REFERENCES CITED

US PATENT DOCUMENTS

Number Inventors Issue Date US Classification

5,642,984 Gorlov 7/1997 416/176

6,155,892 Gorlov 12/2000 440/9

6,407,484 Oliver et al. 6/2002 310/339

7,023,160 Virtanen and Pasuri 4/2006 318/438

7,429,801 Adamson et al. 9/2008 310/339

5,278,773 Cousineau 1/1994 364/494; 364/492

5,662,197 Tabe 9/1997 192/64; 192/45

5,642,984 Gorlov 7/1997 416/176

6,012,709 Meatto et al. 1/2000 267/36.1 ; 267/47

6,155,892 Gorlov 12/2000 440/9

09/828,500 Pionzio et al. 3/2002 700/286; 700/287

6,407,484 Oliver et al. 6/2002 310/339

7,023,160 Virtanen and Pasuri 4/2006 318/438

7,429,801 Adamson et al. 9/2008 310/339

7,432,61 1 Stahlkopf et al. 10/2008 290/44; 290/55; 363/34

2009/0048051 Koleoglou 02/2009 475/183

7,614,397 Munson 11/2009 126/677; 126/688-691

20/100,1 14,397 Cardinal et al. 05/2010 700/297 12/582,353 Walling et al. 6/2010 700/287; 700/297

7,740,973 Vail et al. 6/2010 429/39

12/878,628 Prax and Waldrop 9/2010 307/18

12/886,039 Slocum et al. 9/2010 60/641 .

15/278,773 Cousineau 1/1994 364/494;364/492

5,642,984 Gorlov 7/1997 416/176

6,155,892 Gorlov 12/2000 440/9

09/828,500 Pionzio et al. 3/2002 700/286; 700/287

6,407,484 Oliver et al. 6/2002 310/339

7,023,160 Virtanen and Pasuri 4/2006 318/438

7,429,801 Adamson et al. 9/2008 310/339

7,432,61 1 Stahlkopf et al. 10/2008 290/44; 290/55; 363/34

20/100,1 14,397 Cardinal et al. 05/2010 700/297

12/582,353 Walling et al. 6/2010 700/287; 700/297

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electrical energy generation from mechanical forces, more particularly, from piezoelectric effects, and from electromagnetic effects. BACKGROUND

[0002] Energy conservation and climate change mitigation have fostered the development of alternatives to the direct use of fossil fuels. Light to electrical energy conversion in the form of solar panels is one alternative but this has limitation due to:

a. The large area required for efficient generation in urban areas so that the real estate available is mainly confined to residential or building roofs. b. The remote geographical locations of the regions with the optimal days per year of sunlight so that the power transfer losses for connecting to the National Power Grid become significant.

[0003] Electrical energy generated by conventional wind turbines has similar limitations. In contrast the present invention takes advantage of existing real estate to provide dual use; moreover, the power is generated close to potential usage sites and users. One valuable source of energy is that generated by the movement of vehicular traffic. For combustion engine vehicles the engine reaches sufficient temperatures that the heat must be dissipated usually with a coolant system although for smaller engines air cooling will suffice. For a conventional automobile powered by internal combustion, the energy efficiency is about 20% with the remaining 80% dissipated as heat. Some of the kinetic energy can be harvested and some of the frictional heat avoided with the present invention. Vehicular traffic generates and then dissipates energy in at least four forms. The weight of the vehicle exerts pressure on the surface over which it passes. In the United States the average car, SUV or light truck, according to the US

Department of Transportation, weighs approximately 4000 lbs (1814 kg).

Assuming uniform distribution of weight, each wheel of a four-wheeled vehicle supports 1000 lbs (454 kg). With a contact surface of 32 square inches (206 square centimeters) the pressure would be 21.5 newtons per square centimeter. A portion of this pressure differential is harvested with the Piezoelectric Sensors of the present invention. The translational kinetic energy of a moving object, E sub t, is ½ mv ² . So the energy possessed by a 4000-lb (1814-kg) vehicle traveling at 60 mph (27 m/s) is ½ (1814) (27) ² or 1.32 million joules which in electrical terms is equivalent to 367 Kilowatt-hours. There are 250 million such vehicles in the United States so if all were in motion at highway speeds they would constitute 91 .8 billion Kilowatt-hours which is the electrical energy sufficient for 8.3 million homes for an entire year. In heavy traffic around any major city or on the major highways several hundred vehicles may pass by a single point in a given hour so the energy harvesting potential is significant. But that energy is dissipated usually in the form of heat when the vehicles brake (seebelow). If some portion of that energy could be recaptured rather than dissipated, the savings would be considerable. The linear or rotational displacement of the vehicle over the surface on which it travels exerts an equal and opposite force between the vehicle's wheels and the surface. A portion of this force differential is harvested by the Electric Generator of the present invention.

3. A vehicle's motion displaces its surrounding fluid even when drag is minimized through efficient aerodynamic design. According to the US Energy Information Administration on average 5.3% of the energy required to move a vehicle is needed to push the air off the path of the vehicle. The motion of the displaced fluid outside the laminar flow zone around a vehicle presents a source of energy to be harvested by the present invention as described in the second preferred embodiment.

4. As a vehicle slows or brakes to a stop the kinetic energy is typically dissipated as heat. However, such kinetic energy can be harvested by the present invention as described in the preferred embodiments.

[0005] The present invention is a power-recapture method and system for converting mechanical energy that would otherwise be dissipated into available electrical energy. Said invention teaches an innovative and comprehensive approach to energy harvesting from vehicular and ambient motion and has advantages over prior art by deploying the system in close proximity to energy-consuming users and devices. SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention overcomes the limitations of conventional approaches by providing a power-recapture method for energy that would otherwise be dissipated; and by deploying the system in close proximity to energy-consuming users and devices.

[0007] The invention comprises six interconnected functional components:

1. Mechanical Energy Capture Device for transforming linear mechanical motion into rotational mechanical force.

2. Electric Generator for alternating current generation from mechanical rotational force.

3. Piezoelectric plate sensing approaching objects and generating electrical power for the electromagnets in the Electric Generator to maximize efficiency at high rates of rotation. Secondarily the power will be stored in the battery noted below, or supplied to the National Power Grid.

4. Controller with rectifiers to convert the output of the one or more Electric

Generators and Piezoelectric Plates to direct current for storage or with suitable phase control to the National Power Grid; and for supplying current to the electromagnets of one or more Electric Generators 5. Storage Battery to retain the energies generated by one or more Electric Generators and by one or more Piezoelectric Plates.

6. Computer to coordinate and monitor the power generation for maximum

efficiency. The Computer can be wirelessly connected to the internet for remote monitoring and control.

[0008] It will be appreciated that these functional components may be combined to serve the same functional purposes, for example, the Mechanical Energy Capture Device and the Electrical Generator may be combined such that the external surface of the Electrical Generator serves to capture mechanical energy for said Generator's rotor; similarly, the Computer for monitoring and coordination and the Controller may be combined to serve monitoring, coordination and power conditioning. It will be appreciated that one functional component may interact with a plurality of other functional components, for example, the Mechanical Energy Capture Device may drive more than one Electrical Generator;

similarly, the Computer and Controller may monitor, coordinate and power condition more than one Electrical Generator and Storage Battery. It should be understood that any such combination of the functional components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0009] In one embodiment, a stationary member, the piezoelectric plate is positioned to receive compression strain as a wheeled vehicle advances over the surface below which the plate is mounted. The electrical signal thus generated serves to activate the electromagnets of the Electric Generator as a wheeled vehicle passes over a portion of the outer rotor of the Mechanical Energy Capture Device. The frictional contact of a wheel of the wheeled vehicle serves to transfer rotational energy from the wheel to the dynamic outer rotor of the Mechanical Energy Capture Device that directly drives the rotor of the Electric Generator thus generating excess electrical energy that can be stored in the storage battery or with suitable phase control sent directly to the National Power Grid.

