U.S. patent application number 15/145794 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-25 for energy collection.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ion Power Group LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ion Power Group LLC. Invention is credited to Clint McCowen.
Application Number | 20160248345 15/145794 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55264301 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160248345 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCowen; Clint |
August 25, 2016 |
Energy Collection
Abstract
An energy collection system may collect and use the energy
generated by an electric field. Collection fibers are suspended
from a support system. The support system is electrically connected
to a load by a connecting wire. The collection fibers may be made
of any conducting material, but graphene, carbon and graphite are
preferred. Diodes may be used to restrict the backflow or loss of
energy.
Inventors: |
McCowen; Clint; (Navarre,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ion Power Group LLC |
Navarre |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ion Power Group LLC
Navarre
FL
|
Family ID: |
55264301 |
Appl. No.: |
15/145794 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14454308 |
Aug 7, 2014 |
9331603 |
|
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15145794 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 10/72 20130101;
H02N 1/002 20130101; Y02B 10/70 20130101; H02N 1/04 20130101; Y02B
10/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02N 1/00 20060101
H02N001/00; H02N 1/04 20060101 H02N001/04 |
Claims
1. A method of collecting energy comprising: suspending at least
one graphene collection device, electrically connected to the
support structure, the support structure comprising at least one of
an airplane, drone, blimp, balloon, kite, satellite, train,
motorcycle, bike, skateboard, scooter, hovercraft, electronic
device, electronic device case, billboard, cell tower, radio tower,
camera tower, flag pole, telescopic pole, light pole, utility pole,
water tower, building, sky scraper, coliseum, roof top, solar panel
and a fixed or mobile structure exceeding 1 inch in height above
ground or sea level; and providing a load with an electrical
connection to the at least one collection device to draw
current.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the graphene collection device
collects energy by triboelectric effect.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the graphene collection device
comprises a graphene mesh.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the graphene collection device
comprises a diode and a collection fiber and the diode is
electrically connected between the collection fiber and the
load.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing energy
provided to the load.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein storing energy provided to the
load comprises storing energy in a capacitor or an inductor.
7. The method of claim 3, further comprising a fuel cell for
producing hydrogen from the collected energy.
8. A system of energy collection comprising: a support structure,
the support structure comprising at least one of an airplane,
drone, blimp, balloon, kite, satellite, train, motorcycle, bike,
skateboard, scooter, hovercraft, electronic device, electronic
device case, billboard, cell tower, radio tower, camera tower, flag
pole, telescopic pole, light pole, utility pole, water tower,
building, sky scraper, coliseum, roof top, solar panel and a fixed
or mobile structure exceeding 1 inch in height above ground or sea
level; at least one graphene collection device electrically
connected to the support structure; and a load electrically
connected to the at least one collection device.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the graphene collection device
collects energy by triboelectric effect.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the graphene collection device
comprises a graphene mesh.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the graphene collection device
comprises a collection fiber and a diode electrically connected
between the load and the collection fiber.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the diode is elevated relative
to the ground level.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein the support structure comprises
a vehicle.
14. The system of claim 8, further comprising a diode electrically
connected between the at least one graphene collection device and
the support structure.
15. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a switch connected
in series between the at least one graphene collection device and
the load; and a capacitor connected in parallel with the switch and
the load.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the switch comprises an
interrupter connected between the load and at least one graphene
collection device, and wherein the interrupter comprises at least
one of a fluorescent tube, a neon bulb, an AC light, and a spark
gap.
17. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a motor for
providing power, the motor connected between the at least one
graphene collection device and the load; and a generator powered by
the motor.
18. The system of claim 8, further comprising a fuel cell between
the support structure and the load.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the fuel cell produces hydrogen
and oxygen.
