System and method for power purifying

A system and method for power purification is provided. The system contains a power source. A motor is connected to the power source. A plurality of rotating elements is provided, each rotatable about a primary axis, wherein each of the plurality of rotating elements supports at least one magnet, wherein each of the magnets is located along a common plane. A first rotating element of the plurality of rotating elements is mechanically connected to the motor. At least one flywheel element is mechanically connected to each of the plurality of rotating elements. At least one output device is mechanically connected to at least one of the plurality of rotating elements.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/368,372 entitled, “System and Method for Power Purifying System,” filed Jul. 28, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to power systems, and more particularly is related to a power purification system and method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Power distribution systems depend on many different parts. Various loads on the distribution system can alter the power factor of the power being distributed. Relays and transformers can send spikes of voltage into the system as the distribution system switches load patterns. The various activity that can occur in power distribution systems can have a negative impact on the electronics of an individual operating off of the power distribution system. Fault protectors, capacitor banks, and various other electronic systems operate to mitigate the negative impact, but are generally inexact solutions. Thus, additional protection devices are required for individual users to protect their electronics from the negative impact of diminished power factor and spikes in the power distribution system.

Additionally, some battery chargers use a pulse source in which a series of voltage or current pulses is fed to the battery. A pulse source works with any size, voltage, capacity or chemistry of batteries, including automotive batteries. With pulse charging, high instantaneous voltages can be applied without overheating the battery. In a lead-acid battery, pulse charging breaks down lead-sulfate crystals, which has been known to extend the battery service life. Pulse charging is also believed to recharge a battery faster than a constant power. However, most power sources do not offer power in a pulse-wave form. Devices are needed that can convert a constant power source to a pulse-wave source for battery charging, particularly in the automotive field and other fields that utilize batteries of significant size.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for purifying power. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system contains a power source. A motor is connected to the power source. A plurality of rotating elements is provided, each rotatable about a primary axis, wherein each of the plurality of rotating elements supports at least one magnet, wherein each of the magnets is located along a common plane. A first rotating element of the plurality of rotating elements is mechanically connected to the motor. At least one flywheel element is mechanically connected to each of the plurality of rotating elements. At least one output device is mechanically connected to at least one of the plurality of rotating elements.

The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods for purifying power. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: receiving input power; rotating a first rotating element of a plurality of rotating elements in a first rotational direction with at least a portion of the received input power, wherein each of the plurality of rotating elements rotates about a primary axis, and wherein each of the plurality of rotating elements supports at least one magnet, wherein each magnet is located along a common plane; propelling rotation of the first rotating element with a flywheel element mechanically connected to the first rotating element; transferring a quantity of rotational energy from one of the rotating elements to an output device; and converting the quantity of transferred rotational energy into a quantity of output power.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a plan view illustration of a system for purifying power10, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The system for purifying power10, which may be referred to as, ‘system10’ includes a power source12and a motor14connected to the power source12. A plurality of rotating elements30,38,39are provided, each of which is rotatable about a primary axis18. Each of the plurality of rotating elements30,38,39supports at least one magnet20. Each of the magnets20is positioned along a common plane. A first rotating element30of the plurality of rotating elements30,38,39is mechanically connected to the motor14. At least one flywheel element40is mechanically connected to each of the plurality of rotating elements30,38,39. At least one output device50is mechanically connected to at least one of the plurality of rotating elements30,38,39.

The power source12may include any type of power source, such as electrical power from a wall outlet, a feed from a power distribution system, a battery, or some other feed from a standard commercial electric grid. The power source12may also be a non-electrical source, such as solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power, or wave power, all of which are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The power source12may be anything that provides enough power to the motor14to sufficiently run the motor14. The motor14may include a variety of different types of motors, including any type of size of electrical drive motor. The motor14may be a commercially available product that converts the input power from the power source12to mechanical energy, rotating at least one of the rotating elements30,38,39. Additionally, either the power source12and/or the motor14may be configured to operate in intervals, such as with pulsing electrical signals or intermittent rotational movement from the motor14.

