Eccentrically rotating mass turbine

Abstract

A turbine comprises a shaft (20), a mass (10) eccentrically mounted for rotation about shaft (20), having its center of gravity at a distance from the shaft (20) and a motion base (15). Motion base (15) rigidly supports the shaft (20), and is configured for moving the shaft (20) in any direction of at least two degrees of movement freedom, except for heave. A floating vessel-turbine (120), encloses entirely the eccentrically rotating mass (10) and the motion base (15). The turbine converts ocean wave energy into useful energy, very efficiently.

Claims

1. A turbine comprising: a pivoting platform pivoting about a horizontal axis, pivotally supported by a pivot; a shaft having a main axis perpendicular to said pivoting platform, being rigidly supported by said pivoting platform in a position where said main axis crosses said horizontal axis; a mass eccentrically and bearing mounted for rotation about said shaft on a rotational plane perpendicular to said shaft; said mass having a center of gravity at a distance from said shaft; and a motion base comprising: a base support pivoting about a base horizontal axis for supporting said pivot, said pivoting platform, said shaft and said mass for rotation, a base pivot for pivotally supporting said base support, a fixed base for securing said base pivot, at least one actuator connecting said base support to said fixed base for pivoting said base support in relation to said fixed base.

2. The turbine of claim 1 further including: at least one additional actuator connecting said pivoting platform to said base support for pivoting said pivoting platform in relation to said base support.

3. The turbine of claim 1 further including: an electrical generator having a rotor in rotational communication with said mass and a stator supported on said pivoting platform.

4. A turbine comprising: a pivoting platform pivoting about a horizontal axis, pivotally supported by a pivot; a shaft having a main axis perpendicular to said pivoting platform, being rigidly supported by said pivoting platform in a position where said main axis crosses said horizontal axis; a mass eccentrically and bearing mounted for rotation about said shaft on a rotational plane perpendicular to said shaft; said mass having a center of gravity at a distance from said shaft; and a motion base comprising: a submerged buoy base for supporting, entirely enclosed, said pivot, said pivoting platform, said shaft and said mass, an underwater fixed platform secured on the ocean floor, at least one pivoting hinge having a fixed end securely attached on said underwater fixed platform and a free end, being oriented to provide pivoting in a pitch direction, a buoyant panel disposed directly above said underwater fixed platform to receive ocean wave surge forces, and upright beam means for connecting said at least one hinge free end to said buoyant panel and securely supporting said submerged buoy base proximate to said underwater fixed platform; said horizontal axis is arranged to be substantially parallel to ocean wave surge, whereby ocean wave surge moves said buoyant panel and pivots said submerged buoy base and said shaft, causing said mass to start rotating.

5. The turbine of claim 4 further including: an electrical generator having a rotor in rotational communication with said mass and a stator supported on said pivoting platform.

6. A turbine comprising: a pivoting platform pivoting about a horizontal axis, pivotally supported by a pivot; a shaft having a main axis perpendicular to said pivoting platform, being rigidly supported by said pivoting platform in a position where said main axis crosses said horizontal axis; a mass eccentrically and bearing mounted for rotation about said shaft on a rotational plane perpendicular to said shaft; said mass having a center of gravity at a distance from said shaft; a floating vessel having a floor and a roof, said floating vessel being in communication with ocean waves in a direction of oncoming waves; said pivot being supported by said floor of said floating vessel; said pivoting platform being arranged for a limited range of pivoting; said roof entirely enclosing said pivoting platform, said pivot, said mass and said shaft for protection from ocean water; a floating tube means firmly attached to said floating vessel, for keeping said floating vessel substantially horizontal when floating in still water; mooring means for mooring said floating vessel in the ocean and for substantially aligning said pivoting platform horizontal axis with said wave direction, so that said floating vessel reciprocates due to said waves in a pitch motion in said wave direction, while said pivoting platform limited range of pivoting is carried out in a roll rotation; whereby said pitch motion inclines said vessel and said shaft, and sets said mass in said mass rotation.

