U.S. patent application number 13/572264 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-21 for enhanced efficiency counter-rotating motor driven pumping apparatus, system, and method of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Randell J. Wishart. Invention is credited to Randell J. Wishart.
Application Number | 20130045117 13/572264 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47712784 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130045117 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wishart; Randell J. |
February 21, 2013 |
ENHANCED EFFICIENCY COUNTER-ROTATING MOTOR DRIVEN PUMPING
APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
An enhanced efficiency pumping apparatus, and general method of
use, includes a counter-rotating motor with two oppositely rotating
drive shafts with a first pump secured to the one of the drive
shafts and a second pump secured to the other, oppositely rotating
drive shaft.
Inventors: |
Wishart; Randell J.; (Reno,
NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wishart; Randell J. |
Reno |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47712784 |
Appl. No.: |
13/572264 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61575093 |
Aug 15, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/53 ;
417/338 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 17/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/53 ;
417/338 |
International
Class: |
F04B 17/03 20060101
F04B017/03 |
Claims
1. An enhanced efficiency pumping apparatus, comprising: a. a
counter-rotating motor having first and second oppositely rotating
mechanical output means; b. a first pump secured to said first
mechanical output means; and c. a second pump secured to said
second mechanical output means.
2. An enhanced efficiency pumping apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said first and second mechanical output means comprise
first and second oppositely rotating drive shafts.
3. An enhanced efficiency pumping system for transporting a
substance from a first location to a second location, comprising:
a. a counter-rotating electric motor having oppositely rotating
first and second mechanical output means; b. a first pump secured
to said first mechanical output means; and c. a second pump secured
to said second mechanical output means.
4. An enhanced efficiency pumping system according to claim 3,
wherein said first and second mechanical output means comprise
first and second oppositely rotating drive shafts.
5. A method of enhancing the efficiency of a pump containing
system; comprising the steps: a. installing a counter-rotating
electric motor into the system, wherein said counter-rotating
electric motor has oppositely rotating first and second mechanical
output means; b. connecting a first pump to said first mechanical
output means; c. connection a second pump to said second mechanical
output means; and d. utilizing said counter-rotating motor
containing pumping system to transport a substance from a first
location to a second location.
6. A method of enhancing the efficiency of a pump containing system
according to claim 5, wherein said first and second mechanical
output means are first and second oppositely rotating drive
shafts.
7. For use with an electric motor-containing system, a method for
increasing power efficiency of the system by decreasing an amount
of electrical power input required for producing an amount of
mechanical power output, comprising utilizing a counter-rotating
motor with inner and outer rotational members in the system in
place of a standard motor with only one rotational member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/575,093 filed on Aug. 15, 2011,
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0002] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/584,557 filed on Sep. 8, 2009. This application is related
to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/387,413 filed on May 1,
2009. This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/800,949 filed on May 26, 2010.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0004] Not Applicable
NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION
[0005] A portion of the material in this patent document is subject
to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United
States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights
has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the
patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file
or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have
this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without
limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.14.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] 1. Field of the Invention
[0007] The subject invention pertains generally to highly efficient
pumping system for transferring a liquid from one location to
another. More specifically, the subject invention comprises an
enhanced efficiency (higher mechanical power out to electrical
power in ratio than with a standard/conventional motor) means and
method for pumping a substance and includes a counter-rotating
motor having first and second output shafts, wherein the first
output shaft is connected to a first pump and the second output
shaft is connected to a second pump, wherein during operation of
the counter-rotating motor the two pumps transfer the substance
(water, oil, coolant, and the like) from a first location to a
second location via associated plumbing structures.
[0008] 2. Description of Related Art
[0009] Various simplistic types of counter-rotating electric motors
exist in the relevant art. More sophisticated examples of both
brush-containing and brushless counter-rotating electric motors are
illustrated in copending patent application Ser. No. 12/584,557
filed on Sep. 8, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of copending
application Ser. No. 12/387,413 filed on May 1, 2009 and in
copending patent application Ser. No. 12/800,949 filed on May 26,
2010.
[0010] Pumps and pumping systems have been utilized for centuries.
Some of the more modern pumps are described, generally, at the
Wikipedia web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pump.
