Patent Publication Number: US-2016248345-A1

Title: Energy Collection

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 14/454,308, filed on Aug. 7, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is generally related to energy and, more particularly, is related to systems and methods for collecting energy. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The concept of fair weather electricity deals with the electric field and the electric current in the atmosphere propagated by the conductivity of the air. Clear, calm air carries an electrical current, which is the return path for thousands of lightening storms simultaneously occurring at any given moment around the earth. For simplicity, this energy may be referred to as static electricity or static energy.  FIG. 1  illustrates a weather circuit for returning the current from lightning, for example, back to ground  10 . Weather currents  20 ,  30  return the cloud to ground current  40 . 
     In a lightening storm, an electrical charge is built up, and electrons arc across a gas, ionizing it and producing the lightening flash. As one of ordinary skill in the art understands, the complete circuit requires a return path for the lightening flash. The atmosphere is the return path for the circuit. The electric field due to the atmospheric return path is relatively weak at any given point because the energy of thousands of electrical storms across the planet are diffused over the atmosphere of the entire Earth during both fair and stormy weather. Other contributing factors to electric current being present in the atmosphere may include cosmic rays penetrating and interacting with the earth&#39;s atmosphere, and also the migration of ions, as well as other effects yet to be fully studied. 
     Some of the ionization in the lower atmosphere is caused by airborne radioactive substances, primarily radon. In most places of the world, ions are formed at a rate of 5-10 pairs per cubic centimeter per second at sea level. With increasing altitude, cosmic radiation causes the ion production rate to increase. In areas with high radon exhalation from the soil (or building materials), the rate may be much higher. 
     Alpha-active materials are primarily responsible for the atmospheric ionization. Each alpha particle (for instance, from a decaying radon atom) will, over its range of some centimeters, create approximately 150,000-200,000 ion pairs. 
     While there is a large amount of usable energy available in the atmosphere, a method or apparatus for efficiently collecting that energy has not been forthcoming. Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for collecting energy. Briefly described in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented by a support structure, the support structure comprising at least one of an airplane, drone, blimp, balloon, kite, satellite, train, motorcycle, bike, skateboard, scooter, hovercraft, electronic device, electronic device case, billboard, cell tower, radio tower, camera tower, flag pole, telescopic pole, light pole, utility pole, water tower, building, sky scraper, coliseum, roof top, solar panel and a fixed or mobile structure exceeding 1 inch in height above ground or sea level; at least one collection device with, in operation, microscopic points of a cross-section of the collection device exposed to the environment electrically connected to the support structure; and a load electrically connected to the at least one collection device. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods for collecting energy. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: suspending at least one collection device with, in operation, microscopic points of a cross-section of the collection device exposed to the environment from a support structure, the at least one collection device electrically connected to the support structure, the support structure comprising at least one of an airplane, drone, blimp, balloon, kite, satellite, train, motorcycle, bike, skateboard, scooter, hovercraft, electronic device, electronic device case, billboard, cell tower, radio tower, camera tower, flag pole, telescopic pole, light pole, utility pole, water tower, building, sky scraper, coliseum, roof top, solar panel and a fixed or mobile structure exceeding 1 inch in height above ground or sea level; and providing a load with an electrical connection to the at least one collection device to draw current. 
     Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is a circuit diagram of a weather energy circuit. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an example embodiment of many energy collectors elevated above ground by a structure. 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of an energy collection fiber suspended from a support wire. 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of an example embodiment of an energy collection fiber suspended from a support wire and with an additional support member. 
         FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of a support structure for multiple energy collection fibers. 
         FIG. 2D  is a side view of an example embodiment of a support structure for multiple energy collection fibers. 
         FIG. 2E  is a side view of a support structure for an energy collection fiber. 
         FIG. 2F  is a side view of an example embodiment of a support structure for an energy collection fiber. 
         FIG. 2G  is a side view of a support structure for multiple energy collection fibers. 
         FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of a circuit for the collection of energy. 
         FIG. 4  is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of a circuit for the collection of energy. 
         FIG. 5  is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of an energy collection circuit for powering a generator and motor. 
         FIG. 6  is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of a circuit for collecting energy and using it for the production of hydrogen and oxygen. 
         FIG. 7  is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of a circuit for collecting energy, and using it for driving a fuel cell. 
         FIG. 8  is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of a circuit for collecting energy. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of an example embodiment of collecting energy with a collection fiber. 