[0010] In a second embodiment, vehicular traffic or the transient wind itself exerts mechanical compression strain on a stationary member, a piezoelectric plate mounted in the path of the wheeled vehicle or at the suspension mount of the Mechanical Energy Capture Device. The electrical signal thus generated serves to activate the electromagnets of the Electric Generator as the Mechanical Energy Capture Device converts the translational air omnidirectional motion into rotational energy that directly drives the dynamic rotor of the Electric Generator thus generating excess electrical energy that can be stored in the storage battery or with suitable phase control sent directly to the National Power Grid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Schematic Diagram of the Power Generating Circuit

FIG. 2. Cross Section Schematic of Electric Generator Showing Arrangement of Electromagnets

FIG. 3. Schematic Cross Sectional Diagram of a Power Generating Module Aligned with the Surface of a Roadway

FIG. 4. Top Down Schematic View of a Plurality of Adjacent Energy

Harvesting Modules Showing Placement of Mechanical Energy Transducer, Electrical Generator, Mechanical Energy Transfer Connector, and

Piezoelectric Plates

FIG. 5. Schematic Cross Sectional Diagram of a Vertical Wind Turbine Power Generating Module

FIG. 6. Schematic Cross Sectional Diagram of a Plurality of Energy

Harvesting Modules Comprising a Vertical Wind Turbine Power Generating Farm DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present invention overcomes the limitations of conventional approaches by providing a power-recapture method for energy that would otherwise be dissipated; and by deploying the system in close proximity to energy-consuming users and devices. It will be appreciated that terms such as "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inwardly", "outwardly", "front", "inner", "up", and "down" and other positional descriptive terms used herein below are used merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the Figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the elements described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1 the present invention provides for a system 101 for energy recapture and power generation comprising a cylindrical Electric Generator 109 positioned adjacent to a piezoelectric plate 111 both in electrical communication via 107, 113 with a circuit Controller 105. The system is positioned such that vehicles first pass over the region of the piezoelectric plate 111 before passing over the exposed portion of the Motion Energy Harvesting Device 110 that is directly coupled by a mechanical linkage 112 to the Electric Generator 109 to drive its rotor. The Controller 105 uses the sensing signal from the piezoelectric plate 111 to adjust via 107 the current flowing in the electromagnets of the said Electric Generator 109 to maximize the conversion of rotational mechanical energy captured by the Motion Energy Harvesting Device 110 which is then imparted to the rotor of the Electric Generator to electrical energy that is conveyed via 107 and 115 to the storage battery 117 or with appropriate phase conversion directly to the National Grid. A remotely communicating Computer 102 is in electrical communication with the Controller 105 via 103 for monitoring and supervision.

[0019] The Electric Generator 301 as shown in FIG. 2 has a plurality of

electromagnets, e.g., 305 affixed to an inner rotor 303 that moves concentrically inside a stator 307 on which insulated conductors are wound around a second plurality of electromagnets, e.g., 309. The Generator is constructed in a star-connected, polyphase manner with electromagnetic field coils on both stator and rotor. The magnetic fields produced by the electromagnets, e.g., 305, intersect orthogonally with the insulated conductors producing electrical current flowing as shown in FIG. 1 through conductive path 107 to the Controller 105 and then on 115 to the storage battery 117.

[0020] In the first preferred embodiment of the present invention deployed on a motor vehicle road, the rotor 515 of the Motion Energy Harvesting Device 501 will receive an accelerating impetus when the passing vehicle has a translational velocity greater than the rotational velocity of said rotor even though the dwell time of an individual vehicular wheel on the Motion Energy Harvesting Device would be approximately six (6) milliseconds for a vehicle traveling 60 mph (27 m/s). So the maximum velocity of the said rotor would be that of the passing vehicles which in heavy traffic would be approximately the same to each other and the accelerating impetuses would be sufficiently frequent that the minimal losses of the low-friction support bearings described in FIG. 3 would not impact the rotational velocity. For example, with a 4-wheeled vehicle traveling at 60 mph (27 m/s), an Electrical Generator with a circumference of 0.3 m would have an equilibrium velocity of 81 rps. The Motion Energy Harvesting Device protrudes above the surface of the road by less than 10% of a standard speed bump and the brief time of transverse (6 msec) renders it imperceptible. The protrusion and transit time are determined by the diameter of the Motion Energy Harvesting. Device relative to the mounting column 517 of the low-friction support bearings 509 and the placement of said column in the container module 505. For efficient transfer of kinetic energy the exposed area should match or exceed the road contact area of a vehicle's wheel.

[0021] Since one cycle of alternating current is produced each time a pair of field poles passes over a point on the stator's winding, the relation between speed and frequency is Λ/ = 2fl P, where f \s the frequency in Hz (cycles per second). P is the number of poles (2,4,6...) and Λ/ is the rotational speed in revolutions per second. With an 8-pole Electrical Generator as illustrated in FIG. 2 the frequency would be 324 Hz that can be easily adjusted to meeting a National Power Grid frequency of 60 Hz in the United States or 50 Hz in other countries. The torque of the wound-rotor doubly-fed electric machine is dependent on both slip and position, which is a classic condition for instability. For stable operation, the frequency and phase of the multiphase AC power must be synchronized and fixed instantaneously to the speed and position of the shaft, which is not trivial at any speed and particularly difficult about synchronous speed where induction no longer exists. If these conditions are met, all the attractive attributes of the wound-rotor doubly-fed electric machine, such as high power density, low cost, ultra-high efficiency, and ultra-high torque potential, are realized without the traditional slip-ring assembly and instability problems. The computer-based Electronic Controller will enable the brushless wound-rotor doubly-fed Electric Generator with resulting high power density, low cost, ultra-high efficiency (estimated to exceed 90%), and, symmetrically in motor operation, with ultrahigh torque potential. This arrangement has the feature that variations in rotor speed can still result in synchronous delivery of conditioned power to the National Power Grid. As shown in FIG. 3 the Motion Energy Harvesting Device 501 has its outer rotary

circumference 515 supported axially 507 on both lateral ends by means of low-friction, heavy duty hydrostatic bearings 509. Vehicles moving over the module would apply downward force to the piezoelectric plate 505 below the surface layer of the road 503 in front of the Motion Energy Harvesting Device. The adjacent Electrical Generator is also supported laterally on both ends by low-friction, heavy duty hydrostatic bearings. Such edge-sealed hydrostatic bearings combine high-static stiffness, very-high rotational accuracy, and extremely high-resistance to vibration and low sensitivities to both high built- in motor temperature and imbalance force; they are wear-free and have higher damping than ball bearings; moreover, they have no friction at rest. Magnetic bearings have similar properties but require electrical power that would reduce the net energy output and hence the efficiency of the Energy Harvesting Module. A similar net-energy consideration favors mechanical coupling over magnetic coupling for the axes of the Motion Energy Harvesting Device and the Electrical Generator.