7. The turbine of claim 6 further including: an electrical generator having a rotor in rotational communication with said mass and a stator supported on said pivoting platform.

8. The turbine of claim 6 further including: cushioning means for protecting said floor and said pivoting platform while pivoting.

Description

LIST OF FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbine utilizing the eccentrically rotating mass at an instant of a beneficial inclination.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbine utilizing a vertical u-joint motion base.

(3) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbine in the ocean protected from harsh conditions in a vessel.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbine utilizing a pivoting support for the eccentrically rotating mass.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbine utilizing a pivot support for the eccentrically rotating mass with an actuator.

(6) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an axial flux electromagnetic rotational generator used with the turbine.

(7) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbine in a near-shore underwater operation.

(8) FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbine operating in the ocean utilizing a pivoting support for the eccentrically rotating mass.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) The present disclosure describes a turbine, utilizing a mass, eccentrically mounted for rotation, about a shaft in a perpendicular to shaft's main axis, plane. The mass has its center of gravity at a distance from the shaft. The mass rotation is facilitated with the use of bearings. The shaft, in one preferred embodiment, has a vertical non-operative position and is supported rigidly, not to rotate, on a moving platform of a motion base. In operation, the motion base provides to the shaft translational and/or rotational movements at a limited range of motion, causing the shaft to deviate from its initial vertical position. In another, preferred, embodiment the shaft is supported by a pivoting platform supported by a pivot, providing pivoting to the pivoting platform about a horizontal axis. The pivot is fixed on a second platform which limits the pivoting range of the pivoting platform to a small angle. The second platform is a motion base of the synergistic or stacked type. Shaft's deviation from the vertical position generates gravitational forces on the mass, which cause its rotation. Also, acceleration, deceleration and stopping of the shaft, generates inertial forces. The turbine disclosed can utilize both gravitational and inertial forces to have its mass rotate.

(10) The turbine described, herein, can be used in land or offshore on a dedicated vessel or other ships, near-shore under the surface of the water or on shore, with great efficiencies. A control system with sensors may also be included to optimize the mass' angular momentum, by controlling the gravitational and/or inertial forces provided by the shaft to the mass. In ocean applications the control system, in addition, monitors the characteristics of the current wave, and if needed, the upcoming wave's as well, by having sensors disposed on the ocean surface, in proximity to the vessel-turbine. The control system monitors the mass' rotational parameters, such as angular velocity and momentum as well as the current and/or the upcoming wave characteristics, such as height, period and speed. It also monitors the upcoming possible shaft position, such as elevation, angle, rotational or translational speed or acceleration depending on the characteristics of the monitored waves. The load of turbine from compressor applications or electrical generation, is also monitored. The ocean control system compensates undesirable upcoming up-hills and creates the conditions for down-hills instead, by moving the shaft's position, accordingly.

(11) Multiple controlled movements of the shaft can benefit the mass' rotation. However, at minimum, the movement of the shaft in the directions of at least two degrees of freedom can generate sufficient forces to the shaft for a powerful mass rotation, substantially more beneficial from the mass rotation that would have been derived by providing forces to move the shaft in the directions of only one degree of freedom. For example, it is more beneficial to surge and roll the shaft, within the same cycle, instead of only applying one of the two rotations. Similarly, it is more beneficial to provide pitch and roll or surge and pitch to the shaft, instead of only one movement from the pair of movements, mentioned, per cycle. Movements in the directions of heave would require substantial inclinations of the shaft to be beneficial, and is not being examined in the present disclosure. Below, the beneficial combinations by two are examined:

(12) 1) All combinations, by two, of R.sub.x, R.sub.y, R.sub.z. Pitch and Roll can create down-hills which help the rotating mass' angular momentum. When a down-hill travel of the mass is over, the difficulty of an up-hill, for the rotation, may begin. Yaw rotational motion applied to the mass can provide the additional push, to add to the mass' angular momentum and help it overcome this difficulty.