[0011] Applicant is aware of only a single reference to a
counter-rotating motor coupled to a pump. The article "Proposition
of Unique Pumping System with Counter-Rotating Mechanism" found in
International Journal of Rotating Machinery, 10(4), 233-240, 2004,
describes a counter-rotating motor (few details are provided as to
the details of the counter-rotating motor) that has each of the
exiting drive shafts running in the same direction and each is
connected to a separate impeller with both impellers fitted very
close to one another in a single chamber within a type of axial
flow pump. The two impellers spin in opposite directions and are
designed to function together as a unified structure to overcome
the weak point in turbo pumps that have become unstable in the
rising portion of the head characteristics and/or the cavitation
occurs under the intolerably low suction head. The intimately
paired-impeller counter-rotating pump is specifically intended to
overcome these difficulties. It is stressed that the two impellers
are immediately next to one another within a surrounded pipe and
directly and immediately influence each other. The output flow
characteristics of the rear impeller influences the output flow
characteristics of the front impeller, thereby limiting a rising
portion of the head curve and minimizing cavitation in this
particular type of axial-flow pump. There is no implication,
suggestion, teaching, hint, or direct/indirect mention that a
counter-rotating motor might somehow add to the efficiency of
operating a pumping apparatus or pump containing system.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In general terms, the invention is an enhanced efficiency
pumping apparatus, and general method of use, that includes a
counter-rotating motor with two oppositely rotating drive shafts
with a first pump secured to the one of the drive shafts and a
second pump secured to the other, oppositely rotating drive
shaft.
[0013] Further aspects of the invention will be brought out in the
following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed
description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred
embodiments of the invention without placing limitations
thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0014] The invention will be more fully understood by reference to
the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes
only:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of the subject invention
showing a cross-sectional view of the subject brushless
counter-rotating motor.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a view of the subject invention taken along
view-line 2-2 in FIG. 1 and shows the counter-rotating armature and
stator within the motor housing.
[0017] FIG. 3A shows a counter-rotating motor driving two identical
pumps that uses a single intake line from the initial reservoir
that is split between the two pumps and then recombined into a
single output line that leads to the elevated final reservoir.
[0018] FIG. 3B shows a counter-rotating motor driving two identical
pumps that uses two separate intake lines from the initial
reservoir with one leading to each of the two pumps and then two
separate output lines that each lead to the elevated final
reservoir.
[0019] FIG. 4A shows a counter-rotating motor that has been
converted into a standard motor, by locking the right-hand output
shaft into a stationary position (indicated by the "X"s over the
right drive shaft and liquid tubes), that drives one pump that uses
a single intake line from the initial reservoir and a single output
line that leads to the elevated final reservoir.
[0020] FIG. 4B shows a counter-rotating motor that has been
converted into a standard motor, by locking the right-hand output
shaft into a stationary position (indicated by the "X"s over the
right drive shaft and liquid tubes), that drives one pump that uses
a single intake line from the initial reservoir and a single output
line that leads to the elevated final reservoir.
[0021] FIG. 5A shows a counter-rotating motor driving two identical
pumps, with one pump chain-linked to its associated drive shaft,
that uses two separate intake lines from the initial reservoir with
one leading to each of the two pumps and then two separate output
lines that each lead to the elevated final reservoir.
[0022] FIG. 5B shows a standard motor driving two identical pumps
on its single drive-shaft, with one pump chain-linked to the single
drive shaft, that uses two separate intake lines from the initial
reservoir with one leading to each of the two pumps and then two
separate output lines that each lead to the elevated final
reservoir.
[0023] FIG. 6A shows a counter-rotating motor driving two identical
pumps, with one pump chain-linked to its associated drive shaft,
that uses a single intake line from the initial reservoir that
splits with one leading to each of the two pumps and then the two
separate output lines recombine into a single line that leads to
the elevated final reservoir.
[0024] FIG. 6B shows a standard motor driving two identical pumps
on its single drive-shaft, with one pump chain-linked to the single
drive shaft, that uses a single intake line that splits with one
leading to each of the two pumps and then two separate output lines
recombine into a single line that leads to the elevated final
reservoir.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Generally, the subject invention employs either a
brush-containing or brushless counter-rotating electric motor to
power two or more pumps to transfer a substance from one location
to another location. The subject invention was observed to save
greater than about 19.9% (average) on electrical power consumption
relative to mechanical power output.
