand and collapse as it circulates around the rotatable assembly.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/552,255, filed Aug. 30, 2017. This prior application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

As the world continues to become more socially and economically advanced, its need for energy will continue to grow. Additionally, as the world's population continues to increase, its energy needs will grow. Thus, the need for energy will continue to expand.

Many traditional techniques for producing energy (e.g., combusting coal or natural gas) have become increasingly expensive with increased energy demand. Also, these techniques, as well as alternative techniques (e.g., nuclear), have numerous environmental drawbacks. Other traditional techniques (e.g., geo-thermal and hydro-electric) have not been able to keep pace with demand.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, the invention is directed to a power generation system that is driven by the kinetic force of a rotating body that generates flotation air when it is immersed, with approximately half being inflated with a suitable gas for the purpose (e.g., air, nitrogen, helium, etc.) while approximately the other half is collapsed (the ratio is variable). Since the power generation system is mounted on one or more cylinders vertically aligned and freely rotating on horizontal axes, the buoyancy force makes the inflated portion of the motor tend to move, rotating a driveshaft.

In one implementation, a power generation system may include a tank and a drive section. The tank is adapted to hold a liquid (e.g., water), and the drive section is submersed in the tank. The drive section may include a continuous, collapsible pressure container and a rotatable assembly around which the pressure container is routed, the rotatable assembly containing an axis mounted to the tank. The driver section may also include a series of panels guided around the rotatable assembly to encourage the pressure container to expand and collapse as it circulates around the rotatable assembly.

In certain implementation, the system may include a second rotatable assembly around which the pressure container is also routed, the second rotatable assembly including an axis mounted to the tank. The first rotatable assembly and the second rotatable assembly may be vertically aligned with each other and horizontally aligned.

In particular implementations, the axis of the second rotatable assembly contains an inertia wheel for starting the motor.

The system may further include a panel between the rotatable assemblies along which the inner periphery of the pressure container may slide.

In certain implementations, the panels are mounted inside the pressure container. The panels may include one set of panels mounted on the inside of an inner periphery of pressure container and a second set of panels mounted on the inside of an outer periphery of the pressure container. The inner and outer panels may be paired, and the panels in each pair are connected to each other by a guide assembly. The system may also include a cam assembly to collapse the guide assemblies.

In some implementations, the panels are mounted to the outside of the pressure container. The system may further include a track to guide the panels around the rotatable assembly.

Particular implementations may include a locking assembly configured to lock an outer portion of the pressure container to an inner portion of the pressure container when the pressure container is collapsed.

In another implementation, a power generation system may include an elongated tank adapted to hold a liquid, a first rotatable assembly mounted horizontally in the tank, and a second rotatable assembly mounted horizontally in the tank. The second rotatable assembly may be spaced apart vertically from the first rotatable assembly. The system may also include an elongated, inflatable/collapsible, continuous pressure container routed around the rotatable assemblies. The system may further include a series of panels mounted to the inside of an outer portion of the pressure container, the panels urging the expansion and collapse of the pressure container as it circulates around the rotatable assemblies.

In some implementations, the system may include a series of panels mounted to the inside of an inner portion of the pressure container, the inner panels and the outer panels being pair, and a guide assembly between each pair of inner panel and outer panels.

Particular implementations may include a locking assembly configured to lock an outer portion of the pressure container to an inner portion of the pressure container when the pressure container is collapsed.

In an additional implementation, a power generation system may include a tank adapted to hold a liquid, a divider separating the tank into a first portion and a second portion, and a chamber mounted around a rotational axis such that one portion of the chamber is located in the first tank portion and a second portion of the chamber is located in the second tank portion. The system may also include a gas injection system adapted to inject gas into the first portion of the tank, the divider adapted to substantially prevent the gas from passing to the second tank portion. The liquid in the first portion may thereby be made less dense than the liquid in the second portion, causing the chamber to rotate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a kinetic energy engine, that is, a motor capable of producing force and/or energy from the kinetic energy of moving bodies, for which a hollow body will be used. The hollow body may be collapsible/expandable or solid. By altering the buoyancy of the body, kinetic energy may be obtained, which may be converted into mechanical work or electricity.

