U.S. patent application number 14/467517 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-22 for hybrid energy harvesting device and fixed threshold power production.
The applicant listed for this patent is Donnie E. JORDAN, SR.. Invention is credited to Donnie E. JORDAN, SR..
Application Number | 20150022005 14/467517 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49291703 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150022005 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JORDAN, SR.; Donnie E. |
January 22, 2015 |
Hybrid Energy Harvesting Device and Fixed Threshold Power
Production
Abstract
Systems and methods here are described for harvesting energy,
certain embodiments including a power generator, a rotatable base
attached to the power generator, one or more protruding blades
attached to the rotatable base, a kinetic energy harvesting device
mounted on the base, and a gear shaft for associating the base with
the power generator.
Inventors: |
JORDAN, SR.; Donnie E.;
(Henderson, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JORDAN, SR.; Donnie E. |
Henderson |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49291703 |
Appl. No.: |
14/467517 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13856151 |
Apr 3, 2013 |
8847425 |
|
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14467517 |
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61599869 |
Apr 4, 2012 |
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61761081 |
Feb 5, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
307/72 ; 290/55;
310/339 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 3/38 20130101; H02N
2/186 20130101; Y02E 10/50 20130101; F03D 9/007 20130101; F03D
9/255 20170201; Y02E 10/74 20130101; Y02B 10/70 20130101; Y02E
10/72 20130101; H02S 10/12 20141201; H02S 10/00 20130101; Y02E
10/76 20130101; F03D 3/005 20130101; F03D 9/25 20160501; Y02B 10/30
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
307/72 ; 290/55;
310/339 |
International
Class: |
H02J 3/38 20060101
H02J003/38; H01L 31/04 20060101 H01L031/04; H02N 2/18 20060101
H02N002/18; F03D 3/00 20060101 F03D003/00; F03D 9/00 20060101
F03D009/00 |
Claims
1. A system for harvesting energy, comprising: a power generator; a
rotatable base attached to the power generator; one or more
protruding blades attached to the rotatable base; a kinetic energy
harvesting device mounted on the base; and a gear shaft for
associating the base with the power generator.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein a photovoltaic cell is attached
to a surface area of the one or more protruding blades.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more blades are
curved.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the kinetic energy harvesting
device is placed between the protruding blades attached to the
rotatable base.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the kinetic energy harvesting
device includes piezoelectric cells.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the kinetic energy harvesting
device includes flexible elastomers.
7. The system of claim 1 further wherein the kinetic energy
harvesting device is a stationary microphoned kinetic receiver is
placed between the protruding blades attached to the rotatable
base.
8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a parallel circuit
electrically connected to the power generator and the kinetic
energy harvesting device.
9. The system of claim 8 further comprising a charge control
circuit connected to the parallel circuit.
10. The system of claim 9 further comprising a wireless power
transfer connected to the charge control circuit.
11. The system of claim 9 further comprising a battery is in
electrical connection with the charge control circuit.
12. The system of claim 9 further comprising a power grid is in
electrical connection with the charge control circuit.
13. The system of claim 9 further wherein the charge control
circuit includes a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect
Transistor.
14. A system for harvesting energy, comprising: a power generator;
a lower rotatable base housing the power generator; one or more
protruding blades attached to the lower rotatable base; one or more
mounting brackets protruding from the lower rotatable base; an
upper base supported by the one or more mounting brackets; a
photovoltaic cell on a surface area of the one or more protruding
blades; and a gear shaft for associating the base with the power
generator.
15. The system of claim 14 further comprising a kinetic energy
harvesting device mounted on the base.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the kinetic energy harvesting
device is attached to the upper rotatable base.
17. The system of claim 14 further comprising a photovoltaic cell
attached to the upper rotatable base.
18. The system of claim 14, wherein the one or more blades are
curved.
19. The system of claim 14 further comprising a parallel circuit
connected to the power generator.
20. A method of harvesting energy, comprising: harvesting wind
energy via one or more protruding blades connected to a rotatable
base; harvesting solar energy via a photovoltaic cell attached to
the one or more protruding blades; harvesting kinetic energy via a
piezoelectric cell or flexible elastomer mounted on the rotatable
base; regulating the harvested energy via a charge control circuit
connected to the rotatable base, the piezoelectric cell or flexible
elastomer, and the photovoltaic cell; and capturing parasitic
leakage via an open gate connected to the charge control circuit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES
[0001] This application claims priority from and is related to U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/856,151 filed 3 Apr. 2013, which
claims priority from U.S. provisional application 61/599,869 filed
on 4 Apr. 2012, and U.S. provisional application 61/761,081 filed 5
Feb. 2013, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety. In addition, this application relates to PCT application
PCT/US13/59802 filed 13 Sep. 2013, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Aspects of this application relate to the field of hybrid
energy harvesting and the capabilities of multiple natural elements
working together simultaneously, to support and enhance one another
in producing energy.
