FIELD OF INVENTION

THIS INVENTION relates to an electric power generator, a wind turbine, a water turbine, a method for generating electricity and to an electric generator system to generate power for a plurality of, for example, though not necessarily limited to uses in electric vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Most conventional electric power generators which convert mechanical or / and kinetic energy into electrical energy comprise a rotor and a stator, wherein the stator is coaxially and concentrially arranged with the rotor around a central axis.

In most cases, the stator is fixed in relation to the rotor, wherein rotation of the rotor relative to the stator induces an electric current which is output by the generator. Generators of this general construction often find use in alternate energy applications such as wind and water generators wherein suitable arrangements translate wind and water kinetic flow into mechanical inputs to the rotors of associated generators thereby to generate electricity conventionally.

In the face of global climate change, there is an ever increasing requirement to provide renewable and sustainable energy solutions. Moreover, developing nations with unreliable power supply have an increasing need for alternate power solutions. However, the Applicant has noted that most alternate energy solutions such as wind and water turbines are costly, and not efficient.

Moreover, although horizontal wind turbines have been around for quite some time, there are certain inherent problems in the design that have to do with size, vibration, gearing, balance, pitch, direction of the wind, braking at too high wind speeds and environmental challenges, e.g., birds getting killed by the blades and waste management of broken blades.

In water turbines, efficiencies are severely limited by the current designs such as fixed blade positions in the water flow, as well as the high water flow speed needed to turn central shafts of traditional generators to generate power.

Electric cars have to have a power source like batteries or solar. Batteries need to be recharged and solar only works when there is sufficient sunlight. It is desirable if these sources could be replaced, or supplemented, by an efficient generator.

The Applicant is desirous of providing an alternate generator, and alternate energy systems to address at least some of the challenges posed by conventional technologies, ideally at lower kinetic speeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric power generator comprising: at least one conducting assembly; and a plurality of magnetic assemblies, wherein the conducting assembly and the plurality of magnetic assemblies are coaxially arranged about a central axis, wherein the conductive assembly is provided radially outwardly of a first magnetic assembly of the plurality of magnetic assemblies and radially inwardly of a second magnetic assembly of the plurality of magnetic assemblies, and wherein the first and second magnetic assemblies and the conductive assembly are contra rotatable around the central axis, in use.

It will be understood that the magnetic assemblies and the conductive assembly rotate in a contra rotatable fashion about the central axis, in use. In other words, the magnetic assemblies and the conductive assembly rotate in opposite directions about the central axis, in use. Moreover, the term “plurality” may be understood to mean two, or more. The generator as described herein, may be a core-less generator.

The generator, particularly the magnetic and conducting assemblies, may be actuable by any number of means, for example, conventional power units, steam, gas, fossil fuel combustion engines, hydro electric Kaplan, Pelton, and electrical motors, or the like, for example, using an interconnecting planetary gear assembly. The first and second magnetic assemblies may be rotatable around the central axis in a first direction and the conductive assembly is rotatable around the central axis in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. The first and second directions may be clockwise/anti-clockwise or anti-clockwise/clockwise rotation about the central axis.

The first and second magnetic assemblies may sandwich the conductive assembly in a radially spaced air gap provided between the first and second magnetic assemblies. It will be understood that with the location of the conductive assembly in the air gap, there is still an air gap between the conductive assembly and the magnetic assemblies.

Each magnetic assembly of the plurality of magnetic assemblies may comprise a plurality of magnets, wherein each magnet has a radially inwardly oriented magnetic pole, and a radially outwardly oriented opposite magnetic pole. Adjacent magnets of each magnetic assembly may be of different polarities. In particular, magnets which shoulder each other in each magnetic assembly may have inwardly oriented magnetic poles and/or outwardly oriented magnetic poles of alternating polarity.

The first magnetic assembly may comprise a plurality of suitable bridges, each bridge connecting adjacent pairs of magnets, particularly adjacent radially inwardly oriented poles thereof. The second magnetic assembly may comprise a plurality of suitable bridges, each bridge connecting adjacent pairs of magnets, particularly adjacent radially outwardly oriented poles thereof. In this way, the magnets of the first and second magnetic assemblies are oriented to face the conductive assembly, in use.

The bridges may be U-shaped. Moreover, the bridges may connect opposite poles of the adjacent magnets together forming rings of magnets in an off-set position to the outer ring so as to cause a continuous flow of magnetism and directing the magnetic (Field) waves through the conductive assembly thereby to induce more Amperes, in use.