20. A system of collecting energy comprising: means for suspending
at least one graphene collection device, the at least one graphene
collection device electrically connected to the means for
suspending; and means for inducing current flow, the means for
inducing current flow electrically connected to the graphene
collection device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. utility patent
application Ser. No. 14/454,308, filed on Aug. 7, 2014, which is
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to energy and,
more particularly, is related to systems and methods for collecting
energy.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The concept of fair weather electricity deals with the
electric field and the electric current in the atmosphere
propagated by the conductivity of the air. Clear, calm air carries
an electrical current, which is the return path for thousands of
lightening storms simultaneously occurring at any given moment
around the earth. For simplicity, this energy may be referred to as
static electricity or static energy. FIG. 1 illustrates a weather
circuit for returning the current from lightning, for example, back
to ground 10. Weather currents 20, 30 return the cloud to ground
current 40.
[0004] In a lightening storm, an electrical charge is built up, and
electrons arc across a gas, ionizing it and producing the
lightening flash. As one of ordinary skill in the art understands,
the complete circuit requires a return path for the lightening
flash. The atmosphere is the return path for the circuit. The
electric field due to the atmospheric return path is relatively
weak at any given point because the energy of thousands of
electrical storms across the planet are diffused over the
atmosphere of the entire Earth during both fair and stormy weather.
Other contributing factors to electric current being present in the
atmosphere may include cosmic rays penetrating and interacting with
the earth's atmosphere, and also the migration of ions, as well as
other effects yet to be fully studied.
[0005] Some of the ionization in the lower atmosphere is caused by
airborne radioactive substances, primarily radon. In most places of
the world, ions are formed at a rate of 5-10 pairs per cubic
centimeter per second at sea level. With increasing altitude,
cosmic radiation causes the ion production rate to increase. In
areas with high radon exhalation from the soil (or building
materials), the rate may be much higher.
[0006] Alpha-active materials are primarily responsible for the
atmospheric ionization. Each alpha particle (for instance, from a
decaying radon atom) will, over its range of some centimeters,
create approximately 150,000-200,000 ion pairs.
[0007] While there is a large amount of usable energy available in
the atmosphere, a method or apparatus for efficiently collecting
that energy has not been forthcoming. Therefore, a heretofore
unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the
aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY
[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and
methods for collecting energy. Briefly described in architecture,
one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented by a
support structure, the support structure comprising at least one of
an airplane, drone, blimp, balloon, kite, satellite, train,
motorcycle, bike, skateboard, scooter, hovercraft, electronic
device, electronic device case, billboard, cell tower, radio tower,
camera tower, flag pole, telescopic pole, light pole, utility pole,
water tower, building, sky scraper, coliseum, roof top, solar panel
and a fixed or mobile structure exceeding 1 inch in height above
ground or sea level; at least one collection device with, in
operation, microscopic points of a cross-section of the collection
device exposed to the environment electrically connected to the
support structure; and a load electrically connected to the at
least one collection device.
[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be viewed as
providing methods for collecting energy. In this regard, one
embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly
summarized by the following steps: suspending at least one
collection device with, in operation, microscopic points of a
cross-section of the collection device exposed to the environment
from a support structure, the at least one collection device
electrically connected to the support structure, the support
structure comprising at least one of an airplane, drone, blimp,
balloon, kite, satellite, train, motorcycle, bike, skateboard,
scooter, hovercraft, electronic device, electronic device case,
billboard, cell tower, radio tower, camera tower, flag pole,
telescopic pole, light pole, utility pole, water tower, building,
sky scraper, coliseum, roof top, solar panel and a fixed or mobile
structure exceeding 1 inch in height above ground or sea level; and
providing a load with an electrical connection to the at least one
collection device to draw current.
[0010] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a weather energy circuit.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of
many energy collectors elevated above ground by a structure.
[0014] FIG. 2A is a side view of an energy collection fiber
suspended from a support wire.
[0015] FIG. 2B is a side view of an example embodiment of an energy
collection fiber suspended from a support wire and with an
additional support member.
[0016] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a support structure for
multiple energy collection fibers.
[0017] FIG. 2D is a side view of an example embodiment of a support
structure for multiple energy collection fibers.