[0003] The field of energy harvesting has been rooted in singular
methods and systems of harvesting. Further, it has focused on
maximizing large output at sporadic intervals.
SUMMARY
[0004] Systems disclosed here include systems for harvesting
energy. Some embodiments include a turbine having a base, at least
two protruding blades, and a center portion. Also, the turbine base
is configured to be rotatable and connected to an electric motor.
Further, the electric motor is configured for power generation and
where the at least two protruding blades are configured to include
solar energy collection devices. The center portion may be
configured to include a kinetic energy harvesting device. The
electric motor, the solar collection devices and the kinetic energy
harvesting device may be connected to a home circuit as well.
[0005] Certain embodiments include the system also having a
grid-tie inverter provided between the home circuit and an electric
grid. And the system could include where the grid-tie inverter
includes from one to three stages.
[0006] Embodiments could have the grid-tie inverter including a
boost converter stage. Further, certain examples have the grid-tie
inverter including a pulse-modulated DC-to-DC converter stage. And
the grid-tie inverter could include a DC-to-AC conversion
stage.
[0007] Examples also include systems with at least two protruding
blades extend upwardly from the base each have two portions, one
angled out from the base, and the other angled back into the base.
And the at least two protruding blades can also extend from the
rotatable base to a commonly shared portion, the commonly shared
portion connecting the at least two protruding blades with the
kinetic energy harvesting device.
[0008] Some example embodiments include the system with at least
two energy harvesting devices, connected by a network. And also,
where the network is at least one of a wireless and a wired
network. Further, the network can be connected to an energy storage
system, configured to receive the harvested energy from the
networked system. Also the home circuit could be configured to
produce consistent voltage output.
[0009] Example systems here also include configurations where the
home circuit is configured to produce constant current output.
Also, they may include where a threshold voltage level determining
circuit connected to the home circuit. And systems where the
kinetic energy harvesting device is at least one of a piezoelectric
device and a microphone device.
[0010] Further, systems may have the home circuit configured to be
connected to, and power a street light.
[0011] Some example embodiments may include where the at least two
protruding blades having an interior side toward the center and an
exterior side, the solar energy collection devices located on the
exterior side. And some embodiments may have the electric motor,
the solar collection devices and the kinetic energy harvesting
devices connected in parallel to the home circuit.
[0012] Configurations of the systems and methods here may have the
electric motor, the solar collection devices, the kinetic energy
harvesting devices and the battery connected in parallel. Also the
electric motor, the solar collections devices, the kinetic energy
harvesting devices, the battery, a power grid and an electrical
device connected in parallel.
[0013] Certain example embodiments could include systems with the
home circuit including a charge control circuit regulating and
discharging harvested energy to at least one of a battery, a power
grid and electrical device. Systems and methods could also include
the solar collection devices and the kinetic energy harvesting
devices connected in parallel to the wireless network.
[0014] Some examples can have the wireless network provides
wireless power transfer to the home circuit and the electric motor
connected to the wired network.
[0015] Embodiments may include the wired network connected in
parallel to the wireless network. Also, the electric motor, the
solar collection devices and the kinetic energy harvesting devices
connected in series to the home circuit.
[0016] Some examples include a system for harvesting energy. These
example systems could have a hybrid energy harvesting device having
a base, a turbine with at least one vertically arranged and angled
protruding blade, and a center portion. Further, they could have
the base configured to be a rotatable and in connection to an
electric generator and the at least one protruding blade is
configured to include solar energy collection portions. These
examples could also have the center portion configured to include a
kinetic energy harvesting device.
[0017] Embodiments may also include methods of harvesting energy.
These methods could be conducted via a hybrid energy harvesting
device including generating electricity from a spinning a turbine.
Also, collecting solar energy from a solar collection device and
collecting kinetic energy from a kinetic energy harvesting device.
These embodiments could have the turbine having at least two
vertically arranged blades mounted on a rotatable base and at least
two turbine blades configured to include solar collection
portions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] For a better understanding of the embodiments described in
this application, reference should be made to the Detailed
Description below, in conjunction with the following drawings in
which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts
throughout the figures.
[0019] FIG. 1 is an illustration showing an example embodiment of a
vertical axis energy harvesting turbine consistent with certain
embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 2 is an illustration showing another example embodiment
of a hybrid energy harvesting device consistent with certain
embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an illustration of another example hybrid energy
harvesting device consistent with certain embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a detail of an example hybrid
energy harvesting device consistent with certain embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 5 is another illustration of a detail of an example
hybrid energy harvesting device consistent with certain
embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 6 is another illustration of a detail of an example
hybrid energy harvesting device consistent with certain
embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example wiring diagram for a
hybrid energy harvesting device consistent with certain
embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 8 is an illustration showing example wiring diagram for
a hybrid energy harvesting device consistent with certain
embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 9 shows an example of a geared shaft consistent with
certain embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 10 shows an example of a wind turbine power generator
for use in an HEHD consistent with certain embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 11 shows an example circuit diagram of a DC to AC
inverter consistent with certain embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In
the following detailed description, numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a sufficient understanding of the
subject matter presented herein. But it will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art that the subject matter may be practiced
without these specific details. Moreover, the particular
embodiments described herein are provided by way of example and
should not be used to limit the scope of the invention to these
particular embodiments. In other instances, well-known data
structures, timing protocols, software operations, procedures, and
components have not been described in detail so as not to
unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the
invention.