The first and second magnetic assemblies may be concentrically arranged such that radially outwardly oriented poles of the magnets of the first magnetic assembly face the radially inwardly oriented poles of the magnets of the second magnetic assembly. In particular, opposite poles of the magnets of the first and second magnetic assemblies may face each other. For example, a radially outwardly oriented north pole of a magnet of the first magnetic assembly may face a radially inwardly oriented south pole of a magnet of the first magnetic assembly, etc.

In one example embodiment, the first and second magnetic assemblies may be arranged concentrically on a support defining the spaced gap therebetween for location of the conductive assembly therein, in a nested fashion, in use. The support may be a base plate.

Each magnetic assembly may comprise a frame comprising a cylindrical portion defining a plurality of locating formations for receipt of the magnets.

There may also be third, fourth, or more assemblies of magnets with airgaps defined therebetween and a respective conductive assembly in each airgap between defined by adjacent magnetic assemblies. This arrangement may be replicated any number of times. In all cases the magnetic assemblies will rotate one way and the conductive assemblies will rotate in the opposite direction.

The conductive assembly may comprise one or more broken rings of conductive material. In this regard, the conductive assembly may comprise a first ring of conductive material corresponding to one phase of power. The conductive assembly may comprise similar second, and third rings to provide three phases of power.

Each ring of conductive material may be a plate-like ring of conducting material, for example, copper. Each ring may comprise alternating ridge and trough portions. This may be similar to a square wave. In particular, ridge portions of the ring may be provided, or defined, by a pair of parallel arms extending along axes parallel to the central axis terminating in a top transverse cross member in a top plane, wherein the trough portions may be provided, or defined, by the parallel arms terminating in a bottom transverse cross member in a bottom plane. The top and bottom planes may be axially spaced. Typically, axially spaced relative to the central axis. It will be understood that the cross members connect the pair of parallel arms.

It will be understood that the conductive rings described herein may serve to create or generate synchronous three phases of AC power.

Moreover, solid copper rings/bars may be employed as opposed to wire conductive coils used because wired coils would need additional support to locate and/or hold them in a desired predetermined position within the airgap, whereas solid copper can support itself in the desired predetermined position. The magnetic field through each bridge of copper is at magnetic saturation, the thicker copper ring and the length of the copper enable the generation of lower voltage and higher amps. The thicker copper can handle the heat from higher amps better than the thinner wires. The generated power will be converted from DC output to AC by inverters which work on lower voltage - 24 V.

There may be an optimum thickness, width, and height of the copper in respect of each magnetic bridge size and strength, for each generator size.

The generator may comprise one or more bridge rectifier/s operatively connected to each ring of conductive material. The generator may further comprise an inverter to receive current from the conductive assembly, for example, via the bridge rectifier/s.

The generator may further comprise suitable slip rings with brushes to pick up the power generated. The output of the generator may be a DC output as opposed to AC so that there is no or a reduced requirement for having to decrease rotational speeds between the conductive and magnetic assemblies. This is because if the output was AC, the relative rotational speed between the conductive and magnetic assemblies would have to be limited so as to provide a predetermined frequency output. In this way, the invention described in the present disclosure obviates having a gearbox-etc. to limit the rotation of the conductive and/or magnetic assemblies. However, it will be appreciated that in some example embodiments, the generator may provide an AC output, however, in these instances, the generator may comprise suitable gears, speed arrestors/limiters to reduce the relative rotation speed between the conductive and magnetic assemblies to maintain the desired frequency.

In one example embodiment, the rotational speeds of the magnetic and conductive assemblies may be matched. In other words, the rotational speed of the magnetic assemblies may be the same as the rotational speed of the conductive assembly, albeit in opposite directions.

The number, size and strength of the magnets, and the corresponding size and thickness of the conductive material can vary according to the desired power output.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a wind turbine comprising: a generator as described above; a first blade arrangement operatively connected to the first and second magnetic assemblies, the first blade arrangement being responsive to a flow of air; and a second blade arrangement operatively connected to the conductive assembly, the second blade arrangement being responsive to the same flow of air as the first blade arrangement, wherein the first blade arrangement and the second blade arrangement are displaceable, in use, to bring about contra rotation of the first and second magnetic assemblies relative to the conductive assembly thereby to generate electrical energy, in use.