[0026] The pumps may be of any suitable design and configuration as
long as each may be attached to a drive shaft of the
counter-rotating motor (the counter-rotating motor has two
oppositely rotating drive shafts). Specifically, two Webster Fuel
Pumps (22R-Two Stage, 3450 RPM Max, PSI=300) were utilized in the
experimental examples listed below, but these may be substituted
for with equivalent pumps of any desired size and suitable
characteristics.
[0027] The pumped substance may be a gas or liquid. Commonly, the
liquid may be a pure substance or a mixture of materials. More
commonly, the liquid is hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or amphipathic in
nature. Frequently, the liquid is water, a water solution or
mixture, a suspension, oil, or an oil solution/mixture, a coolant
(such as Freon and the like), and like materials. For exemplary
purposed only, and not by way of limitation, the exemplary
substance used to illustrate the subject invention is a liquid such
as a light-grade liquid motor oil.
[0028] Specifically, an exemplary brushless counter-rotating
electric motor is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. Although a
brush-containing counter-rotating motor works just as well as the
brushless counter-rotating motor seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, for
exemplary purposes only, and not by way of limitation, a typical
brushless counter-rotating motor is shown. The subject brushless
counter-rotating DC/AC motor 5 includes a protective motor housing
10 that may be fabricated from any suitable material. Within the
housing 10 is a separation volume 15 (a similar separation volume
16 is found within the stator 20) in which a stator or outer
rotational member 20 is rotationally mounted. A stator axle or
stator drive shaft 25 is attached to the stator 20. Secured to the
inner lining of the stator 20 are permanent magnets 21 (equivalent
electromagnets may take the place of permanent magnets and are
considered to be within the realm of this disclosure). It is
stressed that in this exemplary device the permanent magnets (or
equivalent electromagnets) are associated with the stator or outer
rotational member and the field windings are on the armature or
inner rotational member, but the permanent magnets may be
positioned on the armature and the field windings on the stator or,
as stated, electromagnets may substitute for the permanent magnets
in either location.
[0029] Mounted within the stator 20 is an armature or inner
rotational member 30 that is attached to a hollow armature axle or
armature drive shaft 35. Located proximate the outer perimeter of
the armature are the windings or electromagnets 31. To permit
rotation of both the armature 30 and stator 20 (counter-rotating to
one another), suitable bearing assembles are included. Bearing
assemblies 40 and 45 are mounted in the housing 10. Bearing
assembly 40 permits the armature axle 35 to rotate within the
housing 10 and bearing assembly 45 permits the stator axle 25 to
rotate with the housing 10. Bearing assemblies 50 and 55 are
mounted in the stator 20 and permit the armature 30 and armature
axle 35 to rotate within the stator 20.
[0030] Since both the armature 30 and stator 20 are rotating in
opposite directions when the brushless motor 5 is operating, it is
impossible to deliver current to the windings 31 in the traditional
manner. Thus, one or more insulated bearings 60 and 65 are mounted
to and encircle the armature axle 35 (each one carrying a desired
electric signal or current). Each bearing 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65
is filled with electrically conducting grease (readily obtainable
from numerous public suppliers such as: Cool-Amp Conducto-Lube
Company or Engineered Conductive Materials, LLC). Each bearing 60
and 65 is electrically insulated from the armature axle 35, upon
which they are mounted, by suitable cylindrical insulators 66 and
67. Additionally, bearing 60 and 65 are electrically insulated from
neighboring components by suitable insulators 70, 72, and 74.
[0031] Electrical connections for the subject system comprise
electrically insulated wiring (traditional metal core and
electrically insulating outer coating). Electrical power is
supplied by a suitable power supply 78, now known or later
developed. For a DC power supply a battery is normally utilized.
For the AC power supply configuration suitable standard methods and
common AC control devices for powering and operating a traditional
non-counter-rotating AC motor are appropriately adapted and
employed. The power supply is grounded to the housing via wire 79,
as is the outside controller via wire 80. Usually, power wire 81
runs to a split point and divides into wire 82 and wire 83. Wire 83
continues from wire 81, at the split point, to the outside
speed-on/off controller 90. The outside speed-on/off controller 90
is of standard acceptable configuration for activating and
inactivating the subject motor and controlling its operational
speed. Power wire 82 continues from wire 81, at the split point,
through an aperture in the housing 10 and connects with the
inside/internal controller 91.