FIGS. 1-5illustrate an example motor100in accordance with one implementation of the present invention. Among other things, motor100includes a tank110inside which of which is mounted rotatable assemblies150and a collapsible/expandable pressure container160.

Tank110is generally elongated and has a bottom112, one of more sides114, and a top116. Although shows as being square in cross section, tank110may be rectangular, circular, oval, or other appropriate shape in other implementations. Tank110may be made of metal, concrete, plastic, or any other appropriate material. Bottom112and sides114forms a chamber118that is filled with a liquid, typically water. The liquid typically covers the pressure container160and may fill the chamber118in particular implementations. In certain implementations, water in the chamber may include antioxidants and lubricity additives which facilitate proper operation.

Each rotatable assembly150typically includes at least two wheels152(only one of which is viewable) that are connected by an axel154. Extending from rotatable assembly150ais drive shaft120, which extends through at least one side wall114of tank110. Drive shaft120is mounted in a bushing/bearing122so it, and, hence, rotatable assembly150a,may turn freely. Extending from rotatable assembly150bis drive shaft210, which extends through at least one side wall114of tank110. Drive shaft210is mounted so it, and, hence, rotatable assembly150b, may turn freely.

As noted above, chamber118will typically be filled at least to the point at which pressure container160is submerged in liquid. As illustrated, pressure container160is a flexible, continuous loop that has a hollow cavity inside, roughly rectangular in cross section in this implementation. Pressure container160is routed around rotatable assemblies150so that it may circulate therearound.

At any particular time, part of pressure container160is fully expanded, and part of pressure container160is fully collapsed. In the illustrated implementation, about 35% of pressure container160is expanded, about 15% of the pressure container is collapsing, about 35% of the pressure container is collapsed, and about 15% of the pressure container is expanding. Different ratios of expanded/collapsing/collapsed/expanding may be achieved in different implementations. Which portions of pressure container160are expanded, collapsing, collapsed, and expanding will change as the pressure container circulates around rotatable assemblies150. Typically, the volume that is being lost due to collapse is approximately equal to the volume that is being gained by expansion.

Pressure container160is partially (e.g., about 50%) filled with a fluid, which may be more buoyant than the liquid in chamber118, In particular implementations, pressure container160may be partially filled with air (e.g., at ambient pressure). Of the fluid in pressure container160, the vast majority (e.g., >95%) will be in the expanded portion versus the collapsed portion. Pressure container160may be made of rubber (e.g., cholorsulfonated polyethylene), canvas, plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride or urethane), or any other appropriate waterproof material.

Motor100also includes a number of press assemblies170configured to expand and collapse pressure container160. Each press assembly170includes a panel172that is attached (e.g., by adhesive) to the inside of the outer portion of the pressure container160and a panel174that is attached (e.g., by adhesive to the inside of the inner portion of the pressure container160.

Panels174are typically spaced very close to each other around the inner portion of pressure container160. Panels172are typically spaced farther apart from each other around the outer portion of pressure container so as to accommodate the increased spacing that occurs as the outer portion of the pressure container travels around the rotatable assemblies.

Coupled between each outer panel172and inner panel174are guide assemblies176(typically two for each pair of inner and outer panels). In the illustrated implementation, guide assemblies176include a first guide177that is hingedly coupled to outer panel172at a first end and a second guide178that is hingedly coupled to inner panel174at a first end. The guides177,178are hingedly coupled to each other at their second ends. The guides alternate between an expand position in which they give structure and shape to pressure container160and a contracted position in which they allow pressure container160to collapse.

