GB2541870A

GB2541870A - Versatile cylindrical energy converter (VCEC)

Info

Publication number: GB2541870A
Application number: GB1515004.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lancashire Peter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-08-24
Filing date: 2015-08-24
Publication date: 2017-03-08
Also published as: GB201515004D0

Abstract

An electricity generating turbine powered by fluid flow comprises a cylindrical housing with rotors 1a-1e provided therein. Fluid flow through the cylinder turns the rotors causing electricity to be generated. Prior to exiting the rear of the housing the fluid flows through fixed 12 and moveable 14 sound and turbulence attenuating screens comprising barbed netting. The barbed betting may have a feathery characteristic (see figure F). The moveable screens may redirect fluid flow to cool internal components of the turbine. The housing may pivot, with directional fins 11 assisting in turning the housing into the wind. In some embodiments the turbine is fixed to a vehicle or aircraft (see figures H and G), with movement of the vehicle/aircraft causing fluid flow through the cylinder. The fluid is preferably air, and the housing preferably has bird deterring lights 8. The fluid may alternatively be water.

Description

VERSATILE CYLINDRICAL ENERGY CONVERTER 1. Background

The Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter (VCEC) relates to a means which produces clean sustainable energy, for modes of transportation and for creating additional power for commercial or domestic use in to the National Grid. Many of the conventional means of transport are reliant on combustion as are the greater percentage of energy producing power stations, the consequence’s being pollution, noise, negative visual impacts, diminishing natural resources such as fossil fuels, ecological concerns regarding birds and bats along with economics. 2. Statement of Invention

To over come restrictions and concerns placed on other methods, the versatile cylindrical energy converter proposes a tubular double skinned water and soundproof body which houses rota/blades or propellers which are connected to a motor/generator shaft or a free spinning/floating combined rota bearing commentator, with carbon brush/electronic connectors, voltage amplifier/transformer, and a electronic controller box for current change over from battery charging or to main power drive. These are enclosed or fixed in to the VCEC double skinned water and soundproof body. As a unit driven by natural or forward motion wind or water current. The terrestrial or airborne VCEC design has noise and turbulence reduction capabilities in the form of fixed feathered barbed netting filters designed in to it, along with adjustable directional feathered barbed netting turbulence reduction filters attached to the movable cylindrical exhaust tube which are attached at the end of the body. When the VCEC is fitted into an aircrafts fuselage, the exhaust tube is rigid and the adjustable directional feathered barbed turbulence reduction filters have two positions. The first is to allow the spent air out of the VCEC back in to the atmosphere. The second position directs the air flow through to the battery cells air cooling vent, which channels the cool air into ducting to the battery cells, thus aid cooling of power cells during take off and the charging process. The directional tail fins ensure the VCEC’s intake mouth is in the correct position to allow sufficient flow of water or air/wind through the VCEC, thus causing rotation of the rota blades/propeller. The hydro version of the VCEC does not require the turbulence reduction capabilities, feathered barbed netting filters, directional feathered barbed netting turbulence reduction filters or the movable cylindrical exhaust. 3. Advantages

Preferably the Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter can be utilised as stand alone or in close proximity of other VCEC’s or other conventional methods. Where it can continue working when other methods are placed into dormancy due to maintenance measures or low or high wind speeds. The versatility of the Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter means their installation in to different situations, either terrestrial or aquatic has less problematic issues than current methods used and can be produced in varying sizes. The terrestrial VCEC can be installed on raised structures such as buildings, columns, lighthouse’s, existing National Power Grid towers / pylons and coastal cliffs. When utilised as for offshore use, both the hydro or wind powered VCEC can be built with a floatation system and can have numerous units in close proximity to each other. The VCEC design has the inclusion of double skinned insulated noise and shock absorbing tubular body casings. Along with fixed fixing attachments or swivel mounting/cable couplings, which allow the VCEC to be fixed in various positions. The rear of the interior VCEC has a turbulence and noise reduction mesh built-in to it. The rear exterior of the tubular casing has tail fins for wind direction alignment, with remote control and an adjustable directional exhaust vent, which is designed to aid the reduction of turbulence from the exhaust outlet. The hydro version of the VCEC does not require the tail fins, turbulence reduction adjustable exhaust.