[0018] FIG. 2E is a side view of a support structure for an energy
collection fiber.
[0019] FIG. 2F is a side view of an example embodiment of a support
structure for an energy collection fiber.
[0020] FIG. 2G is a side view of a support structure for multiple
energy collection fibers.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of a
circuit for the collection of energy.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of a
circuit for the collection of energy.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of an
energy collection circuit for powering a generator and motor.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of a
circuit for collecting energy and using it for the production of
hydrogen and oxygen.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of a
circuit for collecting energy, and using it for driving a fuel
cell.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of a
circuit for collecting energy.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an example embodiment of
collecting energy with a collection fiber.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of an example embodiment of a
circuit for collecting energy from a dual polarity source.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a system diagram of an example embodiment of an
energy collection system connected to an automobile vehicle.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a system diagram of an example embodiment of an
energy collection system connected to a lunar rover vehicle.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a system diagram of an example embodiment of an
energy collection system comprising collection devices with a
diode.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a system diagram of an example embodiment of an
energy collection system comprising multiple legs of the system of
FIG. 13.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a system diagram of an example embodiment of a
windmill with energy collectors.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Electric charges on conductors reside entirely on the
external surface of the conductors, and tend to concentrate more
around sharp points and edges than on flat surfaces. Therefore, an
electric field received by a sharp conductive point may be much
stronger than a field received by the same charge residing on a
large smooth conductive shell. An example embodiment of this
disclosure takes advantage of this property, among others, to
collect and use the energy generated by an electric field in the
atmosphere. Referring to collection system 100 presented in FIG. 2,
at least one collection device 130 may be suspended from a support
wire system 120 supported by poles 110. Collection device 130 may
comprise a diode or a collection fiber individually, or the
combination of a diode and a collection fiber. Support wire system
120 may be electrically connected to load 150 by connecting wire
140. Supporting wire system 120 may be any shape or pattern. Also,
conducting wire 140 may be one wire or multiple wires. The
collection device 130 in the form of a fiber may comprise any
conducting or non-conducting material, including carbon, graphite,
Teflon, and metal. An example embodiment utilizes carbon or
graphite fibers for static electricity collection. Support wire
system 120 and connecting wire 140 can be made of any conducting
material, including aluminum or steel, but most notably, copper.
Teflon may be added to said conductor as well, such as non-limiting
examples of a Teflon impregnated wire, a wire with a Teflon
coating, or Teflon strips hanging from a wire. Conducting wire 120,
140, and 200 may be bare wire, or coated with insulation as a
non-limiting example. Wires 120 and 140 are a means of transporting
the energy collected by collection device 130.
[0035] An example embodiment of the collection fibers as collection
device 130 includes graphite or carbon fibers. Graphite and carbon
fibers, at a microscopic level, can have hundreds of thousands of
points. Atmospheric electricity may be attracted to these points.
If atmospheric electricity can follow two paths where one is a flat
surface and the other is a pointy, conductive surface, the
electrical charge will be attracted to the pointy, conductive
surface. Generally, the more points that are present, the higher
energy that can be gathered. Therefore, carbon, or graphite fibers
are examples that demonstrate collection ability.
[0036] In at least one example embodiment, the height of support
wire 120 may be an important factor. The higher that collection
device 130 is from ground, the larger the voltage potential between
collection device 130 and electrical ground. The electric field may
be more than 100 volts per meter under some conditions. When
support wire 120 is suspended in the air at a particular altitude,
wire 120 will itself collect a very small charge from ambient
voltage. When collection device 130 is connected to support wire
120, collection device 130 becomes energized and transfers the
energy to support wire 120.
[0037] A diode, not shown in FIG. 2, may be connected in several
positions in collection system 100. A diode is a component that
restricts the direction of movement of charge carriers. It allows
an electric current to flow in one direction, but essentially
blocks it in the opposite direction. A diode can be thought of as
the electrical version of a check valve. The diode may be used to
prevent the collected energy from discharging into the atmosphere
through the collection fiber embodiment of collection device 130.