Panels172,174typically have a flat outer surface where they attach to the pressure container160. In some implementations, the opposite surface (i.e., the one facing the inside of the pressure container) may also be flat. In the illustrated implementation, the opposite surfaces have channels175in them for receiving the guides176,177when they collapse. Panels172,174may, for example, be made of metal (e.g., steel).

Motor100also includes panels180, which are on the outside of the inner portion of pressure container160. Thus, the inner portion of pressure container160—the portion that travels around rotatable assemblies150—is sandwiched between inner panels174and panels180. Panels180are typically flat on their inner and outer surfaces and are attached to pressure container160(e.g., by adhesion).

Motor100also includes a cam assembly190. The cam assembly is configured to disengage the guide assemblies170from their expanded position. Cam assembly190may, for example, be composed of wheels or slider blocks.

FIGS. 5A-5Cillustrate an example cam assembly190′. Can assembly190′ includes two slider blocks191,192, one on either side of a guide assembly170. Pressure container160, which surrounds guide assembly170is not shown for the sake of clarity.

As the guide assembly170approaches the cam assembly190, the slider blocks191,192engage the guides176,177at their second ends. As the guide assembly proceeds to move past the slider blocks, the slider blocks force the second ends of the guides to move inward. As the guide assembly moves past the slider blocks, the second ends of the guides are collapsed inwards. The guide assembly may continue to collapse further after departing from the slider blocks (e.g., due to weight and/or liquid pressure).

Motor100also includes rotatable assemblies240. Rotatable assemblies240include multiple wheels242mounted so that they contact the outside of the pressure container160.

Positioned in the bottom of pressure container160is a heavy body195. In particular implementations, heavy body195may be a very dense liquid (e.g., mercury) or a physical object (e.g., a lead roller). Heavy body195is adapted to cause collapsed guide assemblies to expand. If a high density liquid is used, the liquid may be +/− to the height of the power axis.

As best shown inFIG. 2, when the pressure container160is expanded, it is offset in the liquid in chamber118, due to one portion of the pressure container being expanded and the another portion being collapsed. The expanded portion of the pressure container160will be urged to move upwards (in a clockwise motion inFIG. 2) due to the buoyancy of that portion and rotate the whole pressure container160around rotatable assemblies150. During this motion, the lower part of the pressure container that is collapsed will advance in a rotary movement around rotatable assembly150bto a point where heavy body195activates the guide assemblies176of the collapsed press assemblies170so that they are placed in an expanded position, which allows the passage of fluid going from the collapsing portion of the pressure container to the expanding portion of the pressure container. In particular implementations, the volume of the expanding portion is approximately equal to the volume of the contracting portion. Thus, the fluid pressure in pressure container160remains relatively constant. In the illustrated implementation, expanded guide assemblies170are bowed outward slightly, which helps to lock them into place.

The expanded guide assemblies170will stay expanded as they move toward rotatable assembly150a,resisting the pressure due to the liquid in chamber118and keeping the volume in the pressure container constant. When the expanded guide assemblies170encounter cam assembly190, the guides176,177will be biased toward the inside of the pressure container, which will allow the guide assemblies, and hence the pressure container, to start collapsing. At the beginning, the collapsing will occur due to the weight of the collapsing guide assembly and the liquid on the pressure container. As the collapsing portion of the pressure container moves further, it will encounter rotatable assemblies240, which will further collapse the collapsing portion of the pressure container. When traveling toward rotatable assembly150b,the collapsed portion of the pressure container160will contain little if any fluid.

As the force applied to the bottom of the pressure container is continuous, the motion of the pressure container and, hence, the expansion/collapsing process, is continuous.

In particular implementations, motor100may start to move automatically once chamber118is filled with liquid. In some implementations, motor100may require assistance to begin moving. To start the movement, motor100has an inertia generator wheel230, which can be activated manually or with some powered mechanism, such as a motor vehicle. The weight of this wheel may be approximately equivalent to a quarter of the weight of the chamber surrounding one cylinder if it were solid steel. The combination of the kinetic forces of buoyancy and inertia ensure continuity tending to win the buoyant force that is the greater force.