(13) 2) T.sub.x-R.sub.y, T.sub.y-R.sub.x, T.sub.x-R.sub.x, T.sub.y-R.sub.y. Similarly to the above, Surge can fortify the rotating mass to overcome an up-hill created by Roll and Sway can help overcome an up-hill created from Pitch. Similarly, Surge and Pitch provide more angular momentum, through inertial and gravitational forces, in comparison to applying only one them. The same holds for Sway and Roll.

(14) 3) All combinations of T.sub.x, T.sub.y, R.sub.z. Surge and Sway can maintain a powerful angular momentum of a mass through inertial forces, without necessarily needing a down-hill benefit. Of course, a down-hill benefit can be added to them as an extra help, but this is the at least two list! Similarly, Yaw, applied in combination with Surge or Sway, adds an additional benefit to the mass rotation.

(15) Overall the beneficial combinations are as follows: pitch-roll, pitch-yaw, roll-yaw, surge-roll, sway-pitch, surge-pitch, sway-roll, surge-sway, surge-yaw, sway-yaw. These, though, are all the possible combinations by two, from all beneficial degrees of movement freedom.

(16) Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numerals are used to indicate the same related elements, FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the turbine. It shows an eccentric mass 10, mounted for rotation, indicated by arrows 28. Mass 10 is freely rotatable in either direction through 360 degrees about shaft 20 and its main axis 25. The rotation is facilitated by bearings (not shown). The rotational plane of mass 10, about shaft 20, is perpendicular to shaft's main axis 25. The center of gravity of mass 10 is at a distance from shaft 20.

(17) Shaft 20 receives motion from motion base 15. Motion base 15 includes a shaft support 230, for supporting shaft 20, a fixed base 220 and actuators, such as 226 and 228. The actuators connect the underside of shaft support 230 (not shown) to fixed base 220 and impart movement to shaft 20. The actuators, such as 226 and 228 are connected via spherical bearings such as 222 and 224, or equivalent structures such as multiple axis bearing assemblies, universal joints, ball joints, among others. These actuators drive motion base 15, synergistically, thus providing the desirable movement to shaft 20, which sets eccentric mass 10 in rotation.

(18) FIG. 1 illustrates the instant at which the shaft support is creating a down-hill for mass 10. The lowest point of the inclination is indicated by radius 235, while mass 10's position is indicated by radius 240. Mass 10 will rotate down-hill, from this beneficial position, with a maximum torque, which is generated by the gravitational forces exerted on mass 10, at this instant.

(19) Control means (not shown), such as a programmable logic controller with sensors, monitors the dynamics of rotation of eccentric mass 10, which is slowed down by the load of the turbine, which resists rotation, such as compressor applications or electricity production (not shown). The control means provides feedback to motion base 15, which imparts optimized movements and inclinations to shaft 20 in order to have optimized forces applied on mass 10 and overcome the resistive forces of the load. At least two degrees of freedom, as mentioned above, can provide with powerful rotations.

(20) FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein motion base is the vertically oriented universal joint structure 45, which includes universal pivoting shaft support 30 and fixed pivot base 60 which are connected to each other with universal joint means, including pivoting cross 50, and actuators 80 and 90.

(21) Universal pivoting shaft support 30 supports shaft 20. Cross 50 pivots about fixed pivot base 60 in points 40 and 41. Cross 50 also allows pivoting of universal pivoting shaft support 30 in points 31 and 32. Actuators 80 and 90 connect universal pivoting shaft support 30's extensions 70 and 100, to fixed pivot base 60, for imparting movement to universal pivoting shaft support 30 and shaft 20. Actuators 80 and 90 are connected via universal joints, 75, 76 and 95, 96, or equivalent structures such as multiple axis bearing assemblies, spherical joints, ball joints, among others.

