Abstract:
A pneumatic turbine system generates electricity utilizing electrical energy input to produce a constant flow of air that is compressed into pneumatic energy which is transformed into mechanical energy to produce electrical energy so that overall energy output resulting from the combined forces of wind, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical energy is greater than electrical energy input. A multi-compression chamber comprising a starter motor and air intake turbine draws air into a housing and pressurizes the air. A jet propulsion corridor further pressurizes air utilizing nozzles where air is transferred to an electricity-generating turbine corridor having micro-compression turbines mounted on a shall that is connected to a stabilizing motor and an electric generator. The micro-compression turbines further compress the air and transfers mechanical energy to a generator. The housing redirects excess air back into the system.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of provisional application No. 61/905,847, filed on Nov. 19, 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a system for electric energy output utilizing a collective synergy of several forms of energy: wind, mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic. 
         [0003]    Known is the wind turbine, which is a device that converts kinetic energy from the wind (wind energy) into mechanical energy. This process is known as wind power. Wind turbines are used to produce electrical power from the energy contained in blowing wind. The wind turbine comprises a rotor which is driven by the wind and which in turn drives an induction generator, which is usually an AC generator. However, users of this type of energy generation are at the mercy of unpredictable wind patterns. As wind speeds decline or cease, so does the power output of the wind turbine. A system that can rely upon a constant source of wind energy would be desirable. However, naturally occurring wind cannot be manipulated. 
         [0004]    The present invention overcomes this shortcoming by first utilizing electrical energy to create wind energy. The wind is compressed thereby producing pneumatic energy that is then transformed into mechanical energy to produce electrical energy. More specifically, ambient air is drawn into a Multiple-Compression Chamber with the assistance of an electrical starting motor and Air Intake Turbines. The ambient air is pressurized and pushed into a Jet-Propulsion Corridor by the Air Intake Turbines. In the Jet-Propulsion Corridor, jet nozzles create pneumatic energy that is directed to an Electricity-Generating Turbine Corridor. There, shaft mounted Micro-compression Turbines with a sail configuration rotate and create additional pneumatic energy by collecting and further compressing the incoming Jet-Propulsion Corridor airflow. The compressed air causes the Micro-compression Turbines to rotate and transfer mechanical energy to a generator through a rotating shaft. The generator converts torque output into electricity. Excess air is recycled back into the system while some air is released back into the environment through decompression vents to alleviate pressure in the system. Once the system begins to generate power, the starter motor electricity demand is reduced to maintain constant rotation of the Air Intake Turbine. In this way wind energy is constantly maintained while the system&#39;s demand for electrical energy is reduced. Overall, the energy input required to start and maintain a constant flow of wind is less than the energy output of the combined forces of wind, pneumatic, and mechanical energy. Testing of an embodiment of the present invention have shown that 100 kilowatts of electricity input can generate 150 kilowatts of electrical output. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present invention is a Air Powered Electricity Generating System. The system utilizes electrical energy input to produce a constant flow of air that is compressed into pneumatic energy that is transformed into mechanical energy to produce electrical energy. 
         [0006]    This is accomplished with the help of an electrical starting motor and Air intake Turbines that draw ambient air into a housing for the system. The ambient air is pressurized and pushed into a Jet-Propulsion Corridor by the Air Intake Turbines. In the Jet-Propulsion Corridor, jet nozzles create pneumatic energy that is directed to an Electricity-Generating Turbine Corridor. There, shaft mounted Micro-compression Turbines having a sail configuration rotate and create additional pneumatic energy by collecting and further compressing the incoming Jot-Propulsion Corridor airflow. The compressed air causes the Micro-compression Turbine to rotate and transfer mechanical energy to a generator through a rotating shaft. The generator converts torque output into electricity. 
         [0007]    Excess air is recycled back into the system while some air is released back into the environment through decompression vents to alleviate pressure in the system. Once the system begins to generate power, the starter motor electricity demand is reduced to maintain constant rotation of the Air intake Turbine. 
         [0008]    Overall, the energy input required to start and maintain a constant flow of wind is less than the energy output of the combined forces of wind, pneumatic, and mechanical energy. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electricity-generating system embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electricity-generating system embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a sectional view of a multiple-compression chamber for an electricity-generating system embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2C  illustrates a sectional view of a jet-propulsion corridor for an electricity-generating system embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2D  illustrates a sectional view of an electricity-generating turbine corridor with stabilizing motor and generator for an electricity generating system embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the air flow within an electricity generating system embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pressurized air conduit and housing for an electricity generating system embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates a sectional view of a jet-propulsion corridor and electricity-generating turbine corridor in series for an electricity-generating system embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates a sectional view of a jet-propulsion corridor and electricity-generating turbine corridor with parallel micro-compression turbines for an electricity-generating system embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electricity-generating system with multiple level micro-compression turbines embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electricity-generating system with multiple level and parallel micro-compression turbines embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 9A-B  illustrates a perspective view of several embodiments of a micro-compression turbine embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of an air intake turbine embodying features of the present invention for an Air Powered Electricity Generating System. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exploded view of section A-A of the air intake turbine of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  illustrates an alternative embodiment Air Powered Electricity Generating System wherein the multiple compression chamber is oriented vertically for east of transport and installation. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    As shown  FIGS. 1-9B , an Air Powered Electricity Generating System  900  is illustrated with a Multiple-Compression Chamber (MCC)  100 , an electricity-generating Turbine Corridor (EGTC)  300 , a Pressurized. Air Conduit  400 , and a system housing  500 , The Multiple-Compression Chamber  100 , best illustrated in  FIG. 2B , draws ambient air into the system housing where it is pressurized and pushed forward through the system. 