Motor100has a variety of features. For example, motor100may produce kinetic energy in a renewable manner without the consumption of fossil fuels. The kinetic energy may be used to perform useful mechanical work or generated electrical power.

FIG. 6illustrates an alternate implementation of a motor100′. Motor100′ is similar to motor100in that it includes rotatable assemblies150(only one of which is shown) around which a collapsible pressure continer160is looped. Motor100′, however, includes a series of locking assemblies250on the outside of pressure container160. Locking assemblies250maintain pressure container in a collapsed state after it traverses rotatable assembly150a.

Locking assemblies250includes plates252mounted on the outer periphery of pressure container and plates254mounted on the inner periphery of the pressure container. The plates may, for example, be made of metal or plastic. In particular implementations, the plates may be mounted opposite internal panels. Hingedly coupled to the outer plates252are arms256. The arms are adapted to engage inner plates254(e.g., via a tang) when the pressure container is collapsed. A cam system similar to cam system190may be used to engage the arms with inner plates254at rotatable assembly150aand to disengage the arms from the inner plates at the other rotatable assembly150.

Motor100′ also include a cam assemblies190″ (only one of which is shown for clarity). As opposed to cam assembly190′, cam assemblies190″ include a rotatable wheel196that acts to disengage guide assemblies inside pressure container160.

FIG. 7illustrates a number of motors100coupled together in series through their drive shafts120. Thus, the power of the motors may be linked with each other.

FIGS. 8-12illustrate another example motor300. Motor300includes a tank310that is adapted to hold a liquid302(e.g., water, mercury, etc.) and a drive section320that is adapted to produce power and/or energy from the kinetic energy of a moving body. In the example implementation, tank310is approximately 1.2 m×1.2 m×3 m, and drive section320is approximately 1 m×1 m×2.5 m. However, tank310and drive section320may be sized for the appropriate application.

Tank310forms a chamber312in which drive section320may be immersed in liquid302. Tank310may, be made of concrete, plastic, or any other appropriate material. Although illustrated as being square in cross-section, tank310may have other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., rectangular, circular, oval, etc.). In the illustrated implementation, tank300includes flaps410to keep the liquid from swirling in the tank. In certain implementation, liquid302may include antioxidants and lubricity additives, which will facilitate proper operation.

Drive section320includes cylinders322, the upper one mounted on a drive shaft324and the lower one mounted on a power shaft326, which are adapted to rotate freely. The drive section, including cylinders322, drive shaft324, and power shaft326, will be located inside tank310, leaving the drive section in liquid302. The drive shaft and the power shaft are rotatably mounted to the walls of the tank.310(e.g., by liquid proof bearings or bushings) and extend therethrough.

Wrapped around cylinders322(e.g., in a continuous loop) is a pressure container390. Pressure container390is adapted to contain the fluid and is collapsible/expandable. Pressure container390may be made of rubber, synthetic rubber, vinyl, plastic, or any other appropriate material. In particular implementation, the pressure container may include a fabric-like material on the outside (e.g., woven nylon or polyester) to reduce wear.

Drive section320also includes panels370, which are distributed equidistantly on the outer perimeter of the drive section, and tracks380, one on each side of the drive section. Panels370, which may, for example, be made of metal (e.g., aluminum or steel) or plastic, allow the expansion and collapse action of the pressure container under the direction of the tracks380, which may, for example, be made of steel or plastic. The panels are coupled to the tracks by bearings372.

To facilitate the sliding of the pressure container, backrest sides340are located on the inside perimeter of the pressure container between the cylinders, in order to reduce friction.