As is shown inFIG. 1, the plurality of rotating elements30,38,39may include three rotating elements30,38,39, or any other number of rotating elements. In may be preferable to provide the rotating elements30,38,39in groups of three. For example, providing three, six, nine, or twelve, etc. rotating elements30,38,39may be more beneficial than providing seven or eleven rotating elements. Each of the rotating elements30,38,39is rotatable about a primary axis18, such that each of the rotating elements30,38,39rotates in parallel planes to one another about the primary axis18. Each of the plurality of rotating elements30,38,39support at least one magnet20, but preferably two magnets20. The magnet or magnets20may supported by the rotating element30,38,39in a variety of ways such as through direct support or use of a supporting structure, as is discussed further with respect to the additional figures.

As is shown inFIG. 1, the rotating elements30,38,39may include a layered structure with abutting discs. For example, the first rotating element30may include a first structure with gear teeth located on the exterior surface of the first structure, wherein the gear teeth may interface with another component of the system10, such as a flywheel element40or output device50. Abutting the first structure may be a second structure, which is also disc-like in shape, but does not have gear teeth. InFIG. 1, each of the plurality of rotating elements30,38,39are illustrated with the first structure abutting the second structure. The second structure may provide structural benefits to the rotating elements30,38,39, such as by providing a larger mass for sufficient rotational energy. Other structures may also be included with the rotating elements30,38,39, all of which are considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

At least one of the plurality of rotating elements30,38,39—a first rotating element30—is mechanically connected to the motor14. Commonly, this mechanical connection is achieved through a center axle22, which is connected to the motor14and traverses along the primary axis18. The first rotating element30may be mechanically connected to this center axle22, such that when the center axle22rotates, the first rotating element30is rotated. Flywheel elements40are connected to various rotating elements30,38,39of the system10. Commonly, each of the plurality of rotating elements30,38,39is connected to an independent flywheel element40, however, two or more of the rotating elements30,38,39may be connected to one common flywheel element40. A clutch gear70may be connected to the rotating elements30,38,39. The output device50may include any number of output devices50, such as one for each of the rotating elements30,38,39. The output device50may be a generator or other system capable of converting the rotational energy of the rotating elements30,38,39into an electrical output power. The flywheel element40, the output device50and the clutch gear70may all be mechanically connected to the rotating elements30,38,39with any number of gears60and shafts62.

FIG. 2is a top view illustration of the first rotating element30of the system for purifying power10, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, inFIG. 2, the primary axis18is oriented to pass through the plane of the page. With reference to bothFIGS. 1 and 2, the first rotating element30, or any of the other rotating elements38,39may include a variety of rotating structures, such as a substantially planar disc having an exterior radius R1and an interior radius R2. An open interior portion32is formed within, and defined by, the interior radius R2, whereas the exterior radius R1may define the exterior surface of the first rotating element30. At the center of the first rotating element30, a center hub34may be provided to interface the first rotating element30with a center axle22.

The center hub34may be connected to the center axle22in a variety of ways, including a mechanical connection where the first rotating element30is rotatably connected to the center axle22, or with a non-rotatable connection. When the center hub34is mechanically connected to the center axle22, the first rotating element30and magnets20may be rotated by a rotation of the center axle22. When the center hub34has a non-rotatable connection with the center axle22, the rotating elements30,38,39and magnets20may be supported by the center axle22, but may be free to rotate independent of any rotation of the center axle22. For example, the center hub34may include a bearing or other device to facilitate the non-rotatable connection with the center axle22. This configuration allows rotational movement of the rotating elements30,38,39and/or a non-rotatably binding support of the rotating element to be transferred from the center hub34, through the magnets20, and to the rotating element30,38,39.

