Patent Publication Number: US-11658556-B2

Title: Energy generation

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to energy generation. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods and apparatus for energy generation, in particular comprising magnets. 
     BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
     There is a continued search for new systems, methods and apparatus for energy generation to meet the world&#39;s increasing energy demands and to generate energy in a more sustainable, environmentally friendly manner. Solar, wind, wave, tidal, hydroelectric and geothermal energy generation systems, methods and apparatus have been developed as some renewable approaches to energy generation which are replacing some traditional methods of energy generation including such methods that rely on fossil fuels. However, new energy generation systems, methods and apparatus are required to supplement existing renewable systems, methods and apparatus in an effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and to curtail harmful emissions and environmental damage. 
     OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
     A preferred object of the present invention is to provide systems and/or methods and/or apparatus for energy generation that address or at least ameliorate one or more of the aforementioned problems and/or provide a useful commercial alternative. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns systems, methods and apparatus for energy generation, in particular comprising a configuration or arrangement of magnets that create motion, such as, but not limited to rotational, linear or oscillating motion between two or more elements. 
     According to one aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to an energy generation apparatus comprising: 
     a first element comprising at least one first magnet; 
     a second element comprising at least one second magnet, the second element movable with respect to the first element; 
     wherein the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet are oriented such that common poles of the first and second magnets are temporarily in proximity to each other such that a repulsive magnetic force between the at least one first magnet and at least one second magnet causes relative motion between the first element and the second element. 
     Suitably, the repulsive magnetic force causes the second element to move with respect to the first element or the first element to move relative to the second element or both the first and second elements to move. 
     In some embodiments, the second element is rotatable with respect to the first element such that when common poles of the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet are temporarily in proximity to each other, the repulsive magnetic force causes the second element to rotate with respect to the first element. 
     In some embodiments, the second element exhibits reciprocating linear motion with respect to the first element such that when common poles of the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet are temporarily in proximity to each other, the repulsive magnetic force causes the second element to move linearly with respect to the first element. 
     Suitably, the first element comprises a plurality of first magnets. 
     Suitably, the second element comprises a plurality of second magnets. 
     Suitably, the magnets of the plurality of first magnets are spaced apart on the first element. In some embodiments, the first magnets are spaced equal distances apart, or substantially equal distances apart. In a preferred embodiment, the first magnets are spaced equal distances, or substantially equal distances about a perimeter of the second element, such as a circumference of a circular path on the first element. 
     Suitably, the magnets of the plurality of second magnets are spaced apart on the second element. In some embodiments, the second magnets are spaced equal distances apart, or substantially equal distances apart. In a preferred embodiment, the second magnets are spaced equal distances, or substantially equal distances about a perimeter of the second element, such as a circumference of a circular path on the second element. 
     Suitably, the north poles of the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet are temporarily in proximity to each other. 
     Suitably, the south poles of the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet are temporarily in proximity to each other. 
     Suitably, the at least one first magnet is mounted to the first element and the at least one second magnet is mounted to the second element in an orientation to maximise the magnetic repulsive force in a direction of motion of the second element. In some embodiments, the at least one first and second magnets are mounted to the first and second elements respectively to maximise rotational velocity of the second element. 
     Suitably, the first element is fixed. 
     Suitably, the second element is mounted on at least one frictionless bearing. 
     In some embodiments, the second element is spaced apart from the first element. Suitably, the apparatus comprises an air gap between the first and second elements. More preferably, the apparatus comprises a vacuum between the first and second elements. 
     In some embodiments, the energy generation apparatus comprises a magnetic shield element between the at least one first magnet mounted to the first element and the at least one second magnet mounted to the second element, the magnetic shield element comprising at least one aperture or opening therein at or around a location at which the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet is aligned. 
     In some embodiments the energy generation apparatus comprises at least one positioning element, or cam to control a position and/or an orientation of the at least one first magnet and/or the at least one second magnet. 
     Suitably, the at least one positioning element, or cam controls a position and/or an orientation of the at least one second magnet mounted to the second element. 
     Preferably, the at least one positioning element comprises an undulating or wavelike surface and in particular a surface with sinusoidal surface variations comprising multiple lobes and troughs to move the at least one second magnet closer to the at least one first magnet when the magnets are temporarily in proximity to each other and further away from each other at other times. 
     Suitably, the positioning element or cam comprises a central aperture to receive the second element therein. 
     Suitably, the positioning element or cam is fixed below the second magnets such that undersides of the second magnets rest on the undulating or wavelike surface. 