The VCEC’s have major advantages when a applied to motor vehicles or aeroplanes. It also has advantages for maritime applications, railway trains or monorails, drones and helicopters. They can be fitted as single or multiple units incorporated in or on to the body work, which produce electrical charge directly or indirectly to motors and by sending power to recharge power pack battery cells.

When a vehicle or vessel is in a forward motion, the Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter allows the flow of water or air into the intake which then rotates the propeller or rota blades that are attached to a main shaft (axle), commutator through to the coils, brushes, stator or a free spinning/floating rota with combined bearing and commentator,. Both which produces the power in the form of electricity that can be used or stored. The VCEC can work in combination with other methods, such as solar panel cells, wave motion cells in the case of marine application.

Motor Vehicles.

The advantages of the VCEC fitted in to electric or hybrid motor vehicles, are that it takes a way the need of combustion and reduces or removes the need of frequent stopping at charging points and a reduced amount of maintenance is required due to less mechanical parts. Also when the vehicle is fitted with multiple VCEC’s and power cells, that are connected to the propulsion unit, along with another to the secondary electrical system (lights, horn & wipers etc), will give vehicles greater travelling distances and a third VCEC sends power into the remaining back up power cells. The electronic controller/switch over unit directs the power from the VCEC’s to the power cells as and when they require charge.

Aeroplanes & Helicopters.

The advantages of Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter externally attached to the wings or when built-in to the fuselage design of a sustainable energy aircraft enable longer flying times, with greater carrying capacities, which can work as a stand alone appliance powering the electric propulsion motors and re-charges power cell batteries. They enable the propulsion motors propellers/rotas and the aerodynamics of the aero plane to create the lift and forward motion which in turn causes the kinetic energy, air to enter the VCEC’s thus produces electrical charge. Also the VCEC’s exhaust tube is rigid when in aircraft fuselage, with the barbed turbulence reduction filters having two positions. One allows the air out of the aeroplane fuselage the other position sends air to cool battery cells to help stop overheating and damage to them. The air is directed through the air cooling vent and ducting where it is then directed back through the exhaust in to the atmosphere. The motors when not driving the propulsion motors have the charging capabilities to charge the power cell units The combination of VCEC’s, battery power cells and solar panels can also insure a continuous energy supply to the propulsion motor or motors whilst in flight.

Trains & Monorail Carriages.

When the VCEC is operational in a train or monorail carriages it can reduce or in some circumstances, eliminate the reliance on electrified tracks or over head cables and can also power interior lighting and doors etc.

Boats, Ships, Hovercrafts & Buoys.

The advantages of the VCEC fitted in to boats, ships or hovercrafts, are that in some cases removes the need of combustion powered engines or at least assists them. Where they can power battery power cells for the propulsion motor and power the secondary electrical systems, navigation instruments, pumps, exterior and interior lights etc. Both hydro VCEC or VCEC can be utilised on boats, ships, buoys etc. 4. Introduction to VCEC Drawings