[0022] The axle of said Electrical Generator is mechanically coupled axially 507 to the Motion Energy Harvesting Device to transmit rotations in an adjacent sealed

compartment so dust, salt or water cannot enter the Electrical Generator. The said mechanical coupling is such that the separate module housing the Motion Energy

Harvesting Device can be easily removed and replaced for maintenance. The edge-sealed hydrostatic bearings are superior to ball bearings since ball bearings have short lives, require lubrication and introduce vibration. The exposed surface of the Motion Energy

Harvesting Device in an environment that may involve dust, water, salt and other corrosive contaminants is the critical component that will require replacement.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, different arrangement can be made to accommodate different Harvesting Zones. FIG. 4A shows a plurality of Energy Harvesting Modules 701 , 711 constituting an Energy Harvesting Farm is arranged across a vehicular roadway with each transversely adjacent Motion Energy Harvesting Device 709 and Electrical Generator 703 coupled mechanically by means of an axial rod 705 flanked by a sensing piezoelectric element 707. Piezoelectric sensors are positioned in the direction of motion of said moving vehicle and can serve as well regardless of the direction of motion of said vehicle. Each Motion Energy Harvesting Device has its axle mechanically coupled to that of its adjacent Electrical Generator in such a manner that the Motion Energy Harvesting Device can be decoupled and replaced easily should it become too worn or defective. Moreover, each Motion Energy Harvesting Device can drive two Electrical Generators, one on either side as shown in FIG. 4B with Electrical Generators 803 and 811. Alternately, the Motion Energy Harvesting Device could be functionally combined with the Electrical Generator into a single unit if the outer surface of the Electrical Generator rotor were directly exposed to vehicular traffic. Separating the two components into a simple rotary drum in the exposed compartment and the more complex and expensive Generator in a sealed compartment is a more economical design in the long run. [0024] It will be understood that the _. assemblies shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 can also be used on any surface over which the rotating wheels of an automobile, truck, or any other vehicle move. For example, commuter roads around major cities in the United States or commercial transport roads, such as, Brazil's BR-163, which connects the Matto Grosso to the port of Santarem, along which move multiaxial trucks, one third of the trucks equipped with seven or more axles, every 6 seconds during soybean harvest.

[0025] A shown in FIG. 3 a wheel of a moving vehicle transfers mechanical energy at the zone of contact 519 with the rotor of the Motion Energy Harvesting Device 515 that is directly connected as shown in FIG. 4 to the axis 705 driving the rotor of the Electric Generator 703. With dense traffic of passing vehicles, which are all moving in the same direction with approximately uniform speed, the rotor 515 will accelerate and maintain a rotational velocity equal in magnitude to the linear velocity of the passing vehicles.

[0026] The difference in velocity between the rotational velocity of the Electrical Generator and the speed of the passing vehicles will determine the amount of kinetic energy transferred to the Electrical Generator from the passing vehicles. Thus on a busy roadway on which the vehicles are traveling at the same speed, the energy harvesting from each individual vehicle is minimal but sufficient to keep each Electrical Generator fully powered. Deploying the invention on the approaches near a toll booth has additional benefits.

1. Since the vehicles are required to slow down any kinetic energy harvesting assists this goal. 2. The energy harvested could be used in part to power the operation of the nearby toll booth.

3. If the sensors of the invention determined that the speed of a particular vehicle constituted a safety hazard relative to other vehicles, the Electrical Generator could reverse rotational direction. Now the reversed Electrical Generator would function as a motor and serve as additional brakes for the runaway vehicle.

[0027] At 60 mph (27 m/s) a wheel would pass over and impart rotational energy to the cylindrical energy capture component, the Motion Energy Harvesting Device in an interval determined by the exposed contact surface. For an exposed surface of 0.15 m, the interval would amount to 5.6 msec. So, if as indicated previously, an average vehicle at the speed has kinetic energy amounting to 367 KWH, then each module of the present invention would capture 0.56% of that energy per wheel or 2.24% for a 4-wheeled vehicle.

[0028] For a single instance of this preferred embodiment of the present invention the energy capture would amount to the following:

[0029] [Equation 1] E sub single system = 367 x 0.0056 = 2.05 KWH

Such an instance capturing energy at the said rate would generate 18 MWH over the course of a year.

[0030] [Equation 2] E sub annual single system = 2.05 x 24 x 365.25 = 18.0 MWH

[0031] Alternately, an array of such instance would be deployed in a high traffic density zone. For 600 2-axial vehicles passing per hour over modules positioned 10 feet apart, the energy (E) recaptured in one hour from one mile along one lane of deployed modules of the present invention is given by the following formula using an estimated efficiency conversion of 90% of the Electrical Generator and no rotational frictional loss by the axial coupling to the Motion Energy Harvesting Device:

[0032] [Equation 3] E = 600 x 528 x 4 x 2.05 x 0.9 Kilowatt-hours or 2.33 Gigawatt- hours.

[0033] Further efficiencies need to be considered if the electrical energy needs to be stored rather than delivered to the National Power Grid.

[0034] In a second preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the Motion Energy Harvesting Device comprises a plurality of air foils, 903, 905, 907. The air foils are arrayed in a helical manner shown in FIG. 5B as such an arrangement provides low threshold, omnidirectional activation and stability. Moreover, the air foils on the struts, e.g., 911 , support rotational motion from fluid movement up or down. The rotational kinetic energy of the helical array of air foils converts translational air motion into rotational energy of an axial cylinder 909 from the mounting plate of the helices 1107 as shown in FIG. 5B thus driving the Electric Generator 1 09. Vehicular traffic subjects a piezoelectric pad 1505 as shown in FIG. 6 to mechanical compression strain or displaced fluid exerts mechanical

compression strain on a piezoelectric plate attached to the mounting columns 1309 as shown in FIG. 5C. The electrical signal thus generated serves to activate the

electromagnets of the Electric Generator 1301 as the rotor of the Electric Generator is attached mechanically by an axial cylinder 1307 to the Motion Energy Harvesting Device 1101 whose helical vanes 1105 convert translational air motion into rotational energy of the dynamic inner rotor of the Electric Generator thus generating excess electrical energy that can be stored in the storage battery and/or sent to the electrical National Power Grid. The Computer-based electronic Controller 1111 , 1311 will enable the brushless wound-rotor doubly-fed Electric Generator with resulting high power density, low cost, ultra-high efficiency (estimated to exceed 90%), and, symmetrically in motor operation, with ultra-high

torque potential. This arrangement has the feature that variations in rotor speed due to fluctuations in wind speed can still result in synchronous delivery of power to the National Power Grid.

[0035] The plurality of helical air foil blades gives the Motion Energy Harvesting Device stability and allows it to rotate faster than the speed of the driving air current.

Moreover, the Motion Energy Harvesting Device can capture energy from air current regardless of the direction of flow and at very low wind speeds. The rotor of the Electrical Generator is mounted vertically using low-friction, hydrostatic bearings rather than magnetic levitation as that would produce a flexible rather than a rigid mount. Moreover, such an arrangement would retain the capability of rotating in response to low velocity air motion. The Energy Harvesting System would be mounted beside the path of vehicles to take advantage of the differential lateral air pressure. Although Betz' law sets the upper limit of efficiency of a wind turbine at 59.3%, the efficiency achieved by the present invention is optimized to take advantage of the transient translational air motion.

[0036] The invention as described in the second embodiment can be deployed in a number of configurations adjacent to vehicular traffic as shown in FIG. 6A and 6B. For example, the Wind-turbine driven Electric Generators 1503, 1507, 1703, 1709 are mounted in the wall of an underpass or tunnel with the piezoelectric pads 1505, 1509, 1705, 1707 under the roadbed in the direction of oncoming traffic. In tunnels or an underpass the Energy Harvesting Modules 1711 , 1713 would be mounted above the road. Tunnels are often equipped with exhaust fans that could be supplemented with the Wind turbines of the present invention. Another location for placement of the Wind turbines of the present invention is on traffic dividers ("Jersey barriers" or K-rail).. In the present invention the plurality of helical air foil blades of the Motion Energy Harvesting Device allow it to convert both traffic-generated air currents and ambient air currents into productive energy.