Overview
[0031] Aspects of the inventions disclosed here include natural
energy harvesting devices, designed to harness energy from more
than one natural source. In certain examples, these hybrid energy
harvesting devices produce a near-constant supply of electricity
from the multiple sources. These Hybrid Energy Harvesting Devices
("HEHD") can be deployed in a network throughout a geographic area
in order to harvest energy from as many advantageous positions as
possible, depending on the modes of energy harvesting that the
particular HEHD employs.
Hybrid Energy Harvesting Devices--HEHDs
[0032] Disclosed here are innovations that allow for harvesting of
multiple sources of natural energy in one device creating a hybrid
to produce a consistent voltage collection that can be used, in
certain examples, for various sized, including large-scaled energy
applications. And by adding more than one type of harvesting
technology to a single device, the ebb and flow of natural
harvesting from a single source can be augmented by other
technologies integrated into such a device. In this way, consistent
with the inventions disclosed here, the hybrid device itself can
become more reliable as a power source, and able to produce energy
in more than one natural harvesting environment.
[0033] Some power densities available from single
source/incremental energy harvesting devices such as solar panels,
wind turbines and other sources are highly dependent upon the
specific application and the design itself of the harvesting
generator which could affect the generator's size. Additionally,
the variable output of most scalable, natural energy harvesting
configurations allows for the moments when devices must rest at
zero volts or at a point where there is no positive voltage output.
The variable aspect of current single source/incremental harvesting
devices is for the moments of natural interruption when power
output drops to zero from insufficient resources such as sun, wind,
or other resources.
[0034] FIG. 1 is an illustration showing an example embodiment of
an HEHD 100 in the form of a Vertical Axis Energy Harvesting
Turbine ("VAEHT"). The VAEHT is a stand-alone device with multiple
energy harvesting technologies built onto a vertical axis. Such an
example could be configured to take advantage of wind power coming
from all 360 degrees and some variations on the basic design can
gain extra power from wind that blows from the top to the bottom or
from the bottom to the top of the vertical axis while also
harvesting for solar and kinetic energy. For example, the VAEHT in
FIG. 1 shows such a device with an oscillating section 150
supporting two upwardly sweeping blades 120 and 130. The upwardly
sweeping blades shown here only number two but any number of
blades, from one to many, could be used. The blades are arranged
such that wind coming from multiple angles, would cause the device
to turn or spin on its base 150. Further, in the example shown in
FIG. 1, the upwardly sweeping blades 120 and 130 are curved and at
a canted position. This curved and canted positioning allows for
wind coming from above, below, or any direction to cause the
turbine to spin. Thus, the blades 120 and 130 act as a wind turbine
and this example is configured to be able to harness wind energy
from multiple angles.
[0035] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the example VAEHT upwardly
sweeping blades 120 and 130 are multifunctional. This is because
the upwardly sweeping blades, 120 and 130 are not only the blades
of the wind turbine, that spins the entire device on its base 150,
but the blades also have other technologies included as well. One
such example would be photovoltaic or solar cells 110 and 130
embedded or attached. These photovoltaic or solar cells could be
attached in order to harvest as much solar energy as possible while
either stationary or rotating. In this example, the photovoltaic or
solar cells cover as much surface area of the upwardly sweeping
blades 120 and 130 as possible. And because the VAEHT spins if
acted upon by the wind, it is advantageous to place the solar cells
on all surfaces of the upwardly sweeping blades. Other example
embodiments allow for the solar cells to be placed only on the
areas of the blades that receive the most direct solar radiation,
allowing for the areas that do not, to be left without solar cells.
Any combination of cellular arrangement on the blades is useful to
capture and harvest solar energy.
[0036] The example shown in FIG. 1 also includes a kinetic energy
harvesting device 140 and on the reverse side of the sweeping
blades 110 and 130. The kinetic energy harvesting device 140, shown
at the center position of the upwardly sweeping blades 120 and 130
is positioned to recover any amplified kinetic energy from the
entire device, by the positions of the surfaces and/or by the
oscillating or spinning base section 150 and movement of the
device. The kinetic energy harvesting device 140 could be any kind
of acoustic or electrostatic energy harvested by piezoelectric
cells or flexible elastomers are also classified as kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy is additionally generated by an oscillating mass,
wind, rain and other natural and manufactured elements. To collect
acoustic energy amplified by the positions and shapes of the
device's wind and solar energy harvesting surfaces, an
acoustic/kinetic energy receiver, should be placed near the center
point of the device. In the example of FIG. 1, the kinetic device
is between the wind harvesting panels. Other embodiments allow for
the collection to be funneled in different areas of the device and
collected as well.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows another example HEHD 200 with a curved canvas
210 that houses a multifunctional, such as solar/kinetic, energy
harvesting surface 220. The surface can be combined with additional
like surfaces. The chassis arm 230 can be used to connect or mount
the surface to an oscillating section to drive the power generator.