[0032] The internal controller 91 transmits and coordinates the
necessary electrical power required to operate the armature
windings 31 with suitably pulsed current, pulse time detection
means (e.g.: methods utilizing Hall Effect sensors, back EMF
techniques, and the like), and other desired operations. The
internal controller 91 is illustrated as fastened to the interior
surface of the housing 10, but other equivalent locations are
considered to be with the realm of this disclosure, including
attachment to the rotating armature 30 between the bearing 60 and
65 and the windings 31. Various commercial supply companies sell
suitable control units 91, including: the "Brushless Motor Cruise
Controller--Programmable via PC USB port, Model BAC281P," the "High
Power Brushless Motor Controller, Model HPC100B," and several other
acceptable models from the Golden Motor Company of China and doing
business in the U.S. (www.goldenmotor.com/) and Max Products
International, LLC (www.maxxprod.com/).
[0033] Power to the windings 31 runs via wire 92 from the internal
controller 91 to electrically conducting bearing 60 and then via
wire 93, connected to bearing 60 through the associated insulator
66, to the windings 31. Communication between the internal
controller 91 and the Hall Effect sensor or sensors 96 (or the
equivalent) is by wire 94 to electrically conducting bearing 65 and
then via wire 95, connected to bearing 65 through the associated
insulator 67, to the sensor(s) 96.
[0034] Again, each wire 93 and 95 penetrate the cylindrical
insulator 66 and 67, respectively and electrically mate with the
electrically conductive parts of each bearing 60 and 65,
respectively. The electrically conductive grease permits free
rotation of the inner portion of each bearing 60 and 65 while
transmitting the electricity to the stationary outer portion of
each bearing 60 and 65. The bearings 60 and 65 are electrically
connected via wires 92 and 94, respectively, to the internal
controller 91.
[0035] Since FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the subject
invention, the counter-rotational nature of the subject brushless
motor is better seen. The two opposing arrows (also depicted in
FIG. 1 on the two axles 25 and 35) indicate the counter-rotating
directions of the stator 20, with its associated magnets 21, and
the armature 30, with its associated windings 31.
[0036] The exemplary counter-rotating electric motor pumping
systems 105, with a counter-rotating motor 110, are shown in FIGS.
3A, 3B, 5A, and 6A. Pumping systems with a standard motor 111 (or a
counter-rotating motor with one of the two rotating members stopped
by physical means and locked so that it does not rotate) are shown
in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5B, and 6B. For exemplary purposes only, and not
by way of limitation, a low-viscosity motor oil (any liquid) was
placed into a lower/initial reservoir IR and connected by
equal-diameter plastic tubing L (serving as the various lines or
plumbing pipes) and appropriate couplers, Y-joints, and the like to
and from the pumps 115 and 120. The output line or lines L were
then directed to the elevated/final reservoir FR that was placed 12
feet above the initial/lower IR reservoir (the elevation distance
of the final reservoir FR over the initial reservoir IR is not
critical and was selected for the sake of convenience). As can be
seen in the Examples below, since the first rotational/rotating
member (armature or stator) and second rotational/rotating member
(stator or armature) can influence each other's RPM values (a type
of internal transmission function), depending on the loads
associated with each one, one and two-line L input and output
experiments were conducted to see if the pressure in one line L, as
opposed to two lines L, might influence the rotational rates of the
two oppositely rotating motor members. As is seen from the data
collected below, there was, virtually, no difference between
pumping situations that involved one incoming and exiting line L
compare with two incoming and exiting lines L.
[0037] It is noted that since the output shafts of the
counter-rotating motor 110 rotate in opposite directions, the
impellers on the two pumps 115 and 120 are selected so that the
liquid that is transferred through each pump 115 and 120 still
moves in the same direction.
