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Title:
MAGNETIC POWER STORAGE SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/106549
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
A magnetic power storage system comprising a center magnetic plate having at least one magnet, the center magnetic plate affixed to a base plate and between a first push arm and a second push arm, first magnetic shields affixed to the first and second push arms; and first and second outer magnets; the center magnetic plate, first and second magnetic shields, and first and second push arms are positioned between the first and second outer magnets. The center magnetic plate is moved from a neutral position toward the first outer magnet due to magnetic force, wherein the first magnetic shield is moved in between the center magnetic plate and the first outer magnet via the first push arm, and prevents contact between the center magnetic plate and the first outer magnet by blocking magnetic forces.

Inventors:
KENNEY TERRY D (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2012/023684
Publication Date:
August 09, 2012
Filing Date:
February 02, 2012
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
KENNEY TERRY D (US)
International Classes:
H02M5/10
Foreign References:
US20060091735A12006-05-04
DE102005049620A12007-05-03
DE10334637A12005-02-24
CN1843798A2006-10-11
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ROBERTS, Kenneth S. et al. (HERRINGTON & SUTCLIFFE LLP2050 Main Street, Suite 110, Irvine California, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1 . A magnetic power storage system, comprising:

a center magnetic plate having at least one magnet, the center magnetic plate

affixed to a base plate and a first push arm and a second push arm, the center magnetic plate positioned between the first push arm and the second push arm,

a first magnetic shield affixed to the first push arm;

a second magnetic shield affixed to the second push arm; and

a first outer magnet and a second outer magnet, wherein the center magnetic plate, the first and second magnetic shields, and the first and second push arms are positioned between the first outer magnet and the second outer magnet, wherein the center magnetic plate is moved from a neutral position toward the first outer magnet due to magnetic force,

wherein the first magnetic shield is moved in between the center magnetic plate and the first outer magnet via the first push arm, and

wherein the first magnetic shield prevents contact between the center magnetic plate and the first outer magnet by blocking magnetic forces.

2. The magnetic power storage system of claim 1 , wherein the center magnetic plate is pushed back to the neutral position by an external power source.

3. The magnetic power storage system of claim 2, wherein the external power

source is selected from the group comprising a battery and a solar cell.

4. The magnetic power storage system of claim 1 , wherein the first magnetic shield and the second magnetic shield comprise one or more layers of carbon composite, borotron, and granite including a combination of sulfur and lead.

5. The magnetic power storage system of claim 1 , wherein the first magnetic shield and the second magnetic shield are flexible.

6. The magnetic power storage system of claim 5, wherein the first magnetic shield and second magnetic shield move along a curved guide.

7. The magnetic power storage system of claim 2, wherein upon returning to the neutral position, the center magnetic plate is moved from the neutral position toward the second outer magnet due to magnetic force,

wherein the second magnetic shield is moved in between the center magnetic place and the second outer magnet via the second push arm, and

wherein the second magnetic shield prevents contact between the center magnetic plate and the second outer magnet by blocking magnetic forces.

8. A method for storing power, comprising:

regulating a magnetic power storage system according to any of claims 1 -7 by using an external power source;

driving hydraulic cylinders to compress a nitrogen filled accumulator to a desired pressure;

releasing energy from the accumulator when the desired pressure is achieved to drive a hydraulic motor; and

powering a generator by using the hydraulic motor.

9. A magnetic power storage system, comprising: a center magnetic plate having at least one magnet, the center magnetic plate affixed to a base plate,

a first magnetic shield and a second magnetic shield coupled to the center magnetic plate; and

a first outer magnet and a second outer magnet, wherein the center magnetic plate, the first and second magnetic shields, positioned between the first outer magnet and the second outer magnet,

wherein the center magnetic plate is moved from a neutral position toward the first outer magnet due to magnetic force,

wherein the first magnetic shield is moved in between the center magnetic plate and the first outer magnet, and

wherein the first magnetic shield prevents contact between the center magnetic plate and the first outer magnet by blocking magnetic forces.