The first and second blade arrangement may be connected to the first and second magnetic assemblies and the conductive assembly, respectively, along the central axis via suitable connectors and/or shaft/s, wherein the first and second blade arrangements are configured to be contra rotatable relative to each other about the central axis in response to said flow of air such that said contra rotation of the first and second blade arrangements relative to each other causes contra rotation of the first and second magnetic assemblies relative to the conductive assembly thereby to generate electricity, in use. The first and second blade arrangements may be axially located and spaced from each other along the central axis.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a water or fluid turbine comprising: a generator as described above; a first blade arrangement operatively connected to the first and second magnetic assemblies, the first blade arrangement being responsive to a flow of water; and a second blade arrangement operatively connected to the conductive assembly, the second blade arrangement being responsive to same flow of water as the first blade arrangement, wherein the first blade arrangement and the second blade arrangement are displaceable, in use, to bring about contra rotation of the first and second magnetic assemblies relative to the conductive assembly thereby to generate electrical energy, in use.

The first and second blade arrangement may be connected to the first and second magnetic assemblies and the conductive assembly, respectively, along the central axis via suitable connectors and/or shaft/s, wherein the first and second blade arrangements are configured to be contra rotatable relative to each other about the central axis in response to said flow of water such that said contra rotation of the first and second blade arrangements relative to each other causes contra rotation of the first and second magnetic assemblies relative to the conductive assembly thereby to generate electricity, in use.

The first and second blade arrangements may be nested blade arrangements. In particular, the one blade arrangement may be rotatable inside the other blade arrangement, with the one blade arrangement rotating in one direction, and the other blade arrangement rotating in an opposite direction. The one direction may be clockwise or anticlockwise whereas the other direction may be anti-clockwise or clockwise as the case may be. Each blade arrangement may comprise a plurality of blade. Each blade of each blade arrangement may be configured to rotate 180 degrees on its own axis during one rotation of the blade arrangement about its axis. In this way, the torque generated created by the movement of the water when the blades move with the direction of the water flow is maximised, and the drag/resistance of the blades on its return path against the direction of the water flow is minimised.

The shape of the blades may enhance the efficiency of the torque and minimise the resistance. In particular, each blade is selected to be a 10% ellipse shape with a varied width and length, depending on power output needed and water depth.

The outside blades (torque acting on top gantry) of the one blade arrangement and the inside blades(torque acting on bottom gantry) of the other blade arrangement may have the same torque and therefore different widths, with the outside blades being smaller than the inside blades.

A circular cam path with varying radial lengths may be used to actuate every water turbine blade via a geared connection. The radial length change is translated to a rotational change on the gear (1 :2 gear ratio), which in turn is used to index the blade’s angular position with regards to the flow of the water.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric generator system comprising: an electric generator as described herein; and an external driving motor.

The principle at work here is that much less power is needed to spin any rotational object if it can be rotated from the outside rim as opposed to turn an inside shaft to rotate it.

As the electric generator described herein does not have an inside shaft rotor but is driven from two outside rotating assemblies a small motor with its own power source can be used to start rotating the assemblies. When the rotating assemblies have enough speed to produce the power needed to drive the external motor it can replace the power source. Thereafter the increasing speed will produce enough power to run the external motor as well as generate excess power.

This configuration may have multiple applications, notably in the vehicle industry, including cars, utility vehicles, trucks, boats, trains, aeroplanes, as well as the powering of households, offices, other buildings, and many industries.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, by swopping the magnets for coils and the coils for magnets the generator as described herein may be made into a very efficient motor.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a hydro-electric system comprising: a closed circuit of fluid; and a plurality of water or fluid turbines as described herein operatively disposed within the closed circuit of fluid.

Output from the plurality of water or fluid turbines may be combined to provide an output of electricity from the hydro-electric system.

The hydro-electric circuit may be constructed on substantially a single plane compared to traditional hydro-electric systems relying on gravitational force of water, or water flow from dams. In the closed circuit, multiple water turbines may be deployed, wherein length and size of the loops can be adjusted according to power needs.

The water turbines may be located at predetermined intervals along the circuit, the intervals may be spaced apart. In addition, one turbine may be located at a spaced location in the circuit.

The hydro-electric system may comprises one or more fluid propelling unit/s, for example, one or more rim thruster/s, to propel the fluid in the closed circuit thereby providing a primarily one directional flow path of fluid in the circuit. It will be noted that once the fluid in the circuit is set in motion, it maintains its kinetic energy and thereafter requires minimal force to keep flowing in the circuit. In this regard, the circuit may be a circular or oval loop.