[0037] The amount of kinetic energy contained in the bulk displacement of air, E [sub KE], is given by: [Equation 4] E sub KE = 0.5xMxV(squared)

[0038] Where M is the mass of the air per cubic meter and V is the velocity of the wind. The amount of air moving past a given point, e.g., the helical air foil blades in the present invention, depends upon the velocity of the wind so the power generated per unit area per unit time, P[sub A, sub T], is given by:

[0039] [Equation 5] P sub A, sub T = 0.5x9.8xMxV(cubed) [0040] Where one kilogram-force meter per second is equal to 9.8 watts. [0041] The mass of cubic meter of air depends on density, which varies with altitude and temperature, and on moisture content. For dry air at sea level and 20-deg Celsius, the mass is 1.21 kg/m ³ . So for a cubic meter of such air moving at speed V, the power in watts generated per unit area per unit time would be given by the following:

[0042] [Equation 6] P sub A, sub T = 0.5 ^* 9.8x1.2.1 xV (cubed)

[0043] For a vehicle traveling at 60 mph (27 m/sec) consider a placement of a wind turbine as specified in the present invention such that the wind speed is 13.5 m/sec and the effective area presented by said wind turbine is 2 m squared, then the potential power produced per second by a single instance of the present invention in its second preferred embodiment is given by the following equation:

[0044] [Equation 7] P sub WT = 29.175 KW

[0045] The effective power depends on the efficiency of the said wind turbine. The maximal efficiency given by Betz' law is 59.3%. So the upper bound on the effective power is given by the following equation:

[0046] [Equation 8] P sub E = 29.175 x 0.593 = 17.300 KW [0047] If this single instance remained fully engaged at the rate of 17.3 KW per hour, it would generate 151 .7 MWH over the course of a year.

[0048] Alternately, an array of said instances would be deployed. If instances of the present invention were position at 10 m intervals on either side of a lane then the total power per kilometer would be given by the equation:

[0049] [Equation 9] P sub Tot = 1.73 MW

[0050] If the present invention is deployed on a roadway where traffic density is sufficient to drive the turbines efficiently on average 10 hours per day, then the power generated over the course of a year is given by the equation:

[0051] [Equation 10] P1 sub Y = 1.73 x 10 x 365 = 63.15 MWH

[0052] Similar considerations for placement of the present invention along a kilometer stretch of highway where the ambient wind is the dominant driver of the wind turbines. Since the average wind speed across the United States is 5 m/sec (10 mph), the power generated over the course of a year is given by the equation:

[0053] [Equation 11] P2 sub Y = 7.7 MWH

[0054] In the deployment near dense traffic the ambient wind would become the dominant driving force during off peak times. [0055] The power-recapture method and system of the present invention converts mechanical energy that would otherwise be dissipated into available electrical energy with high efficiency and optimal control and manageability. The present invention employs a novel approach with a plurality of Computer-coordinated Electric Generators arranged with salient sensors that detect appropriate motion then adjust the phasing and intensity of electromagnets of the Electric Generator to optimally convert variable mechanical motion into electric current.

[0056] While the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited by the embodiments, but that various modifications, additions, and alterations may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and full scope of the invention permitted by the language of the following claims.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to recapturable energy harvesting, more particularly, to systems and methods for controlling electrical power in energy recapture from mechanical sources.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Energy conservation and climate change mitigation have fostered the development of alternatives to the direct use of fossil fuels. Light to electrical energy conversion in the form of solar panels is one alternative. Electrical energy generated by conventional wind turbines is another alternative. In both these cases a large area often in a remote geographical location is required so that many solar panels or wind turbines can be assembled into farms to provide efficient generation from renewable resources. The remote location results in power transfer loss when connecting to the National Power Grid.

[0003] An alternative [see Application number 61/461414] that takes advantage of existing real estate to generate power close to potential usage sites and users on the National Power Grid is the harvesting of otherwise dissipated energy from the movement of vehicular traffic.

[0004] Control systems for farms of solar panels and of wind turbines have been addressed [see previous patents listed] Farms of modules engaged in energy-harvesting from vehicular traffic also require control systems for the special characteristics of such modules:

1. Mechanical energy conversion modules are subject to abrasion

2. Modules are exposed in a public space rather than in fully secured areas

3. Modules operation and maintenance must minimize traffic interruptions

4. Modules not in protected area are exposed at night in isolation'to vandalism

5. Module operation to maintain and assist vehicular safety is critical

[0005] In addition to the common challenges, e.g., a utility may monitor the grid power demand and may need to communicate with the energy-harvesting farm to determine if the farm has the capacity to meet some or all of the power demand. As the number of energy- harvesting modules increases it is important that the collection of inverters appears to the grid as if it was the same as other power plants. Because an energy-harvesting farm can include many mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion modules with power inverters there is a need for a centralized control to collectively manage the inverters along with all of the supporting energy farm data as one cohesive system. Such a control system must take into account that the Energy Harvesting Modules are in relatively close proximity for a given installation and vehicular traffic flow varies over a 24-hour period. As more energy farms come online, the communication, coordination, and control among the plurality of farms becomes more and more critical. However, coordination also becomes more difficult when the multiple energy farms (with their multiple associated controllers) are tied together in ad- hoc systems. Therefore, a need exists for systems and methods for controlling power in recapturable energy sources. ADVANTAGES

[0006] The present invention is a control system for coordinating and monitoring the performance of power-recapture modules that convert mechanical energy, which would otherwise be dissipated, into available electrical energy. Said invention teaches an innovative and comprehensive approach to the command and control of farms of modules deployed for energy harvesting from vehicular and ambient motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Some or all of the above needs may be addressed by certain embodiments of the invention. Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for controlling power in energy recapture sources, for instance, integrated real-time power and energy harvesting farm control. The present invention overcomes the limitations of conventional approaches by providing a power-recapture method for energy that would otherwise be dissipated; and by deploying the system in close proximity to energy consuming users and devices. Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0008] One embodiment of the invention is a system for energy recapture that converts mechanical energy that would otherwise be dissipated into available electrical energy with high efficiency and optimal control and manageability. This embodiment employs a novel approach with a plurality of computer-coordinated Electric GeneratorGenerators are arranged with salient sensors that detect appropriate motion then adjust the phasing and intensity of electromagnets of the Electric Generator to optimally convert variable mechanical motion into electric current.

[0009] According to another example embodiment, the system may include an energy farm including one or more energy recapture sources, one or more remote monitoring and control stations, one or more devices for measuring aggregate energy output from the energy farm, one or more devices for measuring individual source energy output from the one or more energy recapture sources, and a real-time controller for controlling power production of the one or more energy recapture sources based at least in part on the measured aggregate energy output and the measured individual source energy output, where the controller is operable to communicate with the one or more recapturable energy sources.

[0010] According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling an energy harvesting farm, where the farm may include one or more

recapturable energy sources. The method may include measuring aggregate energy output of the energy harvesting farm and measuring individual source energy output of the one or more energy harvesting sources. The method may also include controlling energy production from the one or more recapturable energy sources via a controller based at least in part on the measured aggregate energy output and the measured individual source energy output, where the controller facilitates communications with the one or more energy recapture sources. [001 1] According to another example embodiment, an apparatus is provided for controlling energy recapture. The apparatus may include a real time integrated controller operable to: measure aggregate energy output from an energy harvesting farm, where the energy harvesting farm comprises one or more energy recapture sources, measure individual source energy output from the one or more energy recapture sources, control energy production from the one or more recapturable energy sources based at least in part on the measured aggregate energy output and the measured individual source energy output, and communicate with the one or more recapturable energy sources.

[0012] Variations and modifications can be made to these exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. Such other embodiments and aspects can be understood with reference to the following detailed description, accompanying drawings, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1. Conceptual Schematic Diagram of the Power Generating Circuit

[0015] FIG. 2. Top down Schematic View of a Plurality of adjacent Energy Harvesting

Modules showing placement of Mechanical Energy Transducer, Electrical Generator, Mechanical Energy Transfer Connector, and Piezoelectric Plates

[0016] FIG. 3. Schematic Diagram of a Plurality of Energy Harvesting Modules

comprising a Power Generating Farm

[0017] FIG. 4. Schematic Diagram of a Command and Control Communication

System for an Energy Harvesting Farm

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated more fully in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment and such variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0021] Like numbers refer to like elements to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The term "exemplary" as used throughout this document is defined to mean "example." It will be appreciated that terms such as "left", "right", "top", "bottom'-', "inwardly", "outwardly", "front", "inner", "up", and "down" and other positional descriptive terms used herein below are used merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the Figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the elements described herein is within the scope of the present invention. [0022] The present invention overcomes the limitations of conventional approaches by providing a power-recapture method for energy that would otherwise be dissipated; and by deploying the system in close proximity to energy consuming users and devices.