     Suitably, the second magnets are movably mounted by a flexible arm, a hinge or the like such that as the second element rotates relative to the first element due to the repulsive magnetic force between the first and second magnets, the second element  16  rotates relative to the positioning element or cam causing the second magnets to move up and down as they pass over the undulating or wavelike surface of the positioning element or cam. 
     Suitably, a periodicity of the lobes and troughs of the undulating or wavelike surface coincides with the number and arrangement of magnets such that the second magnets are moved closer to the first magnets when the magnets are temporarily in proximity to each other and further away from each other at other times. 
     Suitably, an axis of rotation of the second element is variable to allow the second magnets to move closer to the first magnets when the magnets are temporarily in proximity to each other and further away from each other at other times. 
     Suitably, the second element comprises one or more flexible or hinged arms or levers that pass over one or more raised areas via a bearing or brush to maximise the repulsive forces and minimises the attractive forces of the first and second magnets. 
     Suitably, the second element comprises one or more pairs of flexible or hinged arms or levers whereby when one of the pair of arms or levers is not being caused to move by the repulsion of two magnets in proximity to each other, the other arm or lever of the same pair of arms or lever is being caused to move by the repulsion of two other magnets in proximity to each other. 
     Suitably, the apparatus may comprise a pair of spaced apart second elements in the form of rotating discs comprising a plurality of second magnets, a central static disc between the two second elements, and at least one elongate first magnet extending between the two second elements at an angle through the central static disc such that opposite poles of the elongate first magnet are on opposite sides of the second elements. 
     The apparatus may further comprise at least one converter in communication with the movable second element to convert kinetic energy of the second element into electrical energy. The at least one converter may include a dynamo, a turbine, or a generator. 
     The electrical energy may be stored, for example, in a rechargeable battery, transmitted to an electrical network or grid, or used by a device in communication with the apparatus or which the apparatus is a part. 
     According to another aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of energy generation comprising using the aforementioned apparatus. 
     According to another aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of energy generation comprising: 
     mounting at least one first magnet to a first element; 
     mounting at least one second magnet to a second element, wherein the second element is movable with respect to the first element; 
     orienting the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet such that common poles of the first and second magnets are temporarily in proximity to each other causing a repulsive magnetic force between the at least one first magnet and at least one second magnet to cause relative motion between the first and second elements; and 
     converting kinetic energy of the moving first and/or second elements into electrical energy with at least one converter in communication with the first and/or second element. 
     Further features and/or aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like features. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a plan view of an energy generation apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic diagram of the apparatus shown in  FIG.  1    as part of an energy generation system; 
         FIG.  3    is a general flow diagram illustrating methods of energy generation using the apparatus shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of an energy generation apparatus according to other embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a positioning element or cam according to some embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic illustration of an energy generation apparatus according to some other embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted and/or some elements may be omitted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, methods and apparatus for energy generation, in particular comprising a configuration or arrangement of magnets that create motion, such as, but not limited to rotational, linear or oscillating motion. 
     Reference is made to  FIG.  1   , which show an energy generation apparatus  10  according to embodiments of the present invention. The energy generation apparatus  10  comprises a first element  12  comprising at least one first magnet  14  and a second element  16  comprising at least one second magnet  18 . The second element  16  is movable with respect to the first element  12 . The at least one first magnet  14  and the at least one second magnet  18  are oriented such that common poles of the first and second magnets  14 ,  18  are temporarily in proximity to each other such that a repulsive magnetic force between the at least one first magnet  14  and the at least one second magnet  18  causes relative motion between the first and second elements, and in this embodiment, the second element  16  to move with respect to the first element  12 . The orientation of the first and second magnets  14 ,  18  to cause the relative motion of the first and second elements can be achieved in a variety of ways which will be described herein. 
     In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the second element  16  is rotatable with respect to the first element  12  such that when common poles of the at least one first magnet  14  and the at least one second magnet  18  are temporarily in proximity to each other, the repulsive magnetic force between the common poles causes the second element  16  to rotate with respect to the first element  12 . 
