ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEM

STATEMENT REGARDING GOVERNMENT INTEREST

This invention was made with United States Government support under Contract No. DE-AC07-05-1 D14517 awarded by the United States Department of Energy. The United States Government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This disclosure generally relates to magnetic and coil structures and more particularly to magnetic structures and coil structures suitable for use in electro-magnetic and electro-mechanical devices and applications.

Description of the Related Art

Electro-magnetic and electro-mechanical devices and applications, such as, for example, motors, generators and alternators, typically employ coils and/or magnets. Conventional magnetic structures employ a single magnet to generate a magnetic field, or a plurality of magnets arranged to generate a magnetic field. The magnets are typically permanent magnets or electromagnets.

When an increase in output or performance was desired, conventionally the size or number of coils was increased or the size or strength of the magnets would be increased. These approaches introduce weight, cost, size and durability issues. These approaches also are not practical for many applications.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, a coil system comprises a pair of matched coils separated by a coil unmatched with respect to the pair of unmatched coils.

In one embodiment, a coil system comprises a first coil wound on a coil form and a second coil wound inside the first coil. In one embodiment, an electromechanical system comprises an unbalanced magnetic structure; a coil system, and a magnetic bearing configured to suspend the unbalanced magnetic structure in a position relative to the coil system. In one embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of electromechanical systems separated by one or more electrically conductive plates. In one embodiment, a magnetic structure comprises a first pole of a first magnetic element having a substantially convex-shaped face and a first pole of a second magnetic element having a substantially convex-shaped face substantially facing the first pole of the first magnetic structure. In one embodiment, a magnetic structure comprises a first pole of a first magnetic element having a substantially concave-shaped face and a first pole of a second magnetic element has a substantially concave-shaped face substantially facing the first pole of the first magnetic structure. In one embodiment, an electromechanical system comprises a plurality of coil systems separated by electrically conductive plates. In one embodiment, an electro-mechanical system comprises a magnetic structure configured to generate a compressed magnetic field with null zones between the magnets of the magnetic structure. In one embodiment, the shapes of the faces of the magnets are selected so as to obtain a desired shape of the null zone.

In one embodiment, an electro-mechanical system comprises means for generating a compressed magnetic field, a coil system having a pair of matched coils separated by a coil unmatched with respect to the pair of matched coils and means for facilitating relative movement between the coil system and the means for generating a compressed magnetic field. In one embodiment, the system comprising a first coil wound on a coil form and a second coil wound inside the first coil. In one embodiment, the means for generating a compressed magnetic field comprises an unbalanced magnetic structure. In one embodiment, the means for facilitating relative movement comprises a magnetic bearing configured to suspend the unbalanced magnetic

structure relative to the coil system. In one embodiment, the system comprises additional electromechanical systems separated by one or more electrically conductive plates. In one embodiment, the means for generating a compressed magnetic field comprises a magnetic structure comprising a first pole of a first magnetic element having a substantially convex-shaped face and a first pole of a second magnetic element having a substantially convex-shaped face substantially facing the first pole of the first magnetic element. In one embodiment, the means for generating a compressed magnetic field comprises a magnetic structure comprising a first pole of a first magnetic element having a face which is not substantially perpendicular to a side of the first magnetic element and a first pole of a second magnetic element having a face which is not substantially perpendicular to a side of the second magnetic element, wherein the first pole of the second magnetic element substantially faces the first pole of the first magnetic element. In one embodiment, an electo-mechanical system comprises means for conducting a current; means for generating a compressed magnetic field having a first magnetic element having a face angled with respect to a side of the first magnetic element, and a second magnet element having a face angled with respect to a side of the second magnetic element, and means for facilitating relative movement between the means for conducting a current and the means for generating a compressed magnetic field. In one embodiment, an angle between the face of the first magnetic element and the side of the first magnetic element is greater than ninety degrees. In one embodiment, an angle between the face of the first magnetic element and the side of the first magnetic element is less than ninety degrees. In one embodiment, an angle between the face of the second magnetic element and the side of the second magnetic element is less than ninety degrees. In one embodiment, an angle between the face of the second magnetic element and the side of the second magnetic element is greater than ninety degrees. In one embodiment, the face of the first magnetic element has a substantially semi-toroidal shape. In one embodiment, the face of the first magnetic element has a substantially conical shape. In one