[0023] Certain embodiments of the invention may enable control of power in energy- harvesting farms. According to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, a real-time integrated controller may be utilized to facilitate increased interoperability and control within energy-harvesting farms. Other embodiments may be utilized to facilitate increased interoperability and control among multiple farms.

[0024] Various controllers, processors, modules, interfaces, communication links, and sensors for controlling power in energy harvesting farms, according to embodiments of the invention, will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0025] The Energy Harvesting System comprises six interconnected functional

components:

1 . Mechanical Energy Capture Device for transforming linear mechanical motion into rotational mechanical force.

2. Electric Generator for alternating current generation from mechanical rotational force.

3. Piezoelectric plate sensing approaching objects and generating electrical power for the electromagnets in the Electric Generator to maximize efficiency at high rates of rotation. Secondarily the power will be stored in the battery noted below, or supplied to the National Power Grid.

4. Controller with rectifiers to convert the output of the one or more Electric Generators and piezoelectric plates to direct current for storage or with suitable phase control to the

National Power Grid; and for supplying current to the electromagnets of one or more

Electric Generators

Storage Battery to retain the energies generated by one or more Electric Generators and by one or more piezoelectric plates.

Computer to coordinate and monitor the power generation for maximum efficiency. The computer can be wirelessly connected to the internet for remote monitoring and control.

[0026] It will be appreciated that these functional components may be combined to serve the same functional purposes, for example, the Mechanical Energy Capture Device and the Electrical Generator may be combined such that external surface of the Electrical

Generator serves to capture mechanical energy for said Generator's rotor; similarly, the Computer for monitoring and coordination and the Controller may be combined to serve the functions of monitoring, coordination and power conditioning. It should be understood that any such combination of the functional components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] In one embodiment, a stationary member, the piezoelectric plate is positioned to receive compression strain as a wheeled vehicle advances over the surface below which the plate is mounted. The electrical signal thus generated serves to activate the

electromagnets of the Electric Generator as a wheeled vehicle passes over a portion of the outer rotor of the Mechanical Energy Capture Device. The frictional contact of a wheel of the wheeled vehicle serves to transfer rotational energy from the wheel to the dynamic outer rotor of Mechanical Energy Capture Device that directly drives the rotor of the Electric Generator thus generating excess electrical energy that can be stored in the storage battery or with suitable phase and voltage control directly to the National Power Grid.

[0028] In a second embodiment of the Energy Harvesting System, vehicular traffic or the transient wind itself exerts mechanical compression strain on a stationary member, a piezoelectric plate mounted in the path of the wheeled vehicle or at the suspension mount of the Mechanical Energy Capture Device. The electrical signal thus generated serves to activate the electromagnets of the Electric Generator as the Mechanical Energy Capture Device converts the translational air motion into rotational energy that directly drives the dynamic rotor of the Electric Generator thus generating excess electrical energy that can be stored in the storage battery or with suitable phase and voltage control sent directly to the National Power Grid.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1 the Energy Harvesting Systesm provides for a cylindrical Electric Generator 109 positioned adjacent to a piezoelectric plate 111 both in electrical communication 107, 113 with a circuit controller 105. The system is positioned such that vehicles first pass over the region of the piezoelectric plate 111 before passing over the exposed portion of the Motion Energy Harvesting Device 110 that is directly coupled by a mechanical linkage 112 to the Electric Generator 109 to drive its rotor. The controller 105 uses the sensing signal from the piezoelectric plate 111 to adjust via 107 the current flowing in the electromagnets of the said Electric Generator 109 to maximize the conversion of rotational mechanical energy captured by the Motion Energy Harvesting Device 110 which is then imparted to the rotor of the Electric Generator to electrical energy that is conveyed via 107 and 115 to the storage battery 117 or with appropriate phase conversion directly to the National Grid.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of Energy Harvesting Modules 301 , 311 constituting an Energy Harvesting Farm is arranged across a vehicular roadway with each Motion Energy Harvesting Device 309 and Electrical Generator 303 coupled mechanically by means of an axial rod 305 flanked by a sensing piezoelectric element 307. Piezoelectric sensors are positioned in the direction of motion of said moving vehicle and can serve as well regardless of the direction of motion of said vehicle. Each Motion Energy Harvesting Device has its axle mechanically coupled to that of its adjacent Electrical Generator in such a manner that the Motion Energy Harvesting Device can be decoupled and replaced easily should it become too worn or defective. Alternately, the Motion Energy Harvesting Device could be functionally combined with the Electrical Generator into a single unit if the outer surface of the Electrical Generator rotor were directly exposed to vehicular traffic.

Separating the two components into a simple rotary drum in the exposed compartment and the more complex and expensive generator in a sealed compartment is a more economical design in the long run. Similarly, an Energy Harvesting Module, 501 , may include two Electrical Generators, 511 and 503, for a single Mechanical Energy Transducer, 509.

[0031] In certain embodiments of the invention, the energy farm control system 701 comprising a plurality of Energy Harvesting Modules may include any number of software applications that are executed to facilitate any of the operations of the Energy Harvesting System 707 or 715. The conditioned electrical power is sent through an Inverter 709 or 717 to a transformer 725 or 723. The optimized trade-off between copper- based reactance (communication lines 726) and iron-based reactance (transformers 723 or 725 and 711 ) reduces the losses in the power generated as the power generated increases and decreases over time. The Transformer Substation 711 provides conditioned power of the appropriate voltage and phase to the National Grid 713. For extended reliability the computers can be solid state devices without moving parts using solid state disks and circuitry embedded in epoxy.

[0032] In certain embodiments the real-time integrated controller may communicate with any of the associated components in the energy farm control system via wireless communication, power line carrier, internet, intranet, or any other suitable means of communication. In FIG. 3 the computer-based controller 705 or 719 monitors and adjusts the Energy Harvesting System 707 or 715 and the Inverter 709 or 717 as well as the Transformer 723 or 725. The computer-based controllers communicate with an Energy Harvesting Farm Command Center 901 as does a redundant sensor system 703 the measures conditions such as temperature, humidity, vehicular traffic and the presence of potential vandals. [0033] In certain embodiments, one or more I/O interfaces may facilitate communication between the energy farm control system and one or more I/O devices. For example, a universal serial bus port, a serial port, a disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, and/or one or more user interface devices 903, such as a display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, control panel, touch screen display, microphone, etc., may facilitate user interaction with the energy farm control system at the Energy Harvesting Farm Command Center 901. One or more I/O interfaces may be utilized to receive or collect data and/or user instructions from a wide variety of input devices. Received data may be processed by one or more computer processors as desired in various embodiments of the invention and/or stored in one or more memory devices 905.

[0034] One or more network interfaces 909 may facilitate connection of the energy farm control system inputs and outputs to one or more suitable networks and/or connections; for example, the connections that facilitate communication with any number of sensors associated with the system. The one or more network interfaces may further facilitate connection to one or more suitable networks; for example, a local area network, a wide area network, the Internet, a cellular network, a radio frequency network, a Bluetooth™ enabled network, a Wi-Fi™ enabled network, a satellite-based network, any wired network, any wireless network, etc., for communication with external devices and/or systems.

