Description

The present invention is directed to an energy conversion device and an energy conversion method. Such devices are known from the state of the art and allow the conversion between different kinds of energy as for example from mechanical energy to electrical energy.

One example of energy conversion devices are solar cells or respective plants. However, every photovoltaic system requires an inverter. The main task of the inverter is to convert the direct current generated by the solar panels into alternating current. For some years now, inverters have also had to take on some additional control tasks in order to improve the integration of photovoltaics into the power grid. These inverters come with losses. However, the inverter is often the device with the lowest lifetime in such plants.

More into detail, the present invention, as expressed in the title of this specification, refers to an electrical energy machine that consists of the development of a system of existing components, such as alternating current generators, electrical transformers, concrete, steel, and so on.

This power generation and/or conversion system is an ecological system since no type of fuel, steam boilers or other type of machinery is comprised that is driven by petroleum- derived fuels for power generation. The system comprises a rotary movement, slow, preferably between 3 and 8 RPM, especially with gear boxes. The system is called SYSTEM FOR HORIZONTAL ROTATION WITH LEVITATION ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATION since it will be mounted on steel rails, and on these rails the aforementioned levitation system will preferably slide. The driving force of the rotation movement will be through high-propulsion electric motors, which will be preferably powered by batteries with high accumulated energy power.

The system, or generator, is preferably mounted on steel rails that will be supported on the walls of two high-resistance (concrete) rings, formed by two walls; both walls forming a circular channel that will be filled with liquid or specific fluids that are friendly to the environment, which will serve for the sliding of electric motors driven by fast propulsion systems and energized with direct current from batteries.

The aforementioned generator can be preferably installed on the ground at a predetermined elevation, for example elevation of between 6meters and 30meters, preferably 8 meters and 20 and preferably between 10 meters and 15 meters and preferably 12 meters above the surface.

The land area will be preferably approximately 10,000 m2 or according to the size of the project, considering that each project could vary in capacity and size, since it could range between 500kw and 10,000kW or more.

The images attached give us an idea of how the invention works, as a horizontal rotation electric power system for commercial use.

For the construction of this project, civil and industrial works and a variety of industrial equipment will be used, among which may be industrial-size metal turning lathes, industrial hydraulic presses, industrial laser metal cutters, industrial arc welders, 50 and 150 Tons, among others. Water will be needed, so preferably one or two water wells etc. will be drilled.

Below a preferred list of parts and equipment that will be necessary for the construction of the work is disclosed:

1650 KW generator Transformer bank of different ranges

Network connection box (one)

Gearboxes (3 units)

Modulators of different types (3 units)

Propulsion equipment (3 units)

Machinery for arching rails

Railroad rails - various

Steel rail holders

Levitation equipment capacity 80 tons

Concrete sleepers for supports (rails) marine electrical cable of different sizes

Stainless steel pear shot

Stainless steel sheets of different calibers

Industrial stainless steel staples

Stainless steel screws of different sizes

2 tons Copper cables 4 zeros

1 ton of cables 2 zeros

120 connectors for 4 zero cables

Connector pressing equipment

Poles for power lines of 45 feet 8 units

Crossings for high voltage power lines

Bottom retainers for power line poles

4-zero aluminum cable for power lines

24 buckets of 5 gallons of epoxy resin

24 buckets of 5 gallons of epoxy paint

6000 gallons of organic fluid for mixing with water

Induction cables AFL-B430 80

ARC-NET Cable 1 ,5mw 9 Units

Cable A18-1700 W9 1.75mw Network connection box

Background of the invention

There are some types of practices and models such as magnetic levitation, which is an electromagnetic system which has been and is used in trains in Asia and Europe, which we are implementing in a preferred version in our electric power generation system to avoid fractionation and facilitate rotary movement.

Another technology that has been considered as a source of inspiration for this project, and that is important to understand, is Wind energy, since part of it is also an integral part of the implements to be configured in the development of this electrical energy system.