An advantage of the hydro-electric system described herein is that the same may be erected or constructed at any location requiring electricity, such as a mine, housing development, factory, etc., cutting down on the need to transport electricity, with its high costs and losses.

Another advantage is that the power output of the hydro-electric system as described herein may be regulated by regulating speed of the fluid flowing in the circuit. This may be achieved by suitable control of the fluid propelling unit/s. Monitoring and control may occur remotely. During peak demand for electricity, electricity output of the hydro-electric system may be increased and at off-peak times, for example at night, the electricity output may be decreased.

It will be understood that the fluid may be water, wherein water may be understood to be any water-based fluid such as seawater, river water, etc.

By housing the hydro-electric system as described herein in dedicated building structures, security and access control may be better enforced.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating electricity, wherein the method comprises: providing a plurality of water or fluid turbines as described herein in a closed circuit of fluid at predetermined intervals; directing fluid in the closed circuit in one direction by way of one or more fluid propelling units; and extracting electricity from the water or fluid turbines, in use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a generator in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention with a centre shaft illustrated;

Figure 2 shows a top view of the generator of Figure 1 in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a side view of a generator in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention with a shaft illustrated;

Figure 4 shows a sectional side view of the generator illustrated in Figure 3 at A- A;

Figure 5 shows another perspective view of a generator in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention with a base plate;

Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of the generator in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention without the base plate referred to in Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows a schematic top view of a generator in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 (a - c) show schematic perspective views of three conductive rings of the conductive assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 (d) show a schematic perspective view of a portion of the three conductive rings of the conductive assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention in a nested configuration;

Figure 8 (e) shows schematic top, side front and perspective views of a portion of the three conductive rings of the conductive assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention in a nested configuration;

Figure 9 shows a top view of a magnetic assembly for a generator in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows a top perspective view of a portion of a magnetic assembly for a generator in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 shows a top perspective view of a magnetic assembly for a generator in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention without bridges;

Figure 12 shows a perspective, in use, view of a water turbine in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 shows a perspective, in use, view of a water turbine in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention with a wind turbine in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention operatively connected to the water turbine of Figure 12;

Figure 14 shows a perspective, in use, view from the side of a water turbine in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15 shows a top, in use, view of a water turbine in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 shows a perspective top, in use, view of a water turbine in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 shows a perspective top view of a water turbine in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 18 shows another perspective top view of a water turbine in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 19 shows a side view of a water turbine in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 20 shows a top view of a water turbine in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 21 shows a side view, in use, of a water turbine in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention; Figure 22 shows a perspective view of the magnetic flux density generated, in use, by a generator in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 23 shows another perspective view of the magnetic flux density generated, in use, by a generator in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 24 shows a perspective view of the magnetic flux intensity generated, in use, by a generator in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 25 shows another perspective view of the magnetic flux density generated, in use, by a generator in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 26 shows angles that one blade will have at different positions in one cycle;

Figure 27 shows angles of the two sets of blades at opposite sides of the cycle to get maximum torque in the direction of water flow and minimum resistance against the water flow;

Figure 28 shows a possible configuration of a wind turbine with the contra-rotating generator in the middle, the two sets of blades turn is opposite directions due to the shape and angles of the blades; and

Figure 29 shows a schematic diagram of a hydro-electric system for generating electricity, wherein the system comprises water turbines in accordance with the invention deployed in a closed loop or circuit of fluid, wherein the fluid is propelled in one flow direction in the circuit by fluid propelling units in the form of rim thrusters. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognise that many changes can be made to the embodiments described, while still attaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be attained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilising other features.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognise that modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible, and may even be desirable in certain circumstances, and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not a limitation thereof.

It will be appreciated that the phrase “for example,” “such as”, and variants thereof describe non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. Reference in the specification to “one example embodiment”, “another example embodiment”, “some example embodiment”, or variants thereof means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Thus, the use of the phrase “one example embodiment”, “another example embodiment”, “some example embodiment”, or variants thereof does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s).

Unless otherwise stated, some features of the subject matter described herein, which are, described in the context of separate embodiments for purposes of clarity, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Similarly, various features of the subject matter disclosed herein which are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. For brevity, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning “having the potential to”), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning “must”).

