[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2025132103A1 - Appareil actionnable manuellement pour convertir l'énergie cinétique en énergie électrique - Google Patents

Appareil actionnable manuellement pour convertir l'énergie cinétique en énergie électrique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2025132103A1
WO2025132103A1 PCT/EP2024/086314 EP2024086314W WO2025132103A1 WO 2025132103 A1 WO2025132103 A1 WO 2025132103A1 EP 2024086314 W EP2024086314 W EP 2024086314W WO 2025132103 A1 WO2025132103 A1 WO 2025132103A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rotor
array
cores
stator
axle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2024/086314
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Tombari GIOKABARI
Peter Melling
Samad ANJUM
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koitech Global Ltd
Original Assignee
Koitech Global Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koitech Global Ltd filed Critical Koitech Global Ltd
Publication of WO2025132103A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025132103A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
    • H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
    • H02K7/1807—Rotary generators
    • H02K7/1861—Rotary generators driven by animals or vehicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering
    • H02J7/345—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering using capacitors as storage or buffering devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering
    • H02J7/35—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering with light sensitive cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K1/00—Details of the magnetic circuit
    • H02K1/06—Details of the magnetic circuit characterised by the shape, form or construction
    • H02K1/12—Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit
    • H02K1/14—Stator cores with salient poles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K1/00—Details of the magnetic circuit
    • H02K1/06—Details of the magnetic circuit characterised by the shape, form or construction
    • H02K1/12—Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit
    • H02K1/18—Means for mounting or fastening magnetic stationary parts on to, or to, the stator structures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K1/00—Details of the magnetic circuit
    • H02K1/06—Details of the magnetic circuit characterised by the shape, form or construction
    • H02K1/12—Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit
    • H02K1/18—Means for mounting or fastening magnetic stationary parts on to, or to, the stator structures
    • H02K1/182—Means for mounting or fastening magnetic stationary parts on to, or to, the stator structures to stators axially facing the rotor, i.e. with axial or conical air gap
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K21/00—Synchronous motors having permanent magnets; Synchronous generators having permanent magnets
    • H02K21/12—Synchronous motors having permanent magnets; Synchronous generators having permanent magnets with stationary armatures and rotating magnets
    • H02K21/24—Synchronous motors having permanent magnets; Synchronous generators having permanent magnets with stationary armatures and rotating magnets with magnets axially facing the armatures, e.g. hub-type cycle dynamos
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
    • H02K7/10—Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters
    • H02K7/116—Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
    • H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering
    • H02J7/342—The other DC source being a battery actively interacting with the first one, i.e. battery to battery charging

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates, in one aspect, to manually operable apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy.
  • Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a storage system for electrical energy, particularly - but not exclusively - to a storage system for electrical energy that comprises manually operable apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy, for example apparatus of the type aforementioned.
  • the storage system may be modular in nature.
  • the manually operable apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy may be configured as a module of the modular electrical energy storage system.
  • the manually operable apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy is described below in the context of a storage system for electrical energy, but it should be remembered that this implementation of the teachings of this disclosure is merely illustrative and that the manually operable apparatus herein disclosed may have other applications.
  • Smartphones, tablets and other portable data processing devices are becoming ever more commonplace, and whilst modern battery technology is much improved it is not unusual for users to have to charge their device(s) at least daily - and sometime multiple times in a day if they are using power-hungry applications (such as mapping apps that make use of GPS transceivers) or downloading large amounts of data.
  • power-hungry applications such as mapping apps that make use of GPS transceivers
  • powerbanks typically comprise a number of Lithium-ion batteries that store charge and can be called upon to recharge a device in the event that access cannot immediately be had to mains electricity.
  • powerbanks work well, but they do require the user to remember to charge them before use
  • crank-driven charging devices that can be operated by hand by a user to generate an electric charge (which charge can be used to charge an electronic device). Whilst such devices have the advantage, as compared with a powerbank for example, that they do not need to be charged before use, they have a number of drawbacks. One of these is that as electricity is generated instantaneously, generation of electricity immediately stops when the user stops turning the crank, and little or no electric charge storage is provided. As a result, these charging devices can take hours of winding to create a useful, practical charge for an electronic device such as a phone or tablet.