embodiment, the face of the first magnetic element has a substantially concave shape. In one embodiment, the means for generating a compressed magnetic field comprises a third magnetic element having a face and a side with an angle between the face and the side which less than or greater than ninety degrees. In one embodiment, a method of generating electrical current comprises generating a compressed magnetic field with a null zone, moving the compressed magnetic field relative to a coil system having windings and generating an electrical current in the coil system when a null zone passes through a winding of the coil system. In one embodiment, the compressed magnetic field has a plurality of null zones. In one embodiment, generating the compressed magnetic field comprises shaping the faces of magnetic elements used to generate the compressed magnetic field. In one embodiment, generating the compressed magnetic field comprises shaping null zones generated by the compressed magnetic field. In one embodiment, generating the compressed magnetic field comprises generating an unbalanced magnetic field. In one embodiment, generating the compressed magnetic field comprises generating a plurality of null zones between a plurality of magnetic elements. In one embodiment, the electromechanical system is configured as a motor. In one embodiment, the electromechanical system is configured as a generator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of particular elements, and have been selected solely for ease of recognition in the drawings.

Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a coil system.

Figure 2 is a top and perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-coil system.

Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of an electromechanical system. Figure 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a multi-coil system.

Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of an electromechanical system.

Figure 6 is a side and top view of an embodiment of an electromechanical system. Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a magnetic structure.

Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a coil system.

Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of an electromechanical system.

Figure 10 illustrates an example wave form generated when a null zone moves past a winding of a coil in an electromechanical system, such as the electromechanical system illustrated in Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a graphic illustration of the magnetic flux generated by an embodiment of an unbalanced magnetic structure with two permanent magnets of different lengths with like poles facing each other and held together between an ambient distance and a substantially touching position.

Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment of a magnetic structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of devices, methods and articles. However, one of skill in the art will understand that other embodiments may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well- known structures and methods associated with magnetic structures, coils, batteries, linear generators, and control systems have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as "comprising," and "comprises," are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as "including, but not limited to." Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," or

"an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phases "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, or to all embodiments. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments to obtain further embodiments.

The headings are provided for convenience only, and do not interpret the scope or meaning of this disclosure or the claimed invention.

The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of particular elements, and have been selected solely for ease of recognition in the drawings.

Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a multi-coil system 100. The system 100 comprises a first coil 102, a second coil 104, a third coil 104b and a coil form 106. As illustrated, the coils 102, 104 and 104b are wound on a single coil form 106. In some embodiments, separate coil forms may be employed for the coils. In some embodiments, the diameter of the coil form or forms may vary. As illustrated, the coil form 106 is cylindrical in shape. Other coil form shapes may be employed, such as a substantially toroidal-shaped coil form (see Figure 2). A substantially toroidal-shaped coil form may comprise, for example, a true toroidal-shaped coil form, a toroidal-

shaped coil form reflecting manufacturing tolerances, or a modified toroidal- shaped coil form, such as an elliptical-shaped coil form.

The first coil 102 comprises a wire 108. The wire 108 is wound a first number of turns n in a winding 107 on the coil form 106. The wire 108 has a perimeter defined by a first thickness 110. In the case where the wire is round, the thickness is the diameter of the wire and the perimeter is the circumference of the wire, and the diameter is related to the circumference according to:

Circumference = π ^* Diameter The wire 108 also has an equivalent diameter, which is the cross- section of the wire with respect to a vector divided by the perimeter. In the case of a round wire, the equivalent diameter may be defined according to: Equivalent Diameter = Diameter / Perimeter Wires with different shapes may be employed in some embodiments. It is not necessary to employ round wires.

The first coil 102 is wound in a first direction Y as indicated by direction arrow 112. The first coil 102 has a first lead 114 and a second lead 116. The second coil 104 comprises a wire 118. The wire 118 is wound a second number of turns m in a winding 117 on the coil form 106. In the case where the wire 118 is round, the wire 118 has a circumference defined by a second thickness 120 or diameter. The third coil 104b comprises a wire 118b. The wire 118b is wound a second number of turns mb in a winding 117b on the coil form 106. In the case where the wire 118b is round, the wire 118b has a circumference defined by a third thickness 120b or diameter. As illustrated, the second coil 104 and the third coil are wound in a second direction Z as indicated by the direction arrow 122. The second coil has a first lead 124 and a second lead 126. The third coil has a first lead 124a and a second lead 124b

Details of the windings 107, 117, 117b of the coils 102, 104, 104b are omitted for ease of illustration. For example, the coils 102, 104, 104b would each typically have multiple layers in the windings 107, 117, 117b. In some

embodiments, the coils 102, 104, 104b may have, for example, several hundred turns.