An example embodiment of the collection device comprises the diode
with no collection fiber. A preferred embodiment, however, includes
a diode at the connection point of a collection fiber to support
system 120 such that the diode is elevated above ground. Multiple
diodes may be used between collection device 130 and load 150.
Additionally, in an embodiment with multiple fibers, the diodes
restricts energy that may be collected through one fiber from
escaping through another fiber.
[0038] Collection device 130 may be connected and arranged in
relation to support wire system 120 by many means. Some
non-limiting examples are provided in FIGS. 2A-2G using a
collection fiber embodiment. FIG. 2A presents support wire 200 with
connecting member 210 for collection device 130. Connection member
210 may be any conducting material allowing for the flow of
electricity from connection device 130 to support wire 200. Then,
as shown in FIG. 2, the support wire 200 of support system 120 may
be electrically connected through conducting wire 140 to load 150.
A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position on the support
structure wire. A preferred embodiment places a diode at an
elevated position at the connection point between a collection
fiber embodiment of collection device 130 and connection member
210.
[0039] Likewise, FIG. 2B shows collection fiber 130 electrically
connected to support wire 200 and also connected to support member
230. Support member 230 may be connected to collection fiber 130 on
either side. Support member 230 holds the fiber steady on both ends
instead of letting it move freely. Support member 230 may be
conducting or non-conducting. A plurality of diodes may be placed
at any position on the support structure wire. A preferred
embodiment places a diode at elevated position at the connection
point between collection fiber 130 and support wire 200 or between
fiber 130, support member 230, and support wire 200.
[0040] FIG. 2C presents multiple collection fibers in a squirrel
cage arrangement with top and bottom support members. Support
structure 250 may be connected to support structure wire 200 by
support member 240. Structure 250 has a top 260 and a bottom 270
and each of the multiple collection fibers 130 are connected on one
end to top 260 and on the other end to bottom 270. A plurality of
diodes may be placed at any position on support structure 250. A
preferred embodiment places a diode at an elevated position at the
connection point between collection fiber 130 and support structure
wire 200.
[0041] FIG. 2D presents another example embodiment of a support
structure with support members 275 in an x-shape connected to
support structure wire 200 at intersection 278 with collection
fibers 130 connected between ends of support members 275. A
plurality of diodes may be placed at any position on the support
structure. A preferred embodiment places a diode at an elevated
position at the connection point between collection fiber 130 and
support wire 200.
[0042] FIG. 2E provides another example embodiment for supporting
collection fiber 130. Collection fiber 130 may be connected on one
side to support member 285, which may be connected to support
structure wire 200 in a first location and on the other side to
support member 280, which may be connected to support structure
wire 200 in a second location on support structure wire 200. The
first and second locations may be the same location, or they may be
different locations, even on different support wires. A plurality
of diodes may be placed at any position on the support structure. A
preferred embodiment places one or more diodes at elevated
positions at the connection point(s) between collection fiber 130
and support wire 200.
[0043] FIG. 2F presents another example embodiment of a support for
a collection fiber. Two support members 290 may support either side
of a collection fiber and are connected to support wire 200 in a
single point. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position
on the support structure. A preferred embodiment places a diode at
an elevated position at the connection point between collection
fiber 130 and support wire 200.
[0044] FIG. 2G provides two supports as provided in FIG. 2F such
that at least two support members 292, 294 may be connected to
support structure wire 200 in multiple locations and collection
fibers 130 may be connected between each end of the support
structures. Collection fibers 130 may be connected between each end
of a single support structure and between multiple support
structures. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position on
the support structure. A preferred embodiment places one or more
diodes at elevated positions at the connection point(s) between
collection fiber 130 and support structure wire 200.