  • manually operable apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy
  • the apparatus comprising: a rotor coupled to a rotor axle for rotation therewith; a stator provided in close proximity to the rotor; a crank assembly rotatable by hand to rotate the rotor axle; and a gear assembly coupled between the crank assembly and the rotor axle, the gear assembly being operable to increase the rotational speed of the axle and rotor in use as compared with the rotational speed of the crank assembly;
  • one of the rotor and the stator comprises an array of magnets arranged about the rotor axle in a first circle
  • the other of the rotor and the stator comprises an array of cores arranged around the rotor axle in a second circle having substantially the same diameter as the first circle
  • said cores each comprise a rectangular strip of electrically conducting material that has been rolled up to form a coiled core and arranged so that a short side of said strip is substantially parallel with said
  • the gear assembly may be operable to increase the rotational speed of the axle, as compared with the rotational speed of the crank assembly, by a factor of at least 10. In another arrangement, the gear assembly may be operable to increase the rotational speed of the axle, as compared with the rotational speed of the crank assembly, by a factor of at least 15.
  • the gear assembly may comprise an epicyclic gear assembly.
  • the array of cores may be coupled to the stator. This is advantageous as it simplifies collection of electric charge from the electrical conductor.
  • the apparatus may comprise multiple stators arranged in close proximity to said rotor, each said stator having an array of cores coupled thereto.
  • the rotor may comprise a rotor plate fixedly coupled to said rotor axle for rotation therewith, and the apparatus may further comprise a first stator arranged on one side of said rotor plate and a second stator arranged on a second side of said rotor plate.
  • the first and second stators may be coupled to each other so that the cores of each array are maintained in close proximity to, and equally spaced from, the rotor.
  • each array of cores is spaced from the rotor by a spacing that is in the order of a few millimetres, typically less than one centimetre, and more typically in the order of 1 to 5 millimetres.
  • a first array of cores coupled to said first stator may be angularly offset relative to a second array of cores coupled to said second stator. Cores of said first array may be offset by an angle of 30 degrees relative to the cores of said second array.
  • each array of cores comprises six cores arranged to extend in a direction parallel to said rotor axle.
  • the array of magnets may be coupled to the rotor.
  • the rotor may comprise a rotor plate having a first major face and a second major face, a first array of magnets being coupled to said first face, and a second array of magnets being couped to said second face.
  • Each array of magnets may comprise six magnets.
  • Each said magnet may be disc-shaped.
  • Each said magnet may be approximately 2 cm in diameter and a few millimetres thick, typically around 1 mm thick; and each said core may be approximately 2 cm in diameter.
  • said cores are of sheet steel, preferably laminated steel sheet.
  • a power supply system comprising a power store and apparatus of the type disclosed herein, wherein said apparatus is manually operable to generate an electric charge for storage in said power store.
  • the system may be modular in nature and said apparatus may comprise a module that is detachable from other modules of said system.
  • the power store may include a plurality of supercapacitors.
  • a further aspect of the present disclosure provides manually operable apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy that comprises a detachable module of a portably power storage system, the apparatus comprising: a rotor plate coupled to a rotor axle for rotation therewith, the rotor plate having first and second major faces; a first stator provided in close proximity to the first major face of the rotor; a second stator provided in close proximity to the second major face of the rotor; a crank assembly rotatable by hand to rotate the rotor axle; and an epicyclic gear assembly coupled between the crank assembly and the rotor axle, the gear assembly being operable to increase the rotational speed of the axle and rotor in use as compared with the rotational speed of the crank assembly; wherein: the rotor plate comprises a first array of magnets fixed to said first major face of the rotor plate and a second array of magnets fixed to said second major face of said rotor plate, said first and second arrays of magnets being arranged about the rotor axle in
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic diagrammatic representation of an electrical energy storage system that embodies the teachings of this disclosure
  • Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a component of the system depicted in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is an isometric exploded view of the component shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the system of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 5 depicts the system of Fig. 1 in conjunction with an optional mains power adaptor
  • Fig. 6 illustrates the working principle of the system
  • Figs. 7a and 7b are charts depicting typical charge and discharge characteristics
  • Fig. 8 depicts capacitors in series and associated charge storage components
  • Fig. 9 depicts a supercapacitor bank and integral controlling elements
  • Fig. 10 depicts the supercapacitor bank and its' integration with a microcontroller
  • Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of part of a stator and rotor assembly that form part of apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy;
  • Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the rotor depicted in Fig. 11 ;
  • Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of part of the stator and rotor assembly depicting an illustrative electrical conductor wound round cores of the stator;
  • Fig. 14 is a schematic sectional view of the stator and rotor assembly of Fig. 11 coupled to a gear assembly and crank assembly;
  • Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a rolled-up spiral core.
  • stator and rotor assembly 1000 of a preferred implementation of the teachings of this disclosure.