The magnet or magnets20supported by the rotating element30,38,39may be located within the interior portion32and between the center hub34and the rotating elements30,38,39. The magnets20may be connected to both the center hub34and the rotating elements30,38,39, thereby forming a substantially unitary structure. As is shown inFIG. 2, the magnets20may be shaped to fit within the interior portion32. This may include magnets20with a substantially triangular shape whereby one side of the magnet20has a greater width than the other side of the magnet20. The magnet or magnets20that are supported by the rotating elements30,38,39may be located within the interior portion32of the rotating elements30,38,39.

FIG. 3is an exploded cross-sectional illustration of the system for purifying power10, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The rotating elements30,38,39ofFIG. 3are illustrated exploded along primary axis18from their positions within the system10. For clarity, the rotating elements30,38,39are further defined as a first rotating element30, a upper rotating element38positioned above the first rotating element30, and a lower rotating element39positioned below the first rotating element30. Of course, any other number of rotating elements30,38,39may be included, but only three are provided herein for clarity of disclosure. The system10further includes a flywheel element40located below the lower rotating element39. All of the rotating elements30,38,39and the flywheel element40are positioned to rotate about the primary axis18.

Each of the rotating elements30,38,39is illustrated is supporting two magnets20, each of which is mechanically connected or affixed to one of the rotating elements30,38,39, respectively. Preferably, the magnets20included with the system10are approximately the same height, such that when the rotating elements30,38,39are positioned proximate to each other, the upper surfaces and the lower surfaces of all of the magnets20are approximately even. This may be characterized as the magnets20being positioned along the same plane, or substantially the same plane, as determined from an upper magnet surface or a lower magnet surface. Other designs with varying magnet20heights and non-even surfaces are also within the scope of the present disclosure. As is shown, each of the rotating elements30,38,39is supporting the two magnets20in a different configuration from other rotating elements30,38,39.

For example, the upper rotating element38supports two magnets20such that the top of the magnets20is approximately flush with the upper surface of the upper rotating element38, and the lower surface of the magnets20extends below the upper rotating element38. With the first rotating element30, the magnets20may be positioned such that an equal portion of the magnets20is on either side of the first rotating element30. With the lower rotating element39, the magnets20may be positioned such that the lower surface of the magnets20is approximately flush with the lower surface of the lower rotating element39. Thus, as can be seen, each of the magnets20may be positioned along the same plane, or substantially the same plane.

FIG. 4is a cross-sectional illustration of the magnets20of the system for purifying power10, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Each of the magnets20shown inFIG. 4is positioned in a specific location, which is identified by a number of one to six. Accordingly, magnets20occupy the different positions with respect to one another based on the rotating elements30,38,39they are supported by. Commonly, each of the three rotating elements30,38,39supports two magnets20which are rotationally spaced 180° on center. For example, the magnet20in position1and opposing magnet20in position4are both supported by the upper rotating element38. The magnet20in position2and opposing magnet20in position5are both supported by the first rotating element30. And, the magnet20in position3and opposing magnet20in position6are both supported by the lower rotating element39. As the system10is used, the spacing and distance between each magnet20and another magnet20may change, but the relative position of each of the magnets20may remain constant.

The magnets20may have any shape and may be supported by the rotating elements30,38,39with a holding structure21. InFIG. 4, the magnets20are illustrated as being within a holding structure21, which may be affixed between the center hub34and the rotating elements30,38,39. Regardless of whether the magnets20are in a holding structure21or supported directly by the rotating elements30,38,39, each of the magnets20included with the system10may include two opposing poles: a positive pole (P) and a negative pole (N). These poles are indicative of the magnetic force created by the magnets20, as is well known within the art. The magnets20are positioned in the system10such that like poles are opposing each other. In other words, the each positive pole opposed another positive pole, and each negative pole opposed another negative pole. This configuration may allow the system10to increase a repelling force between two magnets20by decreasing the space between the two magnets20. This utilizes the magnetic repelling force between the like poles, which may transfer into the rotating elements30,38,39that a magnet20is supported by. This may be used to increase a rotation of at least one of the rotating elements30,38,39, as is described further herein