In operation, approximately one half of pressure container390will be expanded while the other half is collapsed. As the pressure container moves around the cylinders, the upper end of the expanded side will become collapsed while the lower end of the collapsed side will become expanded. This process is continuous. The expansion and collapse of the pressure container will be dictated by the movement of the pressure container with the panels, which are guided by, tracks380.

When submerged, the expanded portion of the pressure container will tend to move up, moving the panels. The lower part of the pressure container that is collapsed by the panels370will move in a rotary motion under the guidance of where the bearings372of the panels, positioned by the tracks380, gradually allowing the passage of fluid passing from the collapsing portion to the expanding portion. The fluid will flow back into the portion of the pressure container that is expanding at the lower end. In order that the pressure container does not expand to the sides, panels370confine the outer sides of the pressure container.

To start the movement, motor300includes an inertia generator wheel430coupled to power axis410, which can be activated manually or with some mechanism, such as by a motor vehicle. The weight of this wheel may be approximately equivalent to a quarter of the weight of the area surrounding one cylinder if it were solid steel. The combination of the kinetic forces of buoyancy and inertia ensure continuity, tending to favor the buoyant force, which is the greater force.

The rotary power from drive shaft320may be used for performing mechanical work or for generating electricity. The electricity may be generated internal or external to the motor.

FIG. 13illustrates another example motor500. Similar to motor1, motor500includes a tank510and a drive section520. Drive section520, however, includes one drive shaft530to which a cylinder540is mounted. Wrapped in a loop around cylinder540is a collapsible pressure container550. The pressure container is guided by panels560, which are guided by track570.

In operation, the offset of pressure container550creates a bouyancy force that drives the pressure container around the cylinder540(i.e., in a counterclockwise direction). As a portion of the pressure container nears the cylinder, the portion is collapsed under the influence of presses560, the fluid in the portion flowing back into the remaining expanded portion. The portion then travels around the cylinder in a collapsed state. As a collapsed portion of the pressure container leaves the cylinder, the fluid in the pressure container fills the portion.

FIGS. 14-16illustrate an additional example motor600. Motor600includes a tank610filled with a liquid630(e.g., water) divided in half by a divider620.

On one side of the divider620, bubbles of some gas (e.g., air or nitrogen) will be introduced to the water in order to decrease its density. A rotatable shaft650with air filled pressure containers660coupled thereto is located in the water. The pressure containers may be made of plastic, rubber, or any other appropriate material. The pressure containers may, for example, be commercial motor vehicle tires. To contain the bubbles on one side of the tank, a netting may be used around the holes in divider620. The netting may, for example, have the density of mosquito netting.

One half each chamber will be on the side of the tank with low density liquid (i.e., with air bubbles), and the other half will be on the side of the tank with normal density liquid. The difference in the density of the water on the two sides generates an imbalance. Thus, the side that is in the normal density liquid will tend to float more than the side that is in the low density liquid, which will cause the pressure containers660to rotate.

The rotation of the pressure containers causes the rotatable shaft650to rotate. Coupled to the rotatable shaft is a power axis700. The power axis may drive a generator and/or a mechanical device.

Motor600also includes a pump670that draws water from the tank610through a conduit680. In particular implementations, conduit680may be placed in a remote part of the tank to acquire water that has a low bubble content. The pumped water is then fed to venturis710through a conduit720. The venturis are also fed with gas through a conduit730so that the water that is injected contains gas bubbles, which creates the low density water.

The terms “about” or “approximately” are defined as being “close to” as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the exemplary embodiments described herein. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claim, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

The term “substantially” and its variations are defined as being largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, substantially refers to ranges within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, or within 0.5%.

The term “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

In interpreting the claims appended hereto, it is not intended that any of the appended claims or claim elements invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

The invention has been explicitly described with a variety implementations, and many other have been mentioned or suggested. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that a variety of additions, deletions, substitutions, and modifications may be made while still achieving a motor powered by continuous flotation. Thus, the scope of protected subject matter should be judged based on the append claims, which many encompass one or more concepts of one or more implementations.