Examples of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawing: • Figure A. shows the free spinning/floating quadruple combined rota, bearing communtator’s with rigid shaft Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter (VCEC), lb, lc, Id & le rota, 2a, 2b, 2c & 2d. commentator & combined bearing, 3. rigid shaft, 4. rota & shaft securing lock nut, 5. primary motor/generator, 6. primary motor/generator casing, 7. voltage amplifier/transformer, 8. bird deterrent LED lights, 9. noise reduction filling, 10. VCEC inner & outer body casing, 11. directional tail fins, 12, barbed sound & turbulence diffuser netting rings, 13. barbed turbulence directional flaps, 14. barbed turbulence directional flap pivot pins, 15. wind exhaust and 16. carbon brush/electronic connectors. • Figure B. shows the bell mouthed singular Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter (VCEC), la. propeller blades, lb. blade pitch mechanism 2. front bearing, 3. speed reduction weights/gears, 4. shaft, 5. intermediate main shaft bearing, 6. Front air flow deflector shield. 7. primary motor/generator, 9,10 & 11 primary motor/generator casing, 12. rear main shaft bearing, 13. barbed sound & turbulence diffuser netting rings, 14. double skinned sound proved body outer casing, 15. directional tail fins, 16. barbed turbulence directional flaps, 17. exhaust outlet, 18, barbed turbulence directional flap pivot pins, 19, primary motor/generator cooling vents, • Figure C. shows the singular Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter (VCEC). 1. rota, 2. front bearing, 3. speed reduction weights/gears, 4. shaft, 5. intermediate main shaft bearing, 6. Front air flow deflector shield, 7. primary motor/generator, 8,9 & 10 secondary motor/generators casings, 12. rear main shaft bearing, 13. barbed sound & turbulence diffuser netting rings, 14. double skinned sound proved body outer casing, 15. directional tail fins, 16. barbed turbulence directional flaps, 17. exhaust outlet, 18, barbed turbulence directional flap pivot pins, 19, primary motor/generator cooling vents, 20. carbon brush/electronic connectors, 21. voltage amplifier/transformer, 22. current change over switch to batteries or main line, 23. bird deterrent LED lights, 24. rota securing nut fixing. • Figure D. shows the Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter (VCEC) with internal energy multiplying VCEC’s. 1. rota, 2. front bearing, 3. speed reduction weights/gears, 4. shaft, 5. intermediate main shaft bearing, 6. Front air flow deflector shield, 7. primary motor/generator 8. Secondary motor/generators X 4, 9.,10. & 11. primary motor/generator casing, 12. rear main shaft bearing, 13. barbed sound & turbulence diffuser netting rings, 14. double skinned sound proved body outer casing, 15. directional tail fins, 16. barbed turbulence directional flaps, 17. exhaust outlet, 18, barbed turbulence directional flap pivot pins, 19, primary motor/generator cooling vents, , 20. carbon brush/electronic connectors, 21. voltage amplifier/transformer, 22. current change over switch to batteries or main line, 23. bird deterrent LED lights, 24. rota securing nut fixing. • Figure E. shows the Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter (VCEC), with a cross section view of three of three of the four internal energy multiplying VCEC’s. 1. rota, 2. front bearing, 3. speed reduction weights/gears, 4. shaft, 5. intermediate main shaft bearing, 6. Front air flow deflector shield. 7. primary motor/generator, 9.&10. primary motor/generator casing, 12. rear main shaft bearing, 13. barbed sound & turbulence diffuser netting rings, 14. double skinned sound proved body outer casing, 15. directional tail fins, 16. barbed turbulence directional flaps, 17. exhaust outlet, 18, barbed turbulence directional flap pivot pins, 19, primary motor/generator cooling vents, 20. carbon brush/electronic connectors, 21. voltage amplifier/transformer, 22. current change over switch to batteries or main line, 23. bird deterrent LED lights, 24. rota securing nut fixing. • Figure F. shows the Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter (VCEC) 13. barbed sound & turbulence diffuser netting ring panels, 13.a. showing a Bam Owl (Tylo alba) primary wing feather with 13.b. insert showing natures natural barbed sound & turbulence diffuser. • Figure G. shows the Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter (VCEC) potential positioning for l.a. multiple VCEC’s when used for a road vehicle, 2.b. VCEC exhaust outlet. • Figure H. shows the Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter (VCEC) when applied to aeroplanes, l.a. electrical driven propeller motors, 3.c. showing VCEC’s built in to the aeroplane fuselage, 2.b. VCEC’s exhaust outlets. 4.d. showing externally mounted VCEC’s fixed to an aero plane wing. 5.c. shows internally built VCEC’s in close proximity in an aero plane wing. • Figure I. shows the side elevation of the Hydro Versatile Cylindrical Converter (HVCEC) when applied to boats, ships or when fixed to buoys and in a static river bank situation, 1. rota, 2. front bearing, 3. shaft, 4. intermediate main shaft bearing, 5. Front water displacement vents, 6. primary motor/generator, 7. rear main shaft bearing, 8. HVCEC body casing, 9. hydro dynamic conduit securing struts, 10. cabling from motor/generator to the transformer/controller unit, 11. anchor bracket arm and 12. horizontal stabiliser fins. 13. voltage amplifier/transformer, • Figure 1.1/. shows front elevation of the Hydro Versatile Cylindrical Converter (HVCEC) when applied to boats, ships or when fixed to buoys and in a static river bank situation, 1. rota, 3. shaft, 5. Front water displacement vents, 8. HVCEC body casing, 9. hydro dynamic conduit securing struts, 10. cabling from motor/generator to the transformer/controller unit, 11. anchor bracket arm and 12. horizontal stabiliser fins. 13. voltage amplifier/transformer, • Figure 1.2/. shows the side elevation of the incoming & outgoing twin tidal Hydro Versatile Cylindrical Converter (HVCEC) for estuaries and tidal river situations, 1. rota, 2. front bearing, 3. shaft, 4. intermediate main shaft bearing, 5. Front water displacement vents, 6. primary motor/generator, 7. rear main shaft bearing, 8. HVCEC body casing, 9. hydro dynamic conduit securing struts, 10. cabling from motor/generator to the 13. transformer/controller unit, 11. anchor bracket arm and 12. horizontal stabiliser fins. 13. voltage amplifier/transformer and 14. water exhaust portals. 5. Detailed Description