FIG. 5is a cross-sectional illustration of the system for purifying power10, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In contrast toFIG. 3,FIG. 5illustrates the system10with the rotating elements30,38,39and magnets20in an assembled position. As can be seen, each of the two magnets20that are connected to each of the first rotating element30, the upper rotating element38, and the lower rotating element39, respectively, are all positioned approximately along the same plane, generally between the upper surface of the upper rotating element38and the lower surface of the lower rotating element39. This configuration allows the magnets20connected to each of the rotating elements30,38,39to be positioned proximate to one another, such that a movement of one magnet20may result in a movement of other magnets20, due to the magnetic forces therebetween.

It can also be seen that the upper and lower rotating elements38,39are not mechanically connected to the center axle22, whereas the first rotating element30is mechanically connected to the center axle22(as indicated by the gap and lack of gap, respectively, between the rotating elements30,38,39and the center axle22). When the motor14engages, it may transfer a rotational force through the center axle22, which may rotate the first rotating element30. However, the center axle22will not turn the upper and lower rotating elements38,39since they are rotatable independent of the center axle22, and only supported by the center axle22.

In use, activation of the motor14and movement of the center axle22will rotate the first rotating element30. Rotation of the first rotating element30will move the two magnets20that are supported by the first rotating element30. Accordingly, the faces of the magnets20will move closer to the like-poled face of a proximately positioned magnet20, which increases the repelling force between the two magnets20. The magnet20on the first rotating element30approaches the magnets20of the upper and lower rotating elements38,39and, before contact between the magnets20can be realized, the upper and lower rotating elements38,39are caused to rotate in the same direction as the first rotating element30. In other words, the repelling force between the magnets20may move the magnets20that are supported by the upper and lower rotating elements38,39, which, in turn, may rotate the upper and lower rotating elements38,39. Thus, activation of the motor14may ultimately result in movement of all of the rotating elements30,38,39.

Also shown inFIG. 5are the flywheel elements40. The flywheel elements40may be characterized as a mechanical capacitor, which carry forward a rotational momentum of the rotating elements30,38,39. The system10may include one of the flywheel elements40positioned below the lower rotating element39, and mechanically connected or rigidly mounted to the first rotating element30via the center axle22. Other flywheel elements40may be configured to contact the upper and lower rotating elements38,39, without using the center axle22. For example, flywheel elements40are shown connected to the upper rotating element38, and the lower rotating element39(shown partially obstructed by the flywheel element40connected to the center axle22). Any number of flywheel elements40may be included with any number of rotating elements30,38,39, all of which are considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

The system10may further include one or more clutch gears70that are mechanically connected to the rotating elements30,38,39. The clutch gear70may permit a rotation of the rotating elements30,38,39it is connected to in a first rotational direction, which is the rotational direction that the motor14may initiate. However, the clutch gear70may prevent or inhibit a rotation of the rotating elements30,38,39in a second rotational direction, which opposes the first rotational direction. In other words, the clutch gear70prevents the repelling forces of the magnets20from rotating the rotating elements30,38,39backwards, i.e., in a direction opposing the normal rotation of the system10. Specifically, as the rotating elements30,38,39are rotating and the magnets20thereon are applying forces between the rotating elements30,38,39, one rotating elements30,38,39may be biased to rotate in the first rotational direction as the neighboring rotating element30,38,39is biased to rotate in the second rotational direction. The system10may be most productive when the sum of the rotating elements30,38,39is greatest. Therefore, a rotating element30,38,39rotating in the wrong direction may be a drag on the system10. An individual clutch gear70may be used for each of the rotating elements30,38,39, or more than one rotating element30,38,39may be connected to a single clutch gear70, or any combination thereof.