Thus, creating a device that can harvest energy from solar, wind
and piezoelectric sources.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows another example HEHD 300. This illustration
includes three harvesting elements, solar, wind, and kinetic, in
one device. Set on a singular vertical axis 340 where a solar or
solar/kinetic energy harvesting surface is stationary and
positioned at top, a kinetic energy harvesting surface 310 is
stationary at center and two or more weather resistant surfaces 350
are curved, canted and positioned to recover wind & kinetic
energy from up to 360 degrees and when possible, from the top and
bottom directions. Arm 320 serves as a conduit for a wired and/or
wireless power transfer and as a mounting bracket for the top
portion of the device. 330 A cogged oscillating section drives the
gear shaft of the stationary PMW motor/generator housed inside 360
the base or service pole.
[0039] The VAEHT example that is shown in FIG. 3 is shown as having
a "vertical" axis, relative to its base. However, the invention is
applicable to devices on either a horizontal and vertical axis, or
any angle of axis, depending on the orientation of the deployed
device's ambient conditions. The blades of the device could be
configured as such that wind from any direction could cause
rotation of the turbine. The blade surfaces could be canted and
positioned to recover as much of the wind, solar and other energy
from every angle, around the device. The example configuration
shown in FIG. 3 is just one example embodiment that could be
used.
[0040] The wind turbine generator could take on various forms of
configurations. One such example includes a magnetic generator. The
magnetic generator could be a brushed or brushless generator,
depending on the design. The wiring for the wind turbine generator
could run up through the base and the magnets could be housed in
both the inside and outside bases to interact and create a charge
when the entire device spins about its base.
[0041] An example configuration of the generator could be a pulse
width modulation; stepper, induction, brushed or similar capacity
motor to serve as a small wind turbine power generator as shown in
FIG. 10. The body of the motor/generator could rest inside the
mounting base or conduit snugly so that the motor does not shift or
move as the device oscillates. An example geared shaft as shown in
FIG. 9 that coincides with the cogged oscillating section described
in FIG. 6 can be connected with the generator and would allow for
the blades to spin freely and mechanically drive the generator by
the wind. Also, keeping the wiring below the oscillating portion
stationary and safe from damage. The geared and oscillating section
can overlap or set inside the rim of the conduit so the oscillating
section rotates freely.
[0042] If the solar or photovoltaic cells are configured on the
wind turbine blades, the wiring connection with the base station
will have to include a connection that allows for one side to spin
and the other side to stay static. This could be a pin connection,
a brushed connection, a magnetic connection, or any connection
allowing for this interface. If the solar cells are located on the
base portion of the turbine that does not spin, the wiring can run
straight through the static base.
[0043] As still other examples, the kinetic or piezoelectric
portions of the device could be located on the static base portion,
and the wind turbine section could revolve around it, as part of
the base. If this configuration is used, the wiring could run
straight through the base and the spinning turbine blades would not
affect the wiring setup. If the kinetic or piezoelectric portions
are incorporated in the turbine blades, the wiring could have to be
run through a connection that allows for a connection, despite one
side of the connection staying static, and the other portion
spinning with the turbine portions. As shown on FIG. 6 at 630 where
the wireless transfer mechanism is not protruding at the bottom of
the oscillating section.
[0044] Still other examples of the HEHD implementations herein
utilize piezoelectric generators to produce power. Such generators
are made of materials that generate a charge when mechanically
stressed. Thus, in this example implementation, different aspects
of the device could be made of piezoelectric materials and tied
into the device such that wind, shaking, oscillating, or any
mechanical pressure or stress on the device could produce a
charge.
[0045] Certain example combinations of these materials along with
photovoltaic or solar panels or combinations of kinetic energy
harvesting cells in a parallel circuit with solar photovoltaic
cells could be used to create a surface that collects energy from
multiple sources at once. Alternatively, the blades could contain
different energy harvesting technologies. One blade could house
piezoelectric and solar technology and another house solar and
kinetic. Different combinations can be made and the examples
described here are in no way to be construed as limiting the
various combinations of the technologies described here.
[0046] The size of the HEHD devices could vary. A smaller device,
say one or two feet tall, could be useful in placement in smaller
areas. A much larger device, several feet tall could also be
useful, in areas that have a large expanse of area in which to
operate. The relative power output from the different sized devices
would vary with the relative size of the device because of not only
the wind turbine speeds that could be reached with larger or
smaller devices, but the area upon which the solar cells are
attached, and the amount of kinetic energy harvested as well.
