| JP2001248538 | ACCUMULATIVE ENERGY DEVICE UTILIZING SPIRAL SPRING |
| JP3216825 | Universal rotating device |
| WO/2019/171859 | POWER GENERATION DEVICE FOR BICYCLE AND BICYCLE |
| WO2010085967A1 | 2010-08-05 | |||
| WO2019061002A1 | 2019-04-04 |
| CN205154521U | 2016-04-13 | |||
| KR20120122111A | 2012-11-07 | |||
| GB2465217A | 2010-05-19 | |||
| KR20120019608A | 2012-03-07 | |||
| KR20120110780A | 2012-10-10 | |||
| US20160281679A1 | 2016-09-29 | |||
| AU2010207633A1 | 2011-07-28 | |||
| CA2749694A1 | 2010-07-29 |
| Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes Claim 1 An Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes comprising a closed system having a fluid subjected to pressure differentials caused by the application of forces on the fluid contained in the closed system that results in the fluid to flow alternatively in both directions producing a forward and backward movement of a piston inside a cylinder, which in turn results a rotary motion in a generator producing electricity. Claim 2 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 1 comprising a liquid contained in a bag made of a flexible material, a tube for liquid transport, a hydraulic cylinder and a piston rod which is connected to a piston, a scythe shaped curved rack with internal gear teeth and a straight handle, a spring, a pinion gear wheel, a pair of protrusions, a pair of pawls, a ratchet wheel with internal teeth, a friction wheel and a friction pinion, an electrical generator and a battery producing and storing electrical energy. Claim 3 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the bag made of flexible material is filled with liquid which can flow through a tube, to and from the hydraulic cylinder connected at the other end of the tube. Claim 4 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the spring fixed at one end and the other end of which is connected to the end the straight handle of the scythe shaped rack, the spring being able to exert a force on the handle of the scythe shaped rack so that the liquid in the bag and in the hydraulic cylinder is held under pressure . Claim 5 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the pressure in the liquid in the bag is increased by the application of an intermittent force on the bag using hand or such other means, so that the increased pressure in the liquid causes the liquid to flow through a tube to the hydraulic cylinder causing the piston and piston rod connected to each other, to move forward. Claim 6 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the spring fixed at the end of the straight handle of the scythe shaped rack is able to cause the liquid to return to the bag from the hydraulic cylinder through the tube when the intermittent force on the bag is insufficient to overpower the effect of the spring. Claim 7 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the intermittent pressure differentials in the hydraulic liquid and the flow of the liquid, as a result of the application and removal of a force on the bag, causes the piston and piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder to move forward and backward . Claim 8 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the piston and the piston rod in its forward motion is pressed against the straight handle of a scythe shaped curved rack, causing the scythe shaped curved rack to rotate about a pivot . Claim 9 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the forward and backward movements of the curved rack of the scythe shaped component having internal gear teeth causing clockwise and anticlockwise rotations of the pinion gear wheel . Claim 10 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the pair of pawls pivoted on the pair of protrusions fixed firmly with the pinion gear wheel ensures the rotary motion of a ratchet wheel with internal teeth to be restricted to one direction. Claim 11 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the ratchet wheel with internal teeth is rigidly coupled to a friction wheel. Claim 12 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the friction wheel driving a friction pinion coupled to an electric generator. Claim 13 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the electrical energy produced by the electrical generator being stored in a battery. Claim 14 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the flexible bag may contain any fluid . Claim 15 The Electrical energy generating system using pressure changes in claim 2 wherein the bag made of a flexible material containing a liquid kept at a slightly elevated pressure by means of a tension spring connected to the handle of scythe shaped curved rack, a tube for transporting liquid from the bag to a hydraulic cylinder and vice-versa, the bag being subjected to an intermittent force causing the liquid to flow alternatively to and from the cylinder through the tube, this action producing a forward and backward motion alternatively in a piston rod and piston connected to each other, the piston rod pushing against the handle of a scythe shaped curved rack causing it to rotate alternatively about a pivot, thereby producing a clockwise or anticlockwise rotation in the pinion gear wheel, pawls pivoted on the protrusions attached to the pinion gear wheel ensuring the ratchet wheel with internal ratchet teeth to rotate only in one direction, the friction wheel keyed rigidly to the ratchet wheel also rotating in the same direction, the friction wheel driving a friction pinion that is coupled to an electrical generator producing electrical energy flowing to a battery for storage. |
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system of electrical energy generation using the pressure differences generated in a fluid. Specifically, the invention comprises a hydraulic cylinder which generates a force by the pressure generated in the fluid. The linear force thus produced is converted in to a rotary motion driving an electrical generator. Ratchet action prevents the backward motion of the rotor.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Energy is an indispensable factor for the economic growth and the development. Energy consumption is rapidly increasing worldwide. To fulfill this energy demand, alternative energy sources and efficient utilization are being explored. Various sources of renewable energy and their efficient utilization are being developed. Electrical energy forms a very convenient way of utilization and storage of energy. Studies show that renewable energy resources are becoming more prevalent as more electricity generation becomes necessary and could provide half of the total energy demands by 2050.
The present invention deals with an electrical energy generation technique and its storage, in which the variation of pressure in a liquid is converted in to electricity. In the prior art there are many techniques that are used for the generation of electrical energy from different sources. Hydroelectricity and windmills are the most widely used types that fall in to this category.
KR1020120019608 discloses one such method where the pressure difference caused by sloshing in a liquid cargo tank of a ship is used to generate electricity to supplement the ships requirement.
In the patent KR1020120110780 the air bag of a hydraulic pressure generating unit compensates flow volume changes generated by the pumping incompressible fluid. The gas generator generates electricity using the flow of high pressure gas. W02019061002 discloses an energy generation system where the pressure is released in a liquid circuit which in turn drives a liquid turbine. Here the pressure inside two tanks forces the liquid through a turbine in one direction.