         [0025]    A starting motor  110  and Intake turbine shall  130  drive an Air Intake Turbine  120  within the Multiple-Compression Chamber  100 . The starting motor  110  assists with starting the system and maintains constant rotation of Air Intake Turbine  120 . The starting motor  110 , preferably rated at 100 H.P., is initially powered by an external source until the system begins to generate power whereupon it is powered by the Air Powered Electricity Generating System  900 . Alternatively, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries  112 , preferably rated at 150 AMPS, can be utilized to initially power the starting motor  110 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 1 . the Air Intake Turbines  120  draw ambient air and air from the Pressurized Air Conduit  400  into the system housing  500  where it is pressurized and pushed into the Jet-Propulsion Corridor  200 . In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of Air Intake Turbines  120  are mounted in series along the intake turbine shaft  130  to accelerate and pressurize the volume of air drawn into the system. In yet another preferred embodiment, the Air Intake Turbines  120  are mounted in pairs as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The first of each Air Intake Turbine  120  pair draws in air and the Second Air Intake Turbine  120  of each pair pressurizes the air. In an alternate embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the blades  122  of the Air Intake Turbine  120  include a flange  124  along the length of the blade  122 . A pocket that can capture air is created where the angle between the blade  122  and flange  124  is less than 180 degrees. Referring to the sectional view illustrated in  FIG. 11 , each blade  122  may also terminate with a cap  125  that joins the distal ends of each blade  122  and flange  124  together. This cap  122  further increases the ability to retain captured air in each blades  122  pocket. 
         [0026]    The pocket captures air entering the housing  500  from the Pressurized Air Conduit  400 . When air entering the Multiple-Compression Chamber  100  from the Pressurized Air Conduit  400  is directed to the inside of the blade  122  and flange  124  pocket, the load on the starter motor  110  is reduced. When the load on the sinner motor  110  is reduced, the electricity draw by the system is also reduced, providing for higher efficiency. The quantity of Air Intake Turbines  120  is dependent on the system capacity and generator  330  utilized. Ambient Air Vents  140  on the Multiple-Compression Chamber  100  section of the system housing  500  provide additional areas to draw in ambient air. 
         [0027]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2A , the pressurized air is pushed forward through the system or into the Jet-Propulsion Corridor  200 . In the Jet-Propulsion Corridor  200 , jet nozzles  210  create wind energy by multiplying the air pressure. The highly pressurized air is directed into the Electricity-Generating Turbine Corridor  300  by the jet nozzles  210  and a secondary nozzle  212 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 3  the jet nozzles  210  multiply the velocity and density of the air by funneling and directing the airflow through the jet nozzles  210 . A secondary nozzle  212  further concentrates the airflow into the concaved surface of the Micro-compression Turbines  310  inside of the Electricity-Generating Turbine Corridor  300 . 
         [0028]    The Electricity-Generating Turbine Corridor  300 , illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2D , comprises Micro-compression Turbines  310  mounted on an Electricity-Generating Turbine Corridor Shaft (“EGTC Shaft”)  340 . The EGTC Shaft  340  is perpendicular to the central axis of the Electricity-Generating Turbine Corridor  300  and is connected between a stabilizing motor  320  and generator  330 . The EGTC Shah  340  allows the Micro-compression Turbines  310  to rotate and transfers mechanical energy to the generator  330 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the Micro-compression Turbines  310  create mechanical energy by receiving high-pressure air from the jet nozzles  210  and causing a rotating torque on the EGTC Shaft  340 . The torque is further increased by the Micro-compression Turbine  310  design efficiency. The Micro-compression Turbines  310  are preferably constructed of metal plates with a thickness sufficient to withstand large loads applied to them. Unlike typical turbines, the Micro-compression Turbines  310  comprise a concave sail design with inwardly folded side flanges  311  along the concave surface edges to create pneumatic energy by collecting and compressing the incoming Jet-Propulsion Corridor  200  airflow. Referring to  FIGS. 9A-B , each Micro-compression Turbine  310  may include a closed bottom flange  312  or open bottom flange  313  to increase elliptical air propulsion. Where the Air Powered Electricity Generating Stem  900  does not include a Jet-Propulsion Corridor  200 . the Micro-compression Turbines  310  with an open bottom flange  313  are employed. With these sail designs, 95% of the compressed air is collected. 