The words “include,” “including,” and “includes” and the words “comprises”, “comprising”, and “comprises” mean including and comprising, but not limited thereto, respectively. Additionally, as used herein, the term “coupled” may refer to two or more components connected together, whether that connection is permanent (e.g., welded, cast, moulded, carved) or temporary (e.g., bolted, screwed, adhered via an adhesive), direct or indirect (i.e., through an intermediary), mechanical, chemical, optical, or electrical as is the case in a communicatively coupled components which may be in communication with each other wirelessly or in a hardwired fashion.

Referring to Figures 1 to 11 of the drawings, a generator, particularly an electric generator, in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention is generally indicated by reference number 10.

The generator 10 may be actuable by conventional technologies or by way of renewable energy sources as disclosed herein which are capable of harvesting and translating kinetic energy of moving air (wind) and/or water into mechanical energy which is used as an input to the generator 10 which in turn produces electrical energy.

Though not illustrated, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that conventional components such as wiring, electronic components, etc. associated with the generator 10 may form part of the generator 10 despite note being illustrated.

The generator 10 comprises a conductive assembly 12 and a pair of magnetic assemblies 14, 16. The conductive assembly 12 and the magnetic assemblies 14, 16 have a generally cylindrical or ring-like construction and are co-axially arranged around a central axis C. The magnetic assemblies 14, 16 and the conductive assembly 12 nest together as described herein such that the magnetic assemblies 14, 16 sandwich the conductive assembly 12, in use. Moreover, the conductive assembly 12 and the magnetic assemblies 14, 16 are contra-rotatable relative to each other to induce an electrical current in the conductive assembly 12, in use, also as described herein.

As can be seen better in Figure 9 to 1 1 , the magnetic assemblies 14, 16 each comprise a cylindrical frame defining a plurality of locating zones therein for the location of spaced apart magnets M. The assemblies 14, 16 are therefore substantially similar and comprise a plurality of radially spaced apart magnets M located at regular intervals around the frames. The magnets M may be permanent magnets but they may be electromagnets, or a combination of permanent and electromagnets, in other example embodiments.

Adjacent magnets M of each assembly 14, 16 have opposite polarities. In particular, the first magnetic assembly 14 may comprise a plurality of magnets M having radially outwardly oriented magnetic poles of alternating polarity. Similarly, the second magnetic assembly 16 may comprise a plurality of magnets M having radially inwardly oriented magnetic poles of alternating polarity. In this way, the first magnetic assembly 14 has outwardly oriented/facing alternating North and South poles, for example, N-S-N-S-N-S....etc. and the second magnetic assembly 16 has inwardly oriented/facing alternating North and South poles, for example, N-S-N-S-N-S....etc. As can be seen from Figures 9 and 10, in particular.

In one example embodiment, the magnetic assemblies 14, 16 are concentrically arranged and spaced apart by a suitable airgap 20. The first magnetic assembly 14 may have a smaller radius than a second magnetic assembly 16 and may thus be closer to a central axis C of the generator.

The first and second magnetic assemblies 14, 16 may be attached to a suitable base plate 18 (Figure 10, 11 ) with the airgap spacing 20 provided therebetween. The first and second magnetic assemblies 14, 16 typically have magnets M of opposing polarities facing each. The magnets M of opposite polarities face each other within/across the airgap 20. In particular, the magnets M of the first magnetic assembly 14 may comprise radially outwardly oriented magnetic poles facing radially inward oriented magnetic poles of the magnets M of the second magnetic assembly 16, wherein the opposing magnets of the first and second magnetic assemblies 14, 16 have opposite polarities. In this way, a North pole of a magnet M of the first magnetic assembly 14 faces a South pole of a magnet M of the second magnetic assembly 16, etc.

Each magnetic assembly 14, 16 may comprise a plurality of bridges 22, for example, steel bridges attached to pairs of adjacent magnets M. The bridges 22 are attached to the radially inwardly facing or oriented magnets M of the first magnetic assembly. The bridges 22 are attached to the radially outwardly facing or oriented magnets M of the second magnetic assembly 16. In this way, the bridges 22 operatively couple pairs of non-operative poles of the first and second magnetic assemblies 14, 16 together, respectively, wherein the operative poles are disposed to be oriented within/across the airgap 20 and/or facing each other.

The bridges 22 serve to direct and/or constrain the magnetic flux/field from the magnets M into the airgap 20 thereby to be directed more intensely therein. In this way, in use, the conductive assembly 12 located in the airgap 20 receives a maximal amount of magnetic field/flux, in use from the magnetic assemblies 14, 16.