  • the stator and rotor assembly 1000 comprises first and second stators 1001, 1003 that are arranged on either side of a rotor 1005.
  • the rotor 1005 is mounted on a rotor axle 1007 for rotation therewith.
  • each stator 1001, 1003 consists of an array of cores 1009, 1011 that are arranged around the circumference of respective notional circles that are each of the same diameter and centred on the rotor axle 1007.
  • the cores 1009 of the first stator 1001 are each coupled, for example bolted, to a first support plate 1013; and the cores 1011 of the second stator 1003 are each coupled, for example bolted, to a second support plate 1015.
  • the cores are arranged so that they extend from a support plate in a direction parallel to the axis of the rotor axle 1007.
  • the first and second support plates 1011, 1013 each include a respective bearing 1017, 1019 that supports the rotor axle for rotation relative to the plates 1011, 1013.
  • the support plates 1011 , 1013 are coupled to each other, in this instance by a series of rods and bolts, so that the cores of each array are maintained in close proximity to, and equally spaced from, the rotor 1005.
  • the spacing between each array of cores and the rotor is in the order of a few millimetres, typically less than one centimetre, and more typically in the order of 1 to 5 millimetres.
  • the array of cores 1009 that make up the first stator 1001 are offset in a circumferential direction relative to the array of cores 1011 that make up the second stator 1003.
  • each stator comprises an array of six cores, and the cores of the first stator are each offset by 30 degrees relative to the cores of the second stator.
  • the rotor 1005 comprises a circular plate 1018 that is fixedly coupled, in this instance by means of bolts, to the rotor axle 1007 so that the rotor plate 1018 rotates with the rotor axle 1007.
  • Opposite major faces 1019, 1021 of the rotor plate 1018 have an array of magnets 1023, 1025 coupled thereto.
  • the magnets on each major face of the plate 1018 are each arranged in a notional circle centred on the rotor axle 1007.
  • the diameter of the notional circles in which the magnets are arranged are, at least approximately, the same diameter as the notional circles in which the cores of each of the core arrays are arranged - the arrangement being such that rotation of the axle and rotor plate causes the magnets of each array to closely pass the cores of each array.
  • the cores are generally circular in lateral cross-section
  • the magnets each comprise a disc
  • the diameter of a free end of each core (the end of the core nearest the rotor) is at least approximately the same as the diameter of each disc.
  • each magnet is approximately 2 cm in diameter and approximately 1 mm thick, and each core is approximately 2 cm in diameter.
  • each core is formed by rolling up a rectangular sheet of electrically conducting material (preferably a metal sheet, such as a steel sheet, more preferably a laminated steel sheet) in a direction parallel to a long side of the sheet to form a cylindrical spiral or coil of metal as illustrated schematically in Fig. 15.
  • the sheet is approximately 0.3 mm thick, and is rolled up around 33 times to form a cylinder that is approximately 2 cm in diameter. Once rolled- up the sheet may be spot welded, or otherwise coupled together, to stop it from unrolling.
  • a first electrical conductor 1027 is wound around the cores of the first stator, and a second electrical conductor 1029 is wound around the cores of the second stator.
  • the first and second electrical conductors are wound repeatedly around a first core, and then around the next adjacent core, and so on until all the cores have a desired number of turns of electrical conductor wound around them.
  • an electric current is induced in the electrical conductors.
  • the offset between the cores of the first and second stators gives rise to a phase difference in the current flowing through the first and second electrical conductors.
  • the electrical conductors each comprise wires having a diameter of 0.5 to 1.0 mm, preferably around 0.75 mm.
  • the first electrical conductor is wound round the cores of the first stator array, and the second electrical conductor is wound round the cores of the second stator array.
  • the conductors typically have in the region of 80 to 120 turns per core (preferably around 90 to 95 turns), which equates to over 500 turns per stator and over a thousand total turns for the first and second stators.
  • Conductors of a diameter in the region of 0.75 mm are suitable for a current of up to 9A, which is adequate for this particular application.
  • Fig. 14 shows - in cross-section - the rotor and stator assembly of Fig. 11 coupled to a gear assembly 1031 that is, in turn, coupled to a crank assembly 1033 to provide manually operable apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy.
  • the gear assembly 1031 in this particular arrangement, is a planetary gear assembly that is coupled to the rotor axle 1007.
  • a planetary gear assembly is preferred as it provides the necessary step-up in angular rotation in a particularly compact form.