The wires 108, 118, 118b may comprise any suitable electrically conductive material, such as, for example, metallic materials, such as copper, copper coated with silver or tin, aluminum, silver, gold and/or alloys. The wires 108, 118, 118b may comprise, for example, solid wires, strands, twisted strands, insulated strands, sheets or combinations thereof. For example, Litz wire may be employed. The coils 102, 104, 104b may vary significantly in size from the illustration, and may be substantially smaller or substantially larger than illustrated. The wires 108, 118, 118b are typically covered with an insulating material (not shown).

The system 100 also has an optional magnetic structure 128 configured to move through the coil form 106 along an axis 130 illustrated using a dashed line. For example, a suspension system (see, for example, the suspension system in Figure 3) may be employed to facilitate movement of the magnetic structure 128 through the coil form 106 along the axis 130. The magnetic structure 128 may be a conventional single magnet or other magnetic structures may be employed, such as those described below, and those described in co-pending U.S. Application No. 11/475,858, filed on June 26, 2006 and entitled Magnetic Structure. As illustrated, the magnetic structure 128 may be configured to move through the coil form 106 along a generally linear path. In some embodiments, the magnetic structure 128 may be configured to move through the coil form 106 along other paths. For example, a generally circular path may be employed with, for example, a toroidal coil. As illustrated, the first and second coils 102, 104 are unmatched in that they have at least one physical property that is different. Example physical properties of coils include length, width, diameter, cross-sectional area with respect to a vector, equivalent diameter and conductivity. As illustrated, at least two physical properties are different. Specifically, the first thickness 110 is less than the second thickness 120, and the first number of turns n is greater than the second number of turns m. In addition, the first direction Y is different

from the second direction Z. In some embodiments, the number of turns n of the winding 107 of the first coil 102 may be the same as or less than the number of turns m of the winding 117 of the second coil 104. In some embodiments, the first thickness 110 may be the same as or greater than the second thickness 120. The system 100 may be employed, for example, as a generator to generate electrical energy in response to relative movement of the magnetic structure 128 with respect to one or more of the coils. In another example, the system 100 may be employed as a motor to generate relative movement of the magnetic structure 128 with respect to one or more of the coils in response to an electrical signal. As illustrated, the third coil 104b is matched to the second coil and coupled in parallel to the second coil 104. In some embodiments, the third coil 104b may be unmatched to the second coil 104. In some embodiments, the first coil may comprise a plurality of coils, which may be matched or unmatched. As illustrated, the first lead 114 of the first coil 102 is coupled to the second lead 126 of the second coil 104. An optional load 132 is coupled between the second lead 116 of the first coil and the first leads 124, 124b of the second coil 104 and the third coil 104b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coil 102 will provide the largest voltage component of a potential V produced between the second lead 116 of the first coil 102 and the first lead 124 of the second coil 104 in response to a movement of the magnetic structure 128 through the coil form 106, with the first, second and third coils 102, 104, 104b contributing a potential component of the same polarity in response to the movement. In addition, the second and third coils 104, 104b will provide the largest component of a current / flowing through the load 132, with the coils

102, 104, 104b contributing to the current flow in the same direction in response to the movement. As illustrated, the coils are arranged so that the outside coils contribute the largest component of a current and the inside coil (or coils) contribute the largest component of a voltage. In some embodiments, the coils 102, 104, 104b may be coupled together in different ways. For example, in some embodiments the first lead

114 of the first coil 102 may be coupled to the first lead 124 of the second coil 104 and the load 132 may be coupled across the second lead 116 of the first coil 102 and the second lead 126 of the second coil 104. In another example, the second lead 116 of the first coil 102 may be coupled to the first lead 124 of the second coil 104 and the load 132 may be coupled across the first lead 114 of the first coil 102 and the second lead 126 of the second coil 124. In another example, the second lead 116 of the first coil 102 may be coupled to the second lead 126 of the second coil 104 and the load 132 may be coupled across the first lead 114 of the first coil 102 and the first lead 124 of the second coil 104. In another example, the first lead 114 of the first coil 102 may be coupled to the first lead 124 of the second coil 104, the second lead 116 of the first coil 102 may be coupled to the second lead 126 of the second coil 104, and the load 132 may be coupled across the pair of coupled leads.