As detailed in the drawings with their accompanying descriptions, the Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converter (VCEC), has a moulded sound proofed cylindrical body casing, that can consist of either singular or multiple wind or water driven water and sound proofed motor generators. Which are secured to the moulded cylindrical body casing, by means of shock absorbing insulated brackets with nuts and bolts. The orifice/aperture in the front of the VCEC body is where the secured rota/blade or free spinning combined rota, bearing communtator are housed. These are attached or rotate around the main shaft, which are linked to the coil and stata by bmshes or electronic contacts. The coil and stata/motor are encased in an water proofed inner moulded insulated body case, that is secured to the VCEC’s double skinned sound proofed outer body casing. The electrical charge which is produced is directed through cables to the voltage amplifier/transformer and to the control box. That allows power to be transferred either directly to battery power packs or main grid line. Or propulsion drive motors when fitted for transportation. The control box enables the transfer of current from a number of power-cells at the same time and reverses the process for the re-charging of power-cells, by means of a change-over switch. To the rear of the motor/generator are the barbed sound & turbulence diffuser netting panels, that are fixed to the double skinned sound proofed body outer casing with screws/lock nuts. At the end of the VCEC body is the adjustable barbed turbulence directional flap panels that are attached to the remote controlled movable exhaust outlet with pivot pins which are seated in to both sides of the exhausts casing. Situated at the rear third of the moulded cylindrical body casing are movable directional tail fins, that can locked or turned remotely when conducting maintenance of the VCEC. The hydro version of the HVCEC does not require the turbulence reduction capabilities, feathered barbed netting filters, directional feathered barbed netting turbulence reduction filters or the movable cylindrical exhaust.

When the Versatile Cylindrical Energy Converters (VCEC), are used for aeroplanes or road vehicles and vessels they can be built in to the fabric of the vehicles body work or mounted externally. All the details as in the detailed description for VCEC are relevant. The drawings G.& H. relate to the VCEC positions in aeroplane fuselage and a road vehicles body work.

Claims

1. A versatile cylindrical energy converter proposes a tubular double skinned soundproof body which houses rota/blades or propellers connected to a water proofed motor/generator, transformer electronic controller box that are enclosed in to the VCEC double skinned soundproof body, that has directional tail fins at the rear to ensure the VCEC’s intake aperture/mouth is in the correct position to allow flow of natural or forward motion air/wind that powers the motor/generator which then travels through the fixed noise/turbulence reduction barbed netting filter panels and through the adjustable directional turbulence filters which are attached to the movable or rigid cylindrical exhaust.

