The invention refers to a device and a system, through which electricity is generated autonomously.

The invention’s applicability technical field belongs to both static and dynamic power generation systems that convert other forms of energy into electricity.

There are several known solutions that generate electricity from the kinetic energy of a moving body.

Thus, the document US 212152634 Al refers to an assembly having a fifth wheel mounted under the vehicle, in contact with a generator producing electric energy. The disadvantage of this invention and of other solutions alike is that electricity generation requires high mechanical energy consumption, and respectively increased engine consumption, while such solutions expose an inefficient energy balance.

The technical problem the invention is solving consists of creating a device and a system for generating electricity using minimum mechanical energy with minimum engine energy consumption.

The invention solves this technical problem by utilizing a gravitational compensation mechanical -electrical device and an autonomous power generation system. The mechanicalelectrical device consist of a two-wheel assembly, a transmission gear, a central arm hosting a electric generator enclosed in a cylindrical casing, a shock absorber, and a catching head connected to a sliding assembly which is fixed on the host casing. The system utilizes static or movable assembly variants of the mechanical-electrical device, additionally comprising a command and control module, some sensors and a battery array for the purpose of autonomously generation of electricity.

The operating principle of the system utilizes gravitational energy, respectively weight distribution across multiple axes of a kinematic assembly. The gravitational force is not used to classically accelerate the kinematic assembly, but its force component along a given axe creates a rotational moment opposing the deceleration moments during breaking caused, in this case, by the friction inside the kinematic assembly and by generator’s electromagnetic breaking. Achieving the dynamic balance control of the mechanical-electrical device using gravitation force and via decisions provided by a command and control module, the suppression of breaking force moments that oppose motion is practically attained. The purpose of establishing such dynamic balance is to maintain a constant rotation of the wheels assembly, and implicitly that of the electric generator’s rotor.

Thus, the power generation process of the system affects very little the mechanical energy consumption.

The gravitational compensation mechanical-electrical device and the autonomous power generation system, presents the following advantages:

It is an easy to build, simple system;

It has no negative environmental impact;

- It allows autonomous and distributed electric energy generation, independent of other energy sources, while the placement of the systems easily follows the consumption demand;

It considerably increases the autonomy of electric propulsion vehicles, under the condition of adopting a predominantly constant speed motion regime.

Hereafter, there is presented a first example of practical application of the gravitational compensation mechanical-electrical device and autonomous power generation system connected to the figures:

Fig. 1 - gravitational compensation mechanical-electrical device

Fig. 2 - autonomous power generation system

The gravitational compensation mechanical-electrical device consists of a wheels assembly 1, a central arm 2, a transmission gear 3, and a sliding assembly 4.

The wheels assembly 1 is made of two identical wheels la connected via a central shaft lb which is attached to the wheels la, simultaneously rotating with these, and it has a centrally placed driver cogwheel 3a engaging the transmission gear 3. The central shaft lb is connected using two side arms 2a to the central arm 2 and by two vertical shock 1c absorbers via the bearings Id. The driver cogwheel 3a engages a driven cogwheel 3b connected to the generator 2 b shaft. The role of the vertical shock 1c absorbers is to amortize vibrations and to engage in vertical plane the wheels assembly las needed.

The central arm 2 is made of two side arms 2a for connecting to the central shaft lb of the wheels assembly 1, a generator 2 b enclosed in a cylindrical casing 2e and connected to the wheels assembly 1 via the transmission gear 3, a longitudinal shock 2c absorber and a catching head 2d connected to a sliding assembly 4. The sliding assembly 4 is attached to the system’s host, which can be either a fixed casing or a movable vehicle, thus allowing the central arm 2 to move along an arc around the central shaft lb.

The connecting side arms 2a are mounted via the bearings Id to the central shaft lb, being located on each sides of the driver cogwheel 3a, connected to and supporting the cylindrical casing 2e that holds the generator 2b. These converge past the cylindrical casing 2e forming a unitary body that continues with the longitudinal shock 2c absorber. To protect the transmission gear 3, a protection casing may be installed in front of the connecting side arms 2a.