         FIG. 10  is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of a circuit for collecting energy from a dual polarity source. 
         FIG. 11  is a system diagram of an example embodiment of an energy collection system connected to an automobile vehicle. 
         FIG. 12  is a system diagram of an example embodiment of an energy collection system connected to a lunar rover vehicle. 
         FIG. 13  is a system diagram of an example embodiment of an energy collection system comprising collection devices with a diode. 
         FIG. 14  is a system diagram of an example embodiment of an energy collection system comprising multiple legs of the system of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a system diagram of an example embodiment of a windmill with energy collectors. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Electric charges on conductors reside entirely on the external surface of the conductors, and tend to concentrate more around sharp points and edges than on flat surfaces. Therefore, an electric field received by a sharp conductive point may be much stronger than a field received by the same charge residing on a large smooth conductive shell. An example embodiment of this disclosure takes advantage of this property, among others, to collect and use the energy generated by an electric field in the atmosphere. Referring to collection system  100  presented in  FIG. 2 , at least one collection device  130  may be suspended from a support wire system  120  supported by poles  110 . Collection device  130  may comprise a diode or a collection fiber individually, or the combination of a diode and a collection fiber. Support wire system  120  may be electrically connected to load  150  by connecting wire  140 . Supporting wire system  120  may be any shape or pattern. Also, conducting wire  140  may be one wire or multiple wires. The collection device  130  in the form of a fiber may comprise any conducting or non-conducting material, including carbon, graphite, Teflon, and metal. An example embodiment utilizes carbon or graphite fibers for static electricity collection. Support wire system  120  and connecting wire  140  can be made of any conducting material, including aluminum or steel, but most notably, copper. Teflon may be added to said conductor as well, such as non-limiting examples of a Teflon impregnated wire, a wire with a Teflon coating, or Teflon strips hanging from a wire. Conducting wire  120 ,  140 , and  200  may be bare wire, or coated with insulation as a non-limiting example. Wires  120  and  140  are a means of transporting the energy collected by collection device  130 . 
     An example embodiment of the collection fibers as collection device  130  includes graphite or carbon fibers. Graphite and carbon fibers, at a microscopic level, can have hundreds of thousands of points. Atmospheric electricity may be attracted to these points. If atmospheric electricity can follow two paths where one is a flat surface and the other is a pointy, conductive surface, the electrical charge will be attracted to the pointy, conductive surface. Generally, the more points that are present, the higher energy that can be gathered. Therefore, carbon, or graphite fibers are examples that demonstrate collection ability. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the height of support wire  120  may be an important factor. The higher that collection device  130  is from ground, the larger the voltage potential between collection device  130  and electrical ground. The electric field may be more than  100  volts per meter under some conditions. When support wire  120  is suspended in the air at a particular altitude, wire  120  will itself collect a very small charge from ambient voltage. When collection device  130  is connected to support wire  120 , collection device  130  becomes energized and transfers the energy to support wire  120 . 
     A diode, not shown in  FIG. 2 , may be connected in several positions in collection system  100 . A diode is a component that restricts the direction of movement of charge carriers. It allows an electric current to flow in one direction, but essentially blocks it in the opposite direction. A diode can be thought of as the electrical version of a check valve. The diode may be used to prevent the collected energy from discharging into the atmosphere through the collection fiber embodiment of collection device  130 . An example embodiment of the collection device comprises the diode with no collection fiber. A preferred embodiment, however, includes a diode at the connection point of a collection fiber to support system  120  such that the diode is elevated above ground. Multiple diodes may be used between collection device  130  and load  150 . Additionally, in an embodiment with multiple fibers, the diodes restricts energy that may be collected through one fiber from escaping through another fiber. 
     Collection device  130  may be connected and arranged in relation to support wire system  120  by many means. Some non-limiting examples are provided in  FIGS. 2A-2G  using a collection fiber embodiment.  FIG. 2A  presents support wire  200  with connecting member  210  for collection device  130 . Connection member  210  may be any conducting material allowing for the flow of electricity from connection device  130  to support wire  200 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the support wire  200  of support system  120  may be electrically connected through conducting wire  140  to load  150 . A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position on the support structure wire. A preferred embodiment places a diode at an elevated position at the connection point between a collection fiber embodiment of collection device  130  and connection member  210 . 