Also the propulsion system that already exists and that is used in boats, yachts, ships, etc., and that in this case will be configured for the start-up or start-up of the equipment by means of impelling, creating draft force by navigation within the ring, or channel with the fluids, using direct current from batteries, with great power by accumulating energy.

Another applicable background is the gearboxes that are used for various types of machinery, such as mining mills, agricultural tractors, hydraulic turbine generators, railway trains and others. All this equipment, as we already know, exists, the difference is that the invention will become unique, since there is no such configuration of various equipment to be part of a set of machinery which will become a single generator called SYSTEM FOR ENERGY GENERATION ELECTRIC HORIZONTAL ROTATION WITH LEVITATION.

The energy system that in this case we are defending as our own invention can be installed on any flat terrain in this case without the need for large tributaries of water or high wind flows, since the organic fluid with water mixture only needs to be refilled as part of the maintenance for low levels caused by evaporation. The project may be installed in non- perishable areas due to natural phenomena such as hurricanes, floods or earthquakes, since it makes it easier for us to determine the terrain with the correct topographical characteristics.

The project is preferably designed so that it can be built in our country, Honduras, using 100% hand of national work, it can be built in the country without any problem, likewise, its maintenance, which can also be done with local labor.

The power plant will be capable of generating from 500kw to 10,000kw and may be installed or built anywhere in the country or the world, as previously indicated, it may be built mostly with local materials such as cement, stone, sand, iron, and many other elements that can be purchased in the country. This ecological energy generation system will be of great benefit to the country, even to other countries in the hemisphere. The project itself is of great scope in size, but of high efficiency, in energy generation of not complex construction, but of a lot of investment.

DESCRIPTION OF ONE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A large circumference concrete ring of between 50 and 150 meters in external diameter will be created, formed by two concrete walls in the form of a ring, both rings in a vertical position are joined by a third horizontal one on the lower edges of the former, these three walls together form a channel which will be flooded with fluids "not harmful to the environment, and when mixed with water, it will become a liquid of higher density and very low evaporation, [ARE THERE EXAMPLES OF THEESE LIQUIDS ?] in which the propulsion system will be positioned to create the necessary force for the traction required to achieve the proper movement and thus generate electrical energy. To achieve such a necessary force using the method M = f * d (the moment)

The propulsion system will be in charge of performing the necessary torsion force for the generation of energy through the generator installed in the middle of the aforementioned concrete ring. The propulsion system will rotate the rotor at a speed not greater than 8rpm and not less than 3rpm, the entire system being synchronized with the gearboxes mentioned on page (1). The gearboxes are multiplier boxes whose ratios range between 65 to 98 rpm, in order to achieve 1800 rpm, which are necessary to generate 60hz.

The type of generators that can be used will be traditional AC alternating current power generators, with variable voltages from 110v to 480v, obviously it can be any other type of voltage and hertz, either 50hz from 220V to 500V etc. Everything will depend on the generator that is installed in the system.

What is being protected in this case is exclusively the invention of the assembly that includes the Horizontal Rotation System with Levitation, and this refers to the following: (1) The concrete rings invented for the purpose of navigation of the propulsion system that form a set: rings, fluids and propulsion. (2) The horizontal system method, which consists of the large turbine rotor of great size, oscillating in a radius of 40 to 75 meters or more if it were the case. (3) The existing levitation system, but specifically applicable to this particular system since it will work in a circular closed circuit, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. (4). The propulsion system that pulls the rotor to make it rotate on the rails, the concrete rings that form the navigation channel of the channeled system by means of fluids mixed with water.

A power conversion device according to the invention comprises a liquid-filled channel, wherein this channel is ring-shaped, the device further having a propulsion device capable of moving within that channel, wherein the propulsion device has at least one driving device for moving the propulsion device relative to the channel along a circular path, wherein the device further comprises a generator device, having further a rotatable element located in a geometrical center of the ring-shaped channel, wherein this rotatable element is connected mechanically to the generator device or is a part of a generator device and wherein this rotatable element is further connected mechanically by a connection element to the first propulsion device, so that the movement of the propulsion device relative to the channel causes a rotation of the rotatable element.