In one example embodiment, the base plate 18 may be attached to a suitable shaft S via a suitable sleeve SL and/or bearing arrangement (not shown) so that the assemblies 14, 16 are freely rotatable around the central axis C and/or the shaft S, in use.

Referring to Figures 7 to 8, the conductive assembly 12 typically comprises three split conductive coils or rings 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 which nest together and which are locatable in the airgap 20 defined by the first and second magnetic assemblies 14, 16. The rings 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 are typically constructed from solid copper due to its conductive properties. Each copper ring 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 corresponds to a different power phase and is slightly spaced from and/or is insulated from each other. It will be noted that though copper is being described in this disclosure, and is preferably, nothing precludes the use of any other conductive material herein.

Each copper ring 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 is a broken ring and comprise a series of interconnected and interspaced flat ridges and troughs resembling a square wave. In particular, each ring 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 are substantially similar and comprise a series of spaced apart copper bars 12.1 .1 , 12.2.1 , 12.3.1 interconnected by a plurality of copper transverse top bridge members 12.1.2, 12.2.2, 12.3.2 and a plurality of copper transverse bottom bridge members 12.1.3, 12.2.3, 12.3.3. The spacing of adjacent bars 12.1.1 , 12.2.1 , 12.3.1 is less than the spacing between adjacent magnets M. The bridges 12.1.1 , 12.2.1 , 12.3.1 and 12.1.3, 12.2.3, 12.3.3 are rectangular and have a more planar profile than the solid rectangular bars 12.1.1 , 12.2.1 , 12.3.1 thereby to enable the three rings 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 to connect the square bars 12.1.1 , 12.2.1 , 12.3.1 to each other's ends and so fit into each other separated only by insulation material.

Each ring, 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 nest into each other. For example, each ring, 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 nests into each other in a staggered fashion, such that one bar 12.2.1 ,

12.3.1 of each ring 12.2, 12.3 is locatable between adjacent bars 12.1.1 , of the ring

12.1 as can be seen in Figures 8(e) and (d).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that Lenz's law provides that that the direction of an induced current is always such as to oppose the change in the circuit or the magnetic field that produces it. In this regard, the three solid copper rings 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 are spaced in such a way in relation to the magnets M moving past them that the induced current in a single ring h, I2, I3 flows continuously in the same direction throughout the respective ring 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3.

A current I2 flowing in a direction opposite to the direction of current I1 is induced in the adjacent copper ring 12.2 by the first copper ring 12.1 as well as the magnet M of the arrangements 14, 16 moving relative to the ring 12.2. Similarly, current h flowing in a direction opposite to the direction of current I2 is induced in the adjacent copper ring 12.3 by the second copper ring 12.2 as well as the magnet M of the arrangements 12, 14 moving relative to the ring 12.3. The magnets M are also spaced in such a way that one set of bars 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 of all three copper rings 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 passes by each magnet M before passing the next magnet M. It will be noted that here, the magnets M referred to are the magnets M of each assembly 12, 14 which are operatively located in and/or adjacent to the airgap 20.

In this way, the induced current in the rings 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 is increased without having to fight currents flowing in opposite directions in the same ring 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3, which happens in traditional wire coils. Moreover, the conductive assembly 12 is configured to reduce and/or remove Eddy currents from being induced in the rings 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 which resulting in less heat build-up in the assembly 12.

By using solid copper, more electrons are freed up for better conductivity and higher current flow, using Faraday’s law of induction. Moreover, the conductive assembly 12 creates a relatively smooth AC sine wave in each of the 3 phases. Each ring 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 is split in that it is not a continuous electrical circuit for the current induced therein and thus has free ends. For example, each ring 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 may not have one bottom bridge member 12.1 .3, 12.2.3, 12.3.3 so that one adjacent pair of bars 12.1.1 , 12.2.1 , 12.3.1 provide the free ends. Notwithstanding, free ends of each ring 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 are connectable to suitable bridge rectifier (not shown), which is in electrical communication with a suitable slip ring (not shown) to take electrical current induced in the conductive assembly 12, in use. Electrical energy taken off via the slip ring is transferred to an inverter (not shown) in a suitable fashion. In some example embodiments, the bridge rectifiers, slip ring/s, and inverter/s may form part of the generator 10 as described herein.

In one example embodiment, the conductive assembly 12 comprises a suitable base plate to which the rings 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 may be attached. As alluded to above, the conductive assembly 12, particularly the copper rings 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3, may be locatable in the airgap 20 in a manner in which it is freely rotatable therein and thus relative to the magnetic assemblies 14, 16, particularly in a contra-rotational fashion.