     Likewise,  FIG. 2B  shows collection fiber  130  electrically connected to support wire  200  and also connected to support member  230 . Support member  230  may be connected to collection fiber  130  on either side. Support member  230  holds the fiber steady on both ends instead of letting it move freely. Support member  230  may be conducting or non-conducting. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position on the support structure wire. A preferred embodiment places a diode at elevated position at the connection point between collection fiber  130  and support wire  200  or between fiber  130 , support member  230 , and support wire  200 . 
       FIG. 2C  presents multiple collection fibers in a squirrel cage arrangement with top and bottom support members. Support structure  250  may be connected to support structure wire  200  by support member  240 . Structure  250  has a top  260  and a bottom  270  and each of the multiple collection fibers  130  are connected on one end to top  260  and on the other end to bottom  270 . A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position on support structure  250 . A preferred embodiment places a diode at an elevated position at the connection point between collection fiber  130  and support structure wire  200 . 
       FIG. 2D  presents another example embodiment of a support structure with support members  275  in an x-shape connected to support structure wire  200  at intersection  278  with collection fibers  130  connected between ends of support members  275 . A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position on the support structure. A preferred embodiment places a diode at an elevated position at the connection point between collection fiber  130  and support wire  200 . 
       FIG. 2E  provides another example embodiment for supporting collection fiber  130 . Collection fiber  130  may be connected on one side to support member  285 , which may be connected to support structure wire  200  in a first location and on the other side to support member  280 , which may be connected to support structure wire  200  in a second location on support structure wire  200 . The first and second locations may be the same location, or they may be different locations, even on different support wires. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position on the support structure. A preferred embodiment places one or more diodes at elevated positions at the connection point(s) between collection fiber  130  and support wire  200 . 
       FIG. 2F  presents another example embodiment of a support for a collection fiber. Two support members  290  may support either side of a collection fiber and are connected to support wire  200  in a single point. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position on the support structure. A preferred embodiment places a diode at an elevated position at the connection point between collection fiber  130  and support wire  200 . 
       FIG. 2G  provides two supports as provided in  FIG. 2F  such that at least two support members  292 ,  294  may be connected to support structure wire  200  in multiple locations and collection fibers  130  may be connected between each end of the support structures. Collection fibers  130  may be connected between each end of a single support structure and between multiple support structures. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position on the support structure. A preferred embodiment places one or more diodes at elevated positions at the connection point(s) between collection fiber  130  and support structure wire  200 . 
       FIG. 3  provides a schematic diagram of storing circuit  300  for storing energy collected by one or more collection devices ( 130  from  FIG. 2 ). Load  150  induces current flow. Diode  310  may be electrically connected in series between one or more collection devices ( 130  from  FIG. 2 ) and load  150 . A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position in the circuit. Switch  330  may be electrically connected between load  150  and at least one collection device ( 130  from  FIG. 2 ) to connect and disconnect the load. Capacitor  320  maybe connected in parallel to the switch  330  and load  150  to store energy when switch  330  is open for delivery to load  150  when switch  330  is closed. Rectifier  340  may be electrically connected in parallel to load  150 , between the receiving end of switch  330  and ground. Rectifier  340  may be a full-wave or a half-wave rectifier. Rectifier  340  may include a diode electrically connected in parallel to load  150 , between the receiving end of switch  330  and ground. The direction of the diode of rectifier  340  is optional. 
     In an example embodiment provided in  FIG. 4 , storage circuit  400  stores energy from one or more collection devices ( 130  from  FIG. 2 ) by charging capacitor  410 . If charging capacitor  410  is not used, then the connection to ground shown at capacitor  410  is eliminated. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position in the circuit. Diode  310  may be electrically connected in series between one or more collection devices ( 130  from  FIG. 2 ) and load  150 . Diode  440  may be placed in series with load  150 . The voltage from capacitor  410  can be used to charge spark gap  420  when it reaches sufficient voltage. Spark gap  420  may comprise one or more spark gaps in parallel. Non-limiting examples of spark gap  420  include mercury-reed switches and mercury-wetted reed switches. When spark gap  420  arcs, energy will arc from one end of the spark gap  420  to the receiving end of the spark gap  420 . The output of spark gap  420  may be electrically connected in series to rectifier  450 . Rectifier  450  may be a full-wave or a half-wave rectifier. Rectifier  450  may include a diode electrically connected in parallel to transformer  430  and load  150 , between the receiving end of spark gap  420  and ground. The direction of the diode of rectifier  450  is optional. The output of rectifier  450  is connected to transformer  430  to drive load  150 . 