     The common poles can be the north poles or the south poles of the magnets Therefore, the repulsive force can be achieved when the north poles of the at least one first magnet  14  and the at least one second magnet  16  are temporarily in proximity to each other. Alternatively, the repulsive force can be achieved when the south poles of the at least one first magnet  14  and the at least one second magnet  18  are temporarily in proximity to each other. 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIG.  1   , the first element  12  comprises a plurality of first magnets  14  and the second element  16  comprises a plurality of second magnets  18 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the first element  12  comprises four first magnets  14  and the second element  16  comprises four second magnets  18 . However, fewer or more first and second magnets  14 ,  18  can be used. In some embodiments, a continuous series of first magnets  14  can be provided on the first element  12  and a continuous series of second magnets  18  can be provided on the second element  16 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   , the magnets of the plurality of first magnets  14  are spaced apart on the first element  12 . In some embodiments, the first magnets  14  are spaced equal distances apart, or substantially equal distances apart. In a preferred embodiment, the first magnets  14  are spaced equal distances, or substantially equal distances about a circumference of a first circular path  20  on the first element  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the magnets of the plurality of second magnets  18  are spaced apart on the second element  16 . In some embodiments, the second magnets  18  are spaced equal distances apart, or substantially equal distances apart. In a preferred embodiment, the second magnets  18  are spaced equal distances, or substantially equal distances about a circumference of a second circular path  22  on the second element  16 . 
     It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the first or second elements being circular and therefore in embodiments in which the first and/or second elements are non-circular, the magnets can be mounted to the respective first and/or second elements, for example, about a perimeter of the first and/or second elements. 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   , the first magnets  14  are mounted to the first element  12  and the at least one second magnet  18  is mounted to the second element  16  in an orientation to maximise the magnetic repulsive force in a direction of motion of the second element  16 . In some embodiments, the at least one first and second magnets  14 ,  18  are mounted to the first and second elements respectively to maximise rotational velocity of the second element. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the second magnets  18  are equally spaced on the second element  16  such that all four of the second magnets  18  are simultaneously aligned with the first magnets  14  on the first element  12 . Hence, simultaneously, each of the four second magnets  18  is repelled by a respective first magnet  14  on the first element  12  thus maximising the instantaneous magnetic repulsive force and causing rotation of the second element  16  with respect to the first element  12  in a clockwise direction. 
     It will be appreciated that in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the first element  12  is fixed and the second element  16  is rotatable with respect to, or relative to the first element  12 . 
     In other embodiments, the second element  16  is fixed and the first element  12  is rotatable relative to the second element  16 . In such an embodiment, the angles and orientation of the magnets may be varied from that shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     In some embodiments, it is envisaged that neither the first element  12  nor the second element  16  is fixed and the repulsive magnetic force between the first and second magnets  14 ,  18  causes both the first and second elements to move. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the second element  16  is mounted on at least one frictionless bearing  24  to maximise the kinetic energy of the second element  16 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the second element  16  is spaced apart from the first element by a gap  26 . The size of the gap  26  will depend on the particular application of the apparatus. In some embodiments of the apparatus  10 , the gap  26  comprises an air gap between the first and second elements  12 ,  16 . In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus  10  comprises a vacuum between the first and second elements  12 , 16  to further reduce friction or drag that may be caused by air currents. 
     With reference to  FIG.  2   , the apparatus  10  further comprises at least one converter  28  in communication with the movable second element  16  to convert kinetic energy of the second element  16  into another form of energy, such as electrical energy. The at least one converter  28  can include a dynamo, a turbine, or a generator. 
     The electrical energy may be stored, for example, in a rechargeable battery  30 , transmitted to an electrical network or grid  32 , or used by a device  34  in communication with the apparatus or of which the apparatus  10  is a part. 
     In alternative embodiments, the first and second magnets  14 , 18  are not all aligned simultaneously. For example, the first and second magnets  14 ,  18  can be arranged such that at least one first magnet  14  and at least one second magnet  18  are aligned at any one time. In this way, a more constant repulsive force between the first and second magnets  14 ,  18  can be achieved rather than a pulsing, or temporally varying repulsive force. It should also be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the first element  12  and the second element  16  comprising the same number of first and second magnets  14 ,  18  respectively. In some embodiments, the first element  12  can comprise more first magnets  14  than the second element  16  comprises second magnets  18 . In some embodiments, the second element  16  can comprise more second magnets  18  than the first element  12  comprises first magnets  18 . 
     It is also envisaged that in some embodiments, the apparatus  10  comprises multiple levels of first and second magnets  14 ,  18 . For example, the first element  12  can comprise a first level of first magnets  14  and a second level of first magnets  14 . Correspondingly, the second element  16  can comprise a first level of second magnets  18  and a second level of second magnets  18 . The first level of first magnets  14  on the first element  12  align, at least temporarily, with the first level of second magnets  18  on the second element  16  and the second level of first magnets  14  on the first element  12  align, at least temporarily, with the second level of second magnets  18  on the second element  16 . The number of levels, the number of magnets and the spacing of the magnets can be selected to determine the strength and time variation of the repulsive forces between the first and second magnets. 