The device allows the power conversion into an AC voltage. One of the drawbacks of for example solar cells is that the generate DC current which then (in order to be used) needs to be changed into AC current by so called converters.

In a preferred embodiment the rotatable element is a rotatable shaft connected at least indirectly to the generator device and especially a (first) rotor of the generator. Preferably this rotatable element extends in a vertical direction.

In another preferred embodiment the connection element is a connection arm and or a connection wing. This connection arm preferably extends in a radial direction of the channel. Preferably the connection element is made out of light material as for example plastic. Especially the connection element is made out of fiberglass, resin and/or plastic (especially 11- 16%).

In another embodiment the connection element has the shape of a wind wheel. In this embodiment the rotation of the connection element can be used to create a force in an upward direction and or to additionally levitate the connection element. In another preferred embodiment the propulsion device is constructed such as to float with little resistance inside the channel. Especially the propulsion device is constructed with the outer shape of a vessel especially the outer shape of a speed boat.

In another preferred embodiment the propulsion device has a shape which is adapted to the shape of the channel. In a preferred embodiment the propulsion device can have a curved shape with a radius of the curvature which is adapted to the radius of the channel. Also in this way the friction can be reduced.

Furthermore the device comprises a current generation device for the liquid inside the channel. In a preferred embodiment the water from the above mentioned reservoir can also be used for generating a current inside the channel and especially a current in the same direction in which also the propulsion devices move with respect to the channel.

Preferably this current generation device comprises a plurality of nozzles arranged on the inner and/or the outer wall delimiting the channel and orientated such that a current is produced.

In another preferred embodiment the device comprises a water introduction device for introducing water inside the channel. In a preferred embodiment the device further comprises a storage tank to store water. Preferably this storage tank is located on a higher level than the mentioned channel.

In another embodiment this storage tank can be filled with rain water and or there is a guiding system that guides rain water into the storage tank.

This additional water reservoir and/or storage tank can be used to refill the channel with water to a desired level. In this manner, the level of the liquid inside the channel can be maintained in a desired range.

Preferably the water reservoir is located at a higher level than the channel. In this wav the channel can be filled to the desired level without the need of additional pump. Preferably the water reservoir is at least 5 meters higher than the channel, preferably at least 10 meters higher and preferably at least 15 meters higher. In another embodiment the device has a control system to control the level of the water inside the channel. The water tank can be used to transport water inside the channel especially if the level of water inside the channel is too low.

Should the level fall below a desired threshold, a filling of the channel from the reservoir can be initiated for example by a corresponding valve.

Also, in case the level of the liguid inside the channel is too high, the control device can allow for a release of the liquid from the channel.

In another channel the channel has a radius bigger than 10 meters, preferably bigger than 20 meters, preferably bigger than 30 meters, preferably bigger than 40 meters. In another preferred embodiment the channel has a radius smaller than 150m, preferably smaller than 120 meters, preferably smaller than 100meters and preferably smaller than 80 meters

In another preferred embodiment the drive device for driving the propulsion device is an electro motor connected to screw, especially a ship screw.

In another preferred embodiment the channel comprises two vertical walls which are arranged preferably in a predetermined distance (in the radial direction of the channel) to each other. Preferably this distance is greater than 20cm, preferably greater than 40cm, preferably greater than 60cm, preferably greater than 80cm and preferably greater than 100cm. In another preferred embodiment this distance is smaller than 500cm, preferably smaller than 400cm, preferably smaller than 300cm and preferably smaller than 200cm.

In another preferred embodiment the depth of the channel is smaller than 2meters, preferably smaller then 1 ,5meters, preferably smaller than 1 meter. In another preferred embodiment the depth of the channel is bigger than 20cm, preferably bigger then 30cm, preferably bigger than 40cm and preferably bigger than 50cm

The dimensions of the channel are preferably designed to meet two meet two reguirements.

On one side the total surface of the liguid inside channel should be kept small to reduce the effect of evaporation. On the other hand the channel should have a certain size such that the stream caused by the propulsion device is not too large.