  • the crank assembly 1033 comprises a crank arm 1035 that is coupled at one end to the gear assembly 1031 , and a handle 1037 coupled to the crank arm 1035 in the vicinity of an end of the arm that is distal from the gear assembly 1031.
  • the crank arm 1035 may be configured so that it can be reduced in size (for example, folded in half) to reduce the size of the apparatus as a whole.
  • the function of the gear assembly is to step-up the angular velocity, i.e rotational speed, of the rotor axle as compared to that which could be attained by coupling the crank arm directly to the rotor axle.
  • the planetary gear assembly 1031 is configured to provide a gear ratio of at least 10:1 , preferably in the region of 13.6: 1 , and up to 15:1.
  • the “spiral” coiled cores depicted schematically in Fig. 15 exhibit significantly reduced eddy current losses as compared with the eddy current losses that would result from stators with an array of solid cores.
  • the stators comprise the cores
  • the rotor comprises the magnets.
  • the magnets could be provided on the stators and the cores could be provided on the rotor (with a suitable arrangement, such as commutators for example, for providing an electrical connection to the windings around the cores).
  • commutators for example, for providing an electrical connection to the windings around the cores.
  • there are two stators each with six cores and one rotor with six magnets on one major face and six on the other major face it will be appreciated that other arrangements are contemplated - although the above-described arrangement is advantageous as the apparatus is relatively small and compact.
  • the apparatus described above in detail may be a component part of a power storage system.
  • the power storage system may be modular in nature, and the apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy may comprise a module of the power storage system.
  • One advantage of a modular system is that it may not always be necessary to have the apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy immediately to hand, and with a modular system that apparatus can be left behind.
  • each of C1 , C2, C3 and C4 may be either a single supercapacitor or several supercapacitors connected in parallel.
  • the resultant capacitance of values of C1 to C4 are connected in series to form a capacitance network in the preferred arrangement.
  • Other implementations of the teachings of this disclosure are not limited to the number of supercapacitors used, or their parallel-series configuration, or their capacitance value, or their working voltage.
  • Supercapacitors C1 to C4 form the core Charge Storage Element (604).
  • Stored energy in the Charge Storage Element (604) is proportional to (voltage) 2 hence in this case using four series capacitors to increase the overall working voltage to a higher level as opposed to using just one larger supercapacitor rated at its maximum working voltage, typically 2.7 volts. While four supercapacitors of the same value connected in parallel will store the same energy at 2.7 volts, limited voltage swing to drive an Output Regulator and inefficiencies imposed by the electronic components used as regulators can significantly reduce the discharge time in practical low voltage configurations. The preferred implementation therefore uses supercapacitors connected in series.
  • Vc VC1 + VC2 + VC3 + VC4
  • a constant current CICV Input Regulator (102) is used to charge the supercapacitor network from V m in to the maximum operating voltage Vmax when SW1 (602) is in the ‘A’ position. It then maintains that voltage level using constant voltage control until SW1 (602) changes to the ‘B’ position at which point, the discharge cycle occurs through the Output Regulator (106).
  • Vs is the fully charged voltage
  • Vf is the voltage at which the Output Regulator (106) or Microcontroller (113) ends the discharge cycle
  • P is the output power in Watts demanded by the resistive load, RLOAD (108).
  • C1 to C4 each equal 1,250F at 2.7V maximum working voltage.
  • the series supercapacitor combination is charged from 3.2 volts to 10.8 volts via the Input Regulator (102) at a constant current of 3 Amps. It is then discharged at constant power via the Output Regulator (106) into a 2.5 Watt load, RLOAD (108) back down to 3.2 volts.
  • the minimum voltage of 3.2 volts is the lowest voltage at which the Output Regulator (106) can sustain its output power into the load before turning off.
  • Discharge time 2x2.5 t 2 6,650 sec (110 mins)
  • C1 to C4 each equal 1,250F at 3.8V maximum working voltage.
  • This series supercapacitor combination in this case is charged from 10 volts to 15.2 volts at a constant current of 3 Amps via the Input Regulator (102). It is then discharged via the Output Regulator (106) at constant power into a 2.5 Watt load, RLOAD (108) back down to 10 volts.
  • the minimum voltage of 10 volts is the lowest voltage at which this particular series combination of C1 to C4 will operate without degradation.
  • the minimum operating voltage of each supercapacitor in this case is 2.5 volts and their maximum working voltage is 3.8 volts.
  • Discharge time 2x2.5 t 2 8,190 sec (136 mins)
  • Figure 7b is the discharge characteristic for Scenario 2.
  • the product of voltage decay (703) and increasing current (704) is constant when operating the Output Regulator (106) in constant power output mode.