10. The magnetic power storage system of claim 9, wherein the center magnetic plate is pushed back to the neutral position by an external power source.

1 1 . The magnetic power storage system of claim 10, wherein the external power source is selected from the group comprising a battery and a solar cell.

12. The magnetic power storage system of claim 9, wherein the first magnetic shield and the second magnetic shield comprise one or more layers of carbon composite, borotron, and granite including a combination of sulfur and lead.

13. The magnetic power storage system of claim 9, wherein the first magnetic shield and the second magnetic shield are flexible.

14. The magnetic power storage system of claim 13, wherein the first magnetic shield and second magnetic shield move along a curved guide.

15. The magnetic power storage system of claim 10, wherein upon returning to the neutral position, the center magnetic plate is moved from the neutral position toward the second outer magnet due to magnetic force,

wherein the second magnetic shield is moved in between the center magnetic place and the second outer magnet via the second push arm, and

wherein the second magnetic shield prevents contact between the center magnetic plate and the second outer magnet by blocking magnetic forces.

16. The magnetic power storage system of claims 9-15 further comprising

a first push arm and a second push arm, the center magnetic plate positioned between the first push arm and the second push arm.

17. The magnetic power storage system of claim 16 wherein the first magnetic shield is affixed to the first push arm; and the second magnetic shield affixed to the second push arm.

Description:
MAGNETIC POWER STORAGE SYSTEM

[0001 ] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to United States Provisional Application serial no. 61/462,430, titled "MAGNETIC POWER STORAGE SYSTEM," filed on February 2, 201 1 , which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention generally relates to energy storage, and, more specifically, the present invention is directed to a magnetic power storage system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Energy storage is accomplished by devices or physical media that store some form of energy to perform some useful operation at a later time. A device that stores energy is sometimes called an accumulator.

[0004] All forms of energy are either potential energy (e.g. Chemical, gravitational, electrical energy, etc.) or kinetic energy (e.g. thermal energy). A wind-up clock stores potential energy (in this case mechanical, in the spring tension), a battery stores readily convertible chemical energy to operate a mobile phone, and a hydroelectric dam stores energy in a reservoir as gravitational potential energy. Ice storage tanks store ice (thermal energy) at night to meet peak demand for cooling. Fossil fuels such as coal and gasoline store ancient energy derived from sunlight by organisms that later died, became buried and over time were then converted into these fuels. Even food (which is made by the same process as fossil fuels) is a form of energy stored in chemical form. [0005] Power generators are used in many applications throughout the world, and they range from as small as one kilowatt to thousands of kilowatts. Limitations associated with conventional power generators include the ability to store the energy for future use such as peak hours when energy is at a most costly rate.

SUMMARY

[0006] A magnetic power storage system is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a magnetic power storage system, comprises a center magnetic plate having at least one magnet, the center magnetic plate affixed to a base plate and a first push arm and a second push arm, the center magnetic plate positioned between the first push arm and the second push arm, a first magnetic shield affixed to the first push arm; a second magnetic shield affixed to the second push arm; and a first outer magnet and a second outer magnet, wherein the center magnetic plate, the first and second magnetic shields, and the first and second push arms are positioned between the first outer magnet and the second outer magnet. The center magnetic plate is moved from a neutral position toward the first outer magnet due to magnetic force, wherein the first magnetic shield is moved in between the center magnetic place and the first outer magnet via the first push arm, and wherein the first magnetic shield prevents contact between the center magnetic plate and the first outer magnet by blocking magnetic forces.

[0007] A further embodiment includes wherein the center magnetic plate is pushed back to the neutral position by an external power source.

[0008] A further embodiment includes wherein the external power source is selected from the group comprising a battery and a solar cell.

[0009] A further embodiment includes wherein the first magnetic shield and the second magnetic shield comprise one or more layers of carbon composite, borotron, and granite including a combination of sulfur and lead.