         [0029]    The stabilizing motor  320 , best illustrated in  FIG. 2D , is activated at the same time as the starter motor  110  to assist the generator  330  also mounted on the EGTC Shaft  340  maintain a constant and balanced rotation, preventing fluctuations in power to the generator. The stabilizing motor  320  also helps to maximize horsepower on the Micro-compression Turbines  310 . When high-pressure air from the jet nozzles  210  makes contact with the Micro-compression Turbines  310 , the amount or energy used by the stabilizing motor  320  decreases as the amount of energy produced by the generator  330  increases. Preferably, a 50 H.P. stabilizing motor  320  is utilized with a minimum rotation of 1,500 rpm and maximum rotation of 1800 rpm. The generator  330  converts the torque output (mechanical energy) from the Micro-compression Turbines  310  through the EGTC Shaft  340  into electricity. Preferably, a 190 kW energy input is utilized and requires 1,500-1,800 rpm to begin power generation resulting in a typical output or 250 kW. In an alternate embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 5 , multiple sets of Micro-compression Turbines  310  with stabilizing motor  320  and generator  330  can be placed in series to achieve greater power output. When multiple sets of Micro-compression Turbines  310  are used in series, an additional Jet-Propulsion Corridor  200  must be placed before each set. In another alternate embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 6 , multiple Micro-compression Turbines  310  are placed parallel to each other on a shared EGTC shaft  340 . In another alternate embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 7 , multiple Micro-compression Turbines  310  with stabilizing motor  320  and generator  330  are placed in a multi-level arrangement. In this arrangement, several stabilizing motors  320  and generators  330  are mounted upon one another. In yet another alternate embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the Micro-compression Turbines  310  are placed in a multi-level arrangement as shown in  FIG. 7 , but with additional Micro-compression Turbines  310  laterally mounted on the EGTC shaft  340 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  illustrates the Pressurized Air Conduit  400  and system housing  500 , while  FIG. 3  illustrates airflow through the system. The Pressurized Air Conduit  400  maintains the volume of air in the system. Air enters the Pressurized Air Conduit  400  after the Electricity-Generating Turbine Corridor  300  and is redirected to the beginning of the system at the Multiple-Compression Chamber  100  where it may assist with rotation of the Air Intake Turbines  120 . If the particular system layout results in excess air pressure after the Electricity-Generating Turbine Corridor  300 , such as when only one set of Micro-compression Turbines  310  is utilized, decompression vents  410  may be incorporated into the Pressurized Air Conduit  400  and/or system housing  500 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 12  shows an alternative embodiment Air Powered Electricity Generating System wherein the Multiple-Compression Chamber  100  is oriented vertically on a platform. In this manner, the stabilizing motor  320  and the generator  330  may be placed on the platform for support, with the Pressurized Air Conduit  400  travelling substantially vertically to supply returned air. When oriented in this manner, the system may be easily transported and installed on a surface to take up less room. 
         [0032]    The Air Powered Electricity Generating System  900 , the starter motor  110  for the Multiple-Compression Chamber  100  and stabilizing motor  320  for the Electricity-Generating Turbine Corridor  300  must be started at the same time. The two motor are controlled by an adjusted frequency drive at 2:1 ratio so that the starting motor  110  will run at 3,600 rpm when the stabilizing motor  320  is at 1,800 rpm. The reactor multiplies energy by converting wind, mechanical, electrical and pneumatic energy into electrical energy, resulting in a 250 kW output with a mere 150 kW input. This constant motion of pressurized air being recycled and focused on the Air Intake Turbines  120  and Micro-compression Turbines  310  help to reverse the input/output ratios of the energy used and creates an inverted energy balance where less electricity is input into the system as more electricity output from the system. 
         [0033]    Testing of a prototype conducted by an independent electrical engineer in the field of power distribution and energy management revealed the following results: 
         [0000]                                                                                          Input           Connected   480 v-3ph   Reactor   Reactor   Power       Resistive   Utility, “Sce”,   Output   Motor Input   At 85%       Load   Input Current   Voltage   Speed   P.F.   Output       (Kw)   (Amps)   (Volts)   (Rev./Min.)   (Kw)   Efficency                                0.0   81.4   410.0   2900   57.46   N/A       50.0   127   410.0   2900   89.64   55.8%       100.0   173   410.0   2900   122.11   81.9%       150.0   223   410.0   2900   157.4   95.3%       175.0   244   410.0   2900   172.22   101.6%       200.0   269   410.0   2900   189.87   105.3%                    
Initially, an output efficiency of 55.8% illustrates an energy loss at 89.64 KW input and 50 KW output. As the input is increased, the power output and efficiency also increases. When the input exceeds 172,22 KW, the efficiency exceeds 100% at 175 KW output. The results suggest that the reactor may output 200 KW using 189.87 KW input (from both motors), without considering power losses due to cable resistance and un-captured wind.
 
         [0034]    When ambient air is compressed and forced into the electricity generating turbines, the compressed air is the catalyst that unifies the other energies to create an inverted energy balance, which uses less energy and produces more energy. Compressed air by itself cannot use less energy to generate more energy. 
         [0035]    All features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claim, abstract, and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
         [0036]    Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6. 
         [0037]    Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may he made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.