       FIG. 5  presents motor driver circuit  500 . One or more collection devices ( 130  from  FIG. 2 ) are electrically connected to static electricity motor  510 , which powers generator  520  to drive load  150 . A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position in the circuit. Motor  510  may also be directly connected to load  150  to drive it directly. 
       FIG. 6  demonstrates a circuit  600  for producing hydrogen. A plurality of diodes maybe placed at any position in the circuit. One or more collection devices ( 130  from  FIG. 2 ) are electrically connected to primary spark gap  610 , which may be connected to secondary spark gap  640 . Non-limiting examples of spark gaps  610 ,  640  include mercury-reed switches and mercury-wetted reed switches. Secondary spark gap  640  may be immersed in water  630  within container  620 . When secondary spark gap  640  immersed in water  630  is energized, spark gap  640  may produce bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen, which may be collected to be used as fuel. 
       FIG. 7  presents circuit  700  for driving a fuel cell. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position in the circuit. Collection devices ( 130  from  FIG. 2 ) provide energy to fuel cell  720  which drives load  150 . Fuel cell  720  may produce hydrogen and oxygen. 
       FIG. 8  presents example circuit  800  for the collection of energy. Storage circuit  800  stores energy from one or more collection devices ( 130  from  FIG. 2 ) by charging capacitor  810 . If charging capacitor  810  is not used, then the connection to ground shown at capacitor  810  is eliminated. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position in the circuit. The voltage from capacitor  810  can be used to charge spark gap  820  when it reaches sufficient voltage. Spark gap  820  may comprise one or more spark gaps in parallel or in series. Non-limiting examples of spark gap  820  include mercury-reed switches and mercury-wetted reed switches. When spark gap  820  arcs, energy will arc from one end of spark gap  820  to the receiving end of spark gap  820 . The output of spark gap  820  may be electrically connected in series to rectifier  825 . Rectifier  825  may be a full-wave or a half-wave rectifier. Rectifier  825  may include a diode electrically connected in parallel to inductor  830  and load  150 , between the receiving end of spark gap  820  and ground. The direction of the diode of rectifier  825  is optional. The output of rectifier  825  is connected to inductor  830 . Inductor  830  may be a fixed value inductor or a variable inductor. Capacitor  870  may be placed in parallel with load  150 . 
       FIG. 9  presents a flow diagram of a method for collecting energy. In block  910 , one or more collection devices may be suspended from a support structure wire. In block  920 , a load may be electrically connected to the support structure wire to draw current. In block  930  a diode may be electrically connected between the support structure wire and the electrical connection to the load. In block  940 , energy provided to the load may be stored or otherwise utilized. 
       FIG. 10  presents circuit  1000  as an example embodiment for the collection of energy from a dual polarity source. This may be used, for example, to collect atmospheric energy that reverses in polarity compared with the ground. Such polarity reversal has been discovered as occurring occasionally on Earth during, for example, thunderstorms and bad weather, but has also been observed during good weather. Such polarity reversal may occur on other planetary bodies, including Mars and Venus, as well. Energy polarity on other planets, in deep space, or on other heavenly bodies, may be predominantly negative or predominantly positive. Collector fibers ( 130  from  FIG. 2 ), which may comprise graphene, silicene, and/or other like materials, are capable of collecting positive energy and/or negative energy, and circuit  1000  is capable of processing positive and/or negative energy, providing an output which is always positive. Circuit  1000  may collect energy from one or more collection devices ( 130  from  FIG. 2 ). Charging capacitor  1010  may be used to store a charge until the voltage at spark gap  1020  achieves the spark voltage. Capacitor  1010  is optional. 