[0045] FIG. 3 provides a schematic diagram of storing circuit 300
for storing energy collected by one or more collection devices (130
from FIG. 2). Load 150 induces current flow. Diode 310 may be
electrically connected in series between one or more collection
devices (130 from FIG. 2) and load 150. A plurality of diodes may
be placed at any position in the circuit. Switch 330 may be
electrically connected between load 150 and at least one collection
device (130 from FIG. 2) to connect and disconnect the load.
Capacitor 320 maybe connected in parallel to the switch 330 and
load 150 to store energy when switch 330 is open for delivery to
load 150 when switch 330 is closed. Rectifier 340 may be
electrically connected in parallel to load 150, between the
receiving end of switch 330 and ground. Rectifier 340 may be a
full-wave or a half-wave rectifier. Rectifier 340 may include a
diode electrically connected in parallel to load 150, between the
receiving end of switch 330 and ground. The direction of the diode
of rectifier 340 is optional.
[0046] In an example embodiment provided in FIG. 4, storage circuit
400 stores energy from one or more collection devices (130 from
FIG. 2) by charging capacitor 410. If charging capacitor 410 is not
used, then the connection to ground shown at capacitor 410 is
eliminated. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position in
the circuit. Diode 310 may be electrically connected in series
between one or more collection devices (130 from FIG. 2) and load
150. Diode 440 may be placed in series with load 150. The voltage
from capacitor 410 can be used to charge spark gap 420 when it
reaches sufficient voltage. Spark gap 420 may comprise one or more
spark gaps in parallel. Non-limiting examples of spark gap 420
include mercury-reed switches and mercury-wetted reed switches.
When spark gap 420 arcs, energy will arc from one end of the spark
gap 420 to the receiving end of the spark gap 420. The output of
spark gap 420 may be electrically connected in series to rectifier
450. Rectifier 450 may be a full-wave or a half-wave rectifier.
Rectifier 450 may include a diode electrically connected in
parallel to transformer 430 and load 150, between the receiving end
of spark gap 420 and ground. The direction of the diode of
rectifier 450 is optional. The output of rectifier 450 is connected
to transformer 430 to drive load 150.
[0047] FIG. 5 presents motor driver circuit 500. One or more
collection devices (130 from FIG. 2) are electrically connected to
static electricity motor 510, which powers generator 520 to drive
load 150. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position in
the circuit. Motor 510 may also be directly connected to load 150
to drive it directly.
[0048] FIG. 6 demonstrates a circuit 600 for producing hydrogen. A
plurality of diodes maybe placed at any position in the circuit.
One or more collection devices (130 from FIG. 2) are electrically
connected to primary spark gap 610, which may be connected to
secondary spark gap 640. Non-limiting examples of spark gaps 610,
640 include mercury-reed switches and mercury-wetted reed switches.
Secondary spark gap 640 may be immersed in water 630 within
container 620. When secondary spark gap 640 immersed in water 630
is energized, spark gap 640 may produce bubbles of hydrogen and
oxygen, which may be collected to be used as fuel.
[0049] FIG. 7 presents circuit 700 for driving a fuel cell. A
plurality of diodes may be placed at any position in the circuit.
Collection devices (130 from FIG. 2) provide energy to fuel cell
720 which drives load 150. Fuel cell 720 may produce hydrogen and
oxygen.
[0050] FIG. 8 presents example circuit 800 for the collection of
energy. Storage circuit 800 stores energy from one or more
collection devices (130 from FIG. 2) by charging capacitor 810. If
charging capacitor 810 is not used, then the connection to ground
shown at capacitor 810 is eliminated. A plurality of diodes may be
placed at any position in the circuit. The voltage from capacitor
810 can be used to charge spark gap 820 when it reaches sufficient
voltage. Spark gap 820 may comprise one or more spark gaps in
parallel or in series. Non-limiting examples of spark gap 820
include mercury-reed switches and mercury-wetted reed switches.
When spark gap 820 arcs, energy will arc from one end of spark gap
820 to the receiving end of spark gap 820. The output of spark gap
820 may be electrically connected in series to rectifier 825.