[00010] A further embodiment includes wherein the first magnetic shield and the second magnetic shield are flexible. [0001 1 ] A further embodiment includes wherein the first magnetic shield and second magnetic shield move along a curved guide.

[00012] A further embodiment includes wherein upon returning to the neutral position, the center magnetic plate is moved from the neutral position toward the second outer magnet due to magnetic force, wherein the second magnetic shield is moved in between the center magnetic place and the second outer magnet via the second push arm, and wherein the second magnetic shield prevents contact between the center magnetic plate and the second outer magnet by blocking magnetic forces.

[00013] According to one embodiment, a method for storing power comprises regulating a magnetic power storage system according to the present disclosure by using an external power source; driving hydraulic cylinders to compress a nitrogen filled accumulator to a desired pressure; releasing energy from the accumulator when the desired pressure is achieved to drive a hydraulic motor; and powering a generator by using the hydraulic motor.

[00014] The systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. It is also intended that the invention is not limited to require the details of the example embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[00015] The accompanying drawings, which are included as part of the present specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiment and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment given below, serve to explain and teach the principles of the present invention.

[00016] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary system level layout for use with a magnetic power storage system, according to one embodiment.

[00017] Figure 2 illustrates an alternate view of an exemplary system level layout for use with a magnetic power storage system, according to one embodiment.

[00018] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary magnetic power storage system, according to one embodiment.

[00019] Figure 4 illustrates an alternate view of an exemplary magnetic power storage system, according to one embodiment.

[00020] It should be noted that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the various embodiments described herein. The figures do not necessarily describe every aspect of the teachings disclosed herein and do not limit the scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00021 ] A magnetic power storage system is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a magnetic power storage system, comprises a center magnetic plate having at least one magnet, the center magnetic plate affixed to a base plate and a first push arm and a second push arm, the center magnetic plate positioned between the first push arm and the second push arm, a first magnetic shield affixed to the first push arm; a second magnetic shield affixed to the second push arm; and a first outer magnet and a second outer magnet, wherein the center magnetic plate, the first and second magnetic shields, and the first and second push arms are positioned between the first outer magnet and the second outer magnet. The center magnetic plate is moved from a neutral position toward the first outer magnet due to magnetic force, wherein the first magnetic shield is moved in between the center magnetic place and the first outer magnet via the first push arm, and wherein the first magnetic shield prevents contact between the center magnetic plate and the first outer magnet by blocking magnetic forces.

[00022] The present system overcomes the limitations associated with prior art systems, including the ability to store energy for future use. The prior art use of magnets in a generation system or generator set is coupled with an external fuel source such as natural gas, coal, water, or wind. The present magnetic power storage system utilizes the ability to oversize magnets to store energy in various ways as well as create immediate electrical or mechanical power on a real time basis. The present magnetic power storage system utilizes pulling forces to overcome electrical or mechanical loads resulting in clean renewable energy. This energy can be stored or used as generated by way of battery, capacitors, or other methods of storage. The scope of the present magnetic power storage system is broad and scalable (e.g. from as small as a one watt system to as large as a one hundred megawatt system or larger). The present magnetic power storage system can be used in homes or industrial applications.

[00023] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary system level layout for use with a magnetic power storage system, according to one embodiment. Hydraulic cylinders 007 compress a nitrogen filled accumulator 012 in response to output from a magnetic power storage system 100. The amount of nitrogen used creates a desired pressure rating. A permanent magnet generator 011 is sized to a hydraulic motor to create the desired power output. The amount of energy stored depends on the size of the accumulator and the desired pressure rating. An external power source 021 , shown in Figure 1 as a solar cell coupled with a battery, is used to regulate a magnetic plate of the magnetic power storage system 100. The external power source ties into a linear plate of the magnetic power storage system 100 by way of linear motor that pushes a center magnetic plate from one power zone to center and into an opposite power zone. The magnetic power storage system 100 can switch from one external power source to another automatically giving it tremendous flexibility to be automated in a fraction of a second. It will be

appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any appropriate external power source, motor, accumulator, and generator can be used with the present design without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[00024] Figure 2 illustrates an alternate view of an exemplary system level layout for use with a magnetic power storage system, according to one embodiment. The accumulator 012, generator 011 , hydraulic motor 013, and magnetic power storage system 100 are affixed to a generator plate 010.

