WO2016070003A1

WO2016070003A1 - Bicycle generator

Info

Publication number: WO2016070003A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/058250
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Tally; Kevin Francis MORAN; Michael Andrew KOVALCIK; Manoj Bhargava
Original assignee: Renew Group Pte Ltd.
Priority date: 2014-10-31
Filing date: 2015-10-30
Publication date: 2016-05-06

Abstract

There is provided a system of human powered electricity generation. The system includes an energy transitioning device and an energy storage device. More specifically, the system includes an energy transitioning device, including a transition power device and a storage subsystem, and an energy storage device. There is provided a method of creating energy using a system that includes an energy transitioning device, including a transition power device and a storage subsystem, and an energy storage device.

Description

BICYCLE GENERATOR

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1 . Field of the Invention Generally, the present invention relates to the field of energy generation. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle for use in energy generation.

2. Description of the Related Art In many less developed areas, the residents have difficulty obtaining electricity and/or the source of the electricity is unreliable, in an effort to overcome these issues, a number of alternative energy sources have been developed. For example, a conventional bicycle power generator includes a stator mainly consisting of coils, and a rotor mainly consisting of a magnet, both of which are combined together by means of a bearing. More particularly, the stator can be fixed on a fork of a bicycle, while the rotor is fixed onto spoke members of a bicycle wheel. While the bicycle is running, the rotation of a bicycle wheel will cause the rotor to rotate, thereby enabling the generator to produce electricity.

Despite the power generating function it provides, the conventional bicycle power generator bears several disadvantages. Since the rotor is fixed onto spoke members of a bicycle wheel, there is only a low strength in the fixation of the rotor, resulting in a problem that the rotor is apt to fall off the spoke members when the bicycle wheel rotates. Moreover, the stator and the rotor of the conventional bicycle power generator are disposed on the fork and the spoke members of the bicycle in an exposed manner. Therefore, the stator and the rotor are easily impaired by exposing to the sun and rain, or by accidental collisions with solid materials, which consequently lead to malfunction to the rotor and the stator. Since the stator is fixed on the fork of a bicycle, the number of the coils that could be disposed is limited due to a fairly limited space of the fork, consequently, the amount of power that the conventional bicycle power generator could provide is small. Other technologies transform intermittent resources such as wave, wind, and solar energy into intermittent power. Being intermittent, these resources are not predictable and thus challenging to use for consistent power needs. Therefore, energy storage means must be used in conjunction with the intermittent sources of renewable energy. Energy storage means provide a benefit for intermittent sources by harvesting into storage so-called excess capacity during periods when electricity may be generated in excess of the current electricity demand. However, the combination of a more portable or self-generating power system in conjunction with an energy storage device has not yet been developed.

It would therefore be useful to develop a system and method of using on-demand power for the generation of energy in conjunction with a system for storing this generated energy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a system of human powered electricity generation. The system includes an energy transitioning device and an energy storage device. More specifically, the system includes an energy transitioning device, including a transition power device and a storage subsystem, and an energy storage device. There is provided a method of creating energy using a system that includes an energy transitioning device, including a transition power device and a storage subsystem, and an energy storage device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a side view of the power generating system of the present invention; and

Figure 2 is another view of the power generating system of the present invention; Figure 3 is a detail view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention; Figure 4 is a detail view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention; Figure 5 is a detail view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention; Figure 6 is a detail view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention; and

Figure 7 is a detail view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Generally, the present invention provides a system and method of electricity generation. More specifically, the present invention provides a system of human powered electricity generation, generally shown as 10 in the figures. The system includes an energy transitioning device and a storage device. More specifically, the system includes an energy transitioning device 12, including a transition power device 14 and a storage subsystem 16, and an energy storage device 18.