[0047] Still another example of an HEHD could be called a
horizontal axis energy harvesting turbine ("HAEHT") design. Such an
example could be configured to take advantage of wind power coming
from all 360 degrees and some variations on the basic design can
gain extra powered from wind that blows from the top to the bottom
or from the bottom to the top of the horizontal axis.
[0048] Still another example of an HEHD could be called off-shore
energy harvesting turbine ("OEHT") that could be designed as an off
shore device. The design could feature hydroelectric, wave or tidal
energy devices at the base or the tower and wind, solar and kinetic
devices above the water level. An OEHT could be mounted on a
horizontal or vertical axis.
[0049] Still another example of an HEHD could be called pivoting
energy regenerating loom ("PERL") that could be designed as an off
shore device and possesses the similar or different positive
attributes as OEHT with additional purposes consisting of a
pivoting off shore illumination tower and liquid waste to fuel
conversion base.
[0050] Still another example of an HEHD could include the additions
of thermoelectric, pyroelectric, magnetostatic or many other
micro-methods for energy harvesting.
[0051] The HEHD devices would likely be placed in very harsh
environments and would therefore be best served with some level of
weather protection. The HEHD devices should be made to withstand
not only many hours of spinning/oscillating on its base, but also
harsh wind, rain, sun and dirt exposure. The weather protection
could be a plastic or other material case around each blade and
section. The electronic wiring should also be shielded from the
elements. Thus, each wire should be encased in a weatherproof
shield, or placed inside of the body of the device. The
oscillating/spinning base should be protected as best as possible
from water exposure and allow for the wiring going to and from the
device to be water proof or as water resistant as possible.
[0052] The material of which HEHDs are made could be any number of
materials. Some examples include carbon fiber bodies, lightweight
metals such as aluminum or titanium. The bodies of the device could
be made of wood, plastics or resins. A consideration for materials
is weather resistance including water penetration and resilience.
The circuitry of the device should be shielded from the elements so
as to increase its reliability. Water tight compartments should
house circuits and wiring wherever possible. Water resistant and
repellant coatings should be used in wiring, circuitry and
connections wherever possible. A hybrid fibrous material can also
be woven together with another material such as Teflon or another
durable and formable surface suitable for hybrid harvesting.
[0053] Wiring components may be packaged discretely, as arrays or
networks of like components, or integrated inside of packages such
as semiconductor integrated circuits, hybrid integrated circuits
and thin or thick film devices. Interfaces formed using a
conductive material including metals, a flexible substrate and a
conductive fiber, or conductive gels may also be used.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows an example HEHD as an illustration of a detail
of the oscillating section from the top view, showing a kinetic
device 410 at the center, a wireless transfer mechanism 420 mounted
to a smooth and mountable exterior 440 and with the multifunctional
curved and canted surfaces 430 for harvesting wind energy attached
to slotted mounting sections.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows another example HEHD as another illustration of
a detail where the same oscillating section in FIG. 4 is viewed
from the bottom. Showing the same multifunctional curved and canted
surfaces 510 for harvesting wind energy and how they are attached
to the slotted mounting sections 520. A view of the wireless
transfer mechanism 530 not protruding at the bottom of the
oscillating section 540 were the interior is cogged.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows another example HEHD as another illustration of
a detail where the oscillating section 610 is included on the
interior that can be designated for the wireless transfer
mechanism, the cogged interior 620 of the oscillating section, the
mounting slots 630 for wind harvesting panels or blades and the
smooth and mountable exterior 640 of the oscillating section.
[0057] The wiring of HEHDs could take any number of forms.
[0058] FIG. 7 is an example illustration of wiring diagram 700 for
an HEHD expressing the ability of the device to combine the hybrid
solar/kinetic 710 and wind power elements 720 to function in a
parallel circuit with a wireless power transfer 730, allowing all
of the energy harvested by the total device to pass through a
charge control circuit 740. The new regulated power is discharged
to the power grid, the storage battery and/or the electrical device
for consumption.
[0059] FIG. 8 shows another example wiring diagram for an HEHD that
describes connecting 12 v solar/PV 810 and 18 v piezoelectric cells
820 and 12 v PMW for wind energy 830 in a parallel circuit to
function simultaneously. The production of solar and kinetic and
wind energies can be stored by a battery 840, and/or tied into the
power grid 850 and/or used to power one or more LED lights 860,
such as a 12 v LED light.
Fixed Threshold Power Production and Distribution
[0060] The term "fixed threshold" defines a baseline minimum power
output (+0) and a maximum power output range to be determined by
the design and size of any particular device. The combinations of
elements used here, but not limited to are wind, solar and
vibration or kinetic energy, creating an example of a "fixed
threshold Hybrid Energy Harvesting Device" that has a baseline
minimum power output of (+0) produced by natural energy.