  • the current is at its maximum (705). At this point, charging is no longer viable.
  • the supercapacitors are sufficiently discharged but have theoretically delivered a regulated output for RLOAD (108) for over 8,000 seconds without any further application of source energy.
  • SW1 is replaced by two Electronic Switches (903 & 905) located in the Supercapacitor Module (104) which contains the Supercapacitor Bank (105). These Electronic Switches are controlled by a Microcontroller (113) and have negligible impedance when switched on.
  • the present disclosure relates to a handheld device designed to store electrical energy and make it available for charging an externally Connected Device (108), by way of non-limiting illustrative example a device that typically consumes 2.5 Watts of power supplied at 5 volts over a period of time.
  • Fig 1 shows a high-level electrical and electronic system diagram of a power storage system in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure - for example a modular power storage system.
  • the system comprises an Energy Cartridge (202) that is detachable from the Main Body (201) and contains the electrical storage components of the device.
  • a Supercapacitor Module (104) that contains a Supercapacitor Bank (105) and the charge management components to sense, monitor and switch charge within the electronic system.
  • the Supercapacitor Module (104) is controlled by a Microcontroller (113) via a Charge Control Interface (111) and connects to an Input Regulator (102) and an Output Regulator (106) that manage transfer of system power.
  • Energy Cartridges (202) of different capacities can be fitted to the energy storage system. This creates the ability to store more or less energy depending on how the user wishes to use the system.
  • Embodiments of the Energy Cartridge capacities include (83.3 Farads), medium (150 Farads), and large (312.5 Farads) but capacities are not limited to these three embodiments.
  • the Energy Cartridge can be unclipped from the Main Body (201) and in other embodiments, replaced by an upgraded unit containing different supercapacitor values or configurations to suit the system’s performance specification.
  • Fig 1 shows only one for simplicity, there may without limitation be more than one Supercapacitor Bank (105) existent inside the Supercapacitor Module (104).
  • the Supercapacitor Module (104) may contain two low capacity supercapacitor banks forming a supercapacitor network that operates in a back-to-back 'dual bank mode' fashion.
  • one bank can be charged while the other is discharging into the Output Regulator (106) that supplies the Connected Device (108).
  • the Microcontroller (113) reverses the switching, and the other charged bank is made available to the Output Regulator (106).
  • the discharged bank will start replenishment at that point. The cycle toggles between banks and so on with the power output to the Connected Device (108) being uninterrupted throughout.
  • FIG. 1 An illustrative physical enclosure design for the system is illustrated in Fig 2. Other embodiments of the physical enclosure design can exist but the electronic system (Fig 1) is unchanged.
  • Fig 3 illustrates how the detachable Energy Cartridge (202) is fitted to the Main Body (201). Connection to electronics located in the main body (201) is made with Electrical Contacts (302). The Energy Cartridge (202) is latched into place with a mechanical locking arrangement (301).
  • the system uses an attachable Generator Unit (401) - otherwise known as the aforementioned apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy - that connects to the Main Body via an Electromechanical Arrangement (203).
  • a permanent magnet brushless DC generator (BLDC Generator) (117) is fitted inside the Generator Unit (401). This is the primary source of energy to power the system and is capable of supplying appropriate charge current at a maximum voltage of 24 volts.
  • the user cranks the Lever (403) with the Handle (402) and their rotational kinetic energy is converted to electrical power by the BLDC Generator (117).
  • the Input Manager circuitry arbitrates between energy sources and enables the most appropriate source to supply the system with power.
  • a lever arrangement (402 and 403) is mechanically connected to a gearbox inside the Generator Unit (401) and coupled through gears to increase the angular velocity of the rotor in the BLDC Generator (117).
  • Gearbox ratio is chosen to optimise the output power of the BLDC generator when cranking the handle at 150 revolutions per minute.
  • the system may incorporate a variable length arm for the crank. This can be adjusted (404) by the user to match their anthropometries and applied cranking torque.
  • the Microcontroller (113) electronically limiting input current in discrete steps and hence controlled limiting of the torque a user applies to the Generator Unit (401).
  • This programmable torque control of the hand cranked Generator (117) is one embodiment of the system.
  • the Microcontroller (113) switches in pre-set levels of current limit in the Input Regulator (102) to restrict current drawn from the BLDG Generator, hence torque control. Levels are set by firmware during a set up mode and stored in non-volatile memory within the microcontroller (113).