[00025] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary magnetic power storage system, according to one embodiment. An exemplary magnetic power storage system 100 includes three magnetic plates (004, 009) that are attached to a linear base plate 001 . Two of the magnetic plates are fixed in place using holder brackets 017 while the center magnetic plate 004 floats freely from one side of the system to the other along a guide 016. The linear base plate 001 is equipped with air bearings 008 that allow the center magnetic plate to be pulled by force from one side of the system 100 to the other. A magnetic shield 006 is forced along the bottom of the linear base plate 001 by way of mechanical push arms 014. One end 006b of magnetic shield

006 is attached to an end 014a of the mechanical push arm 014. The opposite end 006a of the magnetic shield 006 is not attached to another component, and the magnetic shield 006 moves along guide 020. The magnetic shield 006 is flexible such that it can maneuver through the curves of guide 020. Near one end 004a of the center plate 004, an end 014b of the push arm 014 is attached via a hook 015. At the opposite end 004b of the center plate 004, one or more magnets 004c are present. The center plate 004 is held in place by one or more cylinder pad holders 005. Magnets 009 are held in place between guide 020 and magnet plates 003, and are affixed to base plate 001 . The magnetic shields 006 allow for separation of magnetic forces from one magnetic plate 009 to another 004c. Once the magnetic force is broken, the center plate 004 is forced back to a neutral position by way of an external power source 021 (e.g. solar, wind, water).

[00026] The force of the magnets coming together collapses a hydraulic cylinder

007 which in turn pressurizes an accumulator 012 to a designated (psi) pounds per square inch. This pressure is determined by the size and strength of the magnets 004c, 009 used and the size of the hydraulic cylinders 007. Once maximum pressure is achieved, the energy is released across a hydraulic motor 013 which spins a generator 011 and electricity is created. The resultant electrical current can be used on location or placed on the distribution grid .

[00027] According to one embodiment, a flexible magnetic shield 006 is made using a combination of carbon composite, borotron, and a thin sheet of granite (the granite including a combination of sulfur and lead). The flexible magnetic shield 006 varies in thickness depending on the magnetic force of the magnets combined. The materials making up the flexible magnetic shield 006 can vary in composition, and changes in composition of the flexible magnetic shield 006 impacts the amount of magnetic force protection the shield provides.

[00028] Figure 4 illustrates an alternate view of an exemplary magnetic power storage system of Figure 3, according to one embodiment.

[00029] According to one embodiment, the various hardware components of the present system are constructed using aluminum.

[00030] According to one embodiment, the present magnetic power storage system includes a smart grid control system that identifies peak demands and releases energy to offset the peak demand.

[00031 ] According to one embodiment, the present magnetic power storage system includes a regulation module that controls the pull of the center magnet in and out of the magnetic fields associated with the outer magnets.

[00032] In the description above, for purposes of explanation only, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the teachings of the present disclosure.

[00033] Moreover, the various features of the representative examples and the dependent claims may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings. It is also expressly noted that all value ranges or indications of groups of entities disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter. It is also expressly noted that the dimensions and the shapes of the components shown in the figures are designed to help to understand how the present teachings are practiced, but not intended to limit the dimensions and the shapes shown in the examples.

[00034] A magnetic power storage system has been disclosed. It is understood that the embodiments described herein are for the purpose of elucidation and should not be considered limiting the subject matter of the disclosure. Various modifications, uses, substitutions, combinations, improvements, methods of productions without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention would be evident to a person skilled in the art.