In this regard, the base plate of the conductive assembly 12 may be attached to the shaft S via a suitable sleeve SL and/or bearing arrangement (not shown) so that the rings 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 are disposed in the airgap 20 and that the assemblies 14, 16 and the assembly 12 are freely rotatable in a contra-rotatable fashion around the central axis C and/or the shaft S, in use.

In use, referring to Figures 1 to 11 , contra-rotation of the magnetic assemblies 14, 16 and the conductive assembly 12 relative to each other induces an electrical current in the conductive assembly 12, particularly the copper rings 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3. In this regard, the magnetic assemblies 14, 16 may rotate clockwise in the direction of arrow 30 (Figure 1 ) or anti-clockwise in the direction of arrow 40, and the conductive assembly 12 may rotate in the opposite anti -clockwise direction 40 or the clockwise direction 30. Power is taken off from the generator from a slip ring (not shown) via suitable bridge rectifiers and/or bridge rectifier circuitry, and transferred to an inverter for use by a load or storage in one or more batteries, as is the case in some conventional generator and/or alternate energy arrangements. As mentioned herein, the generator 10 may advantageously provide a DC output to a load and/or storage battery. It will be appreciated that the generation of electrical energy by the generator 10 as described herein is brought about by the mechanical contra-rotation of the magnetic assemblies 14, 16 and the conductive assembly 12 relative to each other. In this regard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any contra-rotating mechanisms may be used to bring about mechanical contra-rotation of the magnetic assemblies 14, 16 and the conductive assembly 12 relative to each other.

In this regard, reference in now made to Figure 12 to 21 which shows an example embodiment of a fluid or water turbine or hydro-electric turbine in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention which is generally indicated by reference numeral 50. The turbine 50 conveniently comprises the generator 10 as described herein and translates the movement of flowing water in the direction of arrow 56 into contra-rotational movement which is provided to the generator 10 thereby to bring about contra-rotation of the magnetic assemblies 14, 16 and the conductive assembly 12 relative to each other which in turn generates electricity.

To this end, the turbine 50 comprises a first blade arrangement 52 and a second blade arrangement 54 operatively coupled to the generator. The first blade arrangement 52 may be coupled to the magnetic assemblies 14, 16, for example, via the base plate 18 and/or shaft S as described herein. The second blade arrangement 54 may be coupled to the conductive assembly 12 and the conductive assembly 12, for example, via the associated base plate and/or shaft S as described herein.

The blade arrangements 52 and 54 may be substantially similar in that each arrangement comprises a frame, for example, a triangular frame and a plurality of blades 52.1 , 52.2, 52.3 and 54.1 , 54.2, 54.3 which extend transversely from the respective frames so that they are disposed in flowing water in use.

Referring also to Figures 26 and 27, each blade of each blade arrangement may be configured to rotate about its own axis by approximately 180 degrees. The blades each have an elliptical profile and thus each blade may be rotatable about its own axis to provide the greatest surface area to face fluid flow in use to bring about rotation of the respective blade arrangement. Similarly, opposite blades may be rotatable to provide the least surface area to face fluid flow so that it does not oppose the torque generated by the blades providing the maximum surface area to the fluid flow, in use. Each blade of each blade arrangement may track a circle as the respective blade arrangement rotates about the central axis, wherein each blade rotates about its axis by 180 degrees as it tracks circles of rotation as illustrated in Figure 27 within a canal.

The generator 10 is typically sandwiched between the blade arrangements 52, 54. The blade arrangement/s 52/54 may comprise suitable cam arrangements which cause contra rotation thereof relative to each other in response to the same flow of water 56. Instead, or in addition, the blades 52.1 , 52.2, 52.3 and/or 54.1 , 54.2, 54.3 may be configured to cause contra-rotation of the arrangement 52 and 54 relative to each other.

The first and second blade arrangements 52 and 54 may nest together with the generator 10 sandwiched therebetween.

In some example embodiments, the turbine 50 may comprise a suitable bridge 58 which is operatively attached to the water turbine 50 and disposes the turbine 50 into a body of flowing water. In some example embodiments, the bridge 58 straddles banks of a canal of flowing water.

Moreover, in some example embodiments, there is provided a suitable wind turbine 60 which also comprises the generator 10 as described herein. The wind turbine 60 may be stand alone or may be coupled to the water turbine 50 to provide increased output of electrical energy, in use. The turbine 60 typically comprises a first blade arrangement 62 and a second blade arrangement 64. The first and second blade arrangements 62, 64 may comprise oppositely oriented Gorlov turbine blades which are operatively connected to and sandwich the generator 10. This may be seen in more detail in Figure 28 of the drawings.