In another preferred embodiment connection element is connected to the rotatable element by a joint which allows the swivelling of the connecting element in a plane which is made up by a radial direction of the channel and the vertical direction

IN another preferred embodiment the connection element is connected to propulsion device by a second joint. In this manner friction and mechanical loads can reduced. However it might also be possible that the connection element has a certain flexibility so as to allow to compensate minor changes in the filling level of the channel.

In another preferred embodiment the device comprises at least one solar cell. This solar cell could be mounted on an upper surface of the connection element. The energy generated by this solar cell could be used to additionally charge the battery that drives the drive of the propulsion device.

Furthermore solar cells could be arranged inside the Channel. This further solar cells could be used to power other energy consuming devices like valves that control the filling level inside the channel, little pumps that fill the channel, or control devices for the whole systems. Also these further solar cells could be used to additionally power the batteries of the propulsion device.

Furthermore these solar cells could be used to power and control a magnetic levitation device that levitates the connection elements and/or the propulsion device.

In a preferred embodiment the device has a cooling device for cooling the solar cells and/or for electronic components. As known from the state in the art, solar cells have an ideal operating temperatures. Since solar cells are semiconductor elements, they tend to decrease in efficiency with increasing temperatures. It is therefore suggested to provide a cooling device for cooling the solar cells and/or electronic components.

Also the cooling device can be arranged to cool the electro magnets which are used for levitation. device which means that water is used as a The invention has the that the channel and/or the water reservoir contain water in an amount which is sufficient to be used as a at least one heat which is cou- to the solar cells. Should a of the solar cell be hi than a threshold, the water of the channel and/or the reservoir can be uses to cool down the solar cells. sensors for sensing a of the solar cells are device a plurality of fluid connections to to cool the solar cells with water from the channel and/or the water reservoir.

In another preferred embodiment the device has a magnetic levitation device to lift the connecting element and/or the propulsion device. This magnetic levitation device can comprise a guide rail, which is preferably ring shaped and which is preferably mounted on one of the walls delimiting the channel. The levitation device can comprise a plurality of electromagnets which perform in a manner known from the state of the art a levitation of the propulsion devices.

This guide rail can comprise a magnetic element and especially a plurality of electromagnets. In this way the magnetic element can work according to the principle of am elevated commuter train. However, the weight of the connecting arms and the propulsion device is much lighter than that of a commuter train. In this way the friction forces of the system can be reduced.

In a further preferred embodiment the device comprises a water collector. As mentioned above, rain water can be collected especially to feed the channel.

In another preferred embodiment the device comprises maintenance channels through which an operate can access the center of the device and especially the area in which is arranged the generator device. Especially these channels are arranged in the ground of the device such that the operator can also access the device during operation. In another preferred embodiment the first propulsion device is designed such as to float inside the liquid inside the channel, especially without touching walls limiting the channel.

Preferably the propulsion device is shaped streamlined

In another preferred embodiment the first propulsion device comprises an energy source for feeding electrical energy to the driving device, wherein preferably the energy source comprises at least one out of a battery, a solar cell and a fuel cell. It is also conceivable that several energy sources are used, for example a solar cell to power the battery.

In another preferred embodiment the device comprises at least a second propulsion device and a second connection element for mechanically connecting this second propulsion device to the rotatable element.

Preferably the second propulsion device is constructed as the first propulsion device. In another preferred embodiment also a third propulsion device is comprised.

In a preferred embodiment all propulsion devices are distributed equally along the channel (in the circumferential direction of the channel).

In another preferred embodiment the power conversion device comprises a gearing arranged between the rotatable element and the generator. Preferably this gearing serves to upshift the rotational speed of the rotatable element to an input shaft of the generator

In another preferred embodiment the channel is made of concrete. Especially the channel or at least one channel wall also serves as a support of a guiding rail to guide the connection arm(s)

In another preferred embodiment the channel is at least partially covered by a covering element. In this way the evaporation can be reduced. It is possible that this covering element itself comprises a circumferential gap inside which the propulsion device can move.