In the patent US20160281679 the disclosure is of a fluid driven electric power generation system for hydroelectric use or mountable to the side of a vertical man-made structure.
AU2010207633 and CA2749694 discloses a wave power capture system where the fluid in a fluid transfer conduit will operate a turbine apparatus for obtaining electrical power.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the present embodiment of the electrical generator, a liquid is contained in a closed system comprising a bag (1), a flexible tube (2) and a hydraulic cylinder (7). The bag (1) is made of a flexible material and takes the shape of a bellows. The relative movement of the two surfaces of the bag causes the bag to decrease and increase the internal volume. When the bag volume is decreased, the liquid (23) contained in the bag will flow through the tube (2) and press the piston (24) and the piston rod (8) of the hydraulic cylinder (7) outwards. The hydraulic cylinder (7) is fixed rigidly using a rigid bracket (9)
The force thus produced is used to push the handle (27) of the scythe shaped curved rack (4). The handle (27) of the scythe is pivoted using an axle (28) fixed at the location close to one end (15). The curved rack (4) and handle (27) is kept tight using a spring (3) tied at the end of the handle. An axle (28) fitted to the handle allows the intermittent rotary motion of the handle. Scythe shaped rack (4) has internal teeth at its curved sector. The pinion gear wheel (6) engaged with the curved toothed rack (4) will experience intermittent rotary motion about its own axle (14). Two protrusions (25,26) rigidly attached to the pinion gearwheel (6) carries two pawls (17,19) using two pins (16,18). The two pawls (17,19) will push against the internal teeth of the ratchet wheel (20) mounted on the same axis as the pinion gear wheel (6). The pawls (17,19) ensure that ratchet wheel will rotate only in one direction. The ratchet wheel (20) rotates together with the friction wheel (5) which drives a friction pinion (11). The friction pinion (11) is coupled to an electrical generator (10) mounted on a wooden support (12). The electrical power produced due to the rotation of the generator is transmitted using electrical wires (22) and is stored in a battery (21). The whole system forms an electrical energy generating unit using the pressure changes in the bellows type bag of fluid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 Perspective view of the electrical energy generation system
Figure 2 The electrical energy generation system - liquid under external action
Figure 3 The electrical energy generation system - liquid with no external action
Figures 4a & 4b Pinion, ratchet wheel and friction wheel
Figures 5a, 5b & 5c Friction pinion and electrical generator
Figure 6 Hydraulic cylinder and piston rod
Figure 7a & 7b Ratchet wheel and friction wheel
Figure 8 Scythe shaped handle and rack
Figure 9 External view of case and bag
Figure 10 Details of toothed pinion, protrusions and pawls
Figure 11 Side view of toothed pinion, protrusions and pawls
Figure 12 Detail of the pawl
DETAIL DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to the generation and storage of electrical energy as a result of pressure variations in a liquid. The liquid in a closed system is contained in bag (1) made of flexible material. This bag (1) can change its volume when subjected to an external action. The liquid (23) in the bag will flow out of it when the volume of the bag is decreased as a result of an external action on the bag (1). The liquid that flows out of the bag (1) flows through a tube (2) to a hydraulic cylinder (7). This flow will push the piston (24) out of the cylinder (7). The force thus created is used to push the straight handle of a scythe shaped component which is pivoted close to the proximal end of its straight handle (27). The distal end of the handle carries a curved rack (4). The scythe shaped component is held tightly by a spring (3) fixed at the proximal end of the straight handle (27). When the force generated on the piston (24) by the liquid flowing in to the hydraulic cylinder (7) is able to overcome the resistance offered by the spring (3), the piston (24) and the piston rod (8) will move forward. The hydraulic cylinder is fixed rigidly to the frame and cover (13) by the bracket (9). The piston rod will push the straight handle (27) and it will start to move and rotate about the pivot (15). This action will make the curved scythe also to rotate about axle (28) at the pivot (15). The rotary movement thus generated is transferred to the pinion gear (6) engaged to the internal teeth in the curved rack (4) of the scythe. The pinion gear (6) also will rotate. Once the external action on the bag of liquid is relaxed, the force in the spring (3) will cause the scythe and the straight handle (278t 4) to return to its previous position. Simultaneously the liquid (23) in the hydraulic cylinder (7) will start flowing back to the bag (1) through the tube (2). This process will repeat when the external action is present intermittently. The application and removal of the external action on the bag (1) will cause the curved scythe (4) to oscillate about the pivot (15) repeatedly. The pinion gear (6) too will also rotate clockwise and anti-clockwise about the gear axle (14) alternatively. The pawls (17, 19) mounted at the pins (16,18) on the two protrusions (25,26) rigidly fixed to the pinion gear (6) will push the ratchet wheel (20) having internal teeth to rotate. The ratchet wheel (20) mounted on same axis as the pinion gear wheel (6) and a friction wheel (5). The ratchet wheel (20) is rigidly coupled to the friction wheel (5).
However the pawls will limit the rotation of the ratchet wheel (20) to only one direction. The friction wheel (5) mounted on the same axis as ratchet wheel (20) will get the same uni-directional rotary motion as the ratchet wheel (20). The friction pinion (11) is driven by the friction wheel (5). The friction pinion (11) coupled to the shaft of an electrical generator (10) for the generation of electrical energy. The electrical energy thus generated to transmitted through the wires (22) to the storage battery (21). The electrical generator (10) is fixed rigidly on a wooden support (12). The assembly except the bag (1) and the flexible tube (2) is covered using a case (13).
When an external action is applied on the bag intermittently, the system will start to generate electrical energy which will be stored in the battery.
NOMENCLATURE