[0035] As desired, embodiments of the invention may include the energy farm control system with more or less of the components illustrated. [0036] The invention is described above with reference to block and flow diagrams of systems, methods, apparatuses, and/or computer program products according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that one or more blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flow diagrams, respectively, can be implemented by computer-executable program instructions. Likewise, some blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams may not necessarily need to be performed in the order presented, or may not necessarily need to be performed at all, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0037] These computer-executable program instructions may be loaded onto a general- purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a particular machine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer, processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing one or more functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement one or more functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. As an example,

embodiments of the invention may provide for a computer program product, comprising a computer-usable medium having a computer-readable program code or program

instructions embodied therein, said computer-readable program code adapted to be executed to implement one or more functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational elements or steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide elements or steps for implementing the functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks.

[0038] Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of elements or steps for performing the specified functions and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flow diagrams, can be implemented by special-purpose, hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions, elements or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0039] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0040] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0041] While the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred

embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited by the embodiments, but that it have the full scope permitted by the language of the following claims.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to recapturable energy harvesting, more particularly, to systems and methods for efficient and effective energy recapture from dynamically moving mechanical sources and the commercial redistribution of said recaptured energy as electricity.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Energy conservation and climate change mitigation have fostered the development of alternatives to the direct use of fossil fuels. Light to electrical energy conversion in the form of solar panels is one alternative. Electrical energy generated by conventional wind turbines is another alternative. In both of these cases, a large area, often in a remote geographical location, is required so that many solar panels or wind turbines can be assembled into farms to provide significant generation from renewable resources. Among other challenges, the remote location results in power transfer loss when connecting to the National Power Grid.

[0003] An alternative [see US patent application Ser. No 13/135493 US] that takes advantage of existing real estate to generate power close to potential usage sites and users on the National Power Grid is the harvesting of otherwise dissipated energy from the movement of vehicular traffic.

[0004] Just as farms of solar panels and of wind turbines require control systems

(addressed in previous patents listed), so do farms of modules engaged in energy harvesting from vehicular traffic given the following special characteristics:

1. Mechanical energy conversion modules are subject to abrasion

2. Modules are exposed in a public space to road traffic and weather hazards rather than confined in fully secured areas

3. Modules are not in a protected area therefore they are exposed at night in

isolation to human and animal vandalism

4. Modules operation and maintenance must minimize traffic interruptions

5. Module operation must continually maintain and assist vehicular safety [0005] Having noted the common challenges, a need will likely arise for a central system to engineer the energy recapture modules for power-generating efficiency, long-term reliability, and sustainable power generation. For example, a utility may monitor the grid power demand and may need to communicate with the energy-recapture farm to determine if the farm has the capacity to meet some or all of the power demand. As the number of energy-recapture modules increases it is important that the collection of inverters appears to the grid as if it was the same as for other power plants. As an energy- recapture farm can include many mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion modules with power inverters there is a need for a centralized control to collectively manage the inverters along with all of the supporting energy farm data as one cohesive system. Such a control system must take into account that the Energy Recapture Modules are in relatively close proximity for a given installation and vehicular traffic flow varies over a 24-hour period. As more energy farms become operational, the communication, coordination, and control among the plurality of farms becomes more and more critical. However, coordination also becomes more difficult when the multiple energy farms (with their multiple associated controllers) are tied together in ad-hoc systems. Therefore, a need exists for systems and methods for controlling power in recapturable energy sources.

[0006] An alternative [see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/136764 US] describes the application of advanced technologies to the control of power generated by otherwise dissipated energy from the movement of vehicular traffic.

[0007] An energy recapture module for recapturing energy from vehicular traffic and converting it into electrical power and its associated farm control system for conditioning the electrical power for entry into the National Power Grid is faced with challenges for efficient manufacture, for long term sustainability, and for optimal distribution to meet energy needs.

ADVANTAGES

[0008] The present invention comprises embedded apparatus with systems and methods for incorporating reliable, sustainable power recapture components for coordinating and generating electrical energy from mechanical energy, which would otherwise be dissipated, into available. electrical energy and commercially distributing said recaptured electrical energy. Said invention teaches an innovative and comprehensive approach to

implementation of modules for energy recapture from vehicular motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Some or all of the above needs may be addressed by certain embodiments of the invention. Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for assembling energy recapture modules, for instance, integrated real-time power and energy recapture across modules with N+1 redundancy for optimizing reliability. The present invention overcomes the limitations of conventional approaches by providing a power- recapture method for energy that would otherwise be dissipated; and by deploying the system in close proximity to energy consuming users and devices. Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0010] Variations and modifications can be made to these exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. Such other embodiments and aspects can be understood with reference to the following detailed description, accompanying drawings, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1. Embodiment of the Power Generating Circuit

[0013] FIG. 2. Embodiment of Mechanical Energy Transducer: Side View

[0014] FIG. 3. Oblique View of Mechanical Energy Cumulator

[00 5] FIG. 4. Embodiment of Mechanical Energy Recapture System: Top View

[0016] FIG. 5. Embodiment of Plurality of Energy Recapture Modules Comprising a

Power Generating Energy Recapture Control Farm

[0017] FIG. 6. Computer Block Diagram of Auction System for Energy Recapture

Control Farm DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated more fully in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment and such variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0019] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The term "exemplary" as used throughout this document is defined to mean "example." It will be appreciated that terms such as "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inwardly", "outwardly", "front", "inner", "up", and "down" and other positional descriptive terms used herein below are used merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the Figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the elements described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0020] The present invention overcomes the limitations of conventional approaches by providing a reliable, sustainable, power-recapture apparatus, system and method for capturing energy would otherwise be dissipated; and by deploying the system in close proximity to energy consuming users and devices.

[0021] Certain embodiments of the invention may enable efficient, effective transfer of mechanical energy to electrical generators for producing power in energy-recapture farms with N+1 reliability. According to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, mechanical energy will be stored and maintained in a rotational inertial state that may be utilized to facilitate increased interoperability and control within energy-recapture farms. Other embodiments of energy recapture may be utilized to facilitate increased

interoperability and control among multiple energy-recapture farms.

[0022] Various components, modules, interfaces, communication links, and sensors for controlling power in energy recapture farms, according to embodiments of the invention, will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0023] The Energy Recapture Core System comprises six interconnected functional components:

1. Mechanical Energy Capture Device for transforming linear mechanical motion of heavy vehicles into mechanical rotational force.

2. Electric Generator for generating alternating current from mechanical rotational force.

3. Piezoelectric plate for sensing approaching objects and generating electrical power for the electromagnets in the Electric Generator to maximize efficiency at high rates of rotation. Secondarily the power will be stored in the battery noted below, or supplied immediately to the National Power Grid.

4. A Controller with rectifiers to convert the output of the one or more Electric

Generators and Piezoelectric Plates to direct current for storage or for transmission, with suitable phase and voltage control, to the National Power Grid; and for supplying current to the electromagnets of one or more Electric Generators.

5. A Storage Battery to retain the energies generated by one or more Electric

Generators and by one or more Piezoelectric Plates.

6. A Computer to coordinate and monitor the power generation for maximum efficiency.

The computer can be wirelessly connected to the Internet for remote monitoring and control.