It is also possible that the propulsion element is mounted to the connection arm with a swordlike element, which extends in the vertical direction and which extends through the gap formed in the covering element. In this manner the cover of the channel can be almost closed and only leaves a small gap.

In a preferred embodiment the cover is mounted on propulsion device and therefore moves with the propulsion device. Furthermore the cover could be arranged partially between two propulsion devices.

In a preferred embodiment the cover is made out of light material. Also natural materials found for example in Honduras could be used for the cover. Also on the cover solar cells could be mounted.

In another embodiment the channel is arranged at least partially inside the ground. In another embodiment the channel extends in a horizontal plain.

In another preferred embodiment the power conversion device comprises at least one guiding element to guide the movement of the connection element with respect to the channel.

As mentioned above this guiding element could be a guiding rail mounted on one of the walls limiting the channel.

As mentioned above, the power conversion device comprises preferably a plurality of solar cells arranged preferably inside an outer wall of the channel.

In another preferred embodiment the device comprises at least one wind wheel connected mechanically to a generator and preferably to the above mentioned generator. Preferably an axis of rotation of this wind wheel extends in a horizontal direction. Preferably this axis of rotation itself also is able to rotate inside an horizontal plan to adjust to wind conditions. In this way the device can make use of several energy forms to convert them into electrical energy.

In another embodiment the generator has two rotors wherein one rotor is preferably connected to the rotatable element which is driven by the propulsion device and the other rotor is driven by the wind wheel. These two rotors are preferably driven around the same rotational axis which preferably extends the vertical direction. Preferably the two rotors are driven in different directions so as to increase the relative rotational speeds between the rotors.

Furthermore the generator may comprise a stator which is preferably arranged between the two rotors along the rotational axis of the rotors.

In this way the invention can use several sources to convert energy, especially solar energy and wind energy. Also, as mentioned above, water energy can be used.

In another preferred embodiment the device comprises a current generating device which generates a current of the liquid inside the channel, especially in the direction in which the propulsion device moves along the channel.

In cases, in which a flowing water is located close to the device, the flow can be used to generate a flow inside the channel. For this purpose the flow channel might comprise nozzles arranged on the inside of a wall limiting the channel, especially the outer wall and being directed in the moving direction of the propulsion device so as to create a stream inside the channel

The present invention is furthermore directed to a power conversion method wherein a liquid- filled channel is provided, wherein this channel is ring-shaped, the device further having a propulsion device which moves within said channel along a circumferential moving path, wherein the propulsion device has at least one driving device that moves the propulsion device relative to the channel along the circular path, wherein the device further comprises a generator device having further a rotatable element located in a geometrical center of the ring-shaped channel, wherein this rotatable element is connected mechanically to the generator device or is a part of a generator device and wherein this rotatable element is further connected mechanically by a connection element to the first propulsion device, so that the movement of the propulsion device relative to the channel rotates the rotatable element.

The electric power generation system is a renewable energy generating plant that is capable of generating from 500kw to 10,000kw. It is a system of horizontal rotation especially with levitation. It is built by a set of various parts and equipment, among which are mentioned: the generator, transformers, propulsion equipment, magnetic levitation equipment, electrical wir- ing, rotor with dimensions especially between 40 and 75 meters in radius with minimum speeds of for example 3 rpm and a maximum of for example 8 rpm with outputs of 1800 rpm generating from 110v and 60hz will have a permanent consumption of 25% of energy for the permanent recharging of the mostly vehicular lithium battery bank.

The maintenance of the system will be carried out every 250 hours of continuous work with qualified and trained personnel in the same facilities of each project, said maintenance is basically alignment of the set of propulsion equipment, inspection of bearings, magnetic levitation system, care of the level of the fluid of the flooded canal, progress sensors, etc.

This invention is highly beneficial for humanity and especially for Hondurans, since it is the invention of a Honduran and the beneficiary will be the country and its population. It should be noted that this invention has been developing for the last 8 years, considering that the highest percentage of project design is finished.