  • An integrated Solar Array (103) may be located in the upper surface of the Main Body (201) to provide supplementary low-level electrical power to charge the power supply system when placed under sufficient light. At any time in good sunlight conditions, the system should be capable of generating power to fully charge an energy cartridge of 83 Farads in as little as 3 hours without any user intervention.
  • the system may also receive power from an ancillary AC-DC Adaptor (119) that can be optionally plugged into a Socket (502) located on the Generator Unit (401) using Plug (501).
  • a LED Indicator (503) acknowledges a connection to local mains power which enables rapid charging when available.
  • the trickle charge from the Solar Array (103) will be available to add supplementary charge to the Supercapacitor Bank (105) at a small rate compared to the much higher power generated by either hand cranking the BLDG Generator (117) or supplied by the mains powered AC-DC Adaptor (119).
  • the Main Body (201) of the invention is a plastics enclosure designed to be water and dust resistant to the recognised IP65 ingress specification. With the exception of the detachable Energy Cartridge (202); the Generator Unit (401) and the Connected Device (108), the entire electronic system depicted in Figure 1 is housed in the Main Body (201) of the system.
  • Fig 8 shows how the supercapacitors are connected to create a Supercapacitor Bank (105). This is formed by connecting 'n' supercapacitors (802) in series (Cl + C2 + Cn). Several supercapacitors may further be connected in a parallel-series configuration to create sufficient capacitance and increase the working voltage of the Supercapacitor Bank. The combined capacitance (803) is used to store charge in the system. When charged to within a workable voltage range (Vcap), electrical energy is switched to the Output Regulator (106) via switch (905).
  • n 4 for four supercapacitors connected in series where each series supercapacitor may comprise of one or more additional supercapacitors connected in parallel.
  • balancing keeps the voltage (V1, V2 Vn) across each Supercapacitor (802) within specification and avoids premature component failure caused by ageing and out of specification voltage excursions throughout the operating temperature range.
  • the Supercapacitor Bank (105) also contains circuitry (804) to monitor and protect against under-voltage and over-voltage conditions that might degrade the supercapacitors in the event of a system failure. Status and control of this circuitry (804) can be overridden by the Microcontroller (113) via the Charge Control Interface (111). Temperature monitoring (807) and Supercapacitor Bank size and type (806) sensors provide decision information to the firmware of the Microcontroller (113).
  • Fig 9 is a schematic of the Supercapacitor Module (104). Input charge flowing into the supercapacitor bank (105) is controlled by the electronic Switch A (903). The discharge cycle is enabled by electronic Switch B (905). Control of Switch A (903) and Switch B (905) is normally mutually exclusive such that both switches cannot be on at the same time although in other embodiments, this may be overridden in enhanced operating modes.
  • Switch A With Switch A (903) closed, the charge cycle takes place when input energy is applied to the system and Switch B (905) is set to open. Conversely, when the microcontroller senses that sufficient charge exists, it will open Switch A (903) and close Switch B (905).
  • the Output Regulator (106) then operates to provide a stabilised voltage supply to the Connected Device (108) throughout significant voltage excursions of the discharge cycle of the supercapacitors. The resulting discharge time is illustrated throughout the operating voltage region shown in Fig 7b.
  • Circuit D causes the Supercapacitor Bank (105) to gracefully discharge (DisCAP) under storage, disconnection or fault conditions.
  • An analogue Sensor Circuit C measures the voltage level (CAPgood) of the supercapacitor bank and is used to control Switch B (905).
  • under-voltage and over-voltage monitoring hardware (804) will automatically isolate the Supercapacitor Bank (105) by turning the isolation switch (805) off until charge is reapplied.
  • the Microcontroller (113) tracks this via the 'CTRL' signal and can override the hardware putting the system into a 'hibernate' mode until charge is applied by the user.
  • a circuit in the Supercapacitor Bank (105) senses what size and type (CAP type) of detachable Energy Cartridge (202) is connected to the Main Body (201).
  • the firmware in the Microcontroller (113) recognises the Energy Cartridge (206) type and uses these signals to make charge control decisions.
  • the system incorporates two electronic circuits configured as regulators.
  • the regulator circuits are used to set the voltage and current levels of the charging and discharging cycles of the Supercapacitor Module (104).
  • the Input Regulator (102) circuit contains 'step-down' functionality and converts power from the energy source providing controlled charge to the Supercapacitor Bank
  • Constant current charging technique used by the Input Regulator (102) reduces capacitor charging time compared to exponentially charging the supercapacitors, so the system has adopted a constant-current, constant-voltage (CICV) method of charging the Supercapacitor Bank (105).