     In some embodiments, the energy generation apparatus  10  comprises a magnetic shield element  40  between the at least one first magnet  14  mounted to the first element  12  and the at least one second magnet  18  mounted to the second element  16 . The magnetic shield element  40  comprises at least one aperture or opening  42  therein at or around a location at which the at least one first magnet  14  and the at least one second magnet  18  are aligned. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , magnetic shield element  40  comprises four apertures or openings  42  therein at locations where each pair of first and second magnets  14 ,  18  are aligned. The magnetic shield element  40  is made of any suitable material which conducts lines of magnetic flux better than the surrounding medium, i.e. has a high magnetic permeability compared with the surrounding medium. Examples of materials that can be suitable for the magnetic shield element  40  include, but are not limited to mu-metal, permalloys and other known materials with a high magnetic permeability. Consequently, the magnetic shield element  40  shields the magnetic field between the first and second magnets  14 ,  18  when the first and second magnets  14 ,  18  are not aligned to reduce any resistance caused by any attraction between opposite poles of the magnets  14 ,  18 . The apertures or openings  42  in the magnetic shield element  40  allow the first and second magnets  14 ,  18  to repel when aligned. 
     With reference to  FIG.  5   , in some embodiments, the energy generation apparatus  10  comprises at least one positioning element or cam  44  to control a position and/or an orientation of the at least one first magnet  14  and/or the at least one second magnet  18 . In some embodiments, at least one positioning element or cam  44  can control a position and/or an orientation of the at least one second magnet  18  mounted to the second element  16 . In some embodiments, at least one positioning element or cam  44  can control a position and/or an orientation of the at least one first magnet  14  mounted to the first element  12 . In some embodiments, at least one positioning element or cam  44  controls a position and/or an orientation of the at least one second magnet  18  mounted to the second element  16  and at least one other positioning element or cam controls a position and/or an orientation of the at least one first magnet  14  mounted to the first element  16 . 
       FIG.  5    shows positioning element or cam  44  to control at least a position of the second magnets  18  mounted to the second element  16 . The positioning element or cam  44  comprises an undulating or wavelike surface  46  and in particular, a surface  46  with sinusoidal surface variations comprising multiple alternately located lobes  48  and troughs  50  to move the second magnets  18  closer to the first magnets  14  when the magnets are temporarily in proximity to each other and further away from each other at other times. 
     The positioning element or cam  44  comprises a central aperture  52  which allows the second element  16  to be received therein. The positioning element or cam  44  is fixed below second magnets  18  such that undersides of the second magnets  18  rest on the undulating or wavelike surface  46 . In this embodiment, second magnets  18  are movably mounted by any suitable means, for example, on a flexible arm or via a hinge. Hence, as the second element  16  rotates relative to the first element  12  due to the repulsive magnetic force between the first and second magnets  14 ,  18 , the second element  16  rotates relative to the positioning element or cam  44 . The second magnets  18  are moved up and down as they pass over the lobes  48  and troughs  50  of the undulating or wavelike surface  46 . The periodicity of the lobes  48  and troughs  50  of the undulating or wavelike surface  46  coincides with the number and arrangement of magnets such that the second magnets  18  are moved closer to the first magnets  14  when the magnets are temporarily in proximity to each other and further away from each other at other times. Hence, the repulsive force is maximised, or at least increased due the occasions of closer proximity and any attractive force between the magnets at other times is minimised, or at least reduced. 
     In some embodiments, the second element  16  is in the form of a rotating disc comprising a plurality of second magnets  18 . An axis of rotation of the second element or disc  16  is variable which allows the disc  16  to undulate, or wobble as the disc rotates. The variable axis of rotation allows the second magnets  18  to move closer to the first magnets  14  when the magnets  14 ,  18  are temporarily in proximity to each other and further away from each other at other times. This maximises the repulsive forces and minimises the attractive forces. 
     In some embodiments, the second element  16  comprises one or more flexible or hinged arms or levers pass over one or more raised areas via a bearing or brush to maximise the repulsive forces and minimises the attractive forces. In a variation of this embodiment, one or more pairs of arms or levers can be employed whereby when one of the pair of arms or levers is not being caused to move by the repulsion of two magnets in proximity to each other, the other arm or lever of the same pair of arms or lever is being caused to move by the repulsion of two other magnets in proximity to each other. 