Rectifier 825 may be a full-wave or a half-wave rectifier.
Rectifier 825 may include a diode electrically connected in
parallel to inductor 830 and load 150, between the receiving end of
spark gap 820 and ground. The direction of the diode of rectifier
825 is optional. The output of rectifier 825 is connected to
inductor 830. Inductor 830 may be a fixed value inductor or a
variable inductor. Capacitor 870 may be placed in parallel with
load 150.
[0051] FIG. 9 presents a flow diagram of a method for collecting
energy. In block 910, one or more collection devices may be
suspended from a support structure wire. In block 920, a load may
be electrically connected to the support structure wire to draw
current. In block 930 a diode may be electrically connected between
the support structure wire and the electrical connection to the
load. In block 940, energy provided to the load may be stored or
otherwise utilized.
[0052] FIG. 10 presents circuit 1000 as an example embodiment for
the collection of energy from a dual polarity source. This may be
used, for example, to collect atmospheric energy that reverses in
polarity compared with the ground. Such polarity reversal has been
discovered as occurring occasionally on Earth during, for example,
thunderstorms and bad weather, but has also been observed during
good weather. Such polarity reversal may occur on other planetary
bodies, including Mars and Venus, as well. Energy polarity on other
planets, in deep space, or on other heavenly bodies, may be
predominantly negative or predominantly positive. Collector fibers
(130 from FIG. 2), which may comprise graphene, silicene, and/or
other like materials, are capable of collecting positive energy
and/or negative energy, and circuit 1000 is capable of processing
positive and/or negative energy, providing an output which is
always positive. Circuit 1000 may collect energy from one or more
collection devices (130 from FIG. 2). Charging capacitor 1010 may
be used to store a charge until the voltage at spark gap 1020
achieves the spark voltage. Capacitor 1010 is optional.
[0053] A plurality of diodes may be placed in a plurality of
positions in circuit 1000. The voltage from capacitor 1010 may be
used to charge spark gap 1020 to a sufficient voltage. Spark gap
1020 may comprise one or more spark gaps in parallel or in series.
Non-limiting examples of spark gap 1020 include mercury-reed
switches, mercury-wetted reed switches, open-gap spark gaps, and
electronic switches. When spark gap 1020 arcs, energy will arc from
an emitting end of spark gap 1020 to a receiving end of spark gap
1020. The output of spark gap 1020 is electrically connected to the
anode of diode 1022 and the cathode of diode 1024. The cathode of
diode 1022 is electrically connected to the cathode of diode 1026
and inductor 1030. Inductor 1030 may be a fixed value inductor or a
variable inductor. The anode of diode 1026 is electrically
connected to ground. Capacitor 1028 is electrically connected
between ground and the junction of the cathodes of diode 1022 and
diode 1026. Inductor 1035 is electrically connected between ground
and the anode of diode 1024. Inductor 1035 may be a fixed value
inductor or a variable inductor. Capacitor 1070, the anode of diode
1026, inductor 1035, and load 1050 are electrically connected to
ground. Capacitor 1070 may be placed in parallel with load 150.
[0054] FIGS. 11 and 12 provide example embodiments of vehicle 1110,
which utilizes electricity, the vehicle employing systems of energy
collection provided herein. Vehicle 1100 in FIG. 11 is shown as an
automobile vehicle, but could be any means of locomotion that
utilizes electricity, including a car, a train, a motorcycle, a
boat, an airplane, robotic rovers, space craft, etc. Vehicle 1200
in FIG. 12 is shown as a lunar rover vehicle. In FIGS. 11 and 12,
support rod 1110, 1210 is electrically connected to an electrical
system in vehicle 1100, 1200. Energy collectors 130, which may
comprise graphene, silicene, and/or other like materials, are
electrically connected to support rod 1110, 1210 and may be used to
supply energy to electrical circuits within the vehicle. A
non-limiting use includes a top-off charge for a battery system,
on-board hydrogen production, and/or assisting in the same. Energy
collectors 130 may be used to augment the efficiency of the
locomotion that utilizes electrical energy as well.