  • CICV constant-current, constant-voltage
  • the Input Regulator (102) automatically switches to a constant voltage mode to maintain the maximum working peak voltage on the Supercapacitor Bank (105) under no-load conditions. This characteristic is illustrated in Figure 7a. In this condition, the Supercapacitor Bank (105) is fully charged (ref 702).
  • the Microcontroller During the charge cycle, the Microcontroller (113) monitors supercapacitor charge and decides at which level the output can be switched on or if charging is still required. Status and Control (114) of the Input Regulator is handled by the Microcontroller.
  • the Output Regulator (106) circuit with “step-up/step-down” functionality converts charge stored in the Supercapacitor Bank (105) to a stable voltage during the discharge cycle.
  • the Output Regulator (106) is configured in a constant power mode to deliver power into a Connected Device (108) with a regulated output voltage of 5 volts. In one embodiment, the power output is, but not limited to, 2.5 Watts.
  • An Input Manager circuit (101) acts as an OR function such that the power source can come from either the Generator Unit (401) or an AC mains powered AC-DC Adaptor (502). The resulting power is then made available to the Input Regulator (102). In practice, switching losses and component power dissipation will reduce the efficiency of the system with maximum losses of around 8% being anticipated.
  • BLDC Generator i.e. the apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy described above in connection with Figs. 11 to 14
  • Fig 10 illustrates that a microcontroller (113) is an advantageous component of the system because it monitors the charge status of the supercapacitor bank (105), manages both regulators (102 and 106) and controls the supercapacitor module (104).
  • the point to start charging the connected device (108) is set by the firmware in the microcontroller (113).
  • a Control Bus (111) acts as a 'Charge Control Interface' and is provided to both connect the detachable Energy Cartridge (206) to the Main Body (207) and be an expansion bus for future enhancements or implementing the 'dual bank' functionality. Ambient and supercapacitor temperature sensing to protect the system in extreme environments is transmitted over this Control Bus (111).
  • a liquid crystal display (LCD Screen) (109) that alerts the user of the charge condition of the Supercapacitor Module (104) and other status messages.
  • An on/off Button (204) on the Control Switches interface panel (115) activates the system and issues an audio alert. It also duplicates to invoke a selfdiagnostic function.
  • Power output from the system to the Connected Device (108) is made via a USB Interface (107) (or any other type of interface) that also enables diagnostic control of firmware in the invention from an associated software App.
  • the system may be configured to wirelessly charge the connected device 108 by means of a suitable inductive charger.
  • An internal Auxiliary Power Supply (116) provides standby power for the electronics in the system and needs minimal charge from any one of the energy sources to initiate the Microcontroller (113) when an energy source is present and the system requires to be controlled. That power is held in a separate circuit to the Supercapacitor Bank (105) and can be maintained for a considerable period of time. It is topped up by any of the three energy sources of the system.
  • the Microcontroller (113) is a very low power device and is capable of wake-up calls from energy applied to the system.
  • the microcontroller (113) and its associated electronics are booted up immediately when power is applied to the system and presents the system's current status on the LCD Display (109).
  • a reset facility is included for the microcontroller (113) enabling a cold-start of the controlling firmware from a zerocharge condition.
  • a Flash Interface (112) is provided for firmware updates and can be programmed via the USB Charging Connector (107) using special commands from a software App. Diagnostic status and setup of the system is also available via this USB Charging Connector (107).
  • Spare non-volatile memory in the Microcontroller (113) is used to store charge cycle data and customisation, and firmware algorithms can make use of this information to shape charging profiles of the user.
  • the apparatus for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy described above in connection with Figs. 11 to 14 of the drawings provides a way of inputting electrical energy into the power supply system that enables the energy storage system to be effectively recharged using only the energy conversion system described above.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
  • Dynamo-Electric Clutches, Dynamo-Electric Brakes (AREA)
  • Linear Motors (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil actionnable manuellement pour convertir l'énergie cinétique en énergie électrique, l'appareil comprenant : un rotor (1005) couplé à un axe de rotor (1007) pour tourner avec celui-ci ; un stator (1001, 1003) disposé à proximité immédiate du rotor (1005) ; un ensemble manivelle (1033) pouvant être tourné à la main pour faire tourner l'axe de rotor (1007) ; et un ensemble engrenage (1031) couplé entre l'ensemble manivelle (1033) et l'axe de rotor (1007), l'ensemble engrenage pouvant être actionné pour augmenter la vitesse de rotation de l'axe et du rotor en utilisation par rapport à la vitesse de rotation de l'ensemble manivelle ; l'un parmi le rotor et le stator comprenant un réseau d'aimants (1023, 1025) disposés autour de l'axe de rotor en un premier cercle, et l'autre parmi le rotor et le stator comprenant un réseau de noyaux (1009, 1011) disposés autour de l'axe de rotor en un second cercle de diamètre sensiblement identique à celui du premier cercle ; lesdits noyaux comprennent chacun une bande rectangulaire de matériau électroconducteur qui a été enroulée pour former un noyau enroulé et disposée de telle sorte qu'un côté court de ladite bande est sensiblement parallèle audit axe de rotor, et l'appareil comprenant en outre un conducteur électrique (1027, 1029) enroulé autour des noyaux de telle sorte qu'un courant électrique peut être généré lorsque le réseau d'aimants et le réseau de noyaux tournent l'un par rapport à l'autre autour dudit axe de rotor.