2. A single or multiple versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claim 1 has a sound proofed moulded body casing which amplifies wind through the front aperture of varying sizes into rota/blades of varying sizes, causing them to rotate which drives an electrical motor/generator, that allows power to be transferred either directly to appliance’s or battery power packs or Power Grid, or propulsion drive motors when fitted for transportation, all which have barbed sound & turbulence diffuser netting panels, that are fixed to the double skinned cylindrical energy converter sound proofed body casing.

3. A versatile cylindrical energy converter casing according to claim 1 & 2 can contain one or more electrical motor/generators which direct current through a voltage amplifier/transformer, then to the control box a either directly to the Grid or power pack cells or in aeroplane or road vehicles directly to propulsion motors or power pack cells.

4. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claim 1 to 3 containing one or more electrical motor/generators also supply power to the remote controlled adjustable barbed turbulence directional flap panels, movable exhaust outlet, front aperture LED bird deterrent lights and movable directional tail fins which enable the cylindrical energy converter to point in the direction of the oncoming wind and turn out of the wind when needed to allow off line maintenance work to be implemented.

5. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claim 1 to 4 has a sound proof, shock absorbing inner core of keflon or similar materials between the fuselage casings that are constructed of metal or carbon fibre as does the primary motor/generator casings and secondary motor/generator casings when fitted.

6. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claim 1 to 5 are fitted with a wind deflector shield at the front section of the primary motor/generator casing, which have air cooling vents in its design.

7. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claims 1 to 6 have the drive shafts travelling through with no less than three self lubricating bearings and at the front bearing may be fitted with speed reduction gears or governing weights mechanism.

8. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claims 1 to 7 when fitted with a propeller may also be fitted with blade pitch adjustment mechanism which aids maintenance to be carried out on the VCEC.

9. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claims 1 to 8 have anti bird strike LED lights fitted around the front aperture, and along the section of the VCEC turbulence reduction panels fitted, as well as the direction exhaust, both which are designed to help reduce turbulence related bird or bat casualties.

10. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claims 1 to 9 when constructed with singular or multiple free spinning/floating combined rotas, produces electric current from the winds kinetic energy which is transferred to the primary motor generator where it is then directed to power cells, power grid or propulsion drive motors.

11. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claims 1 to 10 when fitted either which in to the a road vehicle’s body work or as an external rigid fixture or detachable unit, enable the vehicle a continuous means of charging the power cells or power the propulsion drive motor when the vehicle is in forward motion.

12. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claims 1 to 11 when built-in to the body or wing fuselage in conjunction with electrical propeller driven motors, the VCEC charges the power cells or powers the propulsion propeller motors.

13. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claimsl to 12 when built-in to the body or wing fuselage in conjunction with electrical propeller driven motors, the VCEC exhaust tube has rigid adjustable directional feathered barbed turbulence reduction filters that have two positions. One allows the spent air out of the VCEC The second position directs the air flow through to the battery cells air cooling vent, to aid cooling of power cells during take off and the charging process.

14. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claims 1 to 13 when applied to floatation system for marine applications can work in conjunction with wave motion for the production of power.

15. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claims 1 to 14 can be incorporated in to trains, monorails, boats, ships helicopters, drones and hovercrafts designs as a means of power production.

16. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claims 1 to 15 can be fitted with rotational coupling mountings, with cable conduits which are located on the bottom, sides or top of the VCEC sound proofed moulded body casing around its central circumference sections.

17. A versatile cylindrical energy converter according to claims 1 to 16 when utilised in a terrestrial environment can be attached to existing structures such as electricity towers/pylons, wind turbine columns, buildings, lighthouses and cliff-tops.

18. A hydro versatile cylindrical energy converter (HVCEC) according to claims 1 to 17 consists of a tubular body with two or more hydrodynamic conduit securing struts, when used externally on vessels or as part of the fixings on river banks. When the HVCEC is used for a vessel or in a static situation the tubular body has horizontal stabiliser fins fitted. There is a propeller blade or multiple blades for tidal uses attached to the main shaft or shafts which extends in to the singular or multiple motor/generators, that are encased in a water proof resin body casing. This is same for the cabling from the motor/generator that travels through the hydrodynamic conduit securing stmts to the transformer/controller unit, where the power produced is sent, either directly to the propulsion motor or to power cells.