(22) This preferred embodiment provides movement to universal pivoting shaft support 30 in pitch and roll directions in relation to fixed pivot base 60. These rotational movements of universal pivoting support platform 30 provide universal inclinations to shaft 20, thus generating gravitational and inertial forces to mass 10, which can develop high angular velocity and momentum, thus providing powerful rotations.

(23) Preferred embodiments of the turbine disclosed, such as the ones shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 can be used in ocean applications, as well, being secured on a floating vessel, totally enclosed for protection from the sea water.

(24) FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the turbine operating in the ocean. It utilizes the vertically oriented universal joint structure 120, shown in FIG. 2, completely enclosed in floating vessel 120, by vessel's roof 121. Vessel 120 is disposed in ocean waves 110, which move in the direction indicated by arrow 112. The waves move vessel 20, which moves shaft 20. As a result, shaft 20 is forced to incline and mass 10 starts rotating. When an up-hill for mass 10 is about to occur, actuators 80 and 90, provide with an inclination, at any plane, favorable to mass 10's rotation. Another preferred embodiment uses, in addition, mooring means, such as anchors 122 and 124. Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment, control means (not shown), including sensors for predicting the parameters of the upcoming waves, disposed around vessel 120, provide feedback for optimized mass 10's rotation. Other preferred embodiments may include different shapes of vessels.

(25) FIG. 4 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the turbine comprising pivoting platform 150, pivoting on horizontal pivot shaft 155, which is supported with pivot supports 160, 162, 165 and 167 on motion base 181. Pivoting platform 150 supports shaft 20 and eccentric mass 10. Shaft 20's main axis 25, crosses horizontal pivot shaft 155.

(26) Motion base 181 is a one-stage motion base providing pivoting to pivoting platform 150. The position of pivoting platform 150, which supports shaft 20, depends only partially on the movement of motion base 181. That is, motion base 181 does not fully control shaft's 20 position as it was the case in the previous preferred embodiments.

(27) Motion base 181 comprises fixed base 1, base support 180, which is pivotally supported on base pivot shaft 185, which, in turn is supported on fixed base 1 with pivot support members 172, 174, 176 and 178. Motion base 181, further comprises actuator 190. Actuator 190 is connected to fixed base 1 and the underside of base support 180 with rotational joints 192 and 194. Actuator 190 imparts rotational motion to base support 180.

(28) Pivoting platform 150 is arranged for a limited range of pivoting motion, which stops when it reaches base support 180. Cushioning means, such as spring 170, may be used to absorb the impact of stopping.

(29) Horizontal pivot shaft 155 is arranged to be perpendicular to base pivot shaft 185. Mass 10, in its non-operative position has pivoting platform 150 leaning on one side. When Actuator 190 starts pivoting base support 180, mass 10 begins to rotate. When mass 10 passes over horizontal pivot shaft 155, mass 10's weight pivots pivoting platform 150 on its other side. When this happens, a down-hill position is created for mass 10's providing maximum torque for mass 10's rotation. This helps mass 10 to develop angular momentum.

(30) Another preferred embodiment (not shown) includes pivoting platform 150, pivoting on top of a motion base with more than one degree of freedom. Yet, another preferred embodiment has pivoting platform 150 pivoting on a synergistic motion base, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1.

(31) FIG. 5 shows the turbine shown in FIG. 4, further including actuator 195, connecting base support 180 to pivoting platform 150, with rotational joints. Actuator 195 optimizes mass 10's rotation, by controlling the pivoting of pivoting platform 150. Control means 199 monitor mass 10's angular momentum and controls the activation of actuators 190 and 195, in a coordinated manner to optimize mass 10's rotation.

(32) FIG. 6 illustrates an electrical generator added between pivoting platform 150 and mass 10. The generator includes disc 200, which is in rotational communication with mass 10. Disc 200 has in its underside attached magnets such as 202 and 204, with proper polarity arrangement and magnetic field direction, facing coils 206, 208. The coils are supported by pivoting platform 150. When mass 10 rotates, the coils produce electricity. This is an implementation of an axial flux generator. This generator pivots along with shaft 20, in direction, 168. Other embodiments (not shown) have a stator attached on shaft 20, while having the rotor in rotational communication with the eccentric mass 10.