[0061] For example, the Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect
Transistor ("MOSFET") may be used as a type of transistor. Strong
inversion MOSFET models used for macro-scale, as on a utility
scale, applications are inherently variable in terms of both demand
and supply, but they are designed to cope with these variations
through their grid, device configurations, control systems and
interconnections. The strong inversion MOSFET model for
macro-scale, as on a utility scale, applications makes the
assumption that the inversion charge goes to zero when the gate
voltage drops below the threshold voltage, erroneously predicting
zero current. In digital circuits, sub-threshold conduction can be
viewed as a parasitic leakage in a state that would ideally have no
current. In terms of micro-scale, such as a single source scale,
applications, parasitic leakage describes the behavior of the
MOSFET in the sub-threshold regime. This sub-threshold will allow
us to model transistors operating with small gate voltages, and
sub-threshold is in fact an efficient operating region around which
low and ultralow circuits and transistor functions are
designed.
[0062] Parasitic leakage is a term used to describe electromagnetic
excess. Parasitic leakage can also be defined as the passage of
energy outside the path along which it was intended to work.
Parasitic leakage could be considered a degradation of
functionality in devices that inherently consume energy. This means
when parasitic leakage is applied in terms relating to the
production of energy, specifically during natural energy
harvesting, there is an opportunity for any combination of devices
to collectively harvest significant quantities of usable/storable
energy and because of parasitic leakage the ability to continuously
produce a minimum positive output. For the purpose of explaining
HEHD's, parasitic leakage constitutes the presence of a small but
usable supply of energy. Here, a threshold voltage level
determining circuit can set a baseline allowing the HEHD electrical
current gate to remain open to parasitic leakage. This action can
allow the HEHD to harvest continuously among multiple sources.
[0063] Micro-harvesters such as piezoelectric transducers can
generate energy in milliwatts and these are the same order of
magnitude that Ultra-Low Power circuits typically consume to power
personal use devices such as mobile accessories, wireless devices,
or other similar devices. Piezoelectric energy resulting from
pressure is also known as kinetic and vibrational energy.
Vibrations from industrial machinery can also be harvested by
piezoelectric materials. The combination and configuration of an
HEHD can exploit and maximize the effects of parasitic leakage
using Ultra-low circuit technology such as piezoelectricity on a
macro or larger scale application, thus adding a useful supply of
energy to any power distribution system.
Configuration of Example Devices
[0064] The following is a detailed example of the configuration of
one example HEHD. Such an example includes wiring in a parallel
circuit.
[0065] In one example embodiment, the wiring of the kinetic element
with the solar element as described in FIG. 3 creates a hybrid
surface that can function for solar and kinetic energy at
approximately the same time. A series of arm bars could then be
attached to a service pole or a stationary mount to hold the
position of the hybrid surface above any moving or oscillating
parts and can serve as a conduit for wiring.
[0066] A durable surface such as the hybrid Teflon material or
another formative and durable material can be used to construct the
turbine blades or panels, in one example. The panels can be curved,
canted and positioned to resemble an open sphere shape with slots
for wind or another shape or position intended to capitalize on 360
degrees and even bottom and top relative directional wind
direction. The curvature can be equal to, plus or minus 180
degrees; the positions can be straight or canted leaving some space
between panels for air flow. The panels can be mounted with hinged
or fixed brackets, allowing access to the center.
[0067] A stationary Micro-phoned kinetic receiver can hang near to
the center of the device from the top or bottom and can be mounted
to the stationary encasement frame, to collect kinetic/acoustic
energy generated by the entire device. Additionally, in one
example, a ring can clamp around the service pole or conduit with
arm bars positioned to hold the hybrid surface above the vertical
axis turbine. The microphone could rest in the center and with
sufficient space so it does not interfere with the rotation of the
turbine blades or panels.
[0068] The kinetic and solar energy collected from the stationary
elements can be transferred through a wireless power transfer that
has its transmitter positioned above and its receiver positioned
below any moving or oscillating parts on the device. The power
generated from wind energy may be transported through wires at the
base of the motor/turbine generator and below any moving or
oscillating parts. The receiver of the wireless power transfer and
the motor/generator wires can then be wired to a Power Bridge on
the charge controller. The device can be connected to a service
pole or mounting surface, where the sources of collection could
complement one and other and increase the other in
productivity.
[0069] A wireless transmitter could be used that is wired to
transfer any energy produced from the hybrid surface and any other
energy harvested above the motor/generator. The wireless receiver
could be mounted at an optimal proximity to transfer as much of the
energy recorded by the wireless transmitter as possible. The
wireless receivers output could be joined by the motor/generator
output at the charge control circuit.
[0070] The total of energy from all contributing elements can
provide a useable supply of power to a device and/or can be stored
by battery and/or can be connected to a power distribution system
or smart grid for various consumer uses. These devices can be wired
in a series; however the optimal wiring method is in parallel.