     A plurality of diodes may be placed in a plurality of positions in circuit  1000 . The voltage from capacitor  1010  may be used to charge spark gap  1020  to a sufficient voltage. Spark gap  1020  may comprise one or more spark gaps in parallel or in series. Non-limiting examples of spark gap  1020  include mercury-reed switches, mercury-wetted reed switches, open-gap spark gaps, and electronic switches. When spark gap  1020  arcs, energy will arc from an emitting end of spark gap  1020  to a receiving end of spark gap  1020 . The output of spark gap  1020  is electrically connected to the anode of diode  1022  and the cathode of diode  1024 . The cathode of diode  1022  is electrically connected to the cathode of diode  1026  and inductor  1030 . Inductor  1030  may be a fixed value inductor or a variable inductor. The anode of diode  1026  is electrically connected to ground. Capacitor  1028  is electrically connected between ground and the junction of the cathodes of diode  1022  and diode  1026 . Inductor  1035  is electrically connected between ground and the anode of diode  1024 . Inductor  1035  may be a fixed value inductor or a variable inductor. Capacitor  1070 , the anode of diode  1026 , inductor  1035 , and load  1050  are electrically connected to ground. Capacitor  1070  may be placed in parallel with load  150 . 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  provide example embodiments of vehicle  1110 , which utilizes electricity, the vehicle employing systems of energy collection provided herein. Vehicle  1100  in  FIG. 11  is shown as an automobile vehicle, but could be any means of locomotion that utilizes electricity, including a car, a train, a motorcycle, a boat, an airplane, robotic rovers, space craft, etc. Vehicle  1200  in  FIG. 12  is shown as a lunar rover vehicle. In  FIGS. 11 and 12 , support rod  1110 ,  1210  is electrically connected to an electrical system in vehicle  1100 ,  1200 . Energy collectors  130 , which may comprise graphene, silicene, and/or other like materials, are electrically connected to support rod  1110 ,  1210  and may be used to supply energy to electrical circuits within the vehicle. A non-limiting use includes a top-off charge for a battery system, on-board hydrogen production, and/or assisting in the same. Energy collectors  130  may be used to augment the efficiency of the locomotion that utilizes electrical energy as well. 
       FIG. 13  provides an example embodiment of energy collection system  1200  in which diode  310  is used to isolate collection devices  130  from spark gap  1020  and load  150 . Collection devices  130  may comprise graphite, carbon fibers, carbon/carbon fibers, graphene, silicene, and/or other like materials, or a mixture thereof. 
       FIG. 14  provides an example embodiment of energy collection system  1400  in which a plurality of energy collection systems, such as that provided in  FIG. 13 , are combined. Each leg consisting of collection devices  130 , which may comprise graphene, silicene, and/or other like materials, and diode  310  are connected in parallel with other legs, each leg electrically connected to trunk wire  1410 . The legs could also be connected serially. Trunk wire  1410  is electrically connected to a collection circuit, which may comprise load  150  and spark gap  1020  in any configuration that has been previously discussed. Each leg may comprise one or more collection devices  130  and at least one diode electrically connected between the collection devices and the collection circuit. Although three collection devices  130  are shown on each leg, any number of collection devices may be used. Although four legs are shown, any number of legs may be used. 
       FIG. 15  presents a system diagram of an example embodiment of a windmill with energy collectors, which may comprise graphene, silicene, and/or other like materials in an example embodiment. A windmill is an engine powered by the energy of wind to produce alternative forms of energy. They may, for example, be implemented as small tower mounted wind engines used to pump water on farms. The modern wind power machines used for generating electricity are more properly called wind turbines. Common applications of windmills are grain milling, water pumping, threshing, and saw mills. Over the ages, windmills have evolved into more sophisticated and efficient wind-powered water pumps and electric power generators. In an example embodiment, as provided in  FIG. 10 , windmill tower  1500  of suitable height and/or propeller  1520  of windmill tower  1500  may be equipped with energy collecting fibers  1530 ,  1540 , which may comprise graphene, silicene, and/or other like materials in an example embodiment. Collecting fibers  1530 ,  1540  may turn windmill  1500  into a power producing asset even when there is not enough wind to turn propellers  1520 . During periods when there is enough wind to turn propellers  1520 , collecting fibers  1530 ,  1540  may supplement/boost the amount of energy the windmill produces. 
     A windmill is an engine powered by the energy of wind to produce alternative forms of energy. They may, for example, be implemented as small tower mounted wind engines used to pump water on farms. The modern wind power machines used for generating electricity are more properly called wind turbines. Common applications of windmills are grain milling, water pumping, threshing, and saw mills. Over the ages, windmills have evolved into more sophisticated and efficient wind-powered water pumps and electric power generators. In an example embodiment, as provided in  FIG. 10 , windmill tower  1000  of suitable height and/or propeller  1020  of windmill tower  1000  may be equipped with energy collecting fibers  1030 ,  1040 . Collecting fibers  1030 ,  1040  may turn windmill  1000  into a power producing asset even when there is not enough wind to turn propellers  1020 . During periods when there is enough wind to turn propellers  1020 , collecting fibers  1030 ,  1040  may supplement/boost the amount of energy the windmill produces. 