The present invention creates electric power by converting an intermittent power source, such as human energy, to stored mechanical energy using an energy transitioning device. The mechanical energy can be contained in a storage device 18 such as compressed air storage energy ("CAES") or a traditional battery, sufficiently sized to contain enough batter to provide power to a number of appliances over an extended period of time. The power source may be an intermittent power source, which can be any of human energy, animal energy, wind energy, solar energy, wave energy, tidal energy, failing water, hydro energy, biomass energy, and geothermal energy. Moreover, the intermittent power source can be transformed to produce electrical power.

The term "energy transitioning device" as used herein is intended to include device that can be used to transition power from an intermittent power source to mechanical power that can be stored in a storage device. These devices can include a transition power device 14 and a storage subsystem 16. Examples of such transition power devices 14 include, but are not limited to, pedal-operated devices, such as, an exercise bicycle, a recumbent bicycle, or a traditional two-wheeled bicycle. Additional devices can be substituted for the energy transitioning device that convert human and/or animal movement into mechanical energy, such devices are known to those of skill in the art.

The energy transitioning device also includes a storage subsystem 16 that can be of a medium such as fluidic storage, mechanical storage, kinetic storage, electrical storage, electrochemical storage, and thermal storage, and may include a or consist entirely of any of a pressure vessel, a flywheel, a battery, piping, a bladder, a hydrostatically pressure-compensated container, a liquid storage vessel, a water retention structure, and a capacitor.

In the preferred embodiment the storage subsystem 16 is a flywheel. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention two flywheels 16, positioned parallel to one another, are used as the energy transitioning device. The use of the dual flywheels creates a more steady energy production with fewer spikes in the production of energy. A flywheel is a rotating mechanical device that is used to store rotational energy. The amount of energy stored in a flywheel is proportional to the square of its rotational speed. Energy is transferred to a flywheel by applying torque to it, thereby increasing its rotational speed, and hence its stored energy. Conversely, a flywheel releases stored energy by applying torque to a mechanical load, thereby decreasing the flywheel's rotational speed. The flywheels can be made of any resilient material examples of which include steel, carbon fibers, carbon-composite, and other resilient materials known to those of skill in the art. The flywheels are maintained on an axis using arms and bearings as are known to those of skill in the art, examples of appropriate bearings include, but are not limited to, conventional bearings and magnetic bearings.

The flywheels 16 for use in the present invention can be any commercially available flywheel as are well known to those of skill in the art. Alternatively, as shown in the figures the flywheel can be created by modifying any size bicycle wheel 16'. The modification entails bolting on weights 20 to the bicycle wheel frame 22, as shown in the attached figures. The weights 20 can range from .25-10.0 pounds each and are affixed to the wheel frame 22 using standard bolting mechanisms 24 or using other attachment devices as are known to those of skill in the art. The weights 20 can be p re-fab heated weights that are affixed to the wheel frame 22 or they can be manufactured on site. For example, the weights 20 can be made using cement, concrete, adobe, or other readily available materials that can be formed into a weight. Alternatively, the weights 20 can be created from other readily available materials that are capable of being affixed to the wheel frame 22, examples of such materials are well known to those of skill in the art.

The system of the present invention generates electricity that can be stored in a battery 18 or other storage device known to those of skill in the art. The output from the energy subsystem 16 can be divided or prioritized using a prioritizing device 26, such as a voltage regulator, alternator or other device known to those of skill in the art. For example and without limitation, the battery 18 can receive some or all of the electrical output of the energy subsystem 16 for a period of time. The alternator 26 can be wound to optimize the transmission of energy and maintain a constant stream of energy. The battery can be maintained at a predetermined lever of charge, such as between 1 1 and 14 VDC.

The present invention can also include at least one electric generator 28 including alternating current or direct current alternators. The electric generator 28 is well known to those of skill in the art. The output of the electric generator 28 can be alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). In some embodiments, the electric generator 28 can include a converter to switch between AC and DC output (not shown). In some embodiments, the electric generator 28 can include safety devices such as fuses, circuit breakers (not shown), or other devices known to those of skill in the art.