The generator 2b is longitudinally centered, enclosed in a cylindrical casing 2e and connected to the wheels assembly 1 via a cogwheel transmission gear 3. It has a double role, firstly to generate electricity through spinning transmitted by the wheels assembly 1, and secondly, utilizing its weight together with the weight of the central arm’s 2 to generate a moment in the wheels assembly 1 that balance breaking moment’s due to friction’s and operation of the generator 2b.

The longitudinal shock 2c absorber makes the connection between the generator’s casing 2e and the catching head 2d of the sliding assembly 4. Its main role is to overtake vibrations that occur during functioning, caused by interaction with the wheels assembly 1, and in certain conditions, to also overcome the slipping tendency of the wheels assembly 1.

The catching head 2d makes the connection between the shock 2e absorber and the sliding assembly 4, and is fitted with two side arms 2g, which slides along on an arc with the radius equal to the length of the central arm 2.

The sliding assembly 4 is attached to the system’s host, having the role to move and lock the catching head 2d of the central arm 2 around the wheels assembly 1 in such way that renders the optimal position of the arm 2 in relation to system’s needs.

The transmission gear 3 consists of a driving cogwheel 3a attached onto the central shaft lb and one or several driven cogwheels 3b connected to the generator’s rotor via its shaft. Its role is to transmit towards generator 2b enough rotation speed so that it can operate properly. The transmission ratio is calculated related to the dynamic parameters and the dimensions of the wheels assembly 1.

The command and control module 5 receives information from sensors 7, analyzes and decides the optimal functioning of the system. Its role is to maintain the dynamic balance of the system, having the wheels assembly 1 kept in rolling motion without slip along the drive path. The autonomous power generation system in this practical application is a static one, being composed of a gravitational compensation mechanical-electrical device, a rolling assembly 6 that engages the wheels assembly 1, sensors 7, a command and control module 5, a battery array 8 powering a electric motor 6c and a fixed casing 9, which contains all the system’s elements.

The rolling assembly 6 is made of a continuous belt 6a that moves between two rollers: one driving roller 6b driven by an electric motor 6c, and a simple roller 6d that also stretches the belt. Disposed between the driving roller 6b and the simple roller 6d, one or more rollers 6e are sustaining the weight of the mechanical-electrical device, while all rollers are being attached onto lateral elements connected to the fixed casing 9. The casing 9 can be fitted with lateral guides to fix the wheels assembly 1 during rotation.

The casing 9, tailored built to its placement, it is fixed, and it holds and supports the system elements.

The autonomous power generation system works as follows: the gravitational compensation mechanical-electrical device has its rotational center coaxially placed on the same vertical with the rotational center of the weight sustaining roller 6e, while via sliding assembly 4 the central arm 2 is fixed at an angle to the vertical, in such a way that its weight generated moment relative to the wheels assembly 1 opposes the breaking force moment (Fig. 2).

The electric motor 6c powered by the battery array 8 is started and, via the driving roller 6b of the rolling assembly 6, it engages the rolling belt 6a, respectively the wheels assembly 1 and the generator 2b, in an accelerated motion to induce the needed rotational speed to the rotor. During this phase the motor 6c is maximally engaged and the generator is not under load. To avoid the slipping of the wheels while in acceleration, the vertical shock 1c absorbers may generate a supplementary vertical load onto the wheels assembly 1.

At this moment, the rotational speed stays constant and the generator 2 b is starts to generate electricity. The rotational moment of the wheels assembly 1 generated by the breaking forces consisting of the generator operation and the friction within the dynamic assembly reaches its maximum and it is counterbalanced by the weight moment that is generated along the central arm 2 in relation to the contact point on the rolling surface of the wheels assembly 1. The catching head 2d is positioned via the sliding assembly 4 to a level where the system is dynamically balanced, the pressing onto rolling assembly 6 is minimal and the wheels la may continue their motion with constant rotational speed as resulting from the balance between the moments of the forces acting on wheels assembly 1. The balancing moments acting on wheels assembly 1 and the vertical minimum pressing confer a reduced electrical motor consumption, and the electric motor could be directly powered by the generator during a constant speed motion regime.