DC to AC Inverter Circuit
[0071] FIG. 11 depicts an example DC to AC Inverter circuit
including a timing circuit 1140, such as a 555 timer oscillator,
which may be used in conjunction with the HEHD. This power
converter can be used, for example, to connect the multiple sources
of electricity from the HEHD systems into a common AC output that
can connect to a power system such as an overall grid or even a
smaller system such as a single building such as a home or office,
without the necessity for battery storage. For our exemplary HEHD,
the circuit should be placed directly after the piezo-electric
device and the solar elements. The piezo and solar devices are both
DC power producers and the wind is inherently an AC producer. By
placing the DC to AC conversion circuit into the configuration
precisely before the PWM for wind and after the first parallel
circuit combining solar and piezo, the end result is a compact
Hybrid AC power generator.
[0072] FIG. 11 shows an example circuit, and the parts of the
circuit have, in this example the following values, 1110 is a
resistor R1=10K, 1112 is resistor R2=100K, 1114 is resistor R3=100
ohm, 1116 is a linear potentiometer R4=50K, 1118 and 1120 are
capacitors C1 and C2=0.1 uF, 1122 is capacitor C3=0.01 uF, 1124 is
capacitor C4=2700 uF, 1126 is an NPN transistor Q1=TIP41A or
equivalent transistor, 1128 is a PNP transistor Q2=TIP42A or
equivalent transistor, 1130 is inductor L1=1 uH, and 1132 is
transformer T1=choice of Filament transformer, and Diode D1 is
1134.
[0073] The systems here can function as DC devices or AC devices or
Combination AC/DC devices according to the placement and
configuration of this particular inversion element. FIG. 11 shows a
12 Volt schematic which coincides with FIGS. 7 and 8 wiring
schematics. FIG. 11 shows an example circuit board that can be
placed according to the design configuration of each custom device,
for example.
[0074] In FIG. 11, a DC-to-AC inverter schematic shows a circuit
that can produce an AC output at line frequency and voltage. The
timer 1140 is configured as a low-frequency oscillator, tunable
over the frequency range of 50 to 60 Hz by Frequency potentiometer
1116, for example.
[0075] The timer 140 can feed its output, amplified by transistor
1126 and transistor 1128, to the input of transformer 1132, a
reverse-connected filament transformer with the necessary step-up
turn's ratio. Capacitor 1124 and inductor 1130 filter the input to
transformer 1132, assuring that it is effectively a sine wave. The
value of 1132 T1 can be adjusted to the required voltage.
[0076] Operating a renewable energy system in parallel with an
electric grid can require special grid-interactive or Grid Tie
Inverters (GTI). The power processing circuits of a GTI can be
similar to that of a conventional portable DC-AC converter that
operates as a stand-alone device. Some differences may be in their
control algorithm and safety features. A GTI takes a variable
voltage from a DC source, such as solar panels array or a wind
system, and inverts it to AC synchronized with the mains. It can
provide power to a load and feed an excess of the electricity into
the grid. Depending on power and voltage levels, GTIs circuits
normally have from one to three stages. A simplified power train
schematic diagram in FIG. 11 illustrates the principles of
operation of a three-stage grid tie inverter. Such a topology can
be useful for low-voltage inputs, such as 12V, in grounded systems.
The control circuits and miscellaneous details are not shown here.
Other examples could also include two-stage and single-stage
configurations.
[0077] In FIG. 11, the input voltage is first raised by the boost
converter formed with inductor 1130, transistor 1126, diode 1134
and capacitor 1120. If a PV array is rated for more than 50V,
generally one of the input direct current busses has to be grounded
per National Electric Code.RTM.. The NEC.RTM. however allows some
exceptions discussed below. Although in theory either of two busses
can be connected to earth, usually it is a negative one. If DC
input has conduction pass to ground, the output AC conductors in
utility-interactive configurations should be isolated from DC.
[0078] In our example, a galvanic isolation is provided by a high
frequency transformer in the second conversion stage. This stage is
a pulse-width modulated DC-DC converter. FIG. 11 shows a full
bridge, also known as H-bridge, isolating converter comprised of
(not pictured), Q2-Q5, T1, D2-D5, L2, and C3. For power levels
under 1000 watts, it could also be a half-bridge or a forward
converter. Some commercial models use low-frequency (LF)
transformer in the output stage instead of a high frequency one in
the DC-DC section. With such a method, input is converted to 60 Hz
AC, and then a LF transformer changes it to a required level and
provides isolation at the same time. The system with an LF
transformer has a significantly larger weight and size, but it will
not inject a DC component into the load.
[0079] Another modification is contemplated where regulation UL
1741 allows transformer-less inverters and exempts them from
dielectric voltage withstand test between input and output. In this
case, the isolating stage can be eliminated. Conductors from PV
array in non-isolated designs can't be bonded to earth. NEC.RTM.
690.41 allows ungrounded configurations as they comply with Article
690.35. The transformer-less inverter can feature lower weight and
cost. They can be used in areas where ungrounded electrical systems
are common.