[0055] FIG. 13 provides an example embodiment of energy collection
system 1200 in which diode 310 is used to isolate collection
devices 130 from spark gap 1020 and load 150. Collection devices
130 may comprise graphite, carbon fibers, carbon/carbon fibers,
graphene, silicene, and/or other like materials, or a mixture
thereof.
[0056] FIG. 14 provides an example embodiment of energy collection
system 1400 in which a plurality of energy collection systems, such
as that provided in FIG. 13, are combined. Each leg consisting of
collection devices 130, which may comprise graphene, silicene,
and/or other like materials, and diode 310 are connected in
parallel with other legs, each leg electrically connected to trunk
wire 1410. The legs could also be connected serially. Trunk wire
1410 is electrically connected to a collection circuit, which may
comprise load 150 and spark gap 1020 in any configuration that has
been previously discussed. Each leg may comprise one or more
collection devices 130 and at least one diode electrically
connected between the collection devices and the collection
circuit. Although three collection devices 130 are shown on each
leg, any number of collection devices may be used. Although four
legs are shown, any number of legs may be used.
[0057] FIG. 15 presents a system diagram of an example embodiment
of a windmill with energy collectors, which may comprise graphene,
silicene, and/or other like materials in an example embodiment. A
windmill is an engine powered by the energy of wind to produce
alternative forms of energy. They may, for example, be implemented
as small tower mounted wind engines used to pump water on farms.
The modern wind power machines used for generating electricity are
more properly called wind turbines. Common applications of
windmills are grain milling, water pumping, threshing, and saw
mills. Over the ages, windmills have evolved into more
sophisticated and efficient wind-powered water pumps and electric
power generators. In an example embodiment, as provided in FIG. 10,
windmill tower 1500 of suitable height and/or propeller 1520 of
windmill tower 1500 may be equipped with energy collecting fibers
1530, 1540, which may comprise graphene, silicene, and/or other
like materials in an example embodiment. Collecting fibers 1530,
1540 may turn windmill 1500 into a power producing asset even when
there is not enough wind to turn propellers 1520. During periods
when there is enough wind to turn propellers 1520, collecting
fibers 1530, 1540 may supplement/boost the amount of energy the
windmill produces.
[0058] A windmill is an engine powered by the energy of wind to
produce alternative forms of energy. They may, for example, be
implemented as small tower mounted wind engines used to pump water
on farms. The modern wind power machines used for generating
electricity are more properly called wind turbines. Common
applications of windmills are grain milling, water pumping,
threshing, and saw mills. Over the ages, windmills have evolved
into more sophisticated and efficient wind-powered water pumps and
electric power generators. In an example embodiment, as provided in
FIG. 10, windmill tower 1000 of suitable height and/or propeller
1020 of windmill tower 1000 may be equipped with energy collecting
fibers 1030, 1040. Collecting fibers 1030, 1040 may turn windmill
1000 into a power producing asset even when there is not enough
wind to turn propellers 1020. During periods when there is enough
wind to turn propellers 1020, collecting fibers 1030, 1040 may
supplement/boost the amount of energy the windmill produces.
[0059] Windmill 1500, properly equipped with ion collectors 1530,
1540, such as a non-limiting example of fibers with graphene,
silicene, and/or other like materials, can produce electricity: 1)
by virtue of providing altitude to the fiber to harvest ions, and
2) while the propeller is turning, by virtue of wind blowing over
the fiber producing electricity, among other reasons, via the
triboelectric effect (however, it is also possible for the
triboelectric effect to occur, producing electricity, in winds too
weak to turn the propeller).
[0060] There are at least two ways that energy collectors may be
employed on or in a windmill propeller to harvest energy.
Propellers 1520 may be equipped with energy collectors 1530, 1540
attached to, or supported by, propeller 1520 with wires (or metal
embedded in, or on propeller 1520) electrically connecting energy
collectors 1530, 1540, which may comprise graphene, silicene,
and/or other like materials, to a load or power conversion circuit.