     In some other embodiments, features of the embodiments described herein can be multiplied to multiply the energy generated. For example, with reference to  FIG.  6   , some embodiments of the energy generation apparatus comprise a pair of spaced apart second elements  16  in the form of rotating discs comprising a plurality of second magnets  18 . For clarity,  FIG.  6    only shows a single second magnet  18  of each disc. The energy generation apparatus comprises a central static disc  56  between the two second elements  16 . At least one elongate first magnet  14  extends between the two second elements  16  at an angle through the central static disc  56  such that opposite poles of the long first magnet  14  are on opposite sides of the second elements  16 . Hence, the propulsion caused by the repulsive magnetic force of two magnets in proximity to each other is duplicated in each second element. 
     According to another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of energy generation comprising using the apparatus  10 . 
     According to a further aspect, and with reference to  FIG.  3   , the present invention is directed to a method  300  of energy generation. At  302 , the method comprises mounting at least one first magnet  14  to the first element  12 . At  304 , the method comprises mounting at least one second magnet  18  to the second element  16 , wherein the second element  16  is movable with respect to the first element  12 . At  306 , the method comprises orienting the at least one first magnet  14  and the at least one second magnet  18  such that common poles of the first and second magnets  14 ,  16 , such as the north poles or the south poles, are temporarily in proximity to each other causing a repulsive magnetic force between the at least one first magnet  14  and at least one second magnet  16  to cause relative motion between the second element  16  and the first element  12 . At  308 , the method comprises converting kinetic energy of the moving element into electrical energy with at least one converter  28  in communication with the moving element. 
     It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the generation of energy through rotational motion caused by magnetic repulsion. In some embodiments, the second element  16  exhibits reciprocating linear motion with respect to the first element  12  such that when common poles of the at least one first magnet  14  and the at least one second magnet  18  are temporarily in proximity to each other, the repulsive magnetic force between the common poles causes the second element  16  to move linearly with respect to the first element  12 . For example, with reference to  FIG.  4   , first bar magnets  14  can be placed at, or towards opposite ends of the first element  12 , which is in the form of a linear track  36 . One of the first magnets  14  has one pole, such as the north pole facing inwards towards the track  36  and the other first magnet  14  has the opposite pole, such as the south pole respectively facing inwards towards the track  36 . The second magnet  18  is mounted in a frictionless, or substantially frictionless manner to the track  36 , such that the second magnet  18  can slide along the track. In this example, the north pole of the second magnet  18  faces the north pole of one of the first magnets  14  and the south pole of the second magnet  18  faces the south pole of the other one of the first magnets  14 . Hence, when the second magnet  18  is set into linear motion along the track  36 , for example, in the direction of the first magnet  14 , when in proximity to the first magnet  14 , the north pole of the second magnet  18  is repelled by the north pole of the first magnet  14  thus causing the second magnet  18  to be moved in the opposite direction back along the track  36 . When in proximity to the other first magnet  14 , the south pole of the second magnet  18  is repelled by the south pole of the first magnet  14  thus causing the second magnet  18  to be moved back along the track  36  in the original direction for the cycle to be repeated. 
     Energy can be generated from the reciprocating linear motion using the aforementioned components for energy conversion and energy storage with any suitable modifications that will be understood by the skilled addressee, but will nonetheless fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     Hence, embodiments of the present invention address or at least ameliorate at least some of the aforementioned problems. For example, the present invention generates kinetic energy based on the magnetic repulsion between the one or more first and second magnets  14 ,  18  which is converted, for example, into electrical energy, which is more environmentally considerate than many conventional methods of energy generation using fossil fuels. The present invention involves a straightforward configuration of elements, which is simpler and less costly to implement that many known renewable energy generation systems. Also, the present invention does not rely on prevailing weather conditions for the invention to operate or operate sufficiently, such as sufficient wind, rainfall, water currents or flow or sufficient solar irradiance. The present invention is also scalable according to the particular application and therefore it is envisaged that the invention can be implemented for both domestic and industrial use. 
     In this specification, the terms, “first”, “second” etc. are intended to differentiate between different features of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to a particular order of implementation unless the context indicates otherwise. 
     In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely but may well include other elements not listed. 
     The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. 
     It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Skilled addressees will identify variations from the specific embodiments described herein that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the present invention, which is determined by the following claims.