(33) FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the turbine in underwater operation, near-shore. The eccentric mass rotating mechanism is enclosed in a buoy, supported by beam means, which pivots about a horizontal pivot, provided by a fixed base in the ocean floor. More specifically, submerged buoy base 360, completely covered and protected by sea water with buoy roof 361 fully encloses all eccentric mass rotation mechanism and pivots shown in FIG. 4 (shown only partially here). Underwater fixed platform 310 is secured on the ocean floor 300. Vertical beam means such as pivoting frame comprising rods 332 and 334, is connected on the buoyant panel assembly, which here includes panel 330 and float 350. Included in the beam means, supporting frame 342, 344, 346, 348 securely supports submerged buoy base 360. Pivot points, or hinges 352 and 354, pivotally support rods 332 and 334. The buoyant panel is disposed to receive the surge motion of ocean waves 301. When ocean surge moves the buoyant panel, the beam means pivots in directions 320. Sto springs 365 and 370 may be used to provide limited range of pivoting.

(34) This embodiment, although in different scale and environment utilizes analogous functional elements as in previous embodiments, that is: (i) a base support for the pivoting platform, shaft and rotating mass mechanism (submerged buoy base), (ii) a base pivot (beam means), (iii) a fixed base (underwater fixed platform) and (iv) an actuator (buoyant panel). The waves' surge is the prime source of power, here, as, for example, electricity powers an electric actuator.

(35) FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment operating on the ocean surface. Pivoting platform 150 is pivotally supported by pivot support members 160, 162, 165 and 167, which are fixed on vessel 120, as shown. Pivoting platform 150 supports shaft 20 and mass 10, which rotates about shaft 20. Vessel 120 is moored with mooring means such as anchors 122 and 124, to maintain horizontal pivot shaft 155 substantially parallel to the direction of waves 112. Pivoting platform 150 rolls in directions 168, at a restricted range of pivoting motion limited by the vessel's floor. Cushioning means, such as spring 170 can be used to absorb the impact of platform 150's stopping, in both sides of its pivoting. Waves 114 impart pitching motion to vessel 120 in the direction 169. Vessel 120 imparts the same pitch motion to shaft 20. When the waves pitch vessel 120, mass 10 starts rotating about shaft 20. When mass 10, passes on top of horizontal pivot shaft 155, pivoting platform 150 rolls in its other side, instantly providing a down-hill with maximum torque for mass 10, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 114 of the waves. Therefore, shaft 20 is provided with the capability of inclining towards the pitch and roll directions, in a coordinated way, so that mass 10 completes full rotations, instead of oscillations.

(36) Roof 119 totally encloses pivoting platform 150, shaft 20 and mass 10, protecting them from sea water. In addition, a tube float such as tube float 121 can be securely attached on vessel 120's body, surrounding vessel 120, as shown in FIG. 8. Tube float 121 is used to keep vessel 120 substantially horizontal, when floating in still water.

(37) Another embodiment further includes an actuator, similar to actuator 195, shown in FIG. 5 connecting the underside of pivoting platform 150 with vessel's floor with rotational joints and control means and sensors for monitoring wave characteristics, turbine load and mass 10's position and rotational dynamics, such as angular velocity and momentum. Control means controls the operation of actuator 195, which optimizes the pivoting angle, position and dynamics, such as speed of raising or lowering pivoting platform 150, in order to provide mass 10 an optimized rotation. Another embodiment further includes additional actuators for better stability and pivoting of pivoting platform 150. Another embodiment further includes a swivel supported on vessel 120, supporting the eccentric mass mechanism, in order to modify the alignment of pivoting platform 150, if needed, depending on the waves' direction.