[0080] Transformer 1132, can be a so-called step-up type to amplify
the input voltage. With a step-up transformer 1132, the first stage
(boost converter) may be omitted. However, high turns ratio leads
to large leakage inductance.
[0081] The regulated converter provides a DC-link to the output AC
inverter. Its value should be higher than the peak of the utility
AC voltage. For example, for 120 VAC service, the Vdc should be
>120* 2=168V. Typical numbers are 180-200V. For 240 VAC you
would need 350-400 V. For 240 VAC the range would be 350-400 V.
[0082] In another example, not pictured, the third conversion stage
turns DC into AC by using another full bridge converter. It can
consist of IGBT Q6-Q9 and LC-filter L3, C4, for example.
[0083] Further describing the example not pictured the IGBTs Q6-Q9
work as electronic switches that operate in PWM mode. This topology
requires anti-parallel freewheeling diodes to provide an alternate
path for the current when the switches are off. These diodes are
either included within IGBTs or added externally. By controlling
different switches in the H-bridge, a positive, negative, or zero
potential can be applied across inductor L3. The output LC filter
then reduces high frequency harmonics to produce a sine wave.
[0084] A GTI also has to provide so-called anti-islanding
protection. When mains fails or when its voltage level or frequency
goes outside of acceptable limits, the automatic switch should SW
quickly disconnect the system output from the line. The clearing
time depends on the mains conditions and is specified by UL 1741.
In the worse cases, when utility voltage drops below 0.5 of
nominal, or its frequency deviates by +0.5 or -0.7 Hz from the
rated value, GTI should cease to export power back to the grid in
less than 100 milliseconds. An anti-islanding can be accomplished
for example via AC under voltage or output overcurrent detection
functions. Our example depicts a system with power backup option:
when contactor SW opens, the GTI will supply critical loads
connected to the sub-panel.
Deployment of Hybrid Devices
[0085] Thus, by employing many hybrid devices, a steady and
near-constant source of low power can be produced. Such a network
of interconnected devices can be deployed over a vast geographic
region, tied into the existing power grid, or over an area where
the devices are linked by a proprietary network.
[0086] The example devices here could bear a fixed range threshold
for scalable energy harvesting applications. Objectively smaller
elemental harvesting, devices, techniques or combinations could
provide a controllable threshold for natural energy ranging from an
ultra-low Volt-Amp (less than 1.2 VA) and ranging above zero
Volt-Amp (+0 VA). Generated power potential can be determined by
size, design and/or implementation strategy.
[0087] The VAEHT example shows combinations of harvesting elements
that can sustain a minimum voltage output ranging above zero
Volt-Amps (+0 VA) and reaching maximum voltages determined by
design, size, implementation and the combination of natural
resources available.
[0088] Deployment of the HEHDs in a network could include placement
on municipality property such as existing lamp posts or street
signs for smaller units. Deployment could include farms of devices
placed in areas where strong and prevailing winds could keep the
wind turbines spinning and areas where sunlight is prevalent and
common. Coastal deployment on sea level or bluffs could produce
these kinds of conditions, for example. The farms could be on land
or at sea, where platforms, barges, sea walls, or break walls could
serve as deployment positions.
[0089] Large or macro-scale harvesting applications such as wind
and solar farms typically add kilowatts or megawatts to the power
distribution system. Depending on the size and design
configuration, a single HEHD can generate power ranging from
milliwatts or micro-scale such as single source, to megawatts or
macro-scale, such as utility, quantities of natural energy.
[0090] Conversely, an HEHD device can be designed for macro or
micro-scale harvesting. A smaller device can be wired into a
service grid, thus making multiple micro-scale devices a
macro-scale system for energy harvesting.
[0091] Thus, a single harvesting sources such as solar or wind or
piezoelectric technology can power a single device such as a street
light independently of the power grid. The configuration of the
HEHD combining a multiple of harvesting sources can create an
opportunity to produce a massive residual supply of energy. The
smart grid permits greater penetration of the HEHD with or without
the addition of energy storage. There are specific interconnection
criteria to each infrastructure for allowing residual energy above
or below 10 kilowatts to be interconnected to the grid.
[0092] In relation to HEHD'S and parasitic leakage this means, when
implemented strategically smaller scaled devices can be constructed
in a manner that allows them to convert an energy consumption
infrastructure, for example, a city street lighting grid, into a
large scale energy producing infrastructure by affixing an HEHD to
each streetlight service pole on the grid. An exemplary HEHD
configuration consisting of 15 W/12V--Solar, 18V--Piezoelectric,
and 12V--PMW for wind, can modify devices such as a common 12V city
street light by affixing to the existing service pole to sustain
illumination independent of the power distribution system for
multiple uninterrupted hours, or stored to a 24V rechargeable
battery or a connected to a smart grid power distribution
system.
[0093] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the
illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or
to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in view of the above
teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
* * * * *