Further advantages and aspects of the invention will be discussed in the figures. Therein show:

Fig. 1 a schematic drawing of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 a drawing of a guide rail for the connection element;

Fig. 3 another drawing of a guide device for the connection element;

Fig. 4 a view of the channel with a propulsion device;

Fig. 5a - d four drawings for a clamping device for attaching the guide rail to the channel;

Fig. 6a-d four drawings of a propulsion device;

Fig. 7 a drawing for illustrating the rail; and

Fig. 8 a cross sectional view of the rail Fig. 1 shows a schematic drawing of a device 1 according to the invention. The device comprises a large channel 2 which is made up of an outer circular wall and an inner circular wall 24. Inside this channel a liquid is arranged (not shown).

Three propulsion devices 4a, 4b and 4c float inside the liquid in the channel 2. The propulsion devices 4a, 4b, 4c are driven such that they move here in the clockwise direction.

The reference numerals 8a, 8b, 8c denote three connection elements which connect the propulsion device to a rotatable element 6. Therefor the rotatable element is rotated also in the clockwise direction.

The rotatable device is connected to a generator 10. A gearing 11 is arranged between the rotatable element and the generator.

Inside the inner channel a plurality of solar cells might be arranged. The power produced by the solar cells might be used to power the propulsion device. The power could be transferred to the propulsion devices by electrical connections arranged on the two walls 22, 24.

Also solar cells could be mounted on the connection elements and therefore also be arranged in a rotatable manner.

Fig. 2 shows a guide rail mounted on the inner wall delimiting the channel. This guide rail preferably comprises a plurality of magnetical elements which serve for levitation of the connecting elements. The reference numeral 40 denotes a clamp device clamping the rain 32 to the inner wall 24.

The reference numeral 26 denotes a floor limiting the channel 2.

In Fig. 3 also the outer wall 22 is shown. It can be seen that the channel has the shape of an open rectangle.

Fig. 4 shows another view of the channel 2 with a propulsion device 4a. The propulsion device is only shown schematically. In a preferred embodiment the propulsion device has a boat-like shape so as to move more easily inside the channel. Also in a preferred embodi- ment the propulsion device will not extend completely between the inner wall and the outer wall limiting the channel.

Figs. 5a - 5d show the mounting element 40 for mounting the guide rail to the inner wall 24 or the outer wall 22 delimiting the channel. The mounting element 40 comprises a carrier 46 which can be mounted with a screw 42 and a screw nut 48 to the channel wall 24 or 22. The reference numeral 44 denotes a clamp that serves to clamp the guide rail.

Figs 6a-6d show a propulsion device 4a. The propulsion device contains a housing or a vessel 58 inside which two motors 52 are arranged which drive two screws. In another preferred embodiment only one motor 52 and one screw are provided. Reference numeral 54 denotes a battery for driving the motor(s) 52.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a rail 32 and a platform 15 in the center of the device. The rail 32 preferably is composed of several sections. The number of sections is preferably between 2 and 40, preferably between 4 and 30, preferably between 6 and 20, preferably between 8 and 15 and preferably between 10 and 12. These sections can be clamped to the walls of the channel.

Preferably the rails are made of iron or steel.

The reference numeral 15 denotes a platform on which the stationary parts of the device are arranged, was for example the generator and the gearbox.

This platform 15 can furthermore be used to carry a wind wheel in a conventional manner. This windwheel can further convert wind energy for rotating a rotor of the generator or drive second generator.

Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the rail 32. This rail 32 comprises a heat 32a and a wall member 32b. Furthermore the rail comprises a base part 32a.

Reference numeral 32d denotes a an extrusion in which an element of the connecting arm can run. The guide rail can comprise a plurality of electric magnets which serve for levirating the connection elements (not shown). Furthermore a plurality of electric magnets can be provided for driving the arm. The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are new compared to the prior art, either individually or in combination. It is also pointed out that the individual figures also describe features that can be advantageous in and of themselves. The person skilled in the art recognizes immediately that a specific feature described in a figure can also be advantageous without adopting further features from this figure. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art recognizes that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual figures or in different figures.