     Windmill  1500 , properly equipped with ion collectors  1530 ,  1540 , such as a non-limiting example of fibers with graphene, silicene, and/or other like materials, can produce electricity: 1) by virtue of providing altitude to the fiber to harvest ions, and 2) while the propeller is turning, by virtue of wind blowing over the fiber producing electricity, among other reasons, via the triboelectric effect (however, it is also possible for the triboelectric effect to occur, producing electricity, in winds too weak to turn the propeller). 
     There are at least two ways that energy collectors may be employed on or in a windmill propeller to harvest energy. Propellers  1520  may be equipped with energy collectors  1530 ,  1540  attached to, or supported by, propeller  1520  with wires (or metal embedded in, or on propeller  1520 ) electrically connecting energy collectors  1530 ,  1540 , which may comprise graphene, silicene, and/or other like materials, to a load or power conversion circuit. There may be a requirement to electrically isolate energy collectors  1530 ,  1540 , which are added to propeller  1520 , from electrical ground, so that the energy collected does not short to ground through propeller  1520  itself or through support tower  1510 , but rather is conveyed to the load or power conversion circuit. Energy collectors may be connected to the end of propellers  1520  such as collectors  1530 . Alternatively, energy collectors may be connected to the sides of propellers  1520  such as collectors  1540 . 
     Alternatively, propeller  1520  may be constructed of carbon fiber or other suitable material, with wires (or the structural metal supporting propeller  1520  may be used) electrically connecting to a load or power conversion circuit. In the case of propeller  1520  itself being constructed of carbon fiber, for example, the fiber may be ‘rough finished’ in selected areas so that the fiber is “fuzzy.” For example, small portions of it may protrude into the air as a means of enhancing collection efficiency. The fuzzy parts of collectors  1530 ,  1540  may do much of the collecting. There may be a requirement to electrically isolate carbon fiber propeller  1520  from electrical ground, so that the energy it collects does not short to ground through metal support tower  1510 , but rather is conveyed to the load or power conversion circuit. Diodes may be implemented within the circuit to prevent the backflow of energy, although diodes may not be necessary in some applications. 
     In an alternative embodiment, windmill  1500  may be used as a base on which to secure an even higher extension tower to support the energy collectors and/or horizontal supports extending out from tower  1510  to support the energy collectors. Electrical energy may be generated via ion collection due to altitude and also when a breeze or wind blows over the collectors supported by tower  1510 . 
     In alternative embodiments to windmill  1500 , other non-limiting example support structures include airplanes, drones, blimps, balloons, kites, satellites, cars, boats, trucks, (including automobile and other transportation conveyance tires), trains, motorcycles, bikes, skateboards, scooters, hovercraft (automobiles and conveyance of any kind), billboards, cell towers, radio towers, camera towers, flag poles, towers of any kind including telescopic, light poles, utility poles, water towers, buildings, sky scrapers, coliseums, roof tops, solar panel and all fixed or mobile structures exceeding 1 inch in height above ground or sea level. 
     An example embodiment of a support structure may also include cell phones and other electronic devices and their cases, including cases containing rechargeable batteries. For example, someone may set her cell phone or other electronic device or battery pack on the window ledge of a tall apartment building to help charge it. Other example support structures may include space stations, moon and Mars structures, rockets, planetary rovers and drones including robots and artificial intelligence entities. 
     Under some conditions, ambient voltage may be found to be 180-400 volts at around 6 ft, with low current. With the new generation of low current devices being developed, a hat containing ion harvesting material may provide enough charge, or supplemental charge, collected over time to help power low current devices such as future cell phones, tracking devices, GPS, audio devices, smart glasses, etc. Clothes may also be included as examples of support structures. Friction of the ion collection material (such as non-limiting examples of carbon, graphite, silicene and graphene) against unlike materials, such as wool, polyester, cotton, etc (used in clothes) may cause a voltage to be generated when rubbed together. Additionally, wind passing over the ion collection material has been demonstrated to generate voltage, even at low altitude. In an additional example embodiment, embedding collection devices into automobile tires (for example, in a particular pattern) could generate collectible voltage. 
     Any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.