There may be a requirement to electrically isolate energy
collectors 1530, 1540, which are added to propeller 1520, from
electrical ground, so that the energy collected does not short to
ground through propeller 1520 itself or through support tower 1510,
but rather is conveyed to the load or power conversion circuit.
Energy collectors may be connected to the end of propellers 1520
such as collectors 1530. Alternatively, energy collectors may be
connected to the sides of propellers 1520 such as collectors
1540.
[0061] Alternatively, propeller 1520 may be constructed of carbon
fiber or other suitable material, with wires (or the structural
metal supporting propeller 1520 may be used) electrically
connecting to a load or power conversion circuit. In the case of
propeller 1520 itself being constructed of carbon fiber, for
example, the fiber may be `rough finished` in selected areas so
that the fiber is "fuzzy." For example, small portions of it may
protrude into the air as a means of enhancing collection
efficiency. The fuzzy parts of collectors 1530, 1540 may do much of
the collecting. There may be a requirement to electrically isolate
carbon fiber propeller 1520 from electrical ground, so that the
energy it collects does not short to ground through metal support
tower 1510, but rather is conveyed to the load or power conversion
circuit. Diodes may be implemented within the circuit to prevent
the backflow of energy, although diodes may not be necessary in
some applications.
[0062] In an alternative embodiment, windmill 1500 may be used as a
base on which to secure an even higher extension tower to support
the energy collectors and/or horizontal supports extending out from
tower 1510 to support the energy collectors. Electrical energy may
be generated via ion collection due to altitude and also when a
breeze or wind blows over the collectors supported by tower
1510.
[0063] In alternative embodiments to windmill 1500, other
non-limiting example support structures include airplanes, drones,
blimps, balloons, kites, satellites, cars, boats, trucks,
(including automobile and other transportation conveyance tires),
trains, motorcycles, bikes, skateboards, scooters, hovercraft
(automobiles and conveyance of any kind), billboards, cell towers,
radio towers, camera towers, flag poles, towers of any kind
including telescopic, light poles, utility poles, water towers,
buildings, sky scrapers, coliseums, roof tops, solar panel and all
fixed or mobile structures exceeding 1 inch in height above ground
or sea level.
[0064] An example embodiment of a support structure may also
include cell phones and other electronic devices and their cases,
including cases containing rechargeable batteries. For example,
someone may set her cell phone or other electronic device or
battery pack on the window ledge of a tall apartment building to
help charge it. Other example support structures may include space
stations, moon and Mars structures, rockets, planetary rovers and
drones including robots and artificial intelligence entities.
[0065] Under some conditions, ambient voltage may be found to be
180-400 volts at around 6 ft, with low current. With the new
generation of low current devices being developed, a hat containing
ion harvesting material may provide enough charge, or supplemental
charge, collected over time to help power low current devices such
as future cell phones, tracking devices, GPS, audio devices, smart
glasses, etc. Clothes may also be included as examples of support
structures. Friction of the ion collection material (such as
non-limiting examples of carbon, graphite, silicene and graphene)
against unlike materials, such as wool, polyester, cotton, etc
(used in clothes) may cause a voltage to be generated when rubbed
together. Additionally, wind passing over the ion collection
material has been demonstrated to generate voltage, even at low
altitude. In an additional example embodiment, embedding collection
devices into automobile tires (for example, in a particular
pattern) could generate collectible voltage.
[0066] Any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be
understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code
which include one or more executable instructions for implementing
specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate
implementations are included within the scope of the preferred
embodiment of the present disclosure in which functions may be
executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including
substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the
functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably
skilled in the art of the present disclosure.
[0067] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present disclosure, particularly, any "preferred"
embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations,
merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the
disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the
above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing
substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All
such modifications and variations are intended to be included
herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present
disclosure and protected by the following claims.
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