Some embodiments may employ additional coils and/or pairs of coils coupled together in various ways. Some embodiments may employ one or more bi-metal coils. See, for example, example embodiments of bi-metal coils described in co-pending U.S. Application No. 11/475,389, filed on June 26, 2006 and entitled BI-METAL COIL. For example, in some embodiments the first coil 102, the second coil 104, the third coil 104b or some of the coils may comprise bi-metal coils. In some embodiments, the magnetic structure 128 may be configured to move along side the coils, rather than through the coils, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the coils may comprise a series of wire segments coupled together, instead of or in addition to wires wound on a coil form. Some embodiments may employ multiple coils of different physical configurations, such as, for example, the coils structures illustrated or described in co-pending U.S. Application No. 11/475,389, filed on June 26, 2006 and entitled BI-METAL COIL.

Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of a coil system 100. The coil system has a toroidal coil form 102 and a first plurality of windings 104 of wire wrapped around the coil form 102, and a second plurality of windings 106 wrapped inside the coil form 102. As illustrated, the coil system 100 has two

coils 108, 110 formed by the respective windings 104, 106, which may be coupled together in various manners, such as a series-parallel configuration. For example, the coils 108, 110 in the coil system 100 may be coupled together so as to generate a power output in response to movement of a magnetic structure 112 along an axis 114 perpendicular to a plane of the coil form 102, with one coil contributing a larger voltage component and one coil contributing a larger current component of the power output, and both coils contributing a voltage component of a same polarity. For example, the first coil 108 may be configured to generate the largest current component and the second coil 110 may be configured to generate the largest voltage component. Some embodiments may employ more than two coils coupled together in various manners. Some embodiments may employ one or more bi-metal coils. Some embodiments may employ one or more coils comprising traces on insulating sheets. The coil system 100 has an optional magnet structure 112 configured to facilitate relative movement with respect to the coil form 102 along a substantially circular path. Other magnetic structures may be employed. For example, the magnetic structures described or referred to below may be employed in some embodiments. The magnetic structure and the coil may be configured to facilitate relative movement along other paths. For example, the magnetic structure may be configured to move relative to the coil along a substantially circular path or to rotate with respect to the coil system. The coil system 100 may employ suspension systems and mechanisms (such as repelling magnets) to facilitate relative movement of the magnetic structure with respect to the coil system 100. The shape of the magnetic structure 112 and a housing for the magnetic structure (not shown) and the materials selected for the coil form 102 and the magnetic structure housing (not shown) may be selected so as to reduce friction and contact points between the coil form 102 and the magnetic structure housing. A magnetic bearing or a plurality of magnetic bearings may be employed to facilitate movement of the magnetic structure. Elongated coils may be employed, such as coils available from Potter Brumfield. Details of the windings of the coils are omitted for ease of

illustration. For example, the coils would each typically have multiple layers in the windings. In some embodiments, the coils may have, for example, several hundred turns.

The wires may comprise any suitable electrically conductive material, such as, for example, metallic materials, such as copper, copper coated with silver or tin, aluminum, silver, gold and/or alloys. The wires may comprise, for example, solid wires, strands, twisted strands, insulated strands, sheets or combinations thereof. For example, Litz wire may be employed. The coils may vary significantly in size and shape from the illustration, and may be substantially smaller or substantially larger than illustrated. The wires are typically covered with an insulating material (not shown).

Figure 3 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of an electromechanical system 300 employing a magnetic bearing system 302 to suspend one or more magnetic structures 304 of a rotor 305 in a coil system 306. As illustrated, the magnetic structures 304 are each configured to generate an unbalanced and compressed magnetic field (see also Figure 11 ), and the coil system 306 comprises a stator comprising one or more coils 308. As illustrated, the system 300 comprises two magnetic structures 304 and two coils 308. The magnetic bearing system 302 comprises a plurality of magnets or magnetic structures configured so as to suspend the rotor 305 in the coil system 306.