In some embodiments, an energy storage device 18 can be connected to the electric generator 26. The energy storage device 18 can be a battery, capacitor, or other energy storage device 18 known to those of skill in the art. The energy storage device 18 can act as a buffer for electric energy not immediately needed. The electrical generator 26 of the present invention may also be operated in reverse, as an electric motor, as known to those of skill in the art. Using the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device 18, the electrical generator 26 can be operated in reverse. The output of the electric generator 26 is rotational energy used to operate the expander in reverse, as an air compressor known to those of skill in the art.

As shown in the figures, the bicycle 14 can be of a variety of pedal-operated devices, such as but not limited to an exercise bicycle, a recumbent bicycle, or a traditional two-wheeled bicycle. Additional devices can be substituted for the bicycle 14 that converts human or animal movement into mechanical energy, such modifications are well known to those of skill in the art. The bicycle 14 has a seat 13 and pedals 15 and is mounted to the flywheel base 30. The bicycle 14 can also include a clutch, but it is not necessary. The mount can be permanent or temporary. For example, the bicycle 14 can be bolted to the flywheel base 30. The flywheel base 30 can be constructed of a sturdy material, such as steel or aluminum plate. A chain loop 32 connects a pedal sprocket 34 and at least two flywheels 16. As the user pushes the pedals 15 which turn the pedal sprocket 34, which rotates causing the chain loop 32 to move, as known to those of skill in the art. The chain loop 32 then causes the flywheels 16 to rotate, which can engage the clutch if included. When the clutch is included it allows for smooth operation between transitions of pedaling. For example, the clutch allows the user to pause after a period of pedaling by disconnecting the chain loop 32 from the flywheels 16. When the user resumes pedaling, the clutch allows for the speeds to equalize before engaging, as is known to those of skill in the art. The flywheels 6 and the clutch are mounted to a shaft 36. The shaft 36 is supported by bearings 38 that are mounted on at least one support arm 40. The bearings 38 improve the efficiency of the system by decreasing the rotational friction, as known to those of skill in the art. The bearings 38 are mounted on the support arm 40, which is secured to flywheel base 30. Also included are a plurality of mounting block holes 46 in the mounting block 44 that allow for adjustable connection to flywheel 16 via its plurality of flywheel mounting holes 98.

The shaft 36 is connected to the energy storage device 18, which is preferably a battery. The shaft 36 translates the energy from the flywheel 16 to the battery 18 for storage and/or later use. In another embodiment, the shaft 36 is connected to an energy prioritizing device 26, such as an alternator. The alternator 26 controls the flow of energy from the flywheel 16 to the battery 18 such that there is a steady flow with limited peaks and valleys of energy flow. The battery 18 can then be connected to the generator 28 for producing electricity. Alternatively, the system 10 can be connected directly to the generator 28.