[0024] It will be appreciated that these functional components may be combined to serve the same functional purposes, for example, the Computer for monitoring and coordination and the Controller may be combined to serve the functions of monitoring, coordination and power conditioning. It should be understood that any such combination of the functional components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1 , the Energy Recapture System 101 provides for a cylindrical Electric Generator 109 positioned adjacent to a Piezoelectric Plate 111 both in electrical communication 107, 113 with a circuit controller 105. A remotely communicating Computer 102 is in electrical communication with the circuit controller 105 via 103 for monitoring and supervision. The system is positioned such that vehicles first pass over the region of the Piezoelectric Plate 111 before passing over the slightly raised Activation Plate that is directly coupled by a mechanical Activation Lever 126 to the circular Rotary Disk 124 that is directly coupled through a Unidirectional Clutch 123 by a mechanical linkage 122 to the Mechanical Energy Cumulator, a cylindrical flywheel 120. The Mechanical Energy Cumulator directly urges through a mechanical linkage 118 the input first gear in the VM Gearbox, a two-gear speedup gearbox 110. The output second gear by means of a mechanical linkage 112 urges the rotor of the Electric Generator 109. The Piezoelectric Plate 111 is positioned to receive compression strain as a wheeled vehicle advances over the surface below which the plate is mounted. The electrical signal thus generated serves to activate the electromagnets of the Electric Generator 109 as a wheeled vehicle passes over the load bearing Activation Plate of the Mechanical Energy Capture Device thus urging the Activation Lever 126 to turn the Rotary Disk 124. The controller 105 uses the sensing signal from the Piezoelectric Plate 111 to adjust via 107 the current flowing in the electromagnets of said Electric Generator 109 to maximize the conversion of rotational mechanical energy captured by the Mechanical Energy Recapture Device 120-126. Said captured rotational mechanical energy is then imparted via the gearbox 110 to the rotor of the Electric Generator to generate electrical energy that is conveyed via 107 and 115 to the storage battery 117 or with appropriate phase conversion and voltage amplification transmitted directly to the National Power Grid.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the Mechanical Energy Recapture Device 301 comprises a counter-sunk Activation Plate 309 that in depressed mode is level with the road resting on a shelf 313; a hinge 311 on the underside of the Activation Plate 309 on the traffic-facing edge; a plurality of affixed Hybrid Leaf Springs 307 that elevate the Activation Plate 309 about the hinge 311 in the direction of traffic flow; one or more vertical levers 317 affixed about a bearing 315 along the elevated edge of the Activation Plate 305 that connects to one or more Rotary Disks 303 below the level of the road surface. The elevated edge of the Activation Plate 305 of the Mechanical Energy Recapture Device would be forced down to road level with each passage by a set of vehicular wheels. Since the next passage at vehicular highway speeds would occur within 100 msec, the Activation Plate 309 would have to be restored to its resting position very quickly. Therefore, the recovery mechanism must be both fast and reliable over millions of cycles. A composite material leaf spring composed, for example, of alternating steel plates and carbon fiber would have sufficient elasticity to restore the Activation Plate 309 quickly and yet be resilient over millions of cycles. In such a Hybrid Leaf Spring 307 the primary leaf element with sufficient modulus of elasticity has bonded to the tension surface one or more parallel layers of composite material; similarly, the compression surface of the primary leaf has one or more parallel layers of composite material. The ends of the primary leaf are mounted asymmetrically to the moveable Activation Plate 309 around a fixed mounting rod 319 perpendicular to the direction of the Hybrid Leaf Spring 307. In an alternate embodiment, two such Mechanical Energy Recapture Devices 301 could be positioned sequentially, but facing in opposite directions, thus eliminating any gap above the road level and providing two power strokes from a single vehicular wheel passage. In another alternate embodiment, the Activation Plate 309 itself could be contoured in a convex arc with the appropriately strong, yet elastic, material secured at both edges such that the power stroke is driven from the center of the arc. The latter embodiment would also eliminate any gap above the road level. In another alternate embodiment, the downward Power Stroke of the Activation Plate 309 would be mechanically linked so as to rotate the Rotary Disk 303 more than 180-degrees so that the Recovery Stroke would also drive the Rotary Disk 303 in the same direction much like the power stroke of a locomotive engine to its wheels. In that way the Recovery Stroke would continue to turn the Rotary Disk 303 in the same direction as the Power Stroke did using the potential energy stored in the Hybrid Leaf Springs 307. Similarly, in another embodiment, the Power Stroke would subject a coiled-spring mechanism to sufficient tension or subject a compression cylinder to sufficient pressure such that the Recovery Stroke would continue to drive the Rotary Disk 303. The practicality of these latter two embodiments would depend on the speed required of the Recovery Stroke to position the Activation Plate 309 back in its resting position for the passage of the next set of vehicular wheels to fully drive the Power Stroke.

[0027] Shown in FIG. 3 is a Mechanical Energy Cumulating Device 501 comprising an inner axial rod 507 supported by fluid-filled, heavy-duty bearings, a middle zone of honeycombed metal for low density, high structural integrity 505, and an outer zone of dense material 503 with a smooth polished corrosion-resistant surface 509 for optimal inertial energy storage. The resulting cylinder efficiently and effectively acquires and retains rotary inertial torque for driving the Electrical Generators.

[0028] The Preferred Embodiment of the full Mechanical Energy Recapture System is shown in FIG. 4. The Activation Plate 725 will be subjected to vertical forces produced by the mass of vehicles, such as 4000-lb automobiles, passing over the plate in the direction of traffic flow. A rigid metallic plate, such as that formed of steel, would be capable of withstanding such forces but would be subject to corrosion over time. Moreover, such a plate would generate vibration some of which would be in the audible range causing noise pollution or safety concerns. Accordingly, a composite material, such as para-aramid synthetic fiber, e.g., Kevlar® would provide light-weight strength and would not be subject to corrosion or generate noise pollution. When compressed by the weight of a vehicle the plate would pivot into a recessed holder 719 lined with cushioning material such as silicone gel that would absorb any sound. The Activation Plate's descent is supported by a heavy duty interior hinge 721. As a result of these arrangements, the vehicular driver and passengers would experience a ride over the Activation Plate that is both smooth and quiet.

[0029] To convert the vertical descending motion of the Activation Plate to the rotary motion of the Rotary Disk 705 in a reliable manner for millions of cycles is a problem with a well- established conventional solution, e.g., as implemented in steam locomotives. However, in the present invention the strokes are periodic, but not continuous, so a one-way or overrunning Unidirectional Clutch 706 provides a means of accumulating the circular torque in a step-like manner. Such a reliable clutch would employ well-established technology whereby an internal rotary member engages a coaxial external rotary member only when the internal rotator member turns in a single drive direction, e.g., clockwise.

[0030] The center shaft 707 of the Rotary Disk 705 drives a fly wheel or Mechanical Energy Cumulator 711 as specified in FIG. 3. By means of the Unidirectional Clutch 706 the corresponding drive shaft 713 of the Mechanical Energy Cumulator 711 connects to a velocity-multiplying gearbox 717, the VM Gearbox. The rotating shaft output of the VM Gearbox 715 is then used to drive an electric generator, the Dynamic Electrical Generator 709 configured to optimize output over a range of speeds as described previously (see US patent application Ser. No. 13135493). [0031] Although the preferred embodiment is described, alternate embodiments of the invention are possible so that the final production deployment will depend on value engineering. For example, in an alternate embodiment the Activation Plate could extend below the surface and the hinge could be replaced by a pivot axle so that upward movement of the subsurface portion of the Activation Plate could serve, via another mechanical linkage, to drive the rotation of the Rotary Disk. As another example, the VM Gearbox may be simplified by using a belt drive to achieve increased speed at the cost of increased startup torque and potential premature failure of the drive belt. Moreover, the VM Gearbox and the Mechanical Energy Cumulator may be applied in a different sequence so that the rotational rate is increased before driving the fly wheel rather than subsequently. More than one Dynamic Electrical Generator could be driven from a single activation sequence. Thus, the output drive shaft of a single VM Gearbox could drive more than one Dynamic Electrical Generator for redundancy and reliability. Moreover, in place of the Composite Leaf Springs, a plurality of heavy duty coil springs could be used.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the support framework of the Mechanical Energy

Recapture System 701 in an Energy Recapture Module. The Activation Plate 725 is supported by an inlaid shelf 719 and affixed to a hinge 721. The Activation Plate is maintained in an elevated state by a plurality of supportive Hybrid Leaf Springs 723. The Hybrid Leaf Springs 723 are anchored at the top and bottom of the Activation Plate 725 and pivot about a fixed Pivot Axle Bar 727 that is supported at each end of the Activation Plate 725 and at a plurality of positions by vertical support beams 729. [0033] Consider, for example, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the downward stroke of the Activation Plate 725 after engagement by a forward moving vehicle tire in approximately 5 msec producing a torque by means of the

mechanical linked lever 703 generating at least one-third rotation of the Rotary Disk 705, which is equivalent to an impulse rate of 60 RPM that is conveyed through the

Unidirectional Clutch 706 to the Mechanical Energy Cumulator Device 711 , a fly wheel cylinder. With heavy traffic flow the Mechanical Energy Cumulator Device would accelerate to a comparable rotational velocity, i.e., approximately 60 RPM.