PCT/EP2024/086314 2023-12-21 2024-12-13 Appareil actionnable manuellement pour convertir l'énergie cinétique en énergie électrique Pending WO2025132103A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2319836.9 2023-12-21
GB2319836.9A GB2636808A (en) 2023-12-21 2023-12-21 Manually operable apparatus for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025132103A1 true WO2025132103A1 (fr) 2025-06-26

Family

ID=89767970

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2024/086314 Pending WO2025132103A1 (fr) 2023-12-21 2024-12-13 Appareil actionnable manuellement pour convertir l'énergie cinétique en énergie électrique

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2636808A (fr)
WO (1) WO2025132103A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050035599A1 (en) * 2003-08-14 2005-02-17 Kjc International Company Limited Electrical power-generating device
JP5567311B2 (ja) * 2009-10-22 2014-08-06 株式会社日立産機システム アキシャルギャップモータ、圧縮機、モータシステム、および発電機
WO2022043642A1 (fr) 2020-08-27 2022-03-03 Giokabari Tombari Alimentation électrique entraînée par manivelle
GB2604919A (en) * 2021-03-19 2022-09-21 Oxford Energetics Ltd Propulsion torque shaft machine

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050035599A1 (en) * 2003-08-14 2005-02-17 Kjc International Company Limited Electrical power-generating device
JP5567311B2 (ja) * 2009-10-22 2014-08-06 株式会社日立産機システム アキシャルギャップモータ、圧縮機、モータシステム、および発電機
WO2022043642A1 (fr) 2020-08-27 2022-03-03 Giokabari Tombari Alimentation électrique entraînée par manivelle
GB2604919A (en) * 2021-03-19 2022-09-21 Oxford Energetics Ltd Propulsion torque shaft machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB202319836D0 (en) 2024-02-07
GB2636808A (en) 2025-07-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7741804B2 (en) Man-powered slim charger
CN100350712C (zh) 充电电路以及使用该充电电路的充电器
US8035356B2 (en) Ultra-capacitor based uninterruptible power supply
EP1684397A2 (fr) Système de management pour unité portable de batterie composée
EP0786849B1 (fr) Alimentation auxiliaire à entraínement manuel pour des appareils de télécommunication mobiles
US20050057214A1 (en) Systems and methods for generating renewable energy
US6664759B1 (en) Manually rechargeable power system
US20160118861A1 (en) Power generation using a protective case for a mobile device
US7876065B2 (en) Method for extending the time a portable generator powered by a DC battery may operate by recharging the battery at the same time it is being used as a power source
EP1451917A2 (fr) Generateur portatif
CN102957143A (zh) 混合型发电机组
JP2004502897A (ja) 緊急電力供給装置
US20040262996A1 (en) Phase conversion device with built-in demand reduction / power boosting.
JPH09121461A (ja) 自己充電型電池およびそれを用いた電気用品
US20020070712A1 (en) Hand-held remote-control device with high-capacitance power supply
JP2013055867A (ja) 風力発電機の充電回路装置
US20240332998A1 (en) Mobile device charging apparatus
US10547179B2 (en) High efficiency electric power generation and charging system
AU2018249834B2 (en) High efficiency electric power generation and charging system
WO2022043642A1 (fr) Alimentation électrique entraînée par manivelle
WO2025132103A1 (fr) Appareil actionnable manuellement pour convertir l'énergie cinétique en énergie électrique
US20090104947A1 (en) Method and apparatus for generating power in a mobile communication device
JP2004120831A (ja) 充放電装置
US10958206B1 (en) Battery powered generator
GB2371155A (en) Handheld generator

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 24833896

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1