[0038] Additionally, when the counter-rotating motor 110 is
operating it drives two pumps 115 and 120 at once and when the
standard motor is operating in a normal/traditional pumping system
it drives only one pump. Therefore, to be as fair as possible in
the energy efficiency comparison tests between the counter-rotating
motor and the standard motor, tests were conducted by running two
pumps 115 and 120 on both the counter-rotating motor 110 and the
standard motor 111 in which one of the pumps 120 is connected by a
chain-linked 125 system. Even in this study the counter rotating
motor 110 ran with approximately a 19% increase in efficiency over
the standard motor. Basically, increased/enhanced energy efficiency
means that for the counter-rotating motor containing system, there
is less electrical power input required to create an equivalent
mechanical power output, relative to a traditional motor with only
a single rotating/rotational member.
EXAMPLES
[0039] Several pumping configurations were assembled to test and
verify the enhanced efficiency of the subject invention that
employs the counter-rotating motor 110 with at least two pumps 115
and 120, one secured to each oppositely rotating drive shaft. A
counter-rotating motor 110 was mounted to a support platform and
two identical liquid oil pumps 115 and 120 (Webster Fuel Pump,
22R-Two Stage, 3450 RPM Max, PSI=300) were connected in various
combinations to the two output drives of the exemplary
counter-rotating motor 110. Low-viscosity motor oil (liquid) was
placed in a lower/initial reservoir IR and was pumped via
associated identical diameter segments of tubing L and fittings to
an upper/final reservoir FR placed 12 feet above the lower
reservoir. Each experimental run (five trials for each of the
various pump configurations) was used to determine the time
necessary to pump 2 gallons of liquid from the lower reservoir IR
to the upper reservoir FR. Gal/min for each trial run was
calculated and then gal/min-watt determined. Each trial run was
conducted at a constant 12 volts and the input current
determined.
[0040] Since the counter-rotating motor 110 has two oppositely
spinning output drive shafts the load (pumping of the oil) on one
drive shaft could influence the operational characteristics of the
other drive shaft via the electro-magnetic coupling within the
motor itself as the first and second rotating members spin next to
each other. Thus, the experiments were run with either completely
separate tubing L to and from each pump or joint plumping (as
clearly depicted in the various figures).
[0041] Tables #1 (FIG. 4A) and #2 (FIG. 3A) show the test results
conducted for a standard motor 111 and counter-rotating motor 110,
respectfully. A single input and output oil line L that is split
and rejoined after each pump is used.
[0042] Tables #3 (FIG. 4B) and #4 (FIG. 3B) show the test results
conducted for a standard motor 111 and counter-rotating motor 110,
respectfully. Two separate input and output oil lines L are
used.
[0043] Tables #5 (FIG. 5B) and #6 (FIG. 5A) show the test results
conducted for a standard motor 111 and counter-rotating motor 110,
respectfully. Two separate input and output oil lines L are used
and the second pump 120 is chain-linked 125 to the drive shaft.
[0044] Tables #7 (FIG. 6B) and #8 (FIG. 6A) show the test results
conducted for a standard motor 111 and counter-rotating motor 110,
respectfully. A single input and output oil line L that is split
and rejoined after each pump is used and the second pump 120 is
chain-linked 125 to the drive shaft.
[0045] Table #9 presents the % efficiency increase of the
counter-rotating motor 110 pumping system 105 over the standard
motor 111 pumping system. Each % increased efficiency value is
calculated by taking the standard motor average gal/min-watt
number, dividing by the counter-rotating motor average gal/min-watt
number, and multiplying by 100. Clearly, the counter-rotating motor
110 pumping system 105 is much more efficient than equivalent
configurations that utilize a standard motor 111. The chain-linked
125 second pump 120 value efficiency values (+21.3% and +17.7%) for
the counter-rotating motor 110 containing-system 105 are most
likely low values since significant vibration was noted in this
chain-linked 125 configuration due to the end of the drive shafts
that were chain-linked to the second pump were not provided with
additional stability (stabilizing end bearings). The added
vibration most likely caused additional friction that lowered the
counter-rotating motor driven efficiencies to the observed +21.3%
and +17.7% levels. Further, the counter-rotating motor driven
systems % efficiency increases were most likely lowered by having
the pump operating at lower RPM values than would be used for its
peak efficiency. The standard motor with one drive shaft operates
at approximately twice the RPMs as each of the oppositely rotating
drive shafts on the counter-rotating motor driven system.