Depending on the generator’s 2b capacity and the electricity demand, the system may include many gravitational compensation mechanical-electrical devices that are engaged by the same rolling assembly 6, having an extended length and a corresponding number of weight sustaining rollers 6e. In this case, a sufficiently powerful motor needs to be chosen to allow the device acceleration to the nominal rotating speed.

Thus, the system generates enough energy to supply all related consumers, independent of other sources of energy.

Hereafter, there is presented a second example of practical application of the autonomous power generation system in relation to figures:

Fig. 3 - general view of autonomous power generation system in a mobile variant where the device is connected to an auto vehicle

Fig. 4 - general view of autonomous power generation system in a mobile variant where the device is connected to a train wagon

The autonomous power generation system has the gravitational compensation mechanical-electrical device connected to the lower part of an auto vehicle body, preferably in the median section, in a fitting location for its dimensions, and it consists of an special road wheels assembly 11 having contact with the road in such way that the weight moment created by the central arm 2 relative to the wheels assembly 11 is opposed to the breaking forces moment. The wheels assembly 11 has a special build that allows it to be attached to a vehicle. The wheels 11 are manufactured for the utilized roadway (road, railway).

The purpose of the system is to produce electricity related to the moving vehicles, with minimum mechanical energy consumption. The quantity of produced electrical energy is insufficient to cover the vehicle’s energy demand during its accelerated motion, in this phase the motor being powered by the battery array. For the motion regime at constant speed, matching generator’s 2b nominal rotational speed, when the motor’s consumption is minimum, the quantity of produced electricity might be enough to power the motor directly and to charge the battery.

When the car starts, the motor is powered by the vehicle’s battery, the catching head 2d is lowered to such an angle that allows acceleration forces to be retained with minimum system impact. The vertical shock 1c absorbers may exert an additional load onto the wheels assembly 11 when required. At this moment, the generator 2b is rotating without being under load. When reaching the nominal rotational speed, the vehicle stops accelerating and runs with constant speed, thus with minimum consumption. The generator 2b start operating and powers the motor or charges the battery. At this moment, the breaking rotational moment caused by electricity production and by breaking forces with the dynamic assembly, reaching its maximum and is being counterbalanced by the weight moment generated along central arm 2 by itself . The catching head 2d will be slid forward to a point where the systems becomes dynamically balanced. Thus, the mechanical actioning upon the vehicle, respectively the energy consumption due to operating of generator is minimum.

The system also contains a transmission gear 10 of gearbox type, allowing several constant speeds to be suited for electricity generation, and accordingly, several levels of rotational speeds of the wheels assembly 11 to match the same rotating speed of the generator 2b. In case the road conditions change, respectively the friction coeficcient between wheels and road changes, the central arm 2 is sliding forward or backward via sliding assembly 4, to balance such conditions.

During travel, the shock 1c, 2c absorbers absorb vibrations resulting from interactions between wheels assembly 11 and the road, while in balance status they don’t affect the wheels assembly 11.

The command and control module 5 receives information from sensors 7, analyzes and decides the optimal functioning of the system. The module 5 is connected to the vehicle’s central computer and extracting real-time data of the dynamic parameters, and decides accordingly with the system’s needs.

The role of the command and control module 5 is to maintain the dynamic balance of the system, and via the sensors 7, the wheels assembly 11 are being kept in rolling motion without slip along the drive path.

In case of an event with high mechanical impact affecting the central arm 2, like a tight turn, a deep hole or a sudden break, the event being identified via existing sensors, the command and control module 5 can decides to lift the wheels assembly 11 off the road, employing the vertical shocks 1c absorbers. When the wheels assembly 11 is off the ground, either on starting, or during vehicle travel, the wheels assembly 11 can be brought to a rotating speed corresponding to vehicle’s travel speed, by converting the generator 2b in a motor status, powered by the battery.

Thus, the system produces enough energy contributing to significantly increased vehicle autonomy while running at predominantly constant speed. The same system can be mounted on commercial vehicles, trailers or trains (Fig. 4), where it can be fitted to each wagon, while the number of systems is determined by electricity demand and locomotive’s capacity to accelerate until the nominal generator speed is attained. The train can transport battery containers that can be recharged during travel.