Figure 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a multi-coil system 400 showing an optional magnetic structure 430 and suspension system 432, which facilitates the magnetic structure 430 passing through the opening 410. Some details are omitted from Figure 4 to facilitate illustration. The system 400 may be configured to operate as a generator to generate electrical energy in response to movement of the magnetic structure 430 through the opening 410. The system 400 may also be configured to operate as a motor to move the magnetic structure 430 in response to the application of electrical energy to the coils 408, 422. In the illustrated embodiment when configured as a generator, when the first terminal 414 of the first coil 408 is coupled to the second terminal

428 of the second coil 422, the first coil 408 will provide the largest voltage component of a potential produced between the second terminal 416 of the first coil 408 and the first terminal 426 of the second coil 422 in response to a passing of the magnetic structure 430 through the first and second coils 408 and 422, with the first coil 408 and the second coil 422 both contributing a voltage component of the same polarity in response to the movement. In addition, the second coil 422 will provide the largest component of a current /, with both coils 408, 422 contributing to the current flow in the same direction in response to the movement. The suspension system 432 comprises a magnetic bearing in the form of a plurality of repelling magnets 440, which may be configured to suspend the magnetic structure 430 inside the coil system 400, while permitting movement of the magnetic structure within the coil system 400.

Some embodiments may employ additional coils and/or pairs of coils coupled together in various ways. Some embodiments may employ one or more bi-metal coils. For example, in some embodiments the first coil 408, the second coil 422, or both coils may comprise bi-metal coils (see the bi-metal coils illustrated in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 11/475,389, filed June 26, 2006 and entitled "Bi-Metal Coil"). In some embodiments, the magnetic structure 430 may be configured to move along side or around the first and second coils 408, 422, rather than through the coils 408, 422. In some embodiments, the first and second coils may comprise a series of trace segments coupled together, instead of or in addition to wound traces.

Figure 5 illustrates a system 500 comprising a coil form 502, a coil 504, a magnetic structure 506 and a suspension system 508 for suspending the magnetic structure 506 in the coil form 502. As illustrated, the suspension system comprises a plurality of magnets 510 configured alongside a path of the magnetic structure and configured to suspend the magnetic structure 506 inside the coil form 502. The plurality of magnets 510 may comprise ring-shaped magnets, and may comprise unbalanced magnets or pairs of unbalanced magnets as illustrated. The suspension system may comprise other

components, such as springs and repelling magnetics placed in other positions with respect to the path of the magnetic structure.

Figure 6 illustrates a system 600 comprising a plurality of electromechanical subsystems 602, such as, for example, those described elsewhere herein, and/or those described or referred to in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 11/475,389, filed June 26, 2006 and entitled "Bi-Metal Coil," or in co-pending U.S. Application No. 11/762,005, filed June 12, 2007 and entitled "Magnetic Structure." The electromechanical systems are separated by electrically conductive shielding, which as illustrated are plates 604, such as copper plates or copper coated plates. The system 600 comprises a case 608, which may be configured to couple to a battery pack (not shown). The electromechanical systems may be coupled together and configured to supply power to the battery pack. The system 600 may include a control system 612 to control operation of the electromechanical subsystems and/or transfers of power between the system 600 and external systems, such as a battery pack. Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic structure 100. Figure 7 is not necessarily drawn to scale. The magnetic structure 100 comprises a first substantially rectangular magnet 102 and a second substantially rectangular magnet 104. Other magnet shapes may be employed and additional magnets may be employed. For example, the shapes of the magnets may be modified to facilitate movement through a toroidal coil form. The first magnet 102 is held spaced-apart from the second magnet 104 by a first distance 124, with like poles of the magnets 102, 104 facing each other. The magnetic structure 100 as illustrated is unbalanced in that the depth 122 of the first magnet 102 is different from the depth 126 of the second magnet 104. In some embodiments the first and second magnets 102, 104 may have different strengths.

The first magnet 102 has a substantially concave depression or recess 108 generally facing a substantially concave depression or recess 110 of the second magnet 104, to form a cavity 106 between the first magnet 102 and the second magnet 104. Other shapes for the faces of the magnets may

be employed, such as, for example, substantially convex shapes, substantially semi-toroidal shapes, conical shapes, angled faces instead of faces substantially perpendicular to the sides of the magnets, and various combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one magnet may have a face with a first shape and the second magnet may have a face with a different shape.

Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electromechanical system 800 comprising a first coil 802, a second coil 804, a third coil 806 and a fourth coil 808. The coils are separated by a disk-shaped electrical conductive plate 814, such as, for example, a copper plate or copper coated plate. A magnetic structure 810, such as, for example, one of the magnetic structures described or referred to elsewhere in this application, is configure to move through the coils along an axis 816.

Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of an electromechanical system 900. The system 900 comprises a coil system 902 comprising one or more coils 904, which may be unmatched with respect to each other. The system 900 also comprises a magnetic structure 906 comprising a plurality of magnets configured to generate an unbalanced magnetic field. As illustrated, the magnetic structure 906 comprises three magnets 908, 910, 912 configured to generate an unbalanced magnetic field with two null-zones 914, 916 between the magnets of the magnetic structure. The magnetic structure is configured to move with respect to the coil system. As the magnetic structure moves with respect to the coil system, power is generated in the coil system. When a null zone moves past a winding of the coil system, a wave form is generated similar to the wave form illustrated in Figure 10. Unlike conventional systems, it is not necessary for the magnetic structure to move completely through the coil system for power to be captured by the coil system. Power may be captured each time a null-zone moves through a winding of the coil. Thus a suspension system may be employed without requiring that the magnetic structure be able to completely pass through the coil system. The faces of the magnets of the magnetic structure may have various shapes, for example, the shapes

described herein. The faces of the magnets of the magnetic structure may be at various angles with respect to the sides of the magnets. For example, angles greater than or less than ninety degrees (See Figure 12).

Figure 11 shows representative magnetic flux equipotential lines 742 to illustrate an unbalanced magnetic field 744 that is generated by an embodiment of a magnetic structure 700 when the strength Gi of the first magnet 702 is approximately 11 ,600 Gauss, the strength Q ₂ of the second magnet 704 is approximately 11 ,600 Gauss and the magnets are held spaced apart at a distance of 2 mm with like poles facing each other. The magnetic field 744 has a greater density in a region 746 associated with the first magnet 702 and a lesser density in a region 748 associated with the second magnet 704. The magnetic field 744 is compressed in a region 750 adjacent to the space between the magnets 702, 704 and extending past an end 752 of the second magnet 702, and in a region 754 adjacent to the first magnet 702. The region 750 has a sub-region 756 with a very-high gradient magnetic field and the region 754 has a sub-region 758 with a very-high gradient magnetic field. The magnetic field 744 is unbalanced with respect to the magnetic structure 700 and the high-gradient regions 750, 754 are unbalanced with respect to each other. Figure 12 is a side cross sectional view of an embodiment of a magnetic structure 1200 with angled or slanted faces on the magnets of the magnetic structure 1200. The magnetic structure comprises a first magnet 1202 and a second magnet 1204 held spaced apart with like poles facing each other. The magnets may be, for example, substantially rectangular. In another example, the magnets may substantially cylindrical rods. The first magnet 1202 has an angled or slanted face 1206 facing a slanted face 1208 of the second magnet 1204. The face 1206 of the first magnet has an angle phi with respect to the side of the first magnet 1202. The angle phi may be greater than or less than 90 degrees. The face 1208 of the second magnet 1204 has an angle alpha with respect to the side of the second magnet 1204. The angle alpha may be greater than or less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the faces

1206, 1208 may be shaped as well as angled. For example, the faces 1206, 1208 may each have a semi-toroidal shape and be at an angle with respect to the sides of the respective magnets. In some embodiments, the faces may angle away from or toward each other instead of being generally parallel to each other as illustrated.

In some embodiments, the shape of the null zone may impact the current generated when the null zone moves past the coil winding. In some embodiments, the null zone may be shaped by changing the shape and/or the angles of the faces of the magnets in the magnetic structure. For example, employing semi-toroidal shaped magnetic faces in a magnetic structure may generate a null zone having a different shape than that generated by a magnetic structure with conical shaped magnetic faces.

Although specific embodiments of and examples for the coils, magnetic structures, devices, generators/motors, batteries, control modules, energy storage devices and methods of generating and storing energy are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art.

The various embodiments described above and in the patent applications referenced herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification or listed in the Application Data Sheet, including U.S. Patent Application Nos. 11/475,858, 11/475,389, 11/475,564 and 11/475,842 are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments

disclosed in the specification and the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure, but instead its scope is to be determined entirely by the following claims.