[0046] Thus, as is plainly seen in Table #9, the counter-rotating
motor pumping apparatus and system is more efficient than a pumping
apparatus and system that contains a standard motor by from about
+19.5% (average) to about +60.6% (average), depending on the exact
standard reference that is utilized. Whichever number is selected,
the subject counter-rotating motor pumping system is much more
efficient in energy/power usage (higher mechanical power output
relative to electrical power input) than a pumping system that uses
a standard motor.
[0047] A plurality of embodiments is considered to be within the
realm of this discloser, including an enhanced efficiency pumping
apparatus, comprising: a counter-rotating motor having first and
second oppositely rotating mechanical output means; a first pump
secured to the first mechanical output means; and a second pump
secured to the second mechanical output means.
[0048] Further, disclosed is an enhanced efficiency pumping
apparatus, comprising: a counter-rotating motor having first and
second oppositely rotating drive shafts; a first pump secured to
the first drive shaft; and a second pump secured to the second
drive shaft.
[0049] Additionally, presented is an enhanced efficiency pumping
system for transporting a substance from a first location to a
second location, comprising: a counter-rotating electric motor
having oppositely rotating first and second mechanical output means
or drive shafts; a first pump secured to the first mechanical
output means or drive shaft; and a second pump secured to the
second mechanical output means or drive shaft.
[0050] Also, described is a method of enhancing the efficiency of a
pump containing system; comprising the steps: installing a
counter-rotating electric motor into the system, wherein the
counter-rotating electric motor has oppositely rotating first and
second mechanical output means or drive shafts; connecting a first
pump to the first mechanical output means or drive shaft;
connection a second pump to the second mechanical output means or
drive shaft; and utilizing the counter-rotating motor containing
pumping system to transport a substance from a first location to a
second location.
[0051] Further, for use with an electric motor-containing system, a
method is disclosed for increasing power efficiency of the system
by decreasing an amount of electrical power input required for
producing an amount of mechanical power output that comprises
utilizing a counter-rotating motor with inner and outer rotational
members in the system in place of a standard motor with only one
rotational member.
[0052] From the discussion above it will be appreciated that the
invention can be embodied in various ways, including the
following:
[0053] 1. An enhanced efficiency pumping apparatus, comprising: a
counter-rotating motor having first and second oppositely rotating
mechanical output means; a first pump secured to said first
mechanical output means; and a second pump secured to said second
mechanical output means.
[0054] 2. An enhanced efficiency pumping apparatus according to any
of the foregoing embodiments, wherein said first and second
mechanical output means comprise first and second oppositely
rotating drive shafts.
[0055] 3. An enhanced efficiency pumping system for transporting a
substance from a first location to a second location, comprising: a
counter-rotating electric motor having oppositely rotating first
and second mechanical output means; a first pump secured to said
first mechanical output means; and a second pump secured to said
second mechanical output means.
[0056] 4. An enhanced efficiency pumping system according to any of
the foregoing embodiments, wherein said first and second mechanical
output means comprise first and second oppositely rotating drive
shafts.
[0057] 5. A method of enhancing the efficiency of a pump containing
system; comprising the steps: installing a counter-rotating
electric motor into the system, wherein said counter-rotating
electric motor has oppositely rotating first and second mechanical
output means; connecting a first pump to said first mechanical
output means; connection a second pump to said second mechanical
output means; and utilizing said counter-rotating motor containing
pumping system to transport a substance from a first location to a
second location.
[0058] 6. A method of enhancing the efficiency of a pump containing
system according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein said
first and second mechanical output means are first and second
oppositely rotating drive shafts.
[0059] 7. For use with an electric motor-containing system, a
method for increasing power efficiency of the system by decreasing
an amount of electrical power input required for producing an
amount of mechanical power output, comprising utilizing a
counter-rotating motor with inner and outer rotational members in
the system in place of a standard motor with only one rotational
member.
[0060] Although the description above contains many details, these
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but
as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently
preferred embodiments of this invention. Therefore, it will be
appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully
encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those
skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is
accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended
claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not
intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated,
but rather "one or more." All structural, chemical, and functional
equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred
embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are
expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be
encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary
for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to
be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the
present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step
in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is
explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be
construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph,
unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means
for."