In another embodiment, the bicycle 14 has a seat 13 and pedals 15 and is mounted to the flywheel base 30. The mount can be permanent or temporary. For example, the bicycle 14 can be bolted to the flywheel base 30. The flywheel base 30 can be constructed of a sturdy material, such as steel or aluminum plate. A chain loop 32 connects a pedal sprocket 34 and at least two flywheels 16. As the user pushes on the pedals 15 which turn the pedal sprocket 34, which rotates causing the chain loop 32 to move, as known to those of skill in the art. The chain loop 32 then causes the flywheels 16 to rotate, can engage the clutch if included. When the clutch is included it allows for smooth operation between transitions of pedaling. For example, the clutch allows the user to pause after a period of pedaling by disconnecting the chain loop 32 from the flywheels 16. When the user resumes pedaling, the clutch allows for the speeds to equalize before engaging, as is known to those of skill in the art. The flywheels 6 and the clutch can be mounted to the shaft 36. The shaft 36 is supported by bearings 38 that are mounted on support arms 40. The bearings 38 improve the efficiency of the system by decreasing the rotational friction, as known to those of skill in the art. The bearings 38 are mounted on support arms 40, which are secured to flywheel base 30. A pneumatic cylinder 42 includes a mounting block 44. A plurality of mounting block holes 46 in the mounting block 44 allow for adjustable connection to flywheel 6 via its plurality of flywheel mounting holes 98. The mounting holes 46 allow the user to adjust the stroke of pneumatic cylinder 42. For example, choosing to connect the mounting block 44 using the outermost mounting block hole 46 and the outermost flywheel hole 48 provides the longest stroke of pneumatic cylinder 42. The longest stroke of pneumatic cylinder 42 provides the most compressed air per stroke, as known to those of skill in the art. Alternatively, other holes can be selected by the user. The pneumatic cylinder 42 is secured to the bicycle 14 with a pin 50. The pin 50 allows the pneumatic cylinder 42 to rotate in conjunction with the flywheel 16 as the user pedals the bicycle 42. The pneumatic cylinder 42 also includes an air intake 52 and an air exhaust 54. Air enters the pneumatic cylinder 42 through the air intake 52 and exits through the air exhaust 54. A piston 58 is connected to a piston rod 60. The movement of the piston 58 and the piston rod 60 due the connection to the flywheel 16 through the mounting block 44 compresses and exhausts air, as is known to those of skill in the art. The compressed air can be directed to an air tank. The user selectively releases the compressed air from the air tank using a release valve. The expander receives the compressed air from the air tank and converts the compressed air into mechanical energy, rotating the generator through output shaft to generate electricity.

In another embodiment, the system 12 as disclosed above it connected to a water pump 56 instead of a generator 28. Thus, the energy created via the system 12 is used to power a water pump instead of being stored in a generator. The system 12 of the present invention can be connected to a water pump as shown in the attached drawings. The water pump that is used can be any water pump known to those of skill in the art. Further, the additional power generated can be used to pump the water through a water purification system, wherein the power generated is used not only for obtaining the water but also for powering the water purification system.

Examples of water purification systems are known to those of skill in the art and can include filtration systems, reverse osmosis systems, distillation, boiling, desalination, and other similar systems. All of these systems require the influx of energy to power the purification process. The power from the bicycle system enables the water to be pumped from a source and subsequently purified.

Throughout this application, author and year and patents by number reference various publications, inciuding United States patents. Full citations for the publications are listed below. The disclosures of these publications and patents in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used herein, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the described invention, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system of human powered electricity generation comprising:

an energy transitioning means, comprising a transition power means for transitioning energy to a storage subsystem; and

an energy storage means electrically connected to said energy transitioning means for storing the energy.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said transition power means is a bicycle.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein said bicycle is selected from the group consisting of a recumbent bicycle and a traditional two-wheeled bicycle.

4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said storage subsystem is a medium selected from the group consisting of a flutdic storage medium, mechanical storage medium, kinetic storage medium, electrical storage medium, electrochemical storage medium, and thermal storage medium.

5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said storage subsystem is selected from the group consisting of a pressure vessel, a flywheel, a battery, piping, a bladder, a hydrostaticalfy pressure-compensated container, a liquid storage vessel, a water retention structure, and a capacitor.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said flywheel is made of a material selected from the group consisting of steel, carbon fibers, carbon-composite, and other resilient materials.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein said flywheel is a weighted bicycle wheel.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein said weighted bicycle wheel includes weights formed of a material selected from the group consisting of cement, concrete, and adobe.

9. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said energy storage means is a battery.

10. The system according to claim 1 , further including an alternator means for regulating the flow of energy from said energy transitioning means to said energy storage means.

1 . A method of generating power using the device according to claim 1.

12. A method of generating power comprising the steps of:

transitioning energy from a human to storage subsystem; and

transmitting the energy from the storage system to an energy storage means.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said transitioning step includes using human power for moving a flywheel for the transitioning of energy from the human to a storage system.