[0034] The speed in RPM (N) required for an electric generator with P poles to produce electricity of frequency, f, is given by

N = (120 x f)/P [Equation 1.1 ]

To drive the multi-pole generator of, for example, 4 poles, the Dynamic Electrical Generator 709 must rotate at 1800 RPM to produce a 60-Hz electric current. In order to convert the 60 RPM of the Mechanical Energy Cumulator Device to the required 1800 RPM of the Dynamic Electrical Generator 709, a simple transmission two-stage gearbox, the VM Gearbox 717 is interposed; however, the Dynamic Electrical Generator 709 can operate efficiently over a range of speeds.

[0035] The VM Gearbox produces a speed-up ratio of 30:1 in two stages: 5:1 followed by 6:1. For coplanar meshing bearings the contact surface is a line. To reduce contact stress roller bearings are employed and, in the preferred embodiment, hexagonal roller bearings, which distribute the contact stress at the expense of a small amount of linear sliding friction, are employed. The gears are composed of high strength steel alloy in a sealed lubricant chamber or ceramics without the lubricant.

[0036] With an average car weight of 4000 lbs, each pair of wheels traversing the Activation Plate, which is assumed to be elevated bv a small amount, e.g., one inch above its depressed position measured at its trailing edge, generates a force given by:

F = 2000 x 0.0825 = 165 foot-pounds [Equation 1.2] For 3000 cars passing a given point in an hour this amounts to 990,000 foot-pounds, which is equivalent to 22.4 KW.

[0037] When deployed for energy recapture from moving vehicles, the Activating Plate covers a full highway lane. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of Mechanical Energy Recapture Devices can be aligned adjacent to that Activation Plate. Similarly, a plurality of rows of Mechanical Energy Recapture Devices can be aligned sequentially. Such an assembly would be mounted in a single Energy Recapture Module with the appropriate storage, communication and control apparatus as outlined in FIG. 1.

[0038] In certain embodiments of the invention, an Energy Farm Control System would comprise a plurality of Energy Recapture Modules each joined by connectors to

neighboring Energy Recapture Modules over which one may transmit power and communicate control instructions and communicate information by any number of software applications that are executed to facilitate any of the operations of the Energy Recapture System. FIG. 5 shows how such Energy Recapture Modules would align and interconnect in a section of a four-lane highway as parts of an Energy Recapture Control Farm 901. Each Energy Recapture Module 903 would insert Leggo-like to its adjoining neighbor Energy Recapture Module by means of cyber-electro-mechanical connectors 905 that provide mechanical linkage, electrical control of the Energy Recapture Devices and Energy Storage, and information such as communication as to status of the Energy Recapture Devices for optimum performance. A farm of Energy Recapture Modules is made more robust by having N+1 redundancy of networking paths for communication, control and power transmittal.

[0039] The output of the Energy Farm Control System would be conditioned electrical power that is sent through an Inverter to a transformer. The optimized trade-off between copper-based reactance (communication lines) and iron-based reactance (transformers) reduces the losses in the power generated as the power generated increases and decreases over time. A Transformer Substation provides conditioned power of the appropriate voltage and phase to the National Power Grid. For extended reliability the computers can be solid state devices without moving parts using solid state disks and circuitry embedded in epoxy.

[0040] With only four (4) Energy Recapture Devices placed in a ten (10) foot long Energy Recapture Module, then in a one (1 ) mile single-lane stretch we would generate 22.4 x 528 x 4 = 47.2 MW. Assuming each Device achieves 85% efficiency in converting the inputted mechanical energy into electricity output, this gives approximately 40 MW per hour at peak traffic flow per lane. If there are effectively 10 heavy traffic hours per day, this amounts to 400 MW of electricity per lane per mile available to the National Power Grid. With a four (4) lane highway this amounts to 1.6 GW per mile per day or a potential 584.4 GW on an annual basis

[0041] For efficient and effective delivery of the electrical power generated by the Energy Recapture Control Farm, an auction system 1101 is deployed as illustrated in FIG. 6, which represents a machine-based system or method of auctioning. Prospective power distributors would log onto the auction website to review and select desired geolocation, delivery timing, and quantity. The computer system hosting the auction-based energy market would function in the following manner.

[0042] Interested bidders would have access via the website to review available energy packages, i.e., defined as amounts available within a specified period. A computer-based transactional database of energy packets would inform the bidder of time left on each auction and of the current highest bid on each auction or of the reserve bid if there were no previous bids. The location database supports an interactive graphical user interface showing distribution points searchable by specific geolocations or by addresses and by click-select from a map showing all the distribution points in a given metropolitan area or state electrical grid using maps and satellite technology, e.g., Google maps and the US Global Positioning System (GPS). The bidders would select proposed energy packages from those in the database or propose new combinations in electronic form. If the prospective power distributor was the highest bidder in at least one auction the energy package would be transmitted for the contracted period at the contracted rate; however, the prospective power distributor for a premium could preempt the auction to ensure it would secure its desired energy package and time periods. [0043] Said network comprises a login step 1103 for securing access to the auction website using a communication protocol such as SSL with two-factor authentication with digital tokens. After authentication the prospective energy distributor or its agent would specify a desired energy package 1105 and a desired location or location(s) 1107 to review. Then the web-based interface would allow the prospective energy distributor to review available auctions that fit given parameters such as location, date range, and price 1109. After a review the prospective energy distributor would make a selection 1111 and chose to purchase an energy package for a given time and location or to bid in an auction or several auctions. A bid alert 1113 is set up in the database of the auction website. At this point if a bidder has entered a preemptive bid or subsequently won an auction a successful bid electronic message 1115 is sent to the bidder in question. The database of available energy packages is represented by 1117. Available energy packages 1123 are reviewed to determine if the desired energy package is within the available ones: if it is it is selected or if it is new it is added to the database 1119. At this point in the system or method the new file is attached 1121 , then the payment method is selected 1125, then the order is reviewed by the user 1127, then an order is placed 1129, and finally the deployment system is alerted 1131. In addition, the auction server would be connected to the fee processing server which would send a portion of the winning bid to a bank server of the owner of the Energy Recapture Control Farms and send the remainder to the owner(s) of the grid over which the electrical package was transmitted as well as to any governmental entity for taxation or fees, e.g., a municipality's and/or state's and/or federal government's server, which would send it on to its bank server. [0044] As desired, embodiments of the invention may include the Energy Recapture Farm Control System with more or fewer of the auction components illustrated.

[0045] The invention is described above with reference to block and flow diagrams of systems, methods, apparatuses, and/or computer program products according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that one or more blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flow diagrams, respectively, can be implemented by computer-executable program instructions. Likewise, some blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams may not necessarily need to be performed in the order presented, or may not necessarily need to be performed at all, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0046] These computer-executable program instructions may be loaded onto a general- purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a particular machine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer, processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing one or more functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement one or more functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. As an example,

embodiments of the invention may provide for a computer program product, comprising a computer-usable medium having a computer-readable program code or program instructions embodied therein, said computer-readable program code adapted to be executed to implement one or more functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational elements or steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide elements or steps for implementing the functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks.

[0047] Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of elements or steps for performing the specified functions and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flow diagrams, can be implemented by special-purpose, hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions, elements or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0048] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. While the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited by the embodiments, but that it have the full scope permitted by the language of the following claims.