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE #1 PUMP RESULTS ON SINGLE LINE FOR STANDARD
MOTOR (FIG. 4A). ALL TESTS DONE BY PUMPING TWO GALLONS OF OIL TO A
12' ELEVATION WITH A 24 VOLT BATTERY (ORIGINAL MOTOR RATED AT 900
WATTS). BOTH PUMPS WERE IDENTICAL AND ALL LINES WERE THE SAME
DIAMETER. POWER TRIAL STD STD IN = GAL/ NUM- MOTOR MOTOR (V)(I) IN
GAL/ MIN- BER AVG AMPS TIME (MIN) WATTS MIN WATT 1 5.9 1.7 142 1.2
8.4 2 5.8 1.7 139 1.2 8.4 3 5.8 1.7 139 1.2 8.4 4 5.8 1.6 138 1.2
8.4 5 5.6 1.6 136 1.2 8.4 AVG = 8.4
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE #2 PUMP RESULTS ON SINGLE LINE FOR
COUNTER-ROTATING MOTOR (FIG. 3A). ALL TESTS DONE BY PUMPING TWO
GALLONS OF OIL TO A 12' ELEVATION WITH A 24 VOLT BATTERY (ORIGINAL
MOTOR RATED AT 900 WATTS). BOTH PUMPS WERE IDENTICAL AND ALL LINES
WERE THE SAME DIAMETER. POWER TRIAL C-R C-R IN = GAL/ NUM- MOTOR
MOTOR (V)(I) IN GAL/ MIN- BER AVG AMPS TIME (MIN) WATTS MIN WATT 1
4.0 1.5 96 1.3 13.5 2 4.0 1.5 95 1.3 13.7 3 4.0 1.5 96 1.3 13.5 4
4.0 1.5 96 1.3 13.5 5 4.0 1.5 96 1.3 13.5 AVG = 13.5
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE #3 PUMP RESULTS ON TWO LINES FOR STANDARD
MOTOR (FIG. 4B). ALL TESTS DONE BY PUMPING TWO GALLONS OF OIL TO A
12' ELEVATION WITH A 24 VOLT BATTERY (ORIGINAL MOTOR RATED AT 900
WATTS). BOTH PUMPS WERE IDENTICAL AND ALL LINES WERE THE SAME
DIAMETER. POWER TRIAL STD STD IN = GAL/ NUM- MOTOR MOTOR (V)(I) IN
GAL/ MIN- BER AVG AMPS TIME (MIN) WATTS MIN WATT 1 5.9 1.6 142 1.2
8.4 2 6.0 1.6 144 1.2 8.4 3 6.0 1.6 144 1.2 8.4 4 6.0 1.6 144 1.2
8.4 5 6.0 1.6 144 1.2 8.4 AVG = 8.4
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE #4 PUMP RESULTS ON TWO LINES FOR
COUNTER-ROTATING MOTOR (FIG. 3B). ALL TESTS DONE BY PUMPING TWO
GALLONS OF OIL TO A 12' ELEVATION WITH A 24 VOLT BATTERY (ORIGINAL
MOTOR RATED AT 900 WATTS). BOTH PUMPS WERE IDENTICAL AND ALL LINES
WERE THE SAME DIAMETER. POWER TRIAL C-R C-R IN = GAL/ NUM- MOTOR
MOTOR (V)(I) IN GAL/ MIN- BER AVG AMPS TIME (MIN) WATTS MIN WATT 1
4.0 1.5 96 1.3 13.5 2 4.0 1.5 96 1.3 13.5 3 4.0 1.5 96 1.3 13.5 4
4.0 1.5 96 1.3 13.5 5 4.0 1.5 96 1.3 13.5 AVG = 13.5
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE #5 PUMP RESULTS ON TWO LINES FOR STANDARD
MOTOR WITH TWO PUMPS HAVING CHAIN-LINKED SECOND PUMP (FIG. 5B). ALL
TESTS DONE BY PUMPING TWO GALLONS OF OIL TO A 12' ELEVATION WITH A
24 VOLT BATTERY (ORIGINAL MOTOR RATED AT 900 WATTS). BOTH PUMPS
WERE IDENTICAL AND ALL LINES WERE THE SAME DIAMETER. POWER TRIAL