The first blade arrangement 62 may be operatively connected to the magnetic assemblies 14, 16, for example, via the base plate 18 and/or shaft S as described herein. The second blade arrangement 64 may be coupled to the conductive assembly 12 and the conductive assembly 12, for example, via the associated base plate and/or shaft S as described herein.

It will be noted that the opposite orientation of the arrangements 62 and 64 cause contra-rotation of the same relative to each other in response to exposure to the same flow of air or in other words wind. In this way, wind flowing across and/or over the blade arrangements 62, 64 cause contra-rotation of the magnetic assemblies 14, 16 and the conductive assembly 12 relative to each other which in turn generates electricity.

The wind turbine of the type described above is also illustrated for completeness in Figure 28.

Referring now also to Figure 29 of the drawings, wherein a hydro-electric system in accordance with the invention is generally indicate by reference numeral 100.

The system 100 comprises of an enclosure 1 10 defining a closed circuit or loop 112 of fluid such as water, and a plurality of water turbines 50 as described herein operatively disposed within the closed circuit of fluid, at spaced apart intervals.

It will be noted that the enclosure 110 may be purpose built and may be a canallike oval/circular loop which has a one directional flow path. In other words, the water in the loop 112 typically flows in one direction. The directionality of the water flow may be aided or facilitated by suitable fluid propelling units 114 which may be in the form of rim thrusters or rim driven propellers which are actuated or driven by electrical energy generated by the turbines 50. In some example embodiment, the fluid propelling units 114 may be in the form of conventional propellers which are driven or actuated by electrical energy generated by the turbines. It will be understood that the units 114 may be controlled to regulate the speed of water flowing in the loop 112.

The enclosure 110 may be constructed on substantially a single plane compared to traditional hydro-electric systems relying on gravitational force of water, or water flow from dams. Moreover, the enclosure 110 may be above or below ground , housed indoors, or outdoors, as the case may be.

In use, referring to Figure 29, the system 100 is actuated with the water in the circuit 1 12 being set in fluid motion along the flow path defined by the enclosure 110 by way of the fluid propelling units 114. Once in motion, the water actuates the turbines 50, in the manner described herein which in turn actuates the associated generators to generate electricity. It will be noted that the system 100 may comprise suitable energy stores such as batteries or connection to mains or municipal electricity (not show) to begin actuation of the units 114.

Electricity or electrical energy generated by the system 100 may be fed to a private electrical grid and/or a municipal electrical grid.

The present invention provides a relatively cost-effective means to harness renewable energy from wind and flowing water, moreover, the present invention provides a generator which generates electrical energy in a novel manner.

It will be appreciated that an advantage of the generator disclosed herein is the contra-rotation of the magnetic and conductive assemblies. By moving both the conductive and magnetic assemblies at the same rotational speed, the power output is effectively doubled compared to a traditional generator with a stator and rotor of the same size. This increases the efficiency of the electricity generation. Moreover, this also means that the generator needs less rotational speed to generate the same or more power than traditional generators of the same size. It makes it possible to use wind turbines in lower wind areas or water turbines in slower water flow.

In addition, the magnets provided in the magnetic assemblies are arranged in a manner in which the steel bridges connecting the magnets in the double or multiple magnetic assemblies direct and increase the magnetic flux to imitate a flowing fluid, thereby inducing a higher induced current than the conventional generators only using the one side of the magnet.

In a conventional generator or motor only one pole or magnetic face of the magnets are used with a magnetic field strength of 0.4 Tesla in general. In the contrarotating generator described herein, the magnetic force at each copper bridge is at saturation. There is no magnetic loss in this method as the complete magnetic field is directed through the copper bridge. This thus enable smaller magnets to be used, which reduces costs.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that the solid copper rings in the conductive assembly are configured to hold themselves upright within the airgap defined between the magnetic assemblies without any supporting structure/s thus at least reducing costs of manufacture. The copper rings may be able to withstand heat from more Amperage than traditional wired coils used in conventional generators. Having a core-less generator of the type described herein enables the size of the generator to be increased. A problem with traditional three phase generators is that one cannot extract more power therefrom due to the limited magnetic field strength from the outer side of the magnet on the rotor. It was not possible to use full magnetic force of the magnets.