The output device50may be connected to the rotating elements30,38,39to capture the rotational energy of the rotating elements30,38,39, and output the captured energy. Commonly, the output device50may include a generator, which converts the rotational energy into an electrical power output. The electrical power output may be stored, transferred, or used in any way. As is shown inFIG. 5, the first rotating element30and the lower rotating element39are connected to output devices50. The upper rotating element38is not shown connected to an output device50for clarity with the illustration. Of course, one output device50may be connected to more than one rotating element30,38,39, or one rotating element30,38,39may be connected to two or more output devices50, or any combination thereof. Depending on the design of the system10, including the number of rotating elements30,38,39and the number of magnets20, the quantity and placement of the output devices50may vary.

FIGS. 6A-6Dare illustrations of a top view of the rotating elements30,38,39and the flywheel element40of the system10, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIGS. 6A-6Dshow the various components of the system10connected each of the rotating elements30,38,39, respectively. For example, inFIG. 6A, the upper rotating element38is shown as being supported by the center axle22and having two magnets20supported by the upper rotating element38. Connected to the upper rotating element38is flywheel element40and the clutch gear70. InFIG. 6B, the first rotating element30is shown supported and rotatably connected to the center axle22, and having two magnets20supported thereon. An output device50and a clutch gear70are connected to the first rotating element30. Also connected to the first rotating element30is a flywheel connection gear42that is synced and connected to the flywheel element40ofFIG. 6D. Thus, the flywheel connection gear42ofFIG. 6Billustrates an alternative type of connection to a flywheel40. InFIG. 6C, the lower rotating element39is illustrated having two magnets20and supported by, but rotatable independent of, the center axle22. An output device50, a clutch gear70, and a flywheel element40are connected to the lower rotating element39. InFIG. 6D, the flywheel element40positioned on the center axle22and below the lower rotating element39ofFIGS. 3 & 5is shown. The flywheel element40includes a flywheel connection gear42that mechanically connects the flywheel element40to the first rotating device30.

It is noted that any of the components, configurations, or designs disclosed herein may be altered. For example, the system10may include any number of rotating elements30,38,39, any number of flywheel elements40, output devices50, and clutch gears70. Also, a variety of mechanical connections and linkages may be used to mechanically connect the components. For example, various sized gears with various sized shafts may transfer a rotation from one component to another. The characteristics of the movements and forces transferred by the mechanical connections may also be altered by the size of the gears, such as with step-up gears or step-down gears. Many supporting structures may also be included to support the overall system10. For example, the system10may be placed on a table with a variety of load-carrying members, which are attached to the components to support their weight or properly position the components. All variations, configurations or designs, even if not explicitly noted herein, are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

As is shown by block102, input power is received. A first rotating element30of a plurality of rotating elements30,38,39is rotated in a first rotational direction with at least a portion of the received input power, wherein each of the plurality of rotating elements30,38,39rotates about a primary axis18, and wherein each of the plurality of rotating elements30,38,39supports at least one magnet20, wherein each magnet20is located along a common plane (Block104). Rotation of the first rotating element30is propelled with a flywheel element40mechanically connected to the first rotating element30(Block106). A quantity of rotational energy is transferred from one of the rotating elements30,38,39to an output device50(Block108). The quantity of transferred rotational energy is converted into a quantity of output power (Block110).

The method of purifying power may further include any of the steps, processes, or functions described with respect to the first exemplary embodiment andFIGS. 1-6D. For example, the method may include the steps of supporting two magnets with each of the plurality of rotating elements and rotationally spacing the two magnets 180° on center. Any portion of the rotating elements may be supported by the axle but rotatable independent of the axle, whereas flywheel element may be rigidly mounted on the center axle. When the system is in use, the plurality of magnets may be supported by each of the plurality of rotating elements. Each of the plurality of magnets on the plurality of rotating elements may be positioned with like poles opposing each other. A repelling force is increased between two magnets of the plurality of magnets by decreasing the spacing between the two magnets, thereby increasing a rotation of at least one of the plurality of rotating elements.