STD STD IN = GAL/ NUM- MOTOR MOTOR (V)(I) IN GAL/ MIN- BER AVG AMPS
TIME (MIN) WATTS MIN WATT 1 10.1 0.87 241 2.3 9.5 2 10.1 0.87 241
2.3 9.5 3 9.8 0.86 236 2.3 9.7 4 9.8 0.87 236 2.3 9.7 5 9.8 0.87
236 2.3 9.7 AVG = 9.6
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE #6 PUMP RESULTS ON TWO LINES FOR
COUNTER-ROTATING MOTOR WITH TWO PUMPS HAVING CHAIN-LINKED SECOND
PUMP (FIG. 5A). ALL TESTS DONE BY PUMPING TWO GALLONS OF OIL TO A
12' ELEVATION WITH A 24 VOLT BATTERY (ORIGINAL MOTOR RATED AT 900
WATTS). BOTH PUMPS WERE IDENTICAL AND ALL LINES WERE THE SAME
DIAMETER. POWER TRIAL C-R C-R IN = GAL/ NUM- MOTOR MOTOR (V)(I) IN
GAL/ MIN- BER AVG AMPS TIME (MIN) WATTS MIN WATT 1 5.0 1.53 119 1.3
10.9 2 4.9 1.50 118 1.3 11.0 3 4.7 1.50 113 1.3 11.5 4 4.7 1.50 112
1.3 11.6 5 4.6 1.50 111 1.3 11.7 AVG = 11.3
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE #7 PUMP RESULTS ON ONE LINE FOR STANDARD MOTOR
WITH TWO PUMPS HAVING CHAIN-LINKED SECOND PUMP (FIG. 6B). ALL TESTS
DONE BY PUMPING TWO GALLONS OF OIL TO A 12' ELEVATION WITH A 24
VOLT BATTERY (ORIGINAL MOTOR RATED AT 900 WATTS). BOTH PUMPS WERE
IDENTICAL AND ALL LINES WERE THE SAME DIAMETER. POWER TRIAL STD STD
IN = GAL/ NUM- MOTOR MOTOR (V)(I) IN GAL/ MIN- BER AVG AMPS TIME
(MIN) WATTS MIN WATT 1 10.2 0.86 246 2.3 9.4 2 10.1 0.86 246 2.3
9.4 3 10.0 0.85 240 2.4 9.4 4 9.95 0.84 239 2.4 9.4 5 9.95 0.85 239
2.4 9.4 AVG = 9.4
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE #8 PUMP RESULTS ON ONE LINE FOR
COUNTER-ROTATING MOTOR WITH TWO PUMPS HAVING CHAIN-LINKED SECOND
PUMP (FIG. 6A). ALL TESTS DONE BY PUMPING TWO GALLONS OF OIL TO A
12' ELEVATION WITH A 24 VOLT BATTERY (ORIGINAL MOTOR RATED AT 900
WATTS). BOTH PUMPS WERE IDENTICAL AND ALL LINES WERE THE SAME
DIAMETER. POWER TRIAL C-R C-R IN = GAL/ NUM- MOTOR MOTOR (V)(I) IN
GAL/ MIN- BER AVG AMPS TIME (MIN) WATTS MIN WATT 1 4.5 1.72 108 1.2
11.1 2 4.5 1.71 108 1.2 11.1 3 4.4 1.72 105 1.2 11.4 4 4.2 1.72 102
1.2 11.8 5 4.2 1.70 102 1.2 11.8 AVG = 11.4
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE #9 % EFFICIENCY INCREASES OF COUNTER-ROTATING
MOTOR PUMPING OVER STANDARD MOTOR PUMPING. INCREASED COUNTER-
EFFICIENCY ROTATING OF COUNTER- STANDARD MOTOR MOTOR ROTATING AVG
GAL/ AVG GAL/ MOTOR OVER MIN-WATT MIN-WATT STANDARD MOTOR SINGLE
LINE INTO AND FROM BOTH PUMPS 8.4 13.5 +60.6% 9.4 (CHAIN-LINKED
11.4 (CHAIN-LINKED +21.3% SECOND PUMP) SECOND PUMP) TWO LINES: ONE
LINE FOR EACH OF TWO PUMPS 8.4 13.5 +60.6% 9.6 (CHAIN-LINKED 11.3
(CHAIN-LINKED +17.7% SECOND PUMP